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 June 30, 1998
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 0-19509
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 76-0345915
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2929 Allen Parkway, Suite 2500
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77019-2120
(Address of principal (Zip Code)
executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 529-0900
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange
on which registered
COMMON STOCK NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Approximate aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant: $97,767,693 computed on the basis of $22.75 per share, closing price
of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. on August 11, 1998. For
the purpose of calculating this amount only, all Directors and executive
officers of the registrant have been treated as affiliates. There were 4,828,492
shares of the registrant's common stock, $.001 par value, outstanding, as of
August 11, 1998. The net asset value of a share at June 30, 1998 was $31.53.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
(A Delaware Corporation)
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
----
Item 1. Financial Statements
Balance Sheets
- June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997.......................... 1
Statements of Operations
- For the three months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997............ 2
- For the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.............. 3
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
- For the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.............. 4
Statements of Cash Flows
- For the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.............. 5
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios
- For the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 ............. 7
Schedule of Portfolio Securities
- June 30, 1998................................................ 8
Notes to Financial Statements..................................13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations............................18
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............22
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ..............................23
SIGNATURE ..................................................................23
ii
<PAGE>
PART I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments in portfolio securities at fair value
(cost $101,201,755 and $85,556,433, respectively) .. $171,247,560 $151,449,786
Temporary cash investments, at cost which
approximates fair value ............................ 75,098,206 75,164,751
Cash .................................................... 20,397 15,991
Accounts receivable ..................................... 3,992,251 932,038
Accrued interest receivable ............................. 473,505 513,623
Commitment fees ......................................... -- 18,750
------------ ------------
Total assets .................................. 250,831,919 228,094,939
------------ ------------
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities:
Accounts payable ................................... 393,783 173,277
Dividend payable ................................... -- 828,556
Due to management company .......................... 761,135 722,354
Notes payable to bank .............................. 97,450,000 81,900,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities ............................. 98,604,918 83,624,187
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingencies
Net assets:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued or outstanding ..... -- --
Common stock, $.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, 4,828,492 shares outstanding ........ 4,828 4,828
Additional paid-in capital ......................... 77,646,676 78,537,258
Undistributed net investment income ................ -- --
Undistributed net capital gains .................... 4,529,692 35,313
Unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities, net 70,045,805 65,893,353
------------ ------------
Total net assets .............................. $152,227,001 $144,470,752
============ ============
Net assets per share .......................... $ 31.53 $ 29.92
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
1
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Investment income:
Income from portfolio securities ...................... $ 706,691 $ 889,730
Interest from temporary cash investments .............. 8,104 2,656
------------ ------------
Total investment income .......................... 714,795 892,386
------------ ------------
Expenses:
Management fee ........................................ 761,169 772,593
Director fees and expenses ............................ 72,271 59,933
Professional fees ..................................... 183,600 162,391
Administrative fees ................................... 12,500 12,500
Mailing, printing and other expenses .................. 71,351 69,385
Interest expense ...................................... 347,047 148,006
Franchise taxes ....................................... 73,978 75,805
Amortization .......................................... -- 5,865
------------ ------------
Total expenses ................................... 1,521,916 1,306,478
------------ ------------
Net investment loss ........................................ (807,121) (414,092)
------------ ------------
Realized gain on sales of portfolio securities, net ........ 4,228,636 2,460,289
------------ ------------
Unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities, net:
End of period ......................................... 70,045,805 84,464,151
Beginning of period ................................... 73,948,287 48,019,049
------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation, net ... (3,902,482) 36,445,102
------------ ------------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets from operations $ (480,967) $ 38,491,299
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
2
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Investment income:
Income from portfolio securities .................... $ 1,884,619 $ 1,403,589
Interest from temporary cash investments ............ 25,028 52,525
------------ ------------
Total investment income ........................ 1,909,647 1,456,114
------------ ------------
Expenses:
Management fee ...................................... 1,524,709 1,296,677
Management incentive fee ............................ -- 55,824
Deferred management incentive fee ................... -- 426,501
Director fees and expenses .......................... 131,390 108,862
Professional fees ................................... 266,762 327,344
Administrative fees ................................. 25,000 25,000
Mailing, printing and other expenses ................ 97,812 116,291
Interest expense .................................... 664,678 225,773
Franchise taxes ..................................... 89,878 94,363
Amortization ........................................ -- 11,730
------------ ------------
Total expenses ................................. 2,800,229 2,688,365
------------ ------------
Net investment loss ...................................... (890,582) (1,232,251)
------------ ------------
Realized gain (loss) on sales of portfolio securities, net 4,494,379 (1,475,666)
------------ ------------
Unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities, net:
End of period ....................................... 70,045,805 84,464,151
Beginning of period ................................. 65,893,353 41,671,464
------------ ------------
Increase in unrealized appreciation, net ............ 4,152,452 42,792,687
------------ ------------
Total increase in net assets from operations ........ $ 7,756,249 $ 40,084,770
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
3
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net investment loss ............................. $ (890,582) $ (1,232,251)
Realized gain (loss) on sales of portfolio
securities, net .............................. 4,494,379 (1,475,666)
Increase in unrealized appreciation of
portfolio securities, net .................... 4,152,452 42,792,687
------------- -------------
Increase in net assets from operations ............... 7,756,249 40,084,770
------------- -------------
Capital share transactions:
Stock issued in payment of deferred
management incentive fee ..................... -- 11,210,529
Proceeds from rights offering ................... -- --
Rights offering expenses ........................ -- --
------------- -------------
Increase in net assets from capital share transactions -- 11,210,529
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets ........................... 7,756,249 51,295,299
Net assets at beginning of period .................... 144,470,752 103,223,308
------------- -------------
Net assets at end of period .......................... $ 152,227,001 $ 154,518,607
============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
4
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Interest and dividends received ............... $ 883,749 $ 1,244,467
Cash paid to management company, directors,
bank and suppliers ......................... (2,522,192) (2,059,773)
------------- -------------
Net cash used by operating activities ...... (1,638,443) (815,306)
------------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of portfolio securities .............. (22,557,596) (17,444,784)
Proceeds from sales of portfolio securities ... 8,399,880 7,147,478
Principal payments from portfolio companies ... 1,012,576 379,000
------------- -------------
Net cash used by investing activities ...... (13,145,140) (9,918,306)
------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Advances from bank ............................ 175,800,000 179,350,000
Repayments to bank ............................ (160,250,000) (136,500,000)
Dividend payments ............................. (828,556) (1,209,850)
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities .. 14,721,444 41,640,150
------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (62,139) 30,906,538
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ... 75,180,742 69,129,290
------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ......... $ 75,118,603 $ 100,035,828
============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
5
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Reconciliation of increase in net assets from
operations to net cash used by operating activities:
Increase in net assets from operations ....................... $ 7,756,249 $ 40,084,770
Adjustments to reconcile increase in net assets from
operations to net cash used by operating activities:
Realized (gain) loss on sale of portfolio securities, net (4,494,379) 1,475,666
Increase in unrealized appreciation, net ................ (4,152,452) (42,792,687)
Accrued interest and dividends exchanged for
portfolio securities ................................ (1,066,016) (651,982)
Decrease in accrued interest receivable ................. 40,118 440,335
Amortization of commitment fee .......................... 18,750 36,250
Commitment fee paid ..................................... -- (75,000)
Amortization of reorganization costs .................... -- 11,730
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ................. 220,506 (152,500)
Stock issued to management company in payment
of deferred management incentive fee ................. -- 11,210,529
Increase (decrease) in due to management company ........ 38,781 (10,402,417)
----------- ------------
Net cash used by operating activities ........................ $(1,638,443) $ (815,306)
=========== ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
6
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE30, 1998 AND 1997
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Investment income ................................................... $ 0.40 $ 0.31
Expenses ............................................................ 0.58 0.57
-------- --------
Net investment loss ............................................ (0.18) (0.26)
Realized gain (loss) on sale of portfolio securities, net ........... 0.93 (0.31)
Increase in unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities, net .... 0.86 9.03
-------- --------
Increase in net assets from operations ......................... 1.61 8.46
Net assets at beginning of period ................................... 29.92 24.00
-------- --------
Net assets at end of period ......................................... $ 31.53 $ 32.46
======== ========
Ratio of expenses to average net assets ............................. 1.89% 2.09%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets .................. (0.60)% (0.96)%
Ratio of increase in net assets from operations to average net assets 5.23% 31.10%
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
7
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
JUNE 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
A. C. Liquidating Corporation February 1985
-10% secured promissory notes $ 188,014 $ -
Allied Waste Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ - AWIN) March 1989
-1,100,000 shares of common stock 4,037,572 25,608,000
-Warrants to buy up to 125,000 shares of common
stock at $5.00 per share through August 1999 - 1,610,000
American Residential Services, Inc. (NYSE - ARS) December 1995
-1,125,000 shares of common stock 3,000,272 11,960,831
-Warrants to buy up to 100,000 shares of common
stock at $15 per share through September 2001 - -
Atlas Acquisition, Inc. May 1997
-32,000 shares of common stock 32,000 -
-19,680 shares of preferred stock 1,968,000 -
-Junior participation agreement 850,000 850,000
Brazos Sportswear, Inc. (NASDAQ - BRZS) February 1989
-2,160,308 shares of common stock 1,331,187 5,616,801
-4,098,664 shares of 8% Series B1 preferred stock 4,098,664 4,098,664
-1,393,905 shares of 8% Series B2 preferred stock 1,393,905 1,393,905
-1,141,376 shares of 8% Series B3 preferred stock 1,141,376 1,141,376
-Warrants to buy up to 30,261 and 140,578 shares
of common stock at $4.62 and $6.59 per share
through August 2006 and March 2007, respectively - -
-1,000 shares of common stock of GCS RE, Inc. 132,910 300,000
Carruth-Doggett Industries, Inc. December 1995
-10% senior subordinated promissory note 2,250,000 2,250,000
-Warrant to buy up to 33,333 shares of common
stock at $0.01 per share through December 2005 - 2,250,000
-Warrant to buy up to 249 shares of common
stock of CDE Corp. at $0.01 per share through
December 2005 - -
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
8
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
JUNE 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Container Acquisition, Inc. February 1997
-1,370,000 shares of common stock $1,370,000 $ 1,370,000
-51,453 shares of preferred stock 5,145,300 5,145,300
-Warrant to buy up to 370,588 shares of common
stock at $.01 per share through February 2007 1,000 1,000
CRC Holdings, Corp. June 1997
-59,891 shares of common stock 5,474,037 8,983,650
-12% subordinated promissory note 959,700 959,700
Drypers Corporation (NASDAQ - DYPR) July 1991
-3,677,906 shares of common stock 9,328,556 16,769,037
Equicom, Inc. (formerly Texrock Radio, Inc.) July 1997
-500,000 shares of common stock 156,250 156,250
-503,490 shares of preferred stock 5,034,900 5,034,900
-10% subordinated note 2,400,000 2,400,000
Garden Ridge Corporation (NASDAQ - GRDG) July 1992
-474,942 shares of common stock 685,030 8,869,221
Hot & Cool Holdings, Inc. March 1996
-9% increasing rate subordinated
promissory note 1,300,000 1,300,000
-10% subordinated notes 2,200,000 2,200,000
-12% subordinated note 1,000,000 1,000,000
-Warrants to buy up to 14,942 shares of common
stock at $.01 per share through March 2006 - 280,000
-Warrants to buy up to 16,316 shares of common
stock at $26 per share through April, 2007 - -
NCI Building Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ - BLDG) April 1989
-100,000 shares of common stock 159,784 5,775,000
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
9
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
JUNE 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
OEI International, Inc., October 1997
(formerly One Engineering, Inc.)
-1,218,973 shares of common stock $ 667 $ 667
-Prime + 1/2% promissory note 1,578,701 1,578,701
Paracelsus Healthcare Corporation (NYSE - PLS) December 1990
-1,263,058 shares of common stock 5,278,748 3,664,898
Raytel Medical Corporation (NASDAQ - RTEL) August 1997
-33,073 shares of common stock 330,730 176,444
Restaurant Development Group, Inc. June 1987
-610,909 shares of Class A common stock 2,891,156 760,000
Sovereign Business Forms, Inc. August 1996
-12,817 shares of preferred stock 1,281,700 1,281,700
-15% promissory notes 800,000 800,000
-Warrant to buy 551,894 shares of common
stock at $1 per share through August 2006 - 962,544
-Warrant to buy 25,070 shares of common
stock at $1.25 per share through October 2007 - 37,456
Stephen L. LaFrance Holdings, Inc. September 1997
-2,498,452 shares of preferred stock 2,498,452 2,498,452
-Warrant to buy 269 shares of common stock
for $.01 per share through September 2007 - -
Strategic Holdings, Inc. September 1995
-3,089,751 shares of common stock 3,088,389 3,088,389
-3,822,157 shares of Series B preferred stock 3,820,624 3,820,624
-Warrants to buy 225,000 and 100,000 shares of
common stock at $0.4643 and $1.50 per share,
respectively, through August 2005 - 100,000
-1,000 shares of SMIP, Inc. common stock 150,000 150,000
-15% promissory note of SMIP, Inc. 175,000 175,000
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
10
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
JUNE 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Summit/DPC Partners, L.P. October 1995
-36.11% limited partnership interest $ 2,600,000 $ 2,600,000
Travis International, Inc. December 1986
-66,784 shares of common stock 534,589 2,137,088
-104,500 shares of Class A common stock 25,701 3,344,000
Triad Medical Inc. April 1997
-1,251,944 shares of common stock 8,165,000 10,015,552
-Non-interest bearing $2,025,000 promissory note 1,301,489 1,301,489
Tulsa Industries, Inc. December 1997
-27,500 shares of common stock 33,846 33,846
-546,615 shares of Series A preferred stock 5,466,154 5,466,154
-Warrants to buy 31,731 shares of common
stock at $.001 per share - -
United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI) October 1997
-54,334 shares of common stock 397 2,282,028
United States Filter Corporation (NYSE:USF) October 1989
-130,300 shares of common stock 1,544,606 3,656,544
VRPI Spin Off, Inc. January 1988
-100 shares of common stock 250,000 250,000
-10% secured promissory note 2,672,349 2,672,349
-12% secured promissory note 1,050,000 1,050,000
-10,000 shares of common stock of
Equus Video Corporation 25,000 20,000
------- ------
Total $101,201,755 $ 171,247,560
============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an
Integral part of these financial statements
11
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
JUNE 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
The majority 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 Allied Waste Industries, Inc., American
Residential Services, Inc., Atlas Acquisition, Inc., Brazos Sportswear, Inc.,
CRC Holdings, Corp., Drypers Corporation, Hot & Cool Holdings, Inc., Sovereign
Business Forms, Inc., Strategic Holdings, Inc. and Triad Medical 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, the Fund is considered
to have a controlling interest in Atlas Acquisition, Inc., Brazos Sportswear,
Inc., Container Acquisition, Inc., CRC Holdings, Corp., Drypers Corporation,
Equicom, Inc., OEI International, Inc., Restaurant Development Group, Inc.,
Sovereign Business Forms, Inc., Strategic Holdings, Inc., Tulsa Industries,
Inc., VRPI Spin Off, Inc. and WMW Industries, Inc. In addition, Triad Medical
Inc., Travis International, Inc. are considered to be affiliated entities of the
Fund. The fair values of the Fund's investments in publicly traded securities
include discounts from the closing market prices to reflect the estimated
effects of restrictions on the sale of such securities at June 30, 1998. Such
discounts, shown in the following table, total $13,034,598 or $2.70 per share as
of June 30, 1998.
DISCOUNT FROM
MARKET VALUE
------------
Allied Waste Industries, Inc. .............................. $ 1,557,000
American Residential Services, Inc. ........................ 695,419
Brazos Sportswear, Inc. .................................... 3,024,431
Drypers Corporation ........................................ 7,137,352
Garden Ridge Corporation ................................... 332,781
Paracelsus Healthcare Corporation 282,158
Raytel Medical Corporation ................................. 5,457
-----------
Total discount ....................................... $13,034,598
===========
Income was earned in the amount of $1,401,678 and $1,048,044 for the six
months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 respectively, on portfolio securities of
companies in which the Fund has a controlling interest.
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, all of the Fund's
investments are in eligible portfolio companies. The Fund provides significant
managerial assistance to all of the portfolio companies in which it has
invested, except Raytel Medical Corporation, Summit/DPC Partners, L.P., United
Rentals, Inc. and United States Filter Corporation. The Fund provides
significant managerial assistance to portfolio companies that comprise 95% of
the total value of the investments in portfolio companies at June 30, 1998.
12
<PAGE>
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
(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 began to
trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EQS, on May 20, 1998. The
Fund's shares were previously traded on the American Stock Exchange.
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 has elected
to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended.
(2) MANAGEMENT
The Fund has entered into a management agreement with Equus Capital
Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Management Company").
Pursuant to such agreement, the Management Company performs certain services,
including certain management and administrative services necessary for the
operation of the Fund. The Management Company receives a management fee at an
annual rate of 2% of the net assets of the Fund, paid quarterly in arrears. The
Management Company also receives $50,000 per year as compensation for providing
certain investor communication services, of which $25,000 is included in the
accompanying Statements of Operations for each of the six months ended June 30,
1998 and 1997.
Through March 31, 1997, the Management Company also received or reimbursed
a management incentive fee equal to 20% of net realized capital gains less
unrealized capital depreciation, computed on a cumulative basis over the life of
the Fund. The management incentive fee was paid or reimbursed quarterly in
arrears. Pursuant to the vote of the stockholders at a special meeting held on
April 9, 1997 ("Special Meeting"), the Fund entered into a new management
agreement with the Management Company. The only significant change from the
previous management agreement was the elimination of incentive fees based on
capital gains effective as of April 1, 1997.
Pursuant to the vote of the stockholders at the Special Meeting, the
deferred incentive fee, which was calculated to be $11,210,529 based on the net
unrealized appreciation of investments in portfolio securities at March 31,
1997, was paid by the issuance to the Management Company of 459,973 unregistered
shares of common stock of the Fund on May 15, 1997. The number of shares issued
was determined by dividing the deferred incentive fee by $24.37 per share, the
net asset value per share at
13
<PAGE>
March 31, 1997. Deferred management incentive fee expense of $426,501 resulting
from increases in net unrealized appreciation on portfolio securities has been
included in the accompanying Statement of Operations for the six months ended
June 30, 1997. Current management incentive fees of $55,824 were included in the
accompanying Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
The Management Company is controlled by a privately-owned corporation.
As compensation for services rendered to the Fund, each director who is
not an officer of the Fund receives an annual fee of $25,000 paid quarterly in
arrears, a fee of $3,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended in
person, a fee of $1,500 for participation in each telephonic meeting of the
Board of Directors and for each committee meeting attended ($500 for each
committee meeting if attended on the same day as a Board Meeting), and
reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such
meetings. In addition, each director who is not an officer of the Fund is
automatically granted incentive stock options to purchase shares of the Fund's
stock at the time of their initial election and annually thereafter. See Note
10. Certain officers and directors of the Fund serve as directors of Portfolio
Companies, and may receive and retain fees, including non-employee director
stock options, from such Portfolio Companies in consideration for such service.
(3) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Interim Financial Statements - The financial statements included herein
have been prepared without audit and include all adjustments which management
considers necessary for fair presentation.
Valuation of Investments - Portfolio investments are carried at fair value
with the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation included in the
determination of net assets. Investments in companies whose securities are
publicly traded are valued at their quoted market price, less a discount to
reflect the estimated effects of restrictions on the sale of such securities
("Valuation Discount"), if applicable. Cost is used to approximate fair value of
other investments until significant developments affecting an investment provide
a basis for use of an appraisal valuation. Thereafter, portfolio investments are
carried at appraised values as determined quarterly by the Management Company,
subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The fair market values of
debt securities, which are generally held to maturity, are determined on the
basis of the terms of the debt securities and the financial conditions of the
issuer. Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio
securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, amounting to
$159,533,988 (including $74,275,232 in publicly-traded securities, net of a
$13,034,598 Valuation Discount) and $147,899,786 (including $89,710,511 in
publicly-traded securities, net of a $17,100,722 Valuation Discount) at June 30,
1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively, the Fund's estimate of fair value may
significantly differ from the fair value that would have been used had a ready
market existed for the securities. Appraised values do not reflect brokers' fees
or other normal selling costs or management incentive fees which might become
payable on disposition of such investments.
On a daily basis, the Fund adjusts its net asset value for 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.
("Lipper") and also publishes the daily net asset value on its web site at
www.equuscap.com. On a weekly basis, such 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.
14
<PAGE>
Cash Flows - For purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, the Fund
considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Income Taxes - No provision for Federal income taxes has been made in the
accompanying financial statements as the Fund has qualified for pass-through
treatment as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. As such, all net income is allocable to the stockholders
for inclusion in their respective tax returns. Net capital losses are not
allocable to the shareholders but can be carried over to offset future earnings
of the Fund.
(4) BOOK TO TAX RECONCILIATION
The Fund accounts for dividends in accordance with Statement of Position
93-2 which relates to the amounts distributed by the Fund as net investment
income or net capital gains, which are often not equal to the corresponding
income or gains shown in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund had
undistributed capital gains during 1997 of $132,677. A dividend of such income
was declared on July 31, 1998, and will be distributed in late 1998. The Fund
had a net investment loss for tax purposes for the six months ended June 30,
1998 and 1997, and therefore distributed no net investment income.
The following is a reconciliation of the difference in the Fund's net
realized gain on the sale of portfolio securities for book and tax purposes for
the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.
1998 1997
---------- -----------
Net realized gain on the sales of portfolio
securities, book ............................. $4,494,379 $(1,475,666)
Management incentive fee ....................... -- (7,530,385)
---------- -----------
Net realized gain on the sales of
portfolio securities, tax .................... $4,494,379 $(9,006,051)
========== ===========
23
(5) DIVIDENDS
The Fund declared no dividends during the six months ended June 30, 1998
and 1997, respectively. The Fund has adopted a policy to make dividend
distributions of at least $0.50 per share on an annual basis. In the event that
taxable income, including realized capital gains, exceeds $0.50 per share in any
year, additional dividends may be declared to distribute such excess.
Distributions can be made payable by the Fund either in the form of a cash
distribution or a stock dividend. The Fund has not adopted any set policy
concerning whether dividends will be paid only in cash, or in stock or cash by
specific election. If the Fund does not have available cash to pay the minimum
dividends, it may borrow the required funds or sell some of its portfolio
investments.
(6) TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
Temporary cash investments, which represent the short-term utilization of
cash prior to investment in securities of portfolio companies, distributions to
the shareholders or payment of expenses, consist of money market accounts at
Nations Bank of Texas, N.A., earning interest at rates ranging from 3.50% to
5.30% at June 30, 1998.
15
<PAGE>
(7) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Included in "Accounts receivable" at June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997
was $4,945 and $840,000, respectively in royalties receivable from United
Rentals, Inc. related to the sale of the Fund's investment in J&J Rental
Service, Inc., $622,076 of which was received during the second quarter of 1998.
In addition, the Fund received in January 1998, $90,712 as a partial
distribution from the escrow related to the sale of the Fund's investment in
Industrial Equipment Rentals, Inc. This amount was included in "Accounts
receivable" at December 31, 1997. The Fund also sold a participation in its
investment in Equicom for $3,985,980. Such amount was included in "Accounts
receivable" at June 30, 1998 and was received by the Fund on July 2, 1998.
(8) PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Fund made follow-on
investments of $19,637,632 in ten portfolio companies, including $1,066,016 in
accrued interest and dividends received in the form of additional portfolio
securities. In addition, the Fund realized a net capital gain of $4,494,379 from
the sale of portfolio securities during the six months ended June 30, 1998.
During the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Fund invested $13,714,700
in five new companies and made follow-on investments of $4,382,066 in five
portfolio companies, including $651,982 in dividends and accrued interest
received in the form of additional portfolio securities. In addition, the Fund
realized a net capital loss of $1,475,666 from the sale of portfolio securities
during the six months ended June 30, 1997.
(9) NOTES PAYABLE TO BANK
The Fund has a $150,000,000 line of credit promissory note with
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., with interest payable at 1% over the rate earned on
its money market account. The Fund had $75,000,000 outstanding on such note at
June 30, 1998 and December 1997, that was secured by $75,000,000 of the Fund's
temporary cash investments. The Fund paid $75,000 in commitment fees in 1997,
which was capitalized and amortized over the commitment period. Effective April
1, 1998, the Fund extended the line of credit promissory note to April 1, 1999,
and lowered the rate to 1/2% over the rate earned on its money market account.
The Fund has a revolving line of credit with NationsBank of Texas, N.A.
that expires on April 1, 1999. The Fund had $22,450,000 and $6,900,000
outstanding under such line of credit at June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
respectively, which is secured by the Fund's investments in portfolio
securities. The fund also pays 1/4% interest on the unused portion of the line
of credit. Effective April 1, 1998, the line of credit was increased to
$40,000,000 from $30,000,000, the interest rate was lowered from a range of
prime + 1/4% to 3/4% to a range of prime - 1/2% to prime + 1/4% or libor + 1.65%
and the maturity was extended one year to April 1, 1999.
The average daily balances outstanding on the Fund's notes payable during
the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, were $16,352,210 and $4,443,204,
respectively.
(10) STOCK OPTION PLAN
At a special meeting of shareholders of the Fund on April 9, 1997,
shareholders 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
16
<PAGE>
outstanding shares of common stock of the Fund. Implementation of this plan was
subject to the receipt of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), which was received on May 8, 1997.
The Stock Incentive Option Plan also provides that each director who is
not an officer of the Fund be granted an incentive stock option to purchase
5,000 shares of the Fund's common stock. In addition, beginning with the 1998
annual meeting of shareholders, each director who is not an officer of the Fund
will, annually on the first business day following the annual meeting, be
granted an incentive stock option to purchase 2,000 shares of the Fund's common
stock.
Under the 1997 Stock Incentive Option Plan, options to purchase 939,131
shares of the Fund's common stock at prices ranging $17 to $27.44 per share were
outstanding at June 30, 1998. During the six months ended June 30, 1998, no
options were exercised. Outstanding options expire in May 2007 through May 2008.
If all options granted were exercised as of June 30, 1998, there would have been
dilution of net assets per share of approximately $1.86 per share, or 5.9%, as a
result of such exercise, using the treasury stock method.
(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Fund has made commitments to invest, under certain circumstances, up
to an additional $1,613,850 in Equicom, Inc., $355,000 in GCS RE, Inc., $921,299
in OEI International, Inc. and $2,000,000 in Sovereign Business Forms, Inc. In
addition, the Fund has committed to invest up to $12,000,000 in two new
companies.
The Fund and certain of the portfolio companies are involved in asserted
claims and have the possibility for unasserted claims which may ultimately
affect the fair value of the Fund's portfolio investments. In the opinion of
Management, the financial position or operating results of the Fund will not be
materially affected by these claims.
(12) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to June 30, 1998, the Fund repaid $75,000,000 of notes payable
to the bank.
In July 1998, the Fund advanced an additional $282,200 to Equicom, Inc.
under a 10% promissory note.
On July 1, 1998, the Fund acquired 35,000 shares of preferred stock of
United Industrial Services, Inc. ("UIS") for $3,500,000 and received warrants to
purchase up to 63,637 shares of common stock of UIS for $.001 per share through
June 30, 2008. UIS, located in Houston, Texas, specializes in field services for
the petrochemical and power generation industries.
Subsequent to June 30, 1998, the initial public offering of OEI
International, Inc. was postponed due to the market conditions and other
factors.
On August 10, 1998, the Fund received $456,560 as a partial distribution
from escrow related to the 1997 sale of the Fund's investment in Industrial
Equipment Rentals, Inc. Such amount will be recorded as a capital gain.
17
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At June 30, 1998, the Fund had $171,247,560 of its assets invested in
portfolio securities of 27 companies, and has committed to invest up to an
additional $4,890,149 in four of such companies and $12,000,000 in two new
companies under certain conditions. Current temporary cash investments,
anticipated future investment income, proceeds from borrowings and proceeds from
the sale of existing portfolio securities are believed to be sufficient to
finance these commitments. At June 30, 1998, the Fund had $22,450,000
outstanding on a $40,000,000 revolving line of credit loan from a bank.
Net cash used by operating activities was $1,638,443 and $815,306 for the
six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Increases in management
fees and interest expense in 1998 accounted for the majority of the increase in
cash used by operating activities.
At June 30, 1998, the Fund had $75,098,206 of its total assets of
$250,831,919 invested in temporary cash investments consisting of money market
securities. This amount includes proceeds from a $75,000,000 revolving line of
credit to a bank that is utilized to enable the Fund to achieve adequate
diversification to maintain its pass-through tax status as a regulated
investment company. Such amount was repaid to the bank on July 1, 1998.
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.
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 share of the federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such gains
as a credit against their own federal income tax liabilities. Stockholders will
also be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of their Fund shares by the
difference between their undistributed capital gains and their tax credit.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSE
Net investment loss after all expenses amounted to $890,582 and $1,232,251
for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The larger net
investment loss in 1997 was primarily attributable to the accrual of $55,824 in
management incentive fees and $426,501 in deferred management incentive fees
related to the increase in the net unrealized appreciation of portfolio
securities in 1997. Income from portfolio securities increased to $1,884,619 in
1998 as compared to $1,403,589 in 1997, due to the increase in amounts invested
in interest-bearing portfolio securities during 1998 as compared to 1997 and
$401,938 in dividends received upon conversion of preferred stock from one
portfolio company in 1998.
Interest expense increased to $664,678 in 1998 as compared to $225,773 in
1997, due to the increase of the average daily balances outstanding on the lines
of credit to $16,352,210 during the six months ended June 30, 1998, from
$4,443,204 in 1997.
18
<PAGE>
The Management Company receives management fee compensation at an annual
rate of 2% of the net assets of the Fund. Such fees amounted to $1,524,709 and
$1,296,677 for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Professional fees and mailing, printing and other expenses decreased
during the six months ended June 30, 1998 from the six months ended June 30,
1997. These higher expenses in 1997 were primarily due to the cost associated
with the Special Meeting of Stockholders held on April 9, 1997.
Through March 31, 1997, the Management Company also received or reimbursed
a management incentive fee equal to 20% of net realized capital gains less
unrealized capital depreciation, computed on a cumulative basis over the life of
the Fund. Management incentive fees of $55,824 were accrued during the three
months ended March 31, 1997. Deferred management incentive fee expense for the
three months ended March 31, 1997 totaled $426,501. Pursuant to the vote of the
stockholders at a special meeting held on April 9, 1997, ("Special Meeting") the
Fund entered into a new management agreement with the Management Company which
does not provide for any incentive fees based on capital gains. The deferred
management incentive fee was reflected as an expense of the Fund where there was
an increase in the Fund's net unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities
and was reflected as a reduction in expense to the Fund when there was a
decrease in the Fund's net appreciation of the portfolio securities. The
deferred management incentive fees were not paid until such appreciation was
realized. However, pursuant to the vote of the stockholders at the Special
Meeting, the deferred incentive fee of $11,210,529 at March 31, 1997, was paid
on May 15, 1997 by the issuance of 459,973 unregistered shares of common stock
of the Fund. The number of shares issued was determined by dividing the deferred
incentive fee by $24.37, the net asset value per share at March 31, 1997.
At the Special Meeting, shareholders also approved the Equus II
Incorporated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan ("Stock Incentive Plan") which authorizes
the Fund to issue options to the directors and officers of the Fund in an
aggregate amount of up to 20% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the
Fund. Implementation of this plan was subject to the receipt of an exemptive
order from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which was received on
May 8, 1997.
The Stock Incentive Plan also provides that each director who is not an
officer of the Fund be granted an incentive stock option to purchase 5,000
shares of the Fund's common stock. In addition, beginning with the 1998 annual
meeting of shareholders, each director who is not an officer of the Fund will,
on the first business day following each annual meeting, be granted a incentive
stock option to purchase 2,000 shares of the Fund's common stock.
Under the 1997 Stock Incentive Option Plan, options to purchase 939,131
shares of the Fund's common stock at prices ranging $17 to $27.44 per share were
outstanding at June 30, 1998. During the six months ended June 30, 1998, no
options were exercised. Outstanding options expire in May 2007 through May 2008.
If all options granted were exercised as of June 30, 1998, there would have been
a net dilution of net assets per share of approximately $1.86 per share, or
5.9%, as a result of such exercise, using the treasury stock method.
REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ON SALES OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Fund realized net capital
gains of $4,494,379 from the sale of securities of five Portfolio Companies. The
Fund sold 143,112 shares of Coach USA, Inc. common stock for $6,620,305,
realizing a capital gain of $4,756,947 and 32,128 shares of U.S. Filter
Corporation common stock for $1,059,964, realizing a capital gain of $679,112.
In addition, the Fund realized a capital gain due to the receipt of $6,825 in
additional compensation from the escrow account
19
<PAGE>
related to the 1997 sale of Cardiovascular Ventures, Inc. The Fund realized a
capital loss of $735,525 on the conversion of its prime + 1% note due from Triad
Medical Inc. into a non-interest bearing loan due in 2005. The value of the note
was discounted by the $735,525, representing original issue discount which will
be accreted to income over the life of the loan. The Fund also realized a loss
of $212,980 from the reduction in the value of the royalty receivable due from
United Rentals, Inc. related to the 1997 sale of J&J Rental, Inc.
During the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Fund had net realized
losses of $1,475,666 from the sale of investments in three portfolio companies.
UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Net unrealized appreciation on investments increased $4,152,452 during the
six months ended June 30, 1998, from $65,893,353 to $70,045,805. Such net
increase resulted from increases in the estimated fair value of securities of
twelve of the Fund's Portfolio Companies aggregating $16,740,448, a decrease in
the estimated fair value of securities of five portfolio companies of
$9,800,930, and the transfer of $2,787,066 in net unrealized appreciation to net
realized gains from the sale of investments in one company.
Net unrealized appreciation on investments increased $42,792,687 during
the six months ended June 30, 1997, from $41,671,464 to $84,464,151. Such net
increase resulted from increases in the estimated fair value of securities of
fourteen of the Fund's portfolio companies aggregating $39,106,961, a decrease
in the estimated fair value of securities of two portfolio companies of $542,500
and the transfer of $4,228,226 in net unrealized depreciation to net realized
losses.
DIVIDENDS
No dividends were declared by the Fund during the six months ended June
30, 1998 or 1997. Dividends of $132,677 were declared on July 31, 1998, and will
be paid prior to the end of the year.
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Fund made follow-on
investments of $19,637,632 in ten portfolio companies, including $1,066,016 in
accrued interest and dividends received in the form of additional portfolio
securities and accretion of original issue discount on a promissory note.
In January 1998, the Fund advanced $3,595,380 under a 10% promissory note
to Equicom, Inc. ("Equicom"), in connection with the acquisition of 8 radio
stations. On January 27, 1998, the Fund converted $6,372,586 in promissory notes
along with $67,918 in accrued interest into 819,680 shares of common stock and
619,050 shares of preferred stock of Equicom. Subsequent to such conversion, the
Fund acquired for $2,736,630 an additional 273,663 shares of preferred stock of
Equicom. The Fund on June 30, 1998, advanced $2,400,000 to Equicom under a 10%
subordinated promissory note. During the second quarter of 1998, Equicom
completed a .976 for 1 reverse stock split of its common stock. On June 30,
1998, the Fund sold 300,000 shares of Equicom common stock and 389,223 shares of
Equicom preferred stock to co-investors for $93,750 and $3,892,230,
respectively, the original cost of each investment.
20
<PAGE>
During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Fund made additional
investments by advancing $1,000,000, $1,512,520 and $373,035 to Hot & Cool
Holdings, Inc., OEI International, Inc. and Triad Medical, Inc., respectively,
under subordinated promissory notes.
In the first quarter of 1998, the Fund advanced an additional $850,000 in
the form of a junior participation agreement to Atlas Acquisition, Inc.
On January 15, 1998, the Fund sold its investment in WMW Industries, Inc.
The Fund received $1,012,576 in cash, to pay off its junior participation note,
and 162,428 shares of United States Filter Corporation ("U.S. Filter") common
stock. The Fund could receive up to an additional 41,560 shares of U.S. Filter
common stock, which were placed in an escrow account as security for various
representations made by the Fund. The transaction with U.S. Filter, which is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange, was a tax-free exchange; therefore the
Fund did not realize a capital gain on the sale.
On March 3, 1998, the Fund converted its 25,000 shares of 7.5% convertible
preferred stock of Drypers Corporation into 2,500,000 shares of Drypers common
stock. In addition, the Fund received 70,024 shares of Drypers common stock in
payment of $401,938 in dividends on such preferred stock.
Through June 30, 1998, the Fund received an additional 2,459 shares of
preferred stock of Container Acquisition, Inc. in payment for $245,900 of
dividends on the preferred stock.
In 1998, the Fund received an additional 827 shares of Sovereign Business
Forms, Inc. preferred stock in payment of $82,700 in dividends.
Through June 30, 1998, the Fund has received an additional 157,885, 53,695
and 43,966 shares of Series B1, B2 and B3 preferred stock of Brazos Sportswear,
Inc., respectively, in payment of $255,546 in dividends on the preferred stock.
On May 27, 1998, the Fund acquired an additional 24,891 shares of CRC
Holdings, Corp. for $2,275,037 to enable CRC to make an acquisition.
On April 14, 1998, the Fund's investment in Triad Medical, Inc. ("Triad")
was reduced from 449,213 shares of common stock to 196,808 shares (excluding
14,493 shares held in escrow) of common stock, as the result of a reverse stock
split. On May 1, 1998, the Fund invested an additional $7,815,000 in Triad in
exchange for 976,875 shares of common stock. In addition, on May 1, 1998, Triad
acquired four companies in the specialty medical distribution business,
including Healthcare Technology Delivery, Inc. ("HTD"), in which the Fund had an
investment at June 30, 1998. The Fund received 78,261 shares of Triad common
stock for its investment in HTD. In addition, the Fund's prime +1/2% promissory
note due from Triad in the amount of $2,025,000 was renewed in the form of a
non-interest bearing promissory note due in 2005. In connection with such
renewal, the Fund forgave $102,232 of accrued interest receivable from Triad,
which was included in the Fund's Balance Sheet at June 30, 1998. In addition,
the Fund discounted the non-interest bearing note to $1,289,475, realizing a
capital loss of $735,525. Such original issue discount is being accreted to
income over the life of the note.
During the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Fund invested $13,714,700
in five new companies and made follow-on investments of $4,382,066 in five
portfolio companies, including $651,982 in accrued interest and dividends
received in the form of additional portfolio securities. In addition, the Fund
realized a net capital loss of $1,475,666 during the six months ended June 30,
1997.
Of the companies in which the Fund has investments at June 30, 1998, ten
Portfolio Companies are publicly held. The others each have a small number of
shareholders and do not generally make
21
<PAGE>
financial information available to the public. However, each company's
operations and financial information are reviewed by Management to determine the
proper valuation of the Fund's investment.
YEAR 2000
Many computer software systems in use today cannot properly process
date-related information from and after January 1, 2000. Should any of the
computer systems employed by the Management Company, any of the Fund's other
major service providers, or companies in which the Fund has an investment, fail
to process this type of information properly, that could have a negative impact
on the Fund's operations and the services provided to the Fund's stockholders.
The Management Company is reviewing all of their own computer systems with the
goal of modifying or replacing such systems to the extent necessary to prepare
for the Year 2000. In addition, the Fund is in the process of inquiring of its
major service providers as well its portfolio companies to determine if they are
in the process of reviewing their systems with the same goals. Such assessment
is expected to be complete prior to the end of the year. It is anticipated that
the Fund will incur no material expenses related to the Year 2000 issues.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to June 30, 1998, the Fund repaid $75,000,000 of notes payable
to the bank.
In July 1998, the Fund advanced an additional $282,200 to Equicom, Inc.
under a 10% promissory note.
On July 1, 1998, the Fund acquired 35,000 shares of preferred stock of
United Industrial Services, Inc. ("UIS") for $3,500,000 and received warrants to
purchase up to 63,637 shares of common stock of UIS for $.001 per share through
June 30, 2008. UIS, located in Houston, Texas, specializes in field services for
the petrochemical and power generation industries.
Subsequent to June 30, 1998, the initial public offering of OEI
International, Inc. was postponed due to the market conditions and other
factors.
On August 10, 1998, the Fund received $456,560 as a partial distribution
from escrow related to the 1997 sale of the Fund's investment in Industrial
Equipment Rentals, Inc. Such amount will be recorded as a capital gain.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Fund held its annual meeting of shareholders on May 13, 1998. At the
meeting, shareholders voted on the election of the persons named in the Proxy
Statement as Directors of the Fund for the terms described therein, the
ratification of the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Fund's independent
auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998, and the approval of the
amendment of the Fund's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
number of authorized shares of common stock.
The table set forth below shows, with respect to each nominee, the number
of shares voted for such nominee and shares for which authority was withheld:
22
<PAGE>
NAME OF NOMINEE FOR WITHHELD
--------------- --- --------
Sam P. Douglass 3,958,144 55,510
Gregory J. Flanagan 3,957,340 56,314
Robert L. Knauss 3,949,541 64,113
Nolan Lehmann 3,955,268 58,385
Gary R. Petersen 3,957,164 56,490
John W. Storms 3,956,630 57,024
Dr. Francis D. Tuggle 3,955,574 58,080
Dr. Edward E. Williams 3,957,924 55,730
The table below sets forth, as to all other matters voted upon, the number
of shares voted for the proposals, against the proposals and shares that
abstained.
PROPOSAL FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
-------- --- ------- -------
Ratification of auditors 3,951,155 27,136 35,353
Amendment to increase
authorized shares of
common stock 3,705,275 253,119 55,260
All nominees to the Registrant's Board of Directors were elected, the
Fund's selection of independent auditors was ratified and the amendment to
increase the
authorized shares was approved.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8K
(a) Exhibits
10. Material Contracts
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Fund during the period for which
this report is filed.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
By: /s/ NOLAN LEHMANN
Nolan Lehmann, President,
Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer
Date: August 12, 1998
23
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