UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

(Mark One)
x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021

or

or
¨o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________________ to ___________________

 

Commission File Number 814-00991

 

 

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

   
Minnesota 90-0316651
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
1907 Wayzata Blvd, #205, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(952) 479-1923

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

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. x Yes    ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes    ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨xSmaller reporting company x
 
Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨Yes    x No

 

As of October 30, 2020,August 13, 2021, Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. had 10,696,73510,790,413 shares of common stock, and no other classes of capital stock, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

- 2 -

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

 

Index to Form 10-Q

for the Quarter Ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020

2021

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage No.
PART I.Item 1.FINANCIAL INFORMATIONFinancial Statements (unaudited) 
   
Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited) 
  
Condensed Balance Sheets – SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 201920203
   
 Condensed Statements of Operations – Three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and SeptemberJune 30, 201920204
   
 Condensed Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and SeptemberJune 30, 201920205
   
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – NineSix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and SeptemberJune 30, 201920207
   
 Condensed Schedule of Investments – SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and Schedule of Investments – December 31, 201920208
   
 Condensed Notes to Financial Statements – SeptemberJune 30, 2020202110
   
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1918
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures2225
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION
   
Item 6.Exhibits2326
   
SIGNATURES2327

 

 

- 3 -

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 September 30, 2020 (unaudited) December 31, 2019  June 30, 2021 
(unaudited)
 December 31, 2020 
ASSETS                
Investments, at fair value: $8,178,263  $1,740,897  $13,133,933  $6,667,897 
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (cost: $8,309,325 and $1,976,370 respectively)        
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (cost: $11,864,762 and $4,968,576 respectively)        
Cash  2,120,389   8,066,656   1,515,005   5,440,579 
Note receivable  250,000   250,000   250,000   250,000 
Prepaid expenses  50,995   31,557   188,838   43,838 
Receivable for sale of investments  127,679      94,778   19,313 
Interest and dividend receivables  106,723   6,500   331,415   65,911 
Right-of-use lease asset  27,794   40,823   14,279   23,345 
Property and equipment, net  141   2,071 
Total Assets $10,861,984  $10,138,504  $15,528,248  $12,510,883 
                
LIABILITIES                
Accounts payable $26,053  $24,996  $40,687  $32,917 
Dividend payable     539,296 
Lease liability  30,869   44,975   15,973   26,061 
Accrued income tax expense  920,000   13,722 
Deferred taxes  363,000   258,000 
Total Liabilities  56,922   69,971   1,339,660   869,996 
Commitments and Contingencies                
                
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (NET ASSETS)                
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (250,000,000 authorized; 10,696,735 and 11,067,402 outstanding)  10,696   11,067 
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (250,000,000 authorized; 10,790,413 and 10,785,913 outstanding)  10,790   10,786 
Additional paid-in capital  10,616,757   10,774,653   10,694,163   10,673,014 
Accumulated deficit  (1,159,665)  (1,159,665)  (1,159,665)  (1,159,665)
Accumulated undistributed investment loss  (2,142,644)  (2,397,865)  (2,697,320)  (2,124,419)
Accumulated undistributed net realized gains on investment transactions  3,610,980   3,075,816   6,071,449   2,541,850 
Net unrealized depreciation in value of investments  (131,062)  (235,473)
Total Shareholders' Equity (net assets)  10,805,062   10,068,533 
Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments  1,269,171   1,699,321 
Total Shareholders' Equity (Net Assets)  14,188,588   11,640,887 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $10,861,984  $10,138,504  $15,528,248  $12,510,883 
Net Asset Value Per Common Share $1.01  $0.91  $1.31  $1.08 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

- 4 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,
2020
  September 30,
2019
  September 30,
2020
  September 30,
2019
  June 30, 
2021
 June 30, 
2020
 June 30, 
2021
 June 30, 
2020
 
Investment Income                                
Interest income $285,338  $28,241  $740,008  $83,917  $675,549  $276,425  $1,222,391  $454,670 
Dividend income  1,696   14,766   15,461   41,458      7,031      13,765 
Total Investment Income  287,034   43,007   755,469   125,375   675,549   283,456   1,222,391   468,435 
Operating Expenses                                
Professional fees  58,719   69,503   133,016   168,342   77,539   90,529   220,347   74,297 
Payroll  58,191   56,768   174,768   283,359   85,346   58,080   387,426   116,577 
Insurance  20,672   20,487   61,793   62,119   27,854   20,668   52,133   41,121 
Occupancy  16,562   16,384   49,693   57,250   16,337   16,569   33,026   33,131 
Director's fees  22,500   22,500   67,500   67,500   30,000   22,500   60,000   45,000 
Depreciation and amortization  643   643   1,930   1,930      644      1,287 
Other general and administrative  3,659   3,421   11,548   28,493   13,080   4,920   31,082   7,889 
Total Operating Expenses  180,946   189,706   500,248   668,993   250,156   213,910   784,014   319,302 
Net Investment Gain (Loss)  106,088   (146,699)  255,221   (543,618)
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                
Net Investment Gain  425,393   69,546   438,377  $149,133 
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments                
Net realized gain on investments  335,440   1,374,287   535,164   4,476,497   621,600   175,222   3,529,599   199,724 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  141,816   (1,572,874)  104,411   (4,414,995)  83,100   348,602   (430,150)  (37,405)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments  477,256   (198,587)  639,575   61,502 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $583,344  $(345,286) $894,796  $(482,116)
                
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations per share:                
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments  704,700   523,824   3,099,449   162,319 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations Before Taxes $1,130,093  $593,370  $3,537,826  $311,452 
Provision for Income Taxes  348,587      1,011,278    
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $781,506  $593,370  $2,526,548   311,452 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations per share:                
Basic and diluted $0.05  $(0.03) $0.08  $(0.04) $0.07  $0.05  $0.23  $0.03 
                
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  10,696,735   11,067,402   10,881,382   11,067,402 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted  10,790,413   10,882,039   10,788,175   10,974,721 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

- 5 -

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of June 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,248,732) $3,275,540  $(272,878) $10,221,718 
Net investment gain               106,088         106,088 
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  335,440      335,440 
Appreciation in value of investments                     141,816   141,816 
Balance as of September 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,142,644) $3,610,980  $(131,062) $10,805,062 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Realized Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
in value
of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of March 31, 2021  10,786,913  $10,787  $10,678,763  $(1,159,665) $(2,774,126) $5,449,849  $1,186,071  $13,391,679 
Common shares issued in consideration for expense payment  3,500   3   15,400                 15,403 
Undistributed net investment gain               76,806         76,806 
Undistributed net realized gain on investment transactions                  621,600      621,600 
Appreciation in value of investments                     83,100   83,100 
Balance as of June 30, 2021  10,790,413  $10,790  $10,694,163  $(1,159,665) $(2,697,320) $6,071,449  $1,269,171  $14,188,588 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of June 30, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,122,016) $2,925,406  $159,244  $10,588,689 
Net investment loss               (146,699)        (146,699)
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  1,374,287      1,374,287 
Depreciation in value of investments                     (1,572,874)  (1,572,874)
Balance as of September 30, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,268,715) $4,299,693  $(1,413,630) $10,243,403 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Realized Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
in value
of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of March 31, 2020  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,318,278) $3,100,318  $(621,480) $9,786,615 
Repurchase of shares  (370,667)  (371)  (157,896)                (158,267)
Undistributed net investment loss               69,546         69,546 
Undistributed net realized gain on investment transactions                  175,222      175,222 
Appreciation in value of investments                     348,602   348,602 
Balance as of June 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,248,732) $3,275,540  $(272,878) $10,221,718 

 

 

- 6 -

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of December 31, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,397,865) $3,075,816  $(235,473) $10,068,533 
Repurchase of shares  (370,667)  (371)  (157,896)                (158,267)
Net investment gain               255,221         255,221 
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  535,164      535,164 
Appreciation in value of investments                     104,411   104,411 
Balance as of September 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,142,644) $3,610,980  $(131,062) $10,805,062 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of December 31, 2018  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(1,725,097) $376,566  $3,001,365  $11,278,889 
Dividend distribution                  (553,370)     (553,370)
Net investment loss               (543,618)        (543,618)
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  4,476,497      4,476,497 
Depreciation in value of investments                     (4,414,995)  (4,414,995)
Balance as of September 30, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,268,715) $4,299,693  $(1,413,630) $10,243,403 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Realized Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of December 31, 2020  10,785,913  $10,786  $10,673,014  $(1,159,665) $(2,124,419) $2,541,850  $1,699,321  $11,640,887 
Issuance of shares  4,500   4   21,149                 21,153 
Undistributed net investment loss               (572,901)        (572,901)
Undistributed net realized loss on investment transactions                  3,529,599      3,529,599 
Depreciation in value of investments                     (430,150)  (430,150)
Balance as of June 30, 2021  10,790,413  $10,790  $10,694,163  $(1,159,665) $(2,697,320) $6,071,449  $1,269,171  $14,188,588 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Realized Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of December 31, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,397,865) $3,075,816  $(235,473) $10,068,533 
Repurchase of shares  (370,667)  (371)  (157,896)                (158,267)
Undistributed net investment loss               149,133         149,133 
Undistributed net realized loss on investment transactions                  199,724      199,724 
Depreciation in value of investments                     (37,405)  (37,405)
Balance as of June 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,248,732) $3,275,540  $(272,878) $10,221,718 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

- 7 -

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

 Nine Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September
30, 2020
  September
30, 2019
  June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $894,796  $(482,116) $2,526,548  $311,452 
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided (used) in operating activities:                
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments  (104,411)  4,414,995 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments  430,150   37,405 
Net realized gain on investments  (535,164)  (4,476,497)  (3,529,599)  (199,724)
Purchases of investments  (7,655,802)  (875,160)  (13,250,664)  (6,217,296)
Proceeds from sales of investments  1,858,011   6,845,428   9,889,827   1,192,824 
Proceeds from sales of investments sold short     30,119 
Depreciation & amortization expense  1,930   1,930      1,287 
Deferred income taxes  1,011,278    
Common shares issued as consideration for expense payment  15,403    
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Prepaid expenses and other assets  (6,409)  5,471   (135,934)  (32,007)
Interest and dividends receivable  (100,223)  (8,099)  (265,504)  (62,644)
Receivable for investment sales  (127,679)  (12,948)  (75,465)  (158,649)
Payable for investment purchase     1,680,000 
Accounts payable and other liabilities  (13,049)  (11,905)  (2,318)  (10,047)
Net cash provided (used) in operating activities  (5,788,000)  5,431,218 
Deferred interest income      
Payable for investment purchase      
Net cash used in operating activities  (3,386,278)  (3,457,399)
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Payments for repurchase of common stock  (158,267)        (158,267)
Payments for common stock dividend     (553,370)  (539,296)   
Net cash used by financing activities  (158,267)  (553,370)  (539,296)  (158,267)
Net increase (decrease) in cash  (5,946,267)  4,877,848 
Net decrease in cash  (3,925,574)  (3,615,666)
Cash, beginning of period  8,066,656   966,121   5,440,579   8,066,656 
Cash, end of period $2,120,389  $5,843,969  $1,515,005  $4,450,990 
        
Non-cash financing activities:        
Common shares issued as consideration for investment $5,750    

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

- 8 -

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBERJUNE 30, 20202021

 

Investment / IndustryInvestment / Industry Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
  Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Short-Term Non-banking Loans                        
Consumer - 15% secured loans $400,000  $400,000   3.71%
Financial - 52% secured loans  500,000   500,000   4.64%
Consumer - 20% secured loans $400,000  $400,000   2.82%
Financial - 47% secured loans            
Benton Financial, LLC  1,133,333   1,133,333   7.99%
Financial - 44% secured loans  1,400,000   1,400,000   12.99%            
Benton Financial, LLC  840,000   840,000   5.92%
Financial - 42% secured loans  313,333   313,333   2.21%
Financial - 40% secured loans            
Benton Financial, LLC  1,333,334   1,333,334   9.40%
Financial - 34% secured loans  293,333   293,333   2.07%
Financial - 12% secured loans  500,000   500,000   3.52%
Litigation Financing - 23% secured loans            
The Cross Law Firm, LLC  1,805,750   1,800,000   12.68%
Real Estate - 15% secured loans                        
Alatus Development, LLC  1,250,000   1,250,000   8.81%
Real Estate - 12% secured loans            
Tailwinds, LLC  3,000,000   3,000,000   27.83%  3,000,000   3,000,000   21.14%
Other  239,000   239,000   2.22%
Total Short-Term Non-Banking Loans  5,539,000   5,539,000   51.39%  10,869,083   10,863,333   76.56%
                        
Common Stock                        
Consumer                        
Ammo, Inc. (1,000,000 restricted shares)  1,750,000   2,016,000   18.70%
Business Services  28,606   32,223   0.30%
Total Common Stock  1,778,606   2,048,223   19.00%
Ammo, Inc.  245,000   1,370,600   9.66%
                        
Preferred Stock                        
Information Technology  150,000   300,000   2.78%  150,000   300,000   2.11%
                        
Warrants                        
Advertising        0.00%
Healthcare  679      0.00%  679      0.00%
Total Warrants  679      0.00%
                        
Other Equity                        
Leisure & Hospitality  291,040   291,040   2.70%
Oil & Gas  550,000      0.00%
Total Other Equity  841,040   291,040   2.70%
Financial  600,000   600,000   4.23%
                        
Total Investments $8,309,325  $8,178,263   75.87% $11,864,762  $13,133,933   92.56%
                        
Total Cash  2,120,389   2,120,389   19.67%  1,515,005   1,515,005   10.68%
                        
Total Investments and Cash $10,429,714 $10,298,652   95.54% $13,379,767  $14,648,938   103.24%

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

 

 

- 9 -

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20192020

 

Investments (1) Investment
Type (5)
 Interest
Rate (2)(6)
 Expiration
Date (7)
 Shares/Units  Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Equity Investments                                
Advertising                                
Creative Realities, Inc. Warrants (8) n/a 12/28/2020  35,714  $  $   0.00% $  $  $—
                               
Consumer                                
Tzfat Spirits of Israel, LLC LLC Membership Units (8) n/a n/a  55,000   101,019   15,000          86,019  (86,019)
             101,019   15,000   0.15%     86,019  (86,019)
Financial                              
Manning & Napier, Inc. Common Stock n/a n/a  86,700   188,969   150,858          38,111  (38,111)
             188,969   150,858   1.50%     38,111  (38,111)
Healthcare                                
Reshape Life Sciences Inc. Warrants (8) n/a 8/16/2024  67,860   679             679  (679)
             679      0.00%     679  (679)
Information Technology                                
Kwikbit Inc. (fka MAX 4G) Preferred Stock (8) n/a n/a  300,000   150,000   300,000       150,000     150,000
             150,000   300,000   2.98%  150,000     150,000
Leisure & Hospitality                                
DBR Enclave US Investors, LLC LLC Units n/a n/a  369,200   369,200   369,200            
             369,200   369,200   3.67%       
Oil & Gas                              
Northern Capital Partners I, LP Limited Partnership Units (8) n/a n/a  550,000   550,000   150,000          400,000  (400,000)
             550,000   150,000   1.49%     400,000  (400,000)
Publishing                                
Educational Development Corp. Common Stock n/a n/a  122,304   616,503   755,839   7.50%  150,106   10,770  139,336
                                 
Total Equity Investments            1,976,370   1,740,897   17.29%  300,106   535,579  (235,473)
                                 
Total Cash            8,066,656   8,066,656   80.12%       
                                 
Total Investments and Cash           $10,043,026  $9,807,553   97.41% $300,106  $535,579  ($235,473)
Investment / Industry Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Short-Term Non-banking Loans            
Consumer - 20% secured loans $400,000  $400,000   3.44%
Financial - 44% secured loans  400,000   400,000   3.44%
Financial - 36% secured loans  500,000   500,000   4.30%
Real Estate - 15% secured loans            
Alatus Development, LLC  1,250,000   1,250,000   10.74%
Other  239,000   239,000   2.05%
Total Short-Term Non-Banking Loans  2,789,000   2,789,000   23.97%
             
Common Stock            
Consumer            
Ammo, Inc.  1,750,000   3,300,000   28.34%
             
Preferred Stock            
Information Technology  150,000   300,000   2.58%
             
Warrants            
Healthcare  679      0.00%
             
Other Equity            
Leisure & Hospitality  278,897   278,897   2.40%
             
Total Investments $4,968,576  $6,667,897   57.30%
             
Total Cash  5,440,579   5,440,579   46.74%
             
Total Investments and Cash $10,409,155  $12,108,476   104.04%

 

(1)All investments and all cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents are “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 unless indicated to the contrary in the table or by footnote.
(2)Interest is presented on a per annum basis.
(5)In the case of warrants, warrants provide for the right to purchase common equity of the issuer.
(6)In the case of preferred stock, this represents the right to annual cumulative dividends calculated on a per annum basis.
(7)In the case of warrants, purchase rights under the warrants will expire at the close of business on this date.
(8)Investment is not an income-producing investment.
At December 31, 2019, aggregate non-qualifying assets represented approximately 0.9% of our total assets.
At December 31, 2019, the estimated net unrealized loss for federal tax purposes was $58,586, based on a tax cost basis of $1,799,483.
At December 31, 2019, the estimated aggregate gross unrealized gain for federal income tax purposes was $300,106 and the estimated aggregate gross unrealized loss for federal income tax purposes was $358,692

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

- 10 -

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2020

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

In this report, we generally refer to Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. in the first person “we.” On occasion, we refer to our company in the third person as “Mill City Ventures” or the “Company.” The Company follows accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards (“ASC”) 946.

 

We were incorporated in Minnesota in January 2006. On February 7,Until December 13, 2012, we were a development-stage company that focused on promoting and placing a proprietary poker game online and into casinos and entertainment facilities nationwide. In 2013, we filed Form N-54Aelected to become a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 Act.(the “1940 Act”). We operated as a BDC until we withdrew our election to be treated as a BDC by filing a Form N-54C with SECelection on December 27, 2019. As of the time of this filing, we remain a public reporting company that files periodic reports with the SEC,SEC. We offer short-term specialty finance solutions primarily to private businesses, small-cap public companies and high-net-worth individuals. To avoid regulation under the 1940 Act, we generally seek to structure our investments so they do not constitute “investment securities” for purposes of federal securities law, and we are seeking opportunities to invest in short-term non-bank lending and specialty finance. Nevertheless, any investment we make in business will be limited and structured in suchmonitor our investments as a way aswhole to ensure that no more than 40% of our total assets may consist of investment securities.

Because we operated as a BDC or investment company from 2013 through December 27, 2019, the comparative financial statements for the periods during or ending on December 31, 2019 in this report reflect our operations as a business development company, or “BDC,” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). During that time, we were primarily focused on investing in or lending to privately held and small capitalization publicly traded U.S. companies, and making managerial assistance available to such companies. A majority of our investments by dollar amount were structured as purchases of preferred or common stock or loans evidenced by promissory notes that may have been convertible into stock by their terms or that may have been accompanied by the issuance to us of warrants or similar rights to purchase stock. Our investment objective was to generate income and capital appreciation that ultimately became realized gains.

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation: OurThe accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements of Mill City Ventures have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine monthsquarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020.2021.

 

The condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 20192020 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

 

Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management and our independent board membersBoard of Directors to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and the differences could be material. For more information, see the “Valuation of portfolio investments” caption below, and “Note 4 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments” below. We present our financial statements asThe Company is an investment company following accounting and reporting guidance in ASC 946.

 

Cash deposits: We maintain our cash balances in financial institutions and with regulated financial investment brokers. Cash on deposit in excess of FDIC and similar coverage is subject to the usual banking risk of funds in excess of those limits.

 

Valuation of portfolio investments: We carry our investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices provided by independent pricing services, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative price sources. In the absence of quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative price sources, investments wereare measured at fair value as determined by our Board of Directors, or by the Valuation Committee of our Board of Directors, based on, among other things, the input of our executive management, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and any independent third-party valuation experts that may have beenbe engaged by management to assist in the valuation of our portfolio investments, but in all cases consistent with our written valuation policies and procedures.

- 11 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2020

 

Due to the inherent uncertainties of valuation, certain estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realized had a ready market for these investments existed, and these differences could be material. In addition, such investments are generally less liquid than publicly traded securities. If we were required to liquidate a portfolioan investment in a forced or liquidation sale, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded it.

 

- 11 -

Accounting guidance establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability of inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. Observable inputs must be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based upon the best information available. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are to be categorized into one of the three hierarchy levels based on the relative observability of inputs used in the valuation. The three levels are defined as follows:

·Level 1: Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·Level 2: Observable inputs based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.

·Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about what inputs a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.

Our valuation policy and procedures: Under our valuation policies and procedures, we evaluate the source of inputs, including any markets in which our investments are trading, and then apply the resulting information in determining fair value. For our Level 1 investment assets, our valuation policy generally requires us to use a market approach, considering the last quoted closing price of a security we own that is listed on a securities exchange, and in a case where a security we own is listed on an over-the-counter market, to average the last quoted bid and ask price on the most active market on which the security is quoted. In the case of traded debt securities the prices for which are not readily available, we may value those securities using a present value approach, at their weighted-average yield to maturity.

The estimated fair value of our Level 3 investment assets is determined on a quarterly basis by our Board of Directors, pursuant to our written Valuation Policy and Procedures. These policies and procedures generally require that we value our Level 3 equity investments at fair market value, unless circumstances warrant a different approach. Our Valuation Policy and Procedures provide examples of these circumstances, such as when a company in which we have invested has engaged in a subsequent financing of more than a de minimis size involving sophisticated investors (in which case we may use the price involved in that financing as a determinative input absent other known factors), or when a company is engaged in the process of a transaction that we determine is reasonably likely to occur (in which case we may use the price involved in the pending transaction as a determinative input absent other known factors). Other situations identified in our Valuation Policy and Procedures that may serve as input supporting a change in the valuation of our Level 3 equity investments include (i) a third-party valuation conducted by an independent and qualified professional, (ii) changes in the performance of long-term financial prospects of the company, (iii) a subsequent financing that changes the distribution rights associated with the equity security we hold, or (iv) sale transactions involving comparable companies, but only if further supported by a third-party valuation conducted by an independent and qualified professional.

When valuing preferred equity investments, we generally view intrinsic value as a key input. Intrinsic value means the value of any conversion feature (if the preferred investment is convertible) or the value of any liquidation or other preference. Discounts to intrinsic value may be applied in cases where the issuer’s financial condition is impaired or, in cases where intrinsic value relating to a conversion is determined to be a key input, to account for resale restrictions applicable to the securities issuable upon conversion.

When valuing warrants, our Valuation Policy and Procedures indicate that value will generally be the difference between closing price of the underlying equity security and the exercise price, after applying an appropriate discount for restriction, if applicable, in situations where the underlying security is marketable. If the underlying security is not marketable, then intrinsic value will be considered consistent with the principles described above. Generally, “out-of-the-money” warrants will be valued at cost or zero.

For non-traded (Level 3) debt investments with a residual maturity less than or equal to 60 days, the value will generally be based on a present value approach, considering the straight-line amortized face value of the debt unless justification for impairment exists. The fair value for short-term non-banking loans is determined as the present value of future contractual cash flows discounted at an interest rate that reflects the risks inherent to those cash flows. The discount ranges from 14% to 47% and approximate rates currently observed in publicly traded debt markets for debt of similar terms to companies with comparable credit risk.

On a quarterly basis, our management provides members of our Board of Directors with (i) valuation reports for each investment (which reports include our cost, the most recent prior valuation and any current proposed valuation, and an indication of the valuation methodology used, together with any other supporting materials); (ii) Mill City Ventures’ bank and other statements pertaining to our cash and cash equivalents; (iii) quarter- or period-end statements from our custodial firms holding any of our investments; and (iv) recommendations to change any existing valuations of our investments or hierarchy levels for purposes of determining the fair value of such investments based upon the foregoing. The board or committee then discusses these materials and, consistent with the policies and approaches outlined above, makes final determinations respecting the valuation and hierarchy levels of our investments.

We made no changes to our Valuation Policy and Procedures during the reporting period other than to have our entire Board of Directors involved in implementing and discharging those policies and procedures.

- 12 -

Income taxes: Due to our change in business model, we now

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements.   Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event we were to determine we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federalFederal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  We believe we have no significant unrecognized tax positions.  Our evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2016 through 2019, which are the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of September 30, 2020.  We doThe Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months. Our evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2017 through 2020, which are the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of June 30, 2021.

 

Prior to the business model change in 2019, we operated as a BDC under the 1940 Act.  As such, we planned to be taxed as a regulated investment company, or “RIC”. Compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs required us to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to shareholders. Our intention was to distribute (or retain through a deemed distribution) all of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain, therefore we made no provision for income taxes prior to 2019. Book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder dividends and distributions and other permanent book and tax differences were reclassified to paid-in capital.  For more information of the current year provision, see Note 6, “Income Taxes.”

Revenue recognition: Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated using the specific investment method.

 

Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts from and premiums to par value on securities or other instruments purchased are accreted or amortized, as applicable, into interest income over the life of the related security using the effective-yield method. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more, or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Loan origination fees are recognized when loans are issued. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past-due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. We may make exceptions to the policy described above if a loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

 

Dividend income on preferred equity securities is recorded as dividend income on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolioa company in which we have invested and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity securities is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.

 

Certain investments may have contractual payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest or dividends. PIK represents accrued interest or accumulated dividends that are added to the loan principal or stated value of the investment on the respective interest- or dividend-payment dates rather than being paid in cash, and generally becomes due at maturity or upon being repurchased by the issuer. PIK interest or dividends is recorded as interest or dividend income, as applicable. If at any point we believe that PIK interest or dividends is not expected be realized, the PIK-generating investment will be placed on non-accrual status. Accrued PIK interest or dividends are generally reversed through interest or dividend income, respectively, when an investment in placed on non-accrual status.

 

- 12 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2020

Allocation of net gains and losses: All income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any investment are allocated in a manner proportionate to the shares owned.

Allocation of net gains and losses: All income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any investment are allocated in a manner proportionate to the shares owned.

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements: pronouncements

In August 2018,December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework – Changes2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 is intended to simplify accounting for income taxes. It removes certain exceptions to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. Thisgeneral principles in Topic 740 and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among other changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average of significant observable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period. The amendments in this ASU are2019-12 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlywhich is fiscal 2021 for us, with early adoption is permitted upon issuance of the ASU.permitted. The adoption of the ASU effective January 1, 20202021 did not have a material impact on ourthe Company’s financial statements.

 

- 13 -

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS

 

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolioinvestments by major class, at amortized cost and fair value, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2021 (together with the corresponding percentage of the fair value of our total investments):

  As of June 30, 2021 
  Investments at
Amortized Cost
  Percentage of
Amortized Cost
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $10,869,083   91.6% $10,863,333   82.7%
Preferred Stock  150,000   1.3   300,000   2.3 
Common Stock  245,000   2.1   1,370,600   10.4 
Warrants  679          
Other Equity  600,000   5.0   600,000   4.6 
Total $11,864,762   100.0% $13,133,933   100.0%

The following table shows the composition of our investments by major class, at amortized cost and fair value, as of December 31, 2020 (together with the corresponding percentage of the fair value of our total portfolio of investments):

 

  As of September 30, 2020 
  Investments at
Amortized Cost
  Percentage of
Amortized Cost
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $5,539,000   66.7% $5,539,000   67.7%
Preferred Stock  150,000   1.8   300,000   3.7 
Common Stock  1,778,606   21.4   2,048,223   25.0 
Warrants  679          
Other Equity  841,040   10.1   291,040   3.6 
Total $8,309,325   100.0% $8,178,263   100.0%

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolio by major class, at amortized cost and fair value, as of December 31, 2019 (together with the corresponding percentage of the fair value of our total portfolio of investments):

  As of December 31, 2019 
  Investments at
Amortized Cost
  Percentage of
Amortized Cost
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Preferred Stock $150,000   7.6% $300,000   17.2%
Common Stock  805,472   40.8   906,697   52.1 
Warrants  679          
Other Equity  1,020,219   51.6   534,200   30.7 
Total $1,976,370   100.0% $1,740,897   100.0%

- 13 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2020
  As of December 31, 2020 
  Investments at
Amortized Cost
  Percentage of
Amortized Cost
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $2,789,000   56.2% $2,789,000   41.8%
Preferred Stock  150,000   3.0   300,000   4.5 
Common Stock  1,750,000   35.2   3,300,000   49.5 
Warrants  679          
Other Equity  278,897   5.6   278,897   4.2 
Total $4,968,576   100.0% $6,667,897   100.0%

 

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolioinvestments by industry grouping, based on fair value as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020:2021:

 

 As of September 30, 2020  As of June 30, 2021 
 Investments at
Fair Value
 Percentage of
Fair Value
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Business Services $32,223   0.4%
Consumer  2,416,000   29.5  $1,770,600   13.5%
Financial  1,900,000   23.2   6,813,333   51.8 
Information Technology  300,000   3.7   300,000   2.3 
Leisure & Hospitality  291,040   3.6 
Oil & Gas      
Real Estate  3,239,000   39.6   4,250,000   32.4 
      
Total $8,178,263   100.0% $13,133,933   100.0%

 

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolioinvestments by industry grouping, based on fair value as of December 31, 2019:2020:

 

 As of December 31, 2019  As of December 31, 2020 
 Investments at
Fair Value
 Percentage of
Fair Value
  Investments at
Fair Value
 Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Consumer $15,000   0.9% $3,700,000   55.5%
Financial  150,858   8.7   900,000   13.5 
Information Technology  300,000   17.2   300,000   4.5 
Leisure & Hospitality  369,200   21.2   278,897   4.2 
Oil & Gas  150,000   8.6 
Publishing  755,839   43.4 
Real Estate  1,489,000   22.3 
Total $1,740,897   100.0% $6,667,897   100.0%

 

We do not “control,” and we are not an “affiliate” of (as each of those terms is defined in the 1940 Act), any of our portfolio companies as of September 30, 2020.

- 14 -

 

NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

General information: Accounting guidance establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability of inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. Observable inputs must be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based upon the best information available. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are to be categorized into one of the three hierarchy levels based on the relative observability of inputs used in the valuation. The three levels are defined as follows:

·Level 1: Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·Level 2: Observable inputs based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.

·Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about what inputs a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.

- 14 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2020

Level 3 valuation information: Due to the inherent uncertainty in the valuation process, the estimate of the fair value of our investment portfolioinvestments as of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 may differ materially from values that would have been used had a readily available market for the securities or investments existed.

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of our portfolio investments by major class, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, according to the fair value hierarchy:

 

 As of September 30, 2020  As of June 30, 2021 
 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $  $  $5,539,000  $5,539,000  $  $  $10,863,333  $10,863,333 
Preferred Stock          300,000   300,000           300,000   300,000 
Common Stock  32,223   2,016,000      2,048,223   1,370,600         1,370,600 
Warrants                        
Other Equity        291,040   291,040         600,000   600,000 
Total $32,223  $2,016,000  $6,130,040  $8,178,263  $1,370,600  $  $11,763,333  $13,133,933 

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of our portfolio investments by major class, as of December 31, 2019,2020, according to the fair value hierarchy:

  As of December 31, 2019 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Preferred Stock $  $  $300,000  $300,000 
Common Stock  906,697         906,697 
Warrants            
Other Equity        534,200   534,200 
Total $906,697  $  $834,200  $1,740,897 

  As of December 31, 2020 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $  $  $2,789,000  $2,789,000 
Preferred Stock        300,000   300,000 
Common Stock  3,300,000         3,300,000 
Warrants            
Other Equity        278,897   278,897 
Total $3,300,000  $  $3,367,897  $6,667,897 

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending fair value balances for our Level 3 portfolio investment assets for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020:2021:

 

  For the nine months ended September 30, 2020    
  ST Non-banking
Loans
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Warrants  Other Equity 
                
Balance as of January 1, 2020 $  $300,000  $  $  $534,200 
Net change in unrealized depreciation              (164,000)
Purchases and other adjustments to cost  5,793,000             
Sales and redemptions  (254,000)           (79,160)
Net realized gain (loss)                   —              —    
Balance as of June 30, 2020 $5,539,000  $300,000  $  $  $291,040 
  For the six months ended June 30, 2021    
  ST Non-banking
Loans
  Preferred
Stock
  Common
Stock
  Warrants  Other Equity 
Balance as of January 1, 2021 $2,789,000  $300,000  $  $  $278,897 
Net change in unrealized appreciation               
Purchases and other adjustments to cost  12,513,333            600,000 
Sales and redemptions  (4,439,000)           (278,897)
Net realized loss               
Balance as of June 30, 2021 $10,863,333  $300,000  $  $  $600,000 

 

The net change in unrealized depreciationappreciation for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 attributable to Level 3 portfolio investments still held as of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 is $150,000.

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2020$0, and is included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments on the statement of operations.

 

The following table lists our Level 3 investments held as of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and the unobservable inputs used to determine their valuation:

 

Security Type9/30/20 FMV Valuation TechniqueUnobservable InputsRange 6/30/21 FMV  Valuation Technique Unobservable Inputs Range
ST Non-banking Loans$5,539,000 discounted cash flowdetermining private company credit rating14-52% $10,863,333  discounted cash flow determining private company interest rate based on credit  12-47%
Other Equity 291,040 last secured funding known by companyeconomic changes since purchase14-16%  600,000  last secured funding known by company economic changes since last funding   
  discounted cash flow illiquidity of companycash flow based on oil market price per barrel
economic changes since last funding
$20 - $40 per barrel
Preferred Stock 300,000 last funding secured by companyeconomic changes since last funding   300,000  last funding secured by company economic changes since last funding   
$6,130,040    $11,763,333        

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending fair value balances for our Level 3 portfolio investment assets for the year ended December 31, 2019:2020:

  For the year ended December 31, 2019 
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Warrants  Other Equity 
             
Balance as of January 1, 2019 $1,014,258  $3,136,432  $  $1,013,629 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  12,478   (2,848,275)     (348,629)
Purchases and other adjustments to cost            
Sales and redemptions  (726,691)  (3,341,639)  (128,775)  (130,800)
Net realized gain (loss)  (45)  3,053,482   128,775    
Balance as of December 31, 2019 $300,000  $  $  $534,200 

  For the year ended December 31, 2020    
  ST Non-banking
Loans
  Preferred
Stock
  Common
Stock
  Warrants  Other Equity 
Balance as of January 1, 2020 $  $300,000  $  $  $534,200 
Net change in unrealized appreciation              486,018 
Purchases and other adjustments to cost  7,543,000             
Sales and redemptions  (4,754,000)           (91,313)
Net realized loss              (650,008)
Balance as of December 31, 2020 $2,789,000  $300,000  $  $  $278,897 

 

The net change in unrealized depreciation for the year ended December 31, 20192020 attributable to Level 3 portfolio investments still held as of December 31, 2019 was $348,629,2020 is $0, and is included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments on the statement of operations.

 

The following table lists our Level 3 investments held as of December 31, 20192020 and the unobservable inputs used to determine their valuation:

 

Security Type12/31/19 FMVValuation TechniqueUnobservable InputsRange
Other Equity$384,200   last secured funding known by companyeconomic changes since last funding
150,000   discounted cash flowcash flow based on oil market price per barrel$35 - $45 per barrel
Preferred Stock300,000   last funding secured by companyeconomic changes since last funding
$834,200   
Security Type 12/31/20 FMV  Valuation Technique Unobservable Inputs Range
ST Non-banking Loans $2,789,000  discounted cash flow determining private company interest rate based on credit  14-44%
Other Equity  278,897  last secured funding known by company economic changes since purchase   
Preferred Stock  300,000  last funding secured by company economic changes since last funding   
  $3,367,897        

 

NOTE 5 – RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

FromWe maintain a Code of Ethics and certain other policies relating to conflicts of interest and related-party transactions, as well as policies and procedures relating to what regulations applicable. Nevertheless, from time to time we may hold investments in portfolio companies in which certain members of our management, our Board of Directors, or significant shareholders of ours, are also directly or indirectly invested. Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy to require our disclosure of these instances in our periodic filings with the SEC. Our only related-party transactionstransaction requiring disclosure under this policy are:relates to an August 10, 2018 loan transaction we entered into with Elizabeth Zbikowski. Ms. Zbikowski, along with her husband Scott Zbikowski, owns approximately 1,765,000 shares of our common stock. In the transaction, we obtained a two-year promissory note in the principal amount of $250,000. The promissory note was subsequently amended such that it matures in August 2021. The note bears interest payable monthly at the rate of 10% per annum and is secured by the debtors’ pledge to us of 625,000 shares of our common stock. The pledged shares are held in physical custody for us by our custodial agent Millennium Trust Company.

 

·Mr. Joseph A. Geraci, II, our Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Douglas M. Polinsky, our Chief Executive Officer, hold direct and indirect interests in the common stock of Southern Plains Resources, Inc. (SPR), a company in which we made investments in common stock in each of March and July 2013. The company disposed of their investment in SPR in 2019.

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2020

·On August 10, 2018, we entered into a loan transaction with a shareholder and her spouse who own approximately 1,500,000 shares of our common stock. In the transaction, we obtained a two-year promissory note in the principal amount of $250,000. The promissory note bears interest payable monthly at the rate of 10% per annum. The note is secured by the debtors pledge to us of 625,000 shares of our common stock. The pledged shares are held in physical custody for us by our custodial agent Milliennium Trust Company.

NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES

 

Prior to December 27, 2019, before we withdrew our election to be treated as a BDC, we planned to be taxed as a regulated investment company (RIC). Compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs required us to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to shareholders. Our intention was to distribute (or retain through a deemed distribution) all of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain, therefore we have made no provision for income taxes prior to December 27, 2019. Ultimately, we never elected to be a RIC. As of December 27, 2019,Presently, we are a C-Corporation for tax purposes. Income taxes as of September 30, 2020 arepurposes and have booked an income tax provision for the periods described below.

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, we maintainedhave a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assetsliability of $384,059$363,000 and $446,000,$258,000, respectively. Our determination of the realizable deferred tax assets and liabilities requires the exercise of significant judgment, based in part on business plans and expectations about future outcomes. In the event the actual results differ from these estimates in future periods, we may need to adjust the valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations. We will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance in future periods. Because

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As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 we had accrued income taxes of $920,000 and $13,722 respectively. We recorded income taxes of approximately $349,000 (28.9 percent effective tax rate) and $0 (0 percent effective tax rate) during the three months ended June 20, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively. We recorded income taxes of approximately $1,011,000 (28.8 percent effective tax rate) and $0 (0 percent effective tax rate) during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively. Due to the full valuation allowance,allowances in periods prior to December 31, 2020, our effective tax rate iswas expected to be near 0% andzero percent, therefore the income tax accruals and expense iswere not material for any periodthose prior periods presented.

 

As of September 30,December 31, 2020, we had a federal NOL of approximately $298,065.$371,000. The federal NOL is expected to be completely used and offset taxable income by June 30, 2021. The federal NOL may be carried forward to offset future taxable income, subject to applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Certain NOLs will expire in years 2036 and 2037. Due to tax reform enacted in 2017, NOLs created after 2017 carry forward indefinitely. The estimated federal NOL that does not expire included in the total above is $356,000. States may vary in their treatment of post-2017 NOLs. We havelost some state NOL carryforwards arising from both combinedwhen we filed final 2019 tax returns in several states. The remaining state NOLs are expected to be completely used and separate filings.offset taxable income by June 30, 2021. The remaining state NOL carryforwards may expire in 2036 and 2037.2037 if not used.

 

NOTE 7 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had 10,696,73510,790,413 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

On May 6,December 8, 2020 we repurchased and retired 100,000 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $0.50.

On May 19, 2020, we repurchased and retired 270,667 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $0.40.

On February 15, 2019, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a special cash dividend of $0.05 per common share. The dividend was paid on March 15, 2019January 4, 2021 to stockholdersshareholders of record as of the close of business on March 8, 2019.December 21, 2020.

 

NOTE 8 – PER-SHARE INFORMATION

 

Basic net gain per common share is computed by dividing net increase in net assets resulting from operations by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share is set forth below:

 

 For the Three Months Ended September 30,  For the Three Months Ended June 30, 
 2020 2019  2021 2020 
Numerator: Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $583,344  $(345,286)
Numerator: Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $781,506  $593,370 
Denominator: Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  10,696,735   11,067,402   10,790,413   10,882,039 
Basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share $0.05  $(0.03) $0.07  $0.05 

 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2020

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2020  2019 
Numerator:  Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $894,796  $(482,116)
Denominator:  Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  10,881,382   11,067,402 
Basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share $0.08  $(0.04)

We do not have any common stock equivalents outstanding during the periods presented.

  For the Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2021  2020 
Numerator:  Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $2,526,548  $311,452 
Denominator:  Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  10,788,175   10,974,721 
Basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share $0.23  $0.03 

 

NOTE 9 – OPERATING LEASES

 

On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842), and its amendments and elected the effective date transition method. We are subject to two non-cancelable operating leases for office space expiring March 31, 2022. These leases do not have significant lease escalations, holidays, concessions, leasehold improvements, or other build-out clauses. Further, the leases do not contain contingent rent provisions. The leases do not include options to renew.

 

Because our lease does not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of the lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease. The weighted averageweighted-average discount rate as of December 31, 20192020 was 4.5% and the weighted averageweighted-average remaining lease term is 2 years.one year.

 

Under ASC 840, rent expense for office facilities for the three and nine months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 was $16,562$16,337 and $49,693,$16,569, respectively. Rent expense for office facilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $16,384 and $57,250, respectively.

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The components of our operating lease were as follows for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020:2021:

 

 Three Months Nine Months 
 Ended Ended  Three Months
Ended
 Six Months
Ended
 
 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2020  June 30, 2021  June 30, 2021 
Operating lease costs $4,779  $14,337  $4,779  $9,558 
Variable lease cost  4,351   13,059   4,125   8,603 
Short-term lease cost  7,432   22,297   7,433   14,865 
Total $16,562  $49,693  $16,337  $33,026 

 

Variable lease costs consist primarilySupplemental balance sheet information consisted of property taxes, insurance and common area or other maintenance costs for our leased facility.the following at June 30, 2021:

 

2020 $5,138 
2021  21,162 
2022  5,449 
Total lease payments  31,749 
Less: interest  (880)
Present value of lease liabilities $30,869 
Operating Lease    
Right-of-use assets $14,279 
     
Operating Lease Liability $15,973 
Less: short term portion  (15,973)
Long term portion $ 

 

Maturity analysis under lease agreements consisted of the following as of June 30, 2021:

 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2020

  Operating
Leases
 
2021 $10,581 
2022  5,449 
Total lease payments  16,030 
Less: interest  (57)
Present value of lease liabilities $15,973 

 

NOTE 10 – FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 through 2016:2017:

 

 Nine Months Ended September 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016  2021  2020  2019  2018  2017 
Per Share Data (1)                               
Net asset value at beginning of period $0.91   1.02   0.87   0.77   0.72  $1.08   0.91   1.02   0.87   0.77 
Net investment income (loss)  0.02   (0.05)  (0.04)  (0.04)  (0.01)  0.04   0.01   (0.03)  (0.02)  (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)  0.06   0.01   0.15   0.06   (0.01)  0.28   0.02   0.02   0.09   0.04 
Provision for income taxes  (0.09)  0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00 
Repurchase of common stock  0.02         0.04      0.00   0.02   0.00   0.00   0.00 
Payment of common stock dividend     (0.05)           0.00   0.00   (0.05)  0.00   0.00 
Net asset value at end of period $1.01   0.93   0.98   0.83   0.70  $1.31   0.96   0.96   0.94   0.79 
                                        
Ratio / Supplemental Data                                        
Per share market value of investments at end of period $0.76   0.70   0.82   0.51   0.47  $1.22   0.65   0.70   0.82   0.51 
Shares outstanding at end of period  10,696,735   11,067,402   11,067,402   12,151,493   12,151,493   10,790,413   10,696,735   11,067,402   11,067,402   12,151,493 
Average weighted shares outstanding for the period  10,881,382   11,067,402   11,067,402   12,151,493   12,151,493   10,788,175   10,974,721   11,067,402   11,067,402   12,151,493 
Net assets at end of period $10,805,062   10,588,689   11,278,889   9,555,551   8,354,165  $14,188,588   10,221,718   10,588,689   11,278,889   9,555,551 
Average net assets (2) $10,220,482   12,304,975   9,955,674   9,504,851   8,670,320  $13,073,718   10,025,622   12,304,975   9,955,674   9,504,851 
Total investment return  8.79%  (8.82)%  12.64%  2.60%  (2.78)%  21.30%  3.30%  (5.88)%  8.05%  2.60%
Portfolio turnover rate (3)  18.18%  7.11%  11.55%  11.87%  11.90%  75.65%  11.90%  7.11%  11.55%  11.87%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets (3)  (6.49)%  (7.70)%  (6.98)%  (7.38)%  (3.30)%  (11.72)%  (9.41)%  (7.70)%  (6.98)%  (7.38)%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (3)  3.35%  (6.40)%  (5.53)%  (5.89)%  (2.86)%  6.88%  3.02%  (6.40)%  (5.53)%  (5.89)%
Ratio of realized gains (losses) to average net assets (3)  7.06%  57.36%  (12.79)%  16.51%  (12.02)%  61.92%  4.06%  57.36%  (12.79)%  16.51%

- 18 -

 

(1)Per-share data was derived using the ending number of shares outstanding for the period.

(2)Based on the monthly average of net assets as of the beginning and end of each period presented.

(3)Ratios are annualized.

 

NOTE 11 GENERAL UNCERTAINTYGeneral Uncertainty

 

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic. As a result, economic uncertainties and market volatility have arisen which are likely to negatively impact our investment valuations and net increase or decrease in net assets resulting from operations. Other financial impacts could occur though such potential impact is unknowndifficult to determine at this time.

 

NOTE 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTSSubsequent Events

 

On October 26, 2020, the BoardAugust 2, 2021, Tailwind Real Estate, LLC pre-paid in full all of Directors approved a stock repurchase programtheir obligations owing to us, including $3,000,000 of up to $400,000loan principal provided at March 31, 2021, and $18,500 of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock.  Repurchases, if any, are expected to begin two complete trading days after the filing with the SEC of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020, and may be completed in public or private transactions.  The repurchase program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares, and may be suspended from time to time in accordance with the Company's insider trading policy and existing best practices, or it may be discontinued.  Repurchases completed under the program are expected to be funded from available working capital.

- 19 -

accrued but unpaid interest thereon.

 

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, the comparisons presented in this MD&A refer to the same period in the prior year. Our MD&A is presented in seven sections:

 

·Overview

·Portfolio and Investment Activity

·Results of Operations

·Financial Condition

·Critical Accounting Estimates

·Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

·Forward Looking Statements

 

OVERVIEW

 

Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. was incorporated in the State of Minnesota on January 10, 2006. In this report, we generally refer to Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. in the first person “we.” On occasion, we refer to our company in the third person as “Mill City Ventures” or the “company.”

 

We provide non-bank lending and specialty finance to companies and individuals on both a secured and unsecured basis. The significant majority by dollar amount of loans we provide typically have maturities that range from 9 to 12 months and may involve a pledge of collateral or, in the case of loans made to companies, personal guarantees by the principals of the borrower. Our loans may be made for real estate acquisitions, renovation and sale; other real estate projects; title loans; cash inventory needs;needs: receivables financing (e.g., factoring or similar); inventory financing, or for other purposes. We intend to remain opportunistic, however, and may engage in transactions that involve other rights (such as stock, warrants or other equity-linked investments) or that are structured differently or uniquely. Our business objective is to generate revenues from the interest and fees we charge, and capital appreciation from any related investments we make.

 

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Our principal sources of income are interest, dividends and other fees associated with lending such as origination fees, closing fees or exit fees. We may also receive reimbursement of legal costs associated with loan documentation. Our statement of operations also reflect increases and decreases in the carrying value of our asset and investments (i.e. unrealized appreciation and depreciation). Our principal expenses relate to operating expenses, the largest components of which are generally professional fees, payroll, occupancy, and insurance expenses.

 

Our MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, as well as our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other publicly available information. All amounts herein are unaudited. In addition, the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in the context of this overview. Furthermore, we are including a full description of our business in this report.

 

PORTFOLIO AND BUSINESS

Overview

Mill City Ventures III, Ltd, (the “Company” or “we”), is a Minnesota corporation that was incorporated in January 2006. From our inception until December 13, 2012, we were a development-stage company involved in the gaming and entertainment industry. In 2013, we elected to become a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). We operated as a BDC until we withdrew our BDC election on December 27, 2019. Since that time, we have engaged in the business of providing short-term specialty finance solutions primarily to private businesses, micro- and small-cap public companies and high-net-worth individuals. To avoid again becoming subject to regulation under the 1940 Act, we generally seek to structure our transactions so they do not constitute “investment securities” for purposes of federal securities law, and we monitor our holdings as a whole to ensure that no more than 40% of our total assets may consist of investment securities.

Descriptions

The principal specialty finance solutions we provide are high-interest short-term lending arrangements. On occasion, these lending arrangements involve us obtaining collateral as security for the borrower’s repayment of funds to us. In some circles, short-term high-interest collateralized lending is referred to as “hard-money lending.”

We believe we are generally able to charge high interest for our specialty finance solutions because (i) banks and other traditional providers of credit may have neither the expertise nor the infrastructure needed to evaluate creditworthiness and risks in a timeframe suitable for a potential borrower, preferring instead to process transactions and structures that present few novel issues or risks; and (ii) we will often be able to devote time and attention to transactions involving a smaller dollar amount than an institutional lender will view as worthwhile. These beliefs essentially explain why we refer to our business as “specialty finance”— financing that may involve structures that are unique, creative, and often bespoke; and that may involve dollar amounts that are not suitable for institutional lenders.

We generally provide specialty finance solutions that are short-term in nature. By this, we mean lending arrangements that mature or come due within nine months of the lending date. We view the provision of short-term finance as desirable for two principal reasons. First, short-term lending requires a potential borrower to identify for us a near-term source of repayment for the funds they borrow from us. This permits us to evaluate that source of repayment clearly and carefully, thus helping identify the potential risks involved in a particular transaction and how we may be able to include structural terms that mitigate these risks. Second, short-term lending permits us to avail ourselves of a court-recognized exception for treating promissory notes (evidencing a loan) as “investment securities” under federal securities law. In sum, this exception generally applies to promissory notes with short-term maturities of nine months. Our ability to avail ourselves of this exception, and to more generally structure our transactions in such a way as to avoid them being properly considered as “investment securities” under federal securities laws, is important to our ability to avoid once again becoming subject to regulation under the 1940 Act. Below we discuss our process for evaluating transactional terms and structures with a view to remaining outside of the regulatory regime of the 1940 Act (please refer to “Investment Process” below).

Examples of the kinds of the specialty finance solutions we have considered or provided to date, and may continue to provide in the future, include:

Short-term secured loans for real estate development [Tailwind]

Short-term unsecured loans (with an option to acquire collateral security) to a business [DCP]

Short-term secured loans to a business for operating capital [Alatus]

Short-term secured loans to an individual owed a forthcoming tax refund

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In addition, we are presently evaluating our ability to enter into other kinds of short-term specialty finance transactions. Examples include the expansion of our efforts to purchase adjudicated settlements, the purchase (at discounted rates) of receivables owing to professionals on account of certain workers’ compensation claim, and short-term consumer finance lending.

Sourcing Transactions

We believe that our management’s strong combination of experience and contacts in the investment sector, including the experience and contacts of our independent directors, should be sufficient to continue attracting suitable prospective investment opportunities. To date, the network of contacts of our management and directors has been successful thus far in sourcing all of the transactions in which we have participated. Accordingly, we presently do not have any plans to hire any business development professionals to assist us with transactional volume.

Competition

The market for specialty finance is competitive, largely as a result of the participation of various types of professionally managed pooled investment funds (e.g., hedge funds, debt/mezzanine debt funds, private equity funds) seeking the high returns that are possible in specialty finance and hard-money lending.

Nevertheless, we believe we are well positioned to compete successfully due to our flexibility and creativity with our transactional structures and terms. We expect to continue to have significant flexibility in selecting and structuring our transactions. In part, this is because we will not be subject to many of the regulatory limitations that govern traditional or institutional lenders. We believe this will afford us broad latitude as to the nature of the transactions in which we may participate, and the specific terms to which we may agree. We believe that this flexible approach to structuring our transactions and investments will facilitate positive, long-term relationships with our borrowers. In addition, the freedom afforded to us through the lack of substantive regulation governing the types of transactions we enter into and our methods of operation in general permits us to allocate resources to those types of transactions that we believe may lead to the highest risk-adjusted returns or the steadiest stream of such returns.

The only significant limitation on our ability to flexibly structure transactions arises from our desire to remain outside the regulations of the 1940 Act. In order to meet this goal, we intend and aim to structure the vast majority of our transactions (by dollar amount) in ways such that they are not properly considered investment securities under federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act.

Finally, we believe we are able to manage the evaluation and due-diligence process swiftly and efficiently, largely as a result of our management team’s diverse experience in transactional finance.

Other Matters

We do not believe that we are dependent in any material way on any particular borrower, type of specialty finance transaction, or industry.

We do not own or use through license any patents, trademarks, or other intellectual properties and we do not believe that any such assets would be material to our business.

Sometimes the types of transactions we engage in are governed by particular laws, regulations, or rules. For example, lending transactions in which high-net-worth individuals are the borrower will nearly always involve state law usury limitations. Transactions in which we seek and obtain collateral as security for obligations owed to us involve legal issues arising under the Uniform Commercial Code or its various state law iterations. To date, we have not engaged in transactions that require us to obtain licensure or a permit prior to entering into the transaction—e.g., brokering transactions or engaging in licensed consumer finance activities.

Pending the consummation of transactions and deployment of cash, we generally keep the majority of our assets in cash, cash equivalents such as money-market investments, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

Our Investment Process

We have identified several criteria that we believe are generally important guidelines for us to meet our financial objectives. These criteria are, however, only general guidelines for our investment decisions and, in the case of some transactions in which we invest, fewer than all—or even none—of these criteria will be met.

Existing Liquidity Source. Because the vast majority of our transactions involve short-term maturities, we typically seek to identify a liquidity source for the borrower to repay us. Examples of sources of potential liquidity may include accounts receivable, another valuable asset, or a pending payment (e.g., a tax refund, or a litigation judgment or settlement payment) that is reasonably expected to pay out prior to the maturity of the credit we provide.

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Collateral Value. We will often, but not always, seek to collateralize the obligations owing to us. Our ability to identify valuable collateral is a significant factor in our credit analysis and determination of the attractiveness of a potential transaction. This analysis will often involve legal counsel, both to assist in the identification of potential collateral assets, and to better understand the ease with a security interest in the collateral may be granted, perfected and, if necessary, foreclosed upon and the relevant jurisdiction(s) involved.

Experienced and Capable Management. In transactions involving business borrowers, we seek businesses that have an experienced, knowledgeable and capable management team.

Competitive Position. In transactions involving business borrowers, we will seek to invest in transactions with businesses that have developed, or appear poised to develop, a strong competitive position within their respective industry sector or niche.

Cash Flow. In transactions involving business borrowers, we will seek to invest in businesses that are profitable or nearly profitable on an operating cash flow basis, principally so that the business’ operating cash flow may serve as another source of liquidity from which we may ultimately be repaid.

If we believe a potential transaction generally meets the characteristics described above or if we otherwise determine that a potential transaction may be desirable to enter into, we may perform a more rigorous due-diligence examination of the prospective borrower, the likely source or sources of liquidity for their repayment to us, and other aspects of the borrower or its assets (e.g., assets of the borrower that may serve as collateral security for the obligations that may be owing to us). Our due-diligence examination for each transaction will necessarily be unique and tailored to the specific transaction, but will generally be undertaken in light of the following facts and circumstances:

our familiarity with the borrower (or, in the case of a business borrower, our familiarity with management or other persons such as directors involved with the borrower)

in the case of a business borrower, our review and assessment of the potential borrower’s financing history, as well as the likely need for additional financings after our transaction

the industry in which the borrower operates, our knowledge and familiarity with that industry, our assessment of the complexity of the business, any regulatory matters or other unique aspects presenting special risks, and the competitive landscape faced by the borrower

the amount of potential dollars involved in the potential transaction

where the borrower is located

whether we might have been involved with a transaction of the same or similar kind before

the ease with which we can evaluate the borrower’s source or sources of liquidity

the ease with which we can apprehend the process involved with taking collateral security in some or all of the borrower’s assets, and

the ease with which we could realize on that collateral if repayment were not otherwise forthcoming.

The assessments described above outlines our general approach for our investment decisions, although not all of such activities will be followed in each instance, or some may be stressed moreso than others depending on facts and circumstances. Upon successful completion of this preliminary evaluation, we will typically (1) evaluate our own regulatory concerns (i.e., to what extent the potential transaction may properly be considered an investment in an “investment security” for purposes of the 1940 Act and, if necessary, consider alternative structures to alleviate any risks to our company relating thereto), and (2) decide whether to move forward towards negotiating a letter of intent and, thereafter, definitive documentation for our transaction. Depending on timing, we may not use a letter of intent and will instead proceed directly to definitive documentation.

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As indicated above, to avoid becoming subject to the regulatory requirements of the 1940 Act, we monitor our investment holdings as a whole to ensure that investments and other holdings which may be considered “investment securities” do not comprise more than 40% of our total assets. We undertake this analysis (1) on a quarterly basis and in connection with the review and preparation of our financial statements filed as part of our quarterly and annual reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and (2) at other times when we are considering how to structure a new transaction that is of a significant size (with “significance” largely based on the outcome of our most recent quarterly review). This review is generally undertaken by our Chief Financial Officer and may involve our outside legal counsel, in particular in a case where we are considering the structure of a potential new transaction.

In general, our analysis starts with the length or duration of a potential new transaction. Although federal securities laws define “investment securities” in such a way as to include promissory notes, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Reves v. Ernst & Young, 110 S. Ct. 945 (1990), that certain kinds of promissory notes are not properly considered securities. Over time, court precedent has developed to identify these kinds of promissory notes as generally not constituting investment securities:

notes that mature in nine months or less

notes secured by a mortgage or lien on a home

notes secured by a small business or business assets

so-called “character loans” made to a bank customer

notes delivered or borrowings entered into through consumer finance

commercial loans made to businesses

loans secured by accounts receivable (e.g., factoring)

In addition to the types of financing arrangements noted above, court precedent indicates that there may be facts and circumstances surrounding the transaction that may cause other promissory notes to not be considered investment securities under federal securities laws. For example, it is presumed that a promissory note which matures in more than nine months is a “security,” but this presumption may be rebutted (with the conclusion that such a promissory note is not a properly considered a security) upon an evaluation of the following factors:

whether the borrower’s motivation is to raise money for general business use, and whether the lender’s motivation is to make a profit, including interest

whether the borrower’s plan of distribution for the promissory note resembles the plan of distribution of a security

whether the investing public reasonably expects that the note is a security

whether there is a regulatory scheme that protects the investor other than the securities laws (e.g., Federal Deposit Insurance).

While the application of these factors can be helpful in some instances, often the factors and the proper manner of weighting them are unclear. As a result, the analyses we periodically undertake focuses on the more bright-line types of lending arrangements enumerated above—i.e., promissory notes maturing in nine months or less, etc.

Our Prior Business as a BDC

The analysis of our transactions and transactional holdings is undertaken with a view to ensuring that we do not become subject to the 1940 Act. Generally from 2013 through 2019, we were governed by the 1940 Act. During that time, we were a business development company under the 1940 Act, or “BDC,” primarily focused on investing in or lending to private and small-cap public companies and making managerial assistance available to such companies. As a BDC, our investments included stock of or membership interests (typically referred to as units) in private companies, small-cap public company stocks, and promissory notes. In some cases, the stock or membership interests we acquired were preferred stock or units, and in other cases the stock or membership interests acquired were common stock or units. In connection with our investments in promissory notes, we frequently obtained warrants to purchase common stock.

In our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, revenues from our operations (as a BDC) relate to the earnings we received from our portfolio investments.

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Our Management and Employees

Currently, Mr. Douglas M. Polinsky, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors, and Joseph A. Geraci, II, our Chief Financial Officer and a director of the Company, serve as our senior management team. These are also the only two persons who are employees of the Company.

INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

 

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, we made $13,250,664 of investments and had $9,889,827 of redemptions and repayments, resulting in net investments at amortized cost of $11,864,762 at the end of the period.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we made $7,655,802$6,217,296 of investments in portfolio companies and had $1,858,011$1,192,824 of redemptions and repayments, resulting in net investments at amortized cost of $7,200,566 at the end of the period.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we made $875,160 of investments in portfolio companies and had $3,380,422 of redemptions and repayments, resulting in net investments at amortized cost of $7,555,775 at the end of the period.

Our portfolioinvestment composition by major class, based on fair value at SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, was as follows:

 

  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $5,539,000   67.7%
Equity/Other  2,639,263   32.3 
Total $8,178,263   100.0%

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Investments at

Fair Value

  

Percentage of

Fair Value

 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $10,863,333   82.7%
Equity/Other  2,270,600   17.3 
Total $13,133,933   100.0%

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our operating results for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and SeptemberJune 30, 20192021 were as follows:

 

  For the three months ended
September 30,
  For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2020  2019  2020  2019 
Total investment income $287,034  $43,007  $755,469  $125,375 
Total expenses  180,946   189,706   500,248   668,993 
Net investment gain (loss) $106,088  $(146,699) $255,221  $(543,618)
  For the Three Months Ended June 30,  For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
  2021  2020  2021   2020 
Investment Income: $675,549  $283,456  $1,222,391  $468,435 
Operating Expenses:  (250,156)  (213,910)  (784,014)  (319,302)
Net Investment Gain $425,393  $69,546  $438,377  $149,133 

 

Investment Income

 

We generate revenue primarily in the form of interest income and capital gains, if any, on the debt investmentsinstruments we own. We may also generate revenue from dividends and capital gains on equity investments we make, if any, or on warrants or other equity interests that we may acquire. In some cases, the interest on our investments may accrue or be paid in the form of additional debt. The principal amount of the debt instruments, together with any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, will generally become due at the maturity date of those debt instruments. We may also generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring, diligence, or consulting fees. Any such fees will be recognized as earned.

 

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, our total investment income was $675,549 and $1,222,391, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, our total investment income was $287,034$283,456 and $755,469, For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, our total investment income was $43,007 and $125,375.$468,435, respectively. The increase is due to the change in our business structure which now focuses on short-term non-bank lending. Our loan portfolio generates interest income, with an average rate on the loans of 24%25%.

 

Professional Fees

 

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had $58,719$77,539 and $133,016$220,347 professional fees expense, respectively. For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, we had $69,503$90,529 and $168,342$74,297 professional fees expense, respectively.respectively The decreaseincrease for the six months in 2021 is due to legal costs incurred to close on several new short-term banking loans. In 2020, we received a refund received during the first quarter of $59,957 which relatedrelating to certain audit expenses incurred during 2018 and 2019.

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Net Realized Gain from Investments

 

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had $665,187$4,853,170 and $1,858,011,$9,889,827, respectively, of sales of investments, resulting in $335,440$621,600 and $535,164,$3,529,599, respectively, of realized gains. For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, we had $3,495,125$971,044 and $6,875,547,$1,192,824, respectively, of sales of investments, resulting in $1,374,287$175,222 and $4,476,497$199,724, respectively, of realized gains, due primarily to the acquisition of our holding in BiteSquad LLC by Waitr Holdings.gains.

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments

 

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, our investments had $83,100 of unrealized appreciation and $430,150 of unrealized depreciation, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, our investments had $141,816 and $104,411$348,602 of unrealized appreciation respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, our investments had $1,572,874 and $4,414,995,$37,405 of unrealized depreciation, respectively.

 

Changes in Net Assets from Operations

 

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we recorded a net increase in net assets from operations of $583,344$781,506 and $894,796,$2,526,548, respectively. Based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, our per-share net increase in net assets from operations was $0.05$0.07 and $0.08,$0.23, respectively. For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, we recorded a net decreaseincrease in net assets from operations of $345,286$593,370 and $482,116,$311,452, respectively. Based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, our per-share net decreaseincrease in net assets from operations was $0.03$0.05 and $0.04,$0.03, respectively.

 

Cash Flows for the Nine monthsSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and 20192020

 

The level of cash flows used in or provided by operating activities is affected by the purchases of investments, redemptions and repayments of portfolio investments, among other factors. For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $3,401,681. Cash flows used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were primarily related to purchases of investments of $13,250,664, offset mostly by redemptions and repayments of investments totaling $9,889,827. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, net cash used in operating activities was $5,788,000.$3,457,399. Cash flows usedprovided in operating activities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 were primarily related to purchases of investments of $7,655,802,$6,217,296, offset mostly by redemptions and repayments of investments totaling $1,858,011 For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net cash provided in operating activities was $5,431,218. Cash flows provided in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily related to redemptions and repayments of investments of $6,845,428, offset mostly by purchases of investments totaling $875,160.$1,192,824.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had cash of $2,120,389,$1,515,005, a decrease of $5,946,267$3,925,574 from December 31, 2019.2020. The primary use of our existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for our investments, in portfolio companies, cash distributions to our shareholders or for other general corporate purposes, including paying for operating expenses or debt service to the extent we borrow or issue senior securities. Pending investment, in portfolio companies, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

 

To the extent our Board of Directors determines in the future, based on our financial condition and capital market conditions, that additional capital would allow us to take advantage of additional investment opportunities, we may seek to raise additional equity capital or to engage in borrowing.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Critical accounting policies are those that require the application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods.

 

In preparing the financial statements, management will make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. In preparing the financial statements, management also will utilize available information, including our past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments, giving due consideration to materiality. Actual results will almost certainly differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact the comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses. As our expected operating results occur, we will describe additional critical accounting policies in the notes to our financial statements. Our most critical accounting policies relate to the valuation of our portfolio investments and revenue recognition. For more information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

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OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements as described in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some of the statements made in this section of our report are forward-looking statements based on our management’s current expectations for our company. These expectations involve assumptions and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, and can ordinarily be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Important assumptions include our ability to identify and consummate new investments, achieve certain margins and levels of profitability, the availability of any needed additional capital, and the ability to maintain compliance with regulations applicable to us. Some of the forward-looking statements contained in this report relate to, and are based our current assumptions regarding, the following:

 

·our future operating results;
·our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;
·the success of our investments;
·our relationships with third parties;
·the dependence of our success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
·the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
·our expected financings and investments;
·our regulatory structure and tax treatment;
·the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
·the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

our future operating results;

the success of our investments;

our relationships with third parties;

the dependence of our success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

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the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

our expected financings and investments;

our regulatory structure and tax treatment;

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and

the timing of cash flows, if any, we receive from our investments.

 

The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For a more complete summary of the risks and uncertainties facing our company and its business and relating to our forward-looking statements, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 202010, 2021 (related to our year ended December 31, 2019)2020) and in particular the section thereof entitled “Risk Factors.” Because of the significant uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements pertaining to our company, the inclusion of those statements should not be regarded as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that our objectives, plans, expectations or projections that are contained in this filing will be achieved in any specified time frame, if ever. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this filing. The forward-looking statements made in this report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance the objectives of the control system are met.

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020.2021.

 

There were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect such controls.

 

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

 Exhibit
Number
 Description
 3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 23, 2013)
 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form 10-SB filed on January 29, 2008)
 31.1Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
 31.2Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
 32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

* Filed herewith

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.
 
 
Date: October 30, 2020August 13, 2021By:/s/ Douglas M. Polinsky
  Douglas M. Polinsky
  Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Date: October 30, 2020August 13, 2021By:/s/ Joseph A. Geraci, II
  Joseph A. Geraci, II
  Chief Financial Officer