Note 1 – Organization
RENN Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), is a registered, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
The Fund, a Texas corporation, was organized and commenced operations in 1994 and is registered under and pursuant to the provisions of Section 8(a) of the 1940 Act.
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with above-market rates of return through capital appreciation and income by a long-term, value oriented investment process that invests in a wide variety of financial instruments, including but not limited to, common stocks, fixed income securities including convertible and non-convertible debt securities or loans, distressed debt, warrants and preferred stock, exchange traded funds and exchange traded notes, and other instruments. In addition, the Fund may sell short stocks, exchange traded funds and exchange traded notes.
Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC (“Horizon” or the “Investment Advisor”), a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Kinetics LLC (“Horizon Kinetics”), serves as the Fund’s investment manager and is responsible for the Fund’s investment portfolio, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors. Horizon has served as the Fund’s investment advisor since July 1, 2017.
Note 2 – Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services-Investment Companies”.
(a) Consolidation of Subsidiary
On December 5, 2017, The Renn Fund, Inc. (Cayman) (the “Subsidiary”) was organized as a limited liability company, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund. The consolidated Schedule of Investments, Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Statement of Operations, Statements of Changes in Net Assets, Statement of Cash Flows and Financial Highlights of the Fund include the accounts of the Subsidiary. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation for the Fund. The Subsidiary is advised by Horizon and acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies specified in the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information. As of June 30, 2022 total assets of the Fund were $14,957,059, of which $694,116, or approximately 4.64%, represented the Fund’s ownership of the Subsidiary.
The Fund can invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary. The Subsidiary acts as an investment vehicle in order to invest in commodity-linked, bitcoin, and other cryptocurrency linked instruments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. By investing in its Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. The investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act and is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However the Fund wholly owns and controls its Subsidiary, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund. The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.
The Subsidiary is an exempted Cayman investment company and as such is not subject to Cayman Islands taxes at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Subsidiary is a Controlled Foreign Corporation (“CFC”) not subject to U.S. income taxes. As a wholly-owned CFC, however, the Subsidiary’s net income and net capital gains will be included each year in the Fund’s investment company taxable income.
(b) Valuation of Investments
All investments are stated at their estimated fair value, as described in Note 5.
10
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
(c) Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses
Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded net of applicable withholding taxes on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if applicable, are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the consolidated Statement of Operations. Withholding tax reclaims are filed in certain countries to recover a portion of the amounts previously withheld. The Fund records a reclaim receivable based on a number of factors, including a jurisdiction’s legal obligation to pay reclaims as well as payment history and market convention. Discounts or premiums on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method.
(d) Federal Income Taxes
The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision is made for federal income or excise taxes. Due to the timing of dividend distributions and the differences in accounting for income and realized gains and losses for financial statement and federal income tax purposes, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the income and realized gains and losses are recorded by the Fund.
The Fund follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ASC 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (the “Income Tax Statement”), which requires an evaluation of tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing a Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The Income Tax Statement requires management of the Fund to analyze tax positions taken in the prior three open tax years, if any, any tax positions expected to be taken in the Fund’s current tax year, as defined by the IRS statute of limitations for all major jurisdictions, including federal tax authorities and certain state tax authorities. As of and during the open tax years ended December 31, 2018 through 2021, and as of and during the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund has no examinations in progress and is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
(e) Distributions to Shareholders
The Fund will make distributions of net investment income and capital gains, if any, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from the characterization for federal income tax purposes due to differences in the recognition of income, expense and gain (loss) items for financial statement and tax purposes.
(f) Short Sales
Short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. When a security is sold short a decrease in the value of the security will be recognized as a gain and an increase in the value of the security will be recognized as a loss, which is potentially limitless. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to dividend or interest that accrue during the period of the loan which is recorded as an expense. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium or an interest fee, which are recorded as interest expense. Cash or securities may be segregated for the broker to meet the necessary margin requirements. The Fund is subject to the risk that it may not always be able to close out a short position at a particular time or at an acceptable price.
11
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
(g) Short-Term Investments
The Fund invested a significant amount (33.71% of its net assets as of June 30, 2022) in the Fidelity Investment Money Market Government Portfolio Fund (“FIGXX”). FIGXX normally invests at least 99.5% of assets in U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements for those securities. FIGXX invests in compliance with industry-standard regulatory requirements for money market funds for the quality, maturity, and diversification of investments. An investment in FIGXX is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although FIGXX seeks to preserve the value of investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in FIGXX.
FIGXX files complete Semi-Annual and Annual Reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for semi-annual and annual periods of each fiscal year on Form N-CSR. The Forms N-CSR are available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, and may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The net expense ratio per the March 31, 2022 annual report of Fidelity Investment Money Market Government Portfolio Fund was 0.08%.
Note 3 – Principal Investment Risks
Investing in common stocks and other equity or equity-related securities has inherent risks that could cause you to lose money. Some of the principal risks of investing in the Fund are listed below and could adversely affect the net asset value (“NAV”), total return and value of the Fund and your investment. These are not the only risks associated with an investment in the Fund. Rather, the risks discussed below are certain of the significant risks associated with the investment strategy employed by the Fund. The below does not discuss numerous other risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including risks associated with investments in non-diversified, closed-end registered investment funds generally, other business, operating and tax risks associated with an investment in the Fund, and economic and other risks affecting investment markets generally, all of which are beyond the scope of this discussion.
Liquidity Risks: The Investment Advisor may not be able to sell portfolio securities at an optimal time or price. For example, if the Fund is required or the advisor deems it advisable to liquidate all or a portion of a portfolio security quickly, it may realize significantly less than the value at which the investment was previously recorded.
Private Issuer Risks: In addition to the risks associated with small public companies, limited or no public information may exist about private companies, and the Fund will rely on the ability of our Investment Advisor to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If the Investment Advisor is unable to uncover all material information about these companies, the Fund may not make a fully informed investment decision and may lose money on the investment.
Interest Rate Risk: When interest rates increase, any fixed-income securities held by the Fund may decline in value. Long-term fixed-income securities will normally have more price volatility because of this risk than short-term fixed-income securities. The negative impact on fixed-income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.
Leveraging Risks: Investments in derivative instruments may give rise to a form of leverage. The Investment Advisor may engage in speculative transactions which involve substantial risk and leverage. The use of leverage by the Investment Advisor may increase the volatility of the Fund. These leveraged instruments may result in losses to the Fund or may adversely affect the Fund’s NAV or total return, because instruments that contain leverage are more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Fund may also have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations in connection with such transactions.
Distressed Debt Risks: An investment in distressed debt involves considerable risks, including a higher risk of nonpayment by the debtor. The Fund may incur significant expenses seeking recovery upon default or attempting to negotiate new terms. Furthermore, if one of our portfolio companies were to file for bankruptcy protection, a bankruptcy court might re-characterize the debt held by the Fund and subordinate all or a portion of the Fund’s claim to claims of other creditors, even, in some cases, if the investment is structured as senior secured debt. The bankruptcy process has a number of significant inherent risks, including substantial delays and the risk of loss of all or a substantial portion of the Fund’s investment in the bankrupt entity.
Bitcoin Risk: The value of the Fund’s investment in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust is subject directly to fluctuations in the value of bitcoins. The value of bitcoins is determined by the supply of and demand for bitcoins in the global market for the trading of bitcoins, which consists of transactions on electronic bitcoin exchanges (“Bitcoin Exchanges”). Pricing on Bitcoin Exchanges and other venues can be volatile and can adversely affect the value of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust. Currently, there is relatively small use of bitcoins in the retail and commercial marketplace in comparison to the relatively large use of bitcoins by speculators, thus contributing to price volatility
12
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
that could adversely affect the Fund’s direct investment in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust. Bitcoin transactions are irrevocable, and stolen or incorrectly transferred bitcoins may be irretrievable. As a result, any incorrectly executed bitcoin transactions could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s direct or indirect investment in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust. Shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust may trade at a premium or discount to the net asset value of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust.
Short-Selling Risk: The Fund can sell securities short to the maximum extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). A short sale by the Fund involves borrowing a security from a lender which is then sold in the open market. At a future date, the security is repurchased by the Fund and returned to the lender. While the security is borrowed, the proceeds from the sale are deposited with the lender and the Fund may be required to pay interest and/or the equivalent of any dividend payments paid by the security to the lender. If the value of the security declines between the time the Fund borrows the security and the time it repurchases and returns the security to the lender, the Fund makes a profit on the difference (less any expenses the Fund is required to pay the lender). There is no assurance that a security will decline in value during the period of the short sale and make a profit for the Fund. If the value of the security sold short increases between the time that the Fund borrows the security and the time it repurchases and returns the security to the lender, the Fund will realize a loss on the difference (plus any expenses the Fund is required to pay to the lender). This loss is theoretically unlimited as there is no limit as to how high the security sold short can appreciate in value, thus increasing the cost of buying that security to cover a short position. The Fund may incur interest or other expenses in selling securities short and such expenses are investment expenses of the Fund.
Investments in Leveraged/Inverse ETFs and ETNs: The Fund may invest long or short in leveraged/inverse ETFs and ETNs. Leveraged/inverse ETFs and ETNs are designed for investors who seek leveraged long or leveraged inverse exposure, as applicable, to the daily performance of an index. These instruments do not guarantee any return of principal and do not pay any interest during their term. In general, investors will be entitled to receive a cash payment, upon early redemption or upon acceleration, as applicable, that will be linked to the performance of an underlying index, plus a daily accrual and less a daily investor fee. Investors should be willing to forgo interest payments and, if the index on which the ETF or ETN is based declines or increases, as applicable, be willing to lose up to 100% of their investment. In many instances a leveraged or inverse ETF or ETN will seek to provide an investor with a corresponding multiple of the index it tracks (e.g., a three times leveraged long ETF that tracks the S&P 500 Index seeks to provide investors with three times the positive rate of return of the S&P 500 Index on a daily basis). Such ETFs and ETNs are very sensitive to changes in the level of their corresponding index, and returns may be negatively impacted in complex ways by the volatility of the corresponding index on a daily or intraday basis.
Note 4 – Investment Advisory Agreement
The Fund entered in to an Investment Advisor Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Horizon. Under the Agreement, Horizon is not paid an advisory fee on net assets less than $25 million and thereafter will charge a management fee of 1.0% on net assets above $25 million. Horizon performs certain services, including certain management, investment advisory and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund.
Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements
Investments are carried at fair value, as determined in good faith by Horizon, subject to the approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors. The fair values reported are subject to various risk including changes in the equity markets, general economic conditions, and the financial performance of the companies. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the fair value of investment securities, it is possible that the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements could change materially in the near term.
The Fund generally invests in common securities, preferred securities, convertible and nonconvertible debt securities, and warrants. These securities may be unregistered and thinly-to-moderately traded. Generally, the Fund negotiates registration rights at the time of purchase and the portfolio companies are required to register the shares within a designated period, and the cost of registration is borne by the portfolio company.
On a daily basis, as is necessary, Horizon prepares a valuation to determine fair value of the investments of the Fund. The Board of Directors approves the valuation on a quarterly basis. Interim board involvement may occur if material issues arise before quarter end. The valuation principles are described below.
13
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
Unrestricted common stock of companies listed on an exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ, or in the over-the-counter market is valued at the closing price on the date of valuation. Thinly traded unrestricted common stock of companies listed on an exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ, or in the over-the-counter market is valued at the closing price on the date of valuation, less a marketability discount as determined appropriate by the Fund Managers and approved by the Board of Directors.
Restricted common stock of companies listed on an exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ, or in the over-the-counter market is valued based on the quoted price for an otherwise identical unrestricted security of the same issuer that trades in a public market, adjusted to reflect the effect of any significant restrictions.
The unlisted preferred stock of companies with common stock listed on an exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ, or in the over-the-counter market is valued at the closing price of the common stock into which the preferred stock is convertible on the date of valuation.
Debt securities are valued at fair value. The Fund considers, among other things, whether a debt issuer is in default or bankruptcy. It also considers the underlying collateral. Fair value is generally determined to be the greater of the face value of the debt or the market value of the underlying common stock into which the instrument may be converted.
The unlisted in-the-money options or warrants of companies with the underlying common stock listed on an exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ, or in the over-the-counter market are valued at fair value (the positive difference between the closing price of the underlying common stock and the strike price of the warrant or option). An out-of-the money warrant or option has no value; thus the Fund assigns no value to it.
Investments in privately held entities are valued at fair value. If there is no independent and objective pricing authority (i.e., a public market) for such investments, fair value is based on the latest sale of equity securities to independent third parties. If a private entity does not have an independent value established over an extended period of time, then the Investment Advisor will determine fair value on the basis of appraisal procedures established in good faith and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Fund follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, under which the Fund has established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the sources (“inputs”) used to measure fair value into three broad levels: inputs based on quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1 inputs); observable inputs based on corroboration with available market data (Level 2 inputs); and unobservable inputs based on uncorroborated market data or a reporting entity’s own assumptions (Level 3 inputs).
The following table shows a summary of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis classified under the appropriate level of fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2022:
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible Bonds |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Common Equities |
|
|
9,185,056 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
380,805 |
|
|
|
9,565,861 |
|
Exchange Traded Funds |
|
|
5,978 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,978 |
|
Money Market Funds |
|
|
5,089,797 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,089,797 |
|
Open Ended Mutual Funds |
|
|
15,541 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
15,541 |
|
Preferred Stocks |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
185,798 |
|
|
|
185,798 |
|
Warrants |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,415 |
|
|
|
3,415 |
|
Total Investments |
|
$ |
14,296,372 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
570,018 |
|
|
$ |
14,866,390 |
|
14
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities Sold Short |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange Traded Funds |
|
$ |
521 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
521 |
|
Total Liabilities |
|
$ |
521 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
521 |
|
Following is a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:
|
|
Value |
|
Beginning balance December 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
154,762 |
|
Transfers into Level 3 during the period |
|
|
— |
|
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) |
|
|
(186,609 |
) |
Total realized gain/(loss) |
|
|
— |
|
Purchases |
|
|
415,798 |
|
Sales |
|
|
— |
|
Return of capital distributions |
|
|
186,067 |
|
Transfers out of Level 3 during the period |
|
|
— |
|
Ending balance June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
570,018 |
|
Investments in portfolio companies are being classified as Level 3. At June 30, 2022, Petrohunter Energy Corporation was valued at $0 due to bankruptcy proceedings and thus qualifies as a Level 3 security. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the Fund received a payment of $186,067 during the six months ended June 30, 2022, which was treated as a return of capital. Also at June 30, 2022, Big League Advance, LLC., Diamond Standard, Inc., and Miami International Holdings, Inc. were private companies and shares and/or warrants are illiquid, thus qualifying as Level 3 securities. The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in determining fair value measurements for these investments classified as Level 3 as of June 30, 2022:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements |
Portfolio Investment
Company |
Valuation
Technique |
Unobservable
Input* |
|
Input Range |
|
|
Valuation
Weighted
Average of
Input |
|
|
Value at
6/30/22 |
|
|
Impact to
Valuation
from an
Increase in
Input** |
|
Petrohunter Energy Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible Bond |
Asset Approach |
Bankruptcy Recovery |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
Common Stock |
Asset Approach |
Bankruptcy Recovery |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
Big league Advance, LLC. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
Asset Approach |
Precedent Transaction |
|
$ |
55.00 |
|
|
$ |
55.00 |
|
|
$ |
280,005 |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
Diamond Standard, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock |
Asset Approach |
Precedent Transaction |
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
$ |
185,798 |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
Warrant |
Asset Approach |
Precedent Transaction |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
25 |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
15
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements |
Portfolio Investment
Company |
Valuation
Technique |
Unobservable
Input* |
|
Input Range |
|
|
Valuation
Weighted
Average of
Input |
|
|
Value at
6/30/22 |
|
|
Impact to
Valuation
from an
Increase in
Input** |
|
Miami International Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
Asset Approach |
Precedent Transaction |
|
$ |
7.20 |
|
|
$ |
7.20 |
|
|
$ |
100,800 |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
Warrant |
Black Scholes Method |
Volatility |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
$ |
3,390 |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
*
|
The Investment Advisor considers relevant indications of value that are reasonably and timely available to it in determining the fair value to be assigned to a particular security, such as the type and cost of the security; contractual or legal restrictions on resale of the security; relevant financial or business developments of the issuer; actively traded related securities; conversion or exchange rights on the security; related corporate actions; significant events occurring after the close of trading in the security; and changes in overall market conditions. The Fund’s use of fair value pricing may cause the net asset value of Fund shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated using market quotations. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security.
|
|
**
|
This column represents the directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase to the corresponding unobservable input. A decrease to the unobservable input would have the opposite effect.
|
The Fund has adopted a policy of recording any transfers of investment securities between the different levels in the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the year unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
Note 6 – Investments in Affiliated Issuers
An affiliated issuer is an entity in which the Fund has ownership of at least 5% of the voting securities, or any investment which is advised or sponsored by the advisor. In this instance, affiliation is based on the fact that the Kinetics Spin-off and Corporate Restructuring Fund is advised by Horizon, the same Investment Advisor to the Fund. Issuers that are affiliates of the Fund at period-end are noted in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. Additional security purchases and the reduction of certain securities shares outstanding of existing portfolio holdings that were not considered affiliated in prior years may result in the Fund owning in excess of 5% of the outstanding shares at period-end. The table below reflects transactions during the period with entities that are affiliates as of June 30, 2022 and may include acquisitions of new investments, prior year holdings that became affiliated during the period and prior period affiliated holdings that are no longer affiliated as of period-end.
Name of Issuer and
Title of Issue |
|
Value
Beginning
of Period |
|
|
Purchases |
|
|
Sales Proceeds |
|
|
Net Realized
Gain (Loss) |
|
|
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) |
|
|
Value
End of
Period |
|
Kinetics Spin-off and Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restructuring Fund |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
13,167 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
2,374 |
|
|
$ |
15,541 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
13,167 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
2,374 |
|
|
$ |
15,541 |
|
16
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
Name of Issuer and Title of Issue |
|
Shares
Beginning
of Period |
|
|
Purchases |
|
|
Sales Proceeds |
|
|
Stock Split |
|
|
Shares
End of
Period |
|
Kinetics Spin-off and Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restructuring Fund |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
824 |
|
Total |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
824 |
|
Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information
At June 30, 2022, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments and securities sold short, based on cost for federal income tax purposes, were as follows:
Cost of investments |
|
$ |
20,282,834 |
|
Gross unrealized appreciation |
|
$ |
4,214,193 |
|
Gross unrealized depreciation |
|
|
(9,631,158 |
) |
Net unrealized depreciation |
|
$ |
(5,416,965 |
) |
The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to investments in grantor and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs).
As of December 31, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income |
|
$ |
— |
|
Undistributed long-term capital gains |
|
|
— |
|
Tax accumulated earnings |
|
|
— |
|
Accumulated capital and other losses |
|
|
(13,245,362 |
) |
Net unrealized depreciation on investments |
|
|
(963,455 |
) |
Net unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translations |
|
|
11 |
|
Total accumulated deficit |
|
$ |
(14,208,806 |
) |
As of December 31, 2021, the Fund had accumulated capital loss carryforwards as follows:
Not subject to expiration: |
|
|
|
|
Short-term |
|
$ |
161,755 |
|
Long-term |
|
|
13,049,544 |
|
| |
|
$ |
13,211,299 |
|
To the extent that a fund may realize future net capital gains, those gains will be offset by any of its unused capital loss carryforward. Future capital loss carryforward utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations.
During the tax year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund utilized $132,931 of non-expiring capital loss carryforwards.
The Fund has $34,063 in qualified late-year losses, which are deferred until fiscal year 2022 for tax purposes. Net late-year ordinary losses incurred after December 31 and within the taxable year and net late-year specified losses incurred after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year.
17
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
The tax character of distributions paid during the tax years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Distributions paid from: |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
Ordinary income |
|
$ |
134,526 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Net long-term capital gains |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total distributions paid |
|
$ |
134,526 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Note 8 – Investment Transactions
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments, were $869,428 and $64,365, respectively. There were no securities sold short or securities covered for the same period.
Note 9 – Borrowings
The Fund has entered into a margin agreement with Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC, which allows the Fund to borrow money. The margin agreement is not made for any specific term or duration but is due and payable at the brokerage firm’s discretion. The Fund has a policy allowing it to borrow not more than 33% of the Fund’s Net Asset Value as of the time of borrowing for purposes of taking advantage of investments deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund or to borrow such amounts as deemed necessary and prudent as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Federal regulations under the 1940 Act require that the Fund maintain asset coverage in relation to any borrowed amount.
The Fund did not utilize the Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC margin account during the six months ended June 30, 2022. At June 30, 2022 the Fund had no outstanding borrowings under the margin account.
Note 10 – Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 11 – Capital Share Transactions
On January 21, 2022, the Fund issued 1,063,830 common shares in connection with a rights offering. Stockholders of record December 10, 2021 were issued non-transferable rights for every share owned on that date. The subscription price was equal to lesser of (i) 105% of average closing NAV per share over the three days of trading leading up to and including the expiration of the expiration date and (ii) 90% of the average closing market price per share over the three days of trading leading up to and including the expiration date. The final subscription price was $1.98 per share, which resulted in proceeds to the Fund of $2,106,383, which included securities transferred in kind with a market value of $171,162. Horizon paid all expenses relating to the offering.
On February 14, 2019, the Fund issued 1,487,989 new common shares in connection with a rights offering. Stockholders of record date December 28, 2018 were issued non-transferable rights for every share owned on that date. The rights entitled the stockholders to purchase one new common share for every three rights held, not including additional subscription privileges.
The subscription price was equal to lesser of (i) 105% of average closing NAV per share over the three days of trading leading up to and including the expiration of the expiration Date and (ii) 90% of the average closing market price per share over the three days of trading leading up to and including the expiration Date. The final subscription price was $1.47 per share, which resulted in proceeds to the Fund of $2,187,343. Horizon paid all expenses relating to the offering.
Note 12 – COVID-19 Risks
In early 2020, an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged globally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing international borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general public concern and uncertainty. The impact of this outbreak has negatively
18
RENN Fund, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial health of individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. The future impact of COVID-19 is currently unknown, and it may exacerbate other risks that apply to the Fund, including political, social and economic risks. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment in the Fund. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on the financial performance of the Fund’s investments is not reasonably estimable at this time.
Note 13 – New Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a Fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and require funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund.
In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.
The SEC adopted new Rule 12d1-4, which will allow registered investment companies (including business development companies (“BDCs”), unit investment trusts (“UITs”), closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and exchange-traded managed funds (“ETMFs”) (an “acquiring” fund), to invest in other investment companies (an “acquired fund”), including private funds under a specific exception, beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1), subject to the conditions of the rule. Rule 12d1-4 became effective January 19, 2021. Funds electing to rely on Rule 12d1-4 will have to comply with the rules by January 19, 2022.
In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The main objective of the new guidance is to provide relief to companies that will be impacted by the expected change in benchmark interest rates at the end of 2021, when participating banks will no longer be required to submit London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) quotes by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The new guidance allows companies to, provided the only change to existing contracts are a change to an approved benchmark interest rate, account for modifications as a continuance of the existing contract without additional analysis. In addition, derivative contracts that qualified for hedge accounting prior to modification, will be allowed to continue to receive such treatment, even if critical terms change due to a change in the benchmark interest rate. For new and existing contracts, the Fund may elect to apply the amendments as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently assessing the impact of the ASU’s adoption to the Fund’s financial statements and various filings.
Note 14 – Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Period End
The Fund has adopted financial reporting rules regarding subsequent events which require an entity to recognize in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet. Management has evaluated the Fund’s related events and transactions that occurred through the date of issuance of the Fund’s financial statements. There were no events or transactions that occurred during this period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Fund’s financial statements.
19
RENN Fund, Inc.
Other Information
June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
Quarterly Reports
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. A copy of each such Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request by calling collect (646) 495-7330. You may also obtain the description on the Fund’s website at www.horizonkinetics.com.
Portfolio Proxy Voting Records
The Fund’s record of proxy voting regarding portfolio securities is presented each year for the 12-month period ended June 30. It is filed with the SEC on Form N-PX and is available by calling collect (646) 495-7330 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Pursuant to the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), a stockholder whose shares are registered in his or her own name will be deemed to have elected to have all dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in Fund shares unless he or she elects otherwise on a current basis. Stockholders whose shares are held in nominee names will likewise be treated as having elected to have their dividends and distributions reinvested. You may elect to receive cash distributions, net of withholding tax, by requesting an election form from the Fund’s Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Co. You may terminate participation by notifying the Plan Agent in writing. If notice is received by the Plan Agent not less than 10 days prior to any dividend or distribution it will be effective immediately. Information regarding income tax consequences should be directed to your tax consultant – the Plan will furnish information by January 31 following the year of distribution as to the category of income that the distributions represent. Your questions regarding the Plan should be directed to the Fund’s Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC., whose telephone number is (718) 921-8200 extension 6412 and whose address is 6201 15th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11219-5498.
20
RENN Fund, Inc.
Service Providers
June 30, 2022 (Unaudited)
Corporate Offices
RENN Fund, Inc.
c/o Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC — 8th Floor South
470 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (646) 291-2300
Fax: (646) 403-3597
Website: www.rencapital.com
Registrar and Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Phone: (877) 749-4980 extension 6412
Fund Administrator
UMB Fund Services
235 W. Galena Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212-3949
Phone: (414) 299-2200
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 979-8800
21
Item 1. Annual Report to Shareholders (Continued)
(b) Not applicable.