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EX-31.1 - Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.fp0007246_ex31-1.htm
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EX-32.1 - Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.fp0007246_ex32-1.htm
 
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Amendment No. 1)
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period of March 31, 2013 or
 
[  ]
TRANSITION QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number 333-168195
 
FIRSTHAND TECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

MARYLAND
77-6100553
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No)
   
150 Almaden Boulevard, Suite 1250
 
San Jose, California
95113
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (408) 886-7096
 
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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
[  ]
Large Accelerated Filer
[X]
Accelerated Filer
       
[  ]
Non-accelerated Filer
[  ]
Smaller Reporting Company
       
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)
   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  [  ]  Yes     [X]  No
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
  
Outstanding at March 31, 2013
  
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
  
8,556,480
  
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
2
   
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
2
   
Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012
2
   
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
3
   
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
4
   
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 (Unaudited) and for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
5
   
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 (Unaudited), for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 and for the Period April 18, 2011 (Commencement of Operations) Through December 31, 2011
6
   
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2013
7
   
Notes To Financial Statements (Unaudited)
9
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
18
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
24
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
26
   
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
27
   
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
27
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
27
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
27
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
27
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
27
 
Item 5.
Other Information
27
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
27
   
SIGNATURES
28

 
1

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
   
AS OF
MARCH 31, 2013
 (UNAUDITED)
   
AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
ASSETS
           
Investment securities:
           
    Unaffiliated investments at acquisition cost
  $ 61,585,707     $ 59,673,215  
    Affiliated investments at acquisition cost
    14,530,990       14,544,002  
    Controlled investments at acquisition cost
    6,000,000       6,000,000  
         Total acquisition cost
  $ 82,116,697     $ 80,217,217  
    Unaffiliated investments at market value
  $ 47,626,545     $ 42,858,398  
    Affiliated investments at market value
    10,221,521       10,330,275  
    Controlled investments at market value
    6,000,000       6,000,000  
        Total market value * (Note 6)
    63,848,066       59,188,673  
Cash**
    134,965,498       136,827,597  
Receivable for securities sold
          1  
Receivable from interest
    1,204,917       1,017,214  
Other assets
    19,501       26,677  
    Total Assets
    200,037,982       197,060,162  
LIABILITIES
               
Payable to affiliates (Note 4)
    979,146       990,968  
Consulting fee payable
          14,000  
Offering cost payable
          5,090  
Accrued expenses and other payables
    59,608       129,075  
    Total Liabilities
    1,038,754       1,139,133  
NET ASSETS
  $ 198,999,228     $ 195,921,029  
Net Assets consist of:
               
    Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized
  $ 8,556     $ 8,556  
    Paid-in-capital
    217,152,025       217,152,025  
    Accumulated net investment loss
    (886,520 )      
    Accumulated net realized gains/(losses) from security transactions
    993,798       (183,638 )
    Net unrealized depreciation on investments, other assets, and warrants
        transactions
    (18,268,631 )     (21,055,914 )
NET ASSETS
  $ 198,999,228     $ 195,921,029  
Shares of Common Stock outstanding
    8,556,480       8,556,480  
Net asset value per share (Note 2)
  $ 23.26     $ 22.90  

*
Includes warrants and purchased options whose primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
**
Cash composed primarily of the Fidelity Institutional Money Market Treasury Portfolio which invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities. The yield as of 3/31/13 was 0.01%. Please see https://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/summary/316175504 for additional information.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
2

 
 
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Statements of Operations
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2013
(UNAUDITED)
   
FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2012
(UNAUDITED)
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
           
Unaffiliated interest
  $ 3,396     $ 2,966  
Affiliated interest
    262,704       136,606  
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME
    266,100       139,572  
                 
EXPENSES
               
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)
    979,146       424,994  
Administration and accounting
    30,206       21,780  
Custody fees
    3,688       1,682  
Transfer agent fees
    6,664       7,157  
Registration and filing fees
    4,438       3,848  
Professional fees
    71,164       82,598  
Printing fees
    19,110       19,269  
Trustees fees
    15,000       8,056  
Other fees
    23,204       7,444  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    1,152,620       576,828  
                 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS
    (886,520 )     (437,256 )
                 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments:
               
Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions
               
Non-affiliated and other assets
    (40,195 )      
Net realized gains from written option transactions (1)
    1,217,631        
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on other assets
    27,370       (12,493 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments
    2,775,028       2,944,461  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on warrants transactions (1)
    (15,115 )     (258,440 )
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments
    3,964,719       2,673,528  
                 
Net Increase In Net Assets Resulting From Operations
  $ 3,078,199     $ 2,236,272  
Net Increase In Net Assets Per Share Resulting from Operations (2)
  $ 0.36     $ 0.64  
 
(1) 
Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
(2)
Per share results are calculated based on weighted average shares outstanding for each period.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
3

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013 (UNAUDITED)
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net increase in Net Assets resulting from operations
  $ 3,078,199     $ 2,236,272  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in Net Assets derived from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Purchases of investments
    (1,912,492 )     (20,320,001 )
Investment in written options
    1,217,631        
Proceeds from litigation claim
    187        
Increase in deferred offering costs
          (55,000 )
Decrease in receivable for investments sold
    1        
Increase in dividends, interest, and reclaims receivable
    (187,703 )     (136,605 )
Decrease in segregated cash
          2,281,888  
Decrease in payable to affiliates
    (11,822 )     (7,326 )
Net realized loss from investments
    40,195        
Net realized gain from written options
    (1,217,631 )      
Decrease in other assets
    7,176       4,110  
Increase/(decrease) in offering costs payable
    (5,090 )     55,000  
Increase/(decrease) in accrued expenses and other payables
    (83,467 )     13,046  
Net unrealized appreciation from investments, other assets, and warrants transactions
    (2,787,283 )     (2,673,528 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (1,862,099 )     (18,602,144 )
                 
Net change in cash
    (1,862,099 )     (18,602,144 )
Cash - beginning of period
    136,827,597       63,792,414  
Cash - end of period
  $ 134,965,498     $ 45,190,270  
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
4

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
   
FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013
(UNAUDITED)
   
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
FROM OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment loss
  $ (886,520 )   $ (3,309,139 )
Net realized gains from security transactions and written options     
    1,177,436       1,072,729  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, other assets and warrants transactions
    2,787,283       (12,952,841 )
    Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations
    3,078,199       (15,189,251 )
                 
                 
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Issuance of common stock
          127,482,805  
Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions
          127,482,805  
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
    3,078,199       112,293,554  
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of period
    195,921,029       83,627,475  
End of period
  $ 198,999,228     $ 195,921,029  
Accumulated Net Investment Loss
  $ (886,520 )   $  
                 
COMMON STOCK ACTIVITY:
               
Shares issued
          5,060,000  
Net increase in shares outstanding
          5,060,000  
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
    8,556,480       3,496,480  
Shares outstanding, end of period
    8,556,480       8,556,480  
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
5

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Financial Highlights
Selected per share data and ratios for a share outstanding throughout each period

   
FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2013
(UNAUDITED)
 
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2012
   
FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2011 (1)
Net asset value at beginning of period
  $ 22.90       $ 23.92     $ 27.01    
Income from investment operations:
                           
Net investment loss
    (0.10 )       (0.39 )     (0.41 )  
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
    0.46         (1.01 )     (2.68 )  
Total from investment operations
    0.36         (1.40 )     (3.09 )  
Premiums from shares sold in offerings
    -         0.38       -    
Net asset value at end of period
  $ 23.26       $ 22.90     $ 23.92    
                             
Market value at end of period
  $ 19.29       $ 17.44     $ 14.33    
                             
Total return
                           
Based on Net Asset Value
    1.57 %
(A)
    (4.26 )%     (11.44 )%
(A)
Based on Stock Price
    10.61 %
(A)
    21.70 %     (46.95 )%
(A)
Net assets at end of period (millions)
  $ 199.0       $ 195.9     $ 83.63    
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    2.37 %
(B)
    2.56 %     2.76 %
(B)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.82 )%
(B)
    (2.12 )%     (2.28 )%
(B)
Portfolio turnover rate
    0 %
(A)
    10 %     18 %
(A)
 
(1)
For the period April 18, 2011 (inception) through December 31, 2011.
(A)
Not Annualized.
(B)
Annualized.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
6

 
 
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Schedule of Investments
MARCH 31, 2013 (UNAUDITED)

PORTFOLIO COMPANY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/ PAR VALUE ($)
 
VALUE
 
FACEBOOK (7.7%)
Social Networking
Common Stock, Class A *
    600,000     $ 15,348,000  
                     
GILT GROUPE (1.0%)
Internet
Common Stock (1)
    198,841       1,928,758  
                     
INNOVION CORP. (0.1%)
Services
Preferred Stock - Series A-1 *(1)
    324,948       203,320  
   
Preferred Stock - Series A-2 *(1)
    168,804       33,136  
   
Common Stock *(1)
    1       0  
                  236,456  
                     
INTEVAC, INC. (1.3%)
Other Electronics
Common Stock *
    545,156       2,573,136  
                     
PIVOTAL SYSTEMS (2.0%)
Semiconductor
Preferred Stock Warrants - Series A *(1)(2)
    3,176,935       66,322  
 
Equipment
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
    4,765,876       3,934,170  
                  4,000,492  
                     
QMAT, INC. (3.0%)
Advanced
Preferred Stock Warrants - Series A *(1)(3)
    2,000,000       415,631  
 
Materials
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(3)
    6,000,000       5,584,369  
                  6,000,000  
                     
SILICON GENESIS
Intellectual
Preferred Stock -Series 1-C *(1)(2)
    82,914       0  
CORPORATION (3.1%)
Property
Preferred Stock -Series 1-D *(1)(2)
    850,830       0  
   
Preferred Stock -Series 1-E *(1)(2)
    5,704,480       385,623  
   
Preferred Stock -Series 1-F *(1)(2)
    912,453       85,406  
   
Common Stock *(1)(2)
    921,892       0  
   
Preferred Stock Warrants - Series 1-E *(1)(2)
    1,257,859       0  
   
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
    37,982       0  
   
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
    3,000,000       0  
   
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
    5,000,000       0  
   
Convertible Note (1)(2) Matures
    December 2014 Interest Rate 20%
    500,000       500,000  
   
Convertible Note (1)(2) Matures
    December 2014 Interest Rate 20%
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
   
Convertible Note (1)(2) Matures
    December 2014 Interest Rate 20%
    1,250,000       1,250,000  
   
Term Note (1)(2) Matures
    December 2016 Interest Rate 10%
    3,000,000       3,000,000  
                  6,221,029  
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
7

 
 
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Schedule of Investments - continued
MARCH 31, 2013 (UNAUDITED)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPANY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES
 
VALUE
 
SKYLINE SOLAR (0.0%)
Renewable Energy
Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)
    793,651     $ 0  
                     
SOLAR CITY CORP. (3.6%)
Renewable Energy  
Common Stock *(1)
    426,300       7,243,690  
                     
SOLOPOWER, INC. (0.0%)
Renewable Energy
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)
    400,000       0  
   
Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)
    100,205       0  
   
Preferred Stock - Series D *(1)
    100,000       0  
   
Preferred Stock - Series E-1 *(1)
    190,476       0  
   
Common Stock Warrants *(1)
    400,000       0  
                  0  
                     
TAPAD, INC. (0.8%)
Advertising Technology
Preferred Stock - Series B-1 *(1)
    140,024       1,499,993  
                     
TWITTER, INC. (9.3%)
Social Networking
Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)
    194,000       3,559,124  
   
Common Stock *(1)
    812,200       14,900,621  
                  18,459,745  
                     
UCT COATINGS (0.2%)
Advanced
Common Stock *(1)
    1,500,000       336,750  
 
Materials
Common Stock Warrants *(1)
    136,986       14  
   
Common Stock Warrants *(1)
    2,283       0  
   
Common Stock Warrants *(1)
    33,001       3  
                  336,767  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $82,116,697)
                   
  —32.1%
                63,848,066  
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS                    
OF LIABILITIES - 67.9%
                135,151,162  
                     
NET ASSETS — 100.0%
              $ 198,999,228  
 
*
Non-income producing security.
(1)
Restricted security. Fair Value is determined by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors (see Note 3).
(2)
Affiliated issuer.
(3)
Controlled investments.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
8

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.  (the “Company”)
Notes to Financial Statements
MARCH 31, 2013 (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1.  THE COMPANY

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. (the “Company,” “us,” “our,” and “we”) is a Maryland corporation and an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).  The Company acquired its initial portfolio of securities through the reorganization of Firsthand Technology Value Fund, a series of Firsthand Funds, into the Company.  The reorganization was completed on April 15, 2011.  The Company commenced operations on April 18th, 2011.  Under normal circumstances, the Company will invest at least 80% of its net assets for investment purposes in technology companies, which are considered to be those companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and/or services within the information technology sector or the “cleantech” sector.  Information technology companies include, but are not limited to, those focused on computer hardware, software, telecommunications, networking, Internet, and consumer electronics.  While there is no standard definition of cleantech, it is generally regarded as including goods and services designed to harness renewable energy and materials, eliminate emissions and waste, and reduce the use of natural resources.  In addition, under normal circumstances we will invest at least 70% of our total assets in privately held companies and in public companies with market capitalizations of less than $250 million.  Our portfolio is primarily composed of equity and equity derivative securities of technology and cleantech companies (as defined above).  These investments generally range between $1 million and $10 million each, although the investment size will vary proportionately with the size of the Company’s capital base. The Company’s shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SVVC.”

NOTE 2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements included in this report:

USE OF ESTIMATES.  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 of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT VALUATIONS. Investments are stated at “value” as defined in the 1940 Act and in the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with GAAP.  Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market value of those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and (ii) the fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the board of directors for all other securities and assets.  On March 31, 2013, our financial statements include venture capital investments valued at $38,683,240.  The fair values of our venture capital investments were determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”).  Upon sale of these investments, the values that are ultimately realized may be different from what is presently estimated.  The difference could be material. Also see Note 6 regarding the fair value of the Company’s investments.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.  The Company considers liquid assets deposited with a bank, investments in money market funds, and certain short-term debt instruments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  These investments represent amounts held with financial institutions that are readily accessible to pay our expenses or purchase investments.  Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

RESTRICTED SECURITIES.  At March 31, 2013, we held $45,926,930 in restricted securities.

MILESTONE AND CONTINGENT PAYMENTS FROM SALE OF INVESTMENT. As indicated in Note 1, the Company acquired its initial portfolio through the reorganization of Firsthand Technology Value Fund, a series of Firsthand Funds, into the Company, which
 
 
9

 
 
occurred on April 15, 2011.  The assets transferred in the reorganization include a $40,231 contingent receivable originating from the sale of Solaicx, Inc. to MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. for an initial cash payment plus possible future cash payments if certain milestone and contingent criteria are met.  This milestone payment is valued based on an estimate.  There can be no assurances as to how much of this amount we will ultimately realize or when it will be realized, if at all.

INCOME RECOGNITION.  Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.  Interest income is accrued as earned.  Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the lives of the respective securities.  Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received.  When debt securities are determined to be non-income producing, the Company ceases accruing interest and writes off any previously accrued interest.  These write-offs are recorded as a debit to interest income.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company earned $3,396 in interest on interest-bearing accounts.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded $262,704 of bridge/term note interest.

SHARE VALUATION.  The net asset value (“NAV”)  per share of the Company is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Company, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses), by the total number of shares outstanding of the Company, rounded to the nearest cent.

REALIZED GAIN OR LOSS AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION OR DEPRECIATION OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS. A realized gain or loss is recognized when an investment is disposed of and is computed as the difference between the Company’s cost basis in the investment at the disposition date and the net proceeds received from such disposition.  Unrealized appreciation or depreciation is computed as the difference between the fair value of the investment and the cost basis of such investment.

INCOME TAXES.  As we intend to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Company does not provide for income taxes.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties in income tax expense.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION.   The accounting records of the Company are maintained in U.S. dollars.  All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the rate of exchange of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation.

SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS.   Securities transactions are accounted for on the date the transaction for the purchase or sale of the securities is entered into by the Company (i.e., trade date).

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions, and, at times, cash held in checking accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit.

OPTIONS. The Company is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and may enter into options written to hedge against changes in the value of equities. The Company may purchase put and call options to attempt to provide protection against adverse price effects from anticipated changes in prevailing prices of securities or stock indices.  The Company may also write put and call options. When the Company writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Company is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written.

Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Company on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Company has realized a gain or loss. The Company as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.  

The market value of the Company’s purchased options as of March 31, 2013 can be found on the Schedule of Investments. The net realized gains/(loss) from purchased and written options and the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on purchased and written options for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 can be found on the Statement of Operations.
 
 
10

 

The number of option contracts written and the premiums received during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 were as follows:

   
CONTRACTS
   
RECEIVED
 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012
        $  
Options written during quarter
    30,000     $ 1,909,861  
Options expired during quarter
    (30,000 )   $ (1,909,861 )
Options outstanding at March 31, 2013
        $  
 
The average volume of the Company’s derivatives during the three months ended March 31, 2013 is as follows:

 
Warrants (Shares)
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
15,092,216
 
NOTE 3.  BUSINESS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

We plan to invest a substantial portion of our assets in privately-held companies, the securities of which are inherently illiquid.  We also seek to invest in small publicly-traded companies that we believe have exceptional growth potential and to make opportunistic investments in publicly-traded companies, both large and small.  In the case of investments in small publicly-traded companies, although these companies are publicly traded, their stock may not trade at high volumes, and prices can be volatile, which may restrict our ability to sell our positions.  These privately held and publicly traded businesses tend to lack management depth, have limited or no history of operations and typically have not attained profitability.  Because of the speculative nature of our investments and the lack of public markets for privately held investments, there is greater risk of loss than is the case with traditional investment securities.

We do not choose investments based on a strategy of diversification.  We also do not rebalance the portfolio should one of our portfolio companies increase in value substantially relative to the rest of the portfolio.  Therefore, the value of our portfolio may be more vulnerable to events affecting a single sector, industry or portfolio company and, therefore, may be subject to greater volatility than a company that follows a diversification strategy.

Because there is typically no public or readily-ascertainable market for our interests in the small privately-held companies in which we invest, the valuation of those securities is determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, comprised of all members of the Board who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, in accordance with our Valuation Procedures and is subject to significant estimates and judgments.  The determined value of the securities in our portfolio may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on these securities if a ready market for the securities existed.  Any changes in valuation are recorded in our Statement of Operations as “Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation on investments.”  Changes in valuation of any of our investments in privately-held companies from one period to another may be volatile.

The Board may, from time to time, engage an independent valuation firm to provide it with valuation assistance with respect to certain of our portfolio investments.  The Company intends to continue to engage an independent valuation firm to provide us with assistance regarding our determination of the fair value of select portfolio investments each quarter unless directed by the Board to cancel such valuation services.  The scope of the services rendered by an independent valuation firm is at the discretion of the Board.  The Board is ultimately and solely responsible for determining the fair value of the Company’s investments in good faith.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or when such market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, the Board has approved a multi-step valuation process to be followed each quarter, as described below:
 
 
11

 

 
(1)
each quarter the valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the Valuation Committee of the Advisor (as defined below) (the “Adviser Valuation Committee”) or the independent valuation firm;

 
(2)
the Valuation Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis reviews the preliminary valuation of the Adviser Valuation Committee and that of the independent valuation firms and makes the fair value determination, in good faith, based on the valuation recommendations of the Adviser Valuation Committee and the independent valuation firms; and

 
(3)
at each quarterly Board meeting, the Board considers the valuations recommended by the Adviser Valuation Committee and the independent valuation firms that were previously submitted to the Valuation Committee of the Board and ratifies the fair value determinations made by the Valuation Committee of the Board.

NOTE 4.  INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE

The Company has entered into an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with Firsthand Capital Management, Inc., which was previously known as SiVest Group, Inc. (“FCM” or the “Adviser”), pursuant to which the Company will pay FCM a fee for providing investment management services consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee.

The base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross assets.  For services rendered under the Investment Management Agreement, the base management fee will be payable quarterly in arrears.  The base management fee will be calculated based on the average of (1) the value of our gross assets at the end of the current calendar quarter and (2) the value of our gross assets at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and will be appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter.  Base management fees for any partial quarter will be pro-rated.

The incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Management Agreement, as of the termination date), commencing on April 15, 2011, and equals 20% of the Company’s realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid incentive fees, provided that the incentive fee determined as of December 31, 2012, will be calculated for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into account any realized gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation from inception. As of March 31, 2013, there were no incentive fees paid or accrued for.

NOTE 5.  DEBT

The Company currently has no plan to use leverage and does not have any significant outstanding debt obligations (other than normal operating expense accruals).

NOTE 6.  FAIR VALUE

Securities traded on, or quoted by, the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) are valued according to the NASDAQ official closing price. Securities traded on other stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), are valued at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading of that exchange (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time for the NYSE). If a security is not traded that day, the security will be valued at its most recent bid price.

Securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but not quoted by NASDAQ, are valued at the last sale price (or, if the last sale price is not readily available, at the most recent closing bid price as quoted by brokers that make markets in the securities) at the close of trading on the NYSE.
 
 
12

 

Securities traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market.

Securities and other assets that do not have market quotations readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Board in accordance with the Valuation Procedures adopted by the Valuation Committee of the Board.

In pricing illiquid, privately placed securities, the Board of Directors is responsible for (1) determining overall valuation guidelines and (2) ensuring that the investments of the Company are valued within the prescribed guidelines.

The Valuation Committee of the Board is responsible for determining the valuation of the Company’s assets within the guidelines established by the Board of Directors.  The Valuation Committee of the Board receives information and recommendations from the Adviser and an independent valuation firm.

The values assigned to these investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized when that investment is sold, as such amounts depend on future circumstances and cannot reasonably be determined until the individual investments are actually liquidated or become readily marketable.

APPROACHES TO DETERMINING FAIR VALUE.  GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  In effect, GAAP applies fair value terminology to all valuations whereas the 1940 Act applies market value terminology to readily marketable assets and fair value terminology to other assets.

The main approaches to measuring fair value utilized are the market approach, the income approach, and the asset-based approach.  The choice of which approach to use in a particular situation depends on the specific facts and circumstances associated with the Company, as well as the purpose for which the valuation analysis is being conducted.  FCM and the independent valuation firm rely primarily on the market and income approaches. We also considered the asset-based approach in our analysis because certain of the portfolio companies do not have substantial operating earnings relative to the value of their underlying assets.

 
-
Market Approach (M): The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.  For example, the market approach often uses market multiples derived from a set of comparables.  Multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable.  The selection of where within the range each appropriate multiple falls requires the use of judgment in considering factors specific to the measurement (qualitative and quantitative).
 
 
-
Income Approach (I): The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present value amount (discounted).  The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.  Those valuation techniques include present value techniques and the multi-period excess earnings method, which is used to measure the fair value of certain assets.

 
-
Asset-Based Approach (A): The asset-based approach examines the value of a company’s assets net of its liabilities to derive a value for the equity holders. 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT. In accordance with the guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Company discloses the fair value of its investments in a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation (Level 3 measurements).

The guidance establishes three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:

 
Level 1 -
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the date of measurement.
 
 
13

 
 
 
Level 2 -
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument in an inactive market, prices for similar instruments in an active or inactive market, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, yield curves, default rates, and similar data.

 
Level 3 -
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability based on the best information available.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security.  To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.  Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.  The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Company’s net assets as of March 31, 2013:
   
LEVEL 1 QUOTED PRICES
   
LEVEL 2 OTHER SIGNIFICANT OBSERVABLE INPUTS
   
LEVEL 3 SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
 
Common Stocks
                 
Advanced Materials
  $     $     $ 336,750  
Internet
                1,928,758  
Other Electronics
    2,573,136              
Renewable Energy
                7,243,690  
Social Networking
    15,348,000             14,900,621  
Total Common Stocks
    17,921,136             24,409,819  
Preferred Stocks
                       
Advertising Technology
  $     $       $ 1,499,993  
Advanced Materials
                    5,584,369  
Intellectual Property
                471,029  
Semiconductor Equipment
                3,934,170  
Services
                236,456  
Social Networking
                3,559,124  
Total Preferred Stocks
                15,285,141  
Asset Derivatives *
                       
Equity Contracts
  $     $     $ 481,970  
Total Asset Derivatives
                481,970  
Convertible Notes
                       
Intellectual Property
  $     $     $ 5,750,000  
Total Convertible Notes
                5,750,000  
Total
  $ 17,921,136     $     $ 45,926,930  
 
*
Asset derivatives include warrants and purchased options.

At the end of each calendar quarter, management evaluates the Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities for changes in liquidity, including, but not limited to: whether a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from third-party services, and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market.  Additionally, management evaluates the Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national
 
 
14

 
exchanges.  Transfers in and out of the levels are recognized at the value at the end of the quarter.  There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets (at either the beginning or the ending of the quarter) for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE USING SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS (LEVEL 3)
 
BALANCE
AS OF 12/31/12
   
GROSS
PURCHASES
   
GROSS
SALES
   
NET
REALIZED GAINS
   
NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)(1)
   
TRANSFERS IN (OUT) OF
LEVEL 3
   
BALANCE
AS OF
3/31/13
 
Common Stocks
                                         
Advanced Materials
  $     $     $     $     $ 336,750     $     $ 336,750  
Intellectual Property
    456                         (456 )            
Internet
    2,803,658                         (874,900 )           1,928,758  
Renewable Energy
    4,322,895                         2,920,795             7,243,690  
Services
    1                         (1 )            
Social Networking
    13,369,647       412,500                   1,118,474             14,900,621  
Preferred Stocks
                                                       
Advanced Materials
    5,581,279                         3,090             5,584,369  
Advertising Technology
          1,499,993                               1,499,993  
Intellectual Property
    575,261                         (104,232 )           471,029  
Renewable Energy
    208,185                         (208,185 )            
Semiconductor Equipment
    3,933,780                         390             3,934,170  
Services
    369,192                         (132,736 )           236,456  
Social Networking
    3,294,857                         264,267             3,559,124  
Asset Derivatives
                                                       
Equity Contracts
    510,099                         (28,129 )           481,970  
Convertible Bonds
                                                       
Intellectual Property
    5,750,000                                     5,750,000  
Total
  $ 40,719,310     $ 1,912,493     $     $     $ 3,295,127     $     $ 45,926,930  
 
(1)
The net change in unrealized appreciation from Level 3 instruments held as of March 31, 2013 was $3,295,127.
 
 
15

 
 
The below chart represents quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements at March 31, 2013:

 
FAIR VALUE AT 3/31/13
VALUATION TECHNIQUES
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
RANGE
(WEIGHTED AVG.)
Direct venture capital investments: Services
$0.2M
Market Comparable  
Companies
EBITDA Multiple
Discount for Lack of Marketability
6.0x
0.0% - 39.2%
Direct venture capital investments: Social Networking
$18.5M
Prior Transaction
Analysis
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
60.54%
0.25%
29.4%
Direct venture capital investments: Intellectual Property
$6.2M
Market Comparable
Companies
Revenue Multiple
EBITDA Multiple
Discount for Lack of Marketability
1.3x - 1.5x
8.5x - 8.7x
0.0% - 30.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Renewable Energy
$7.2M
Prior Transaction
Analysis
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
91.38%
0.36%
0.0% - 56.3%
   
Market Comparable
Companies
Revenue Multiple
0.7x - 1.6x
Direct venture capital investments: Internet
$1.9M
Prior Transaction
Analysis
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
44.45%
0.25%
22.10%
Direct venture capital investments: Advanced Materials
$6.4M
Prior Transaction
Analysis
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
55.52%
0.77%
0.0% - 43.8%
   
Market Comparable
Companies
EBITDA Multiple
7.9x - 8.2x
Direct venture capital  investments: Semiconductor Equipment
$4.0M
Prior Transaction
Analysis
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
54.24%
0.36%
0.0% - 35.4%
Direct venture capital  investments: Advertising
Technology
$1.5M
Prior Transaction
Analysis
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
49.84%
0.24%
0.0% - 24.6%
 
NOTE 7.  FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, for the special tax treatment afforded RICs under the Code.  As provided in the Code, in any fiscal year in which a BDC so qualifies and distributes at least 90% of its taxable net income, the BDC (but not the shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the income distributed.  Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made.  To avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Company intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the 12 months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years.
 
 
16

 
 
NOTE 8.  INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

Investment transactions (excluding short-term investments) were as follows for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

PURCHASES AND SALES
     
Purchases of investment securities
  $ 1,912,492  
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities
  $  
 
NOTE 9.  INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES AND CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS

Under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 5% (but less than 25%) of the portfolio company’s oustanding voting shares as an affiliate of the Company. Also, under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting shares as a controlled investment of the Company. A summary of the Company’s investments in affiliates and controlled investments for the period from December 31, 2012 through March 31, 2013, is noted below:

   
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
                   
AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/12
   
PURCHASES/ GRANTS
   
SALES/
MATURITY/ EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 3/31/13
 
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE
3/31/13
   
ACQUISITION COST
 
Pivotal Systems, Series A
    4,765,876                   4,765,876     $     $     $ 3,934,170     $ 4,000,000  
Pivotal Systems, Series A Warrants
    3,176,935                   3,176,935                   66,322        
QMAT, Series A*
    6,000,000                   6,000,000                   5,584,369       6,000,000  
QMAT, Series A Warrant*
    2,000,000                   2,000,000                   415,631        
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common
    911,892       10,000             921,892                         169,045  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Convertible Note
    1,250,000                   1,250,000             96,261       1,250,000       1,610,753  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Convertible Note
    500,000                   500,000             32,488       500,000       500,000  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Convertible Note
    1,000,000                   1,000,000             59,006       1,000,000       1,000,000  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Term Note
    3,000,000                   3,000,000             74,949       3,000,000       3,000,000  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant
    37,982                   37,982                         6,678  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant
    5,000,000                   5,000,000                          
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant
    3,000,000                   3,000,000                          
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-C
    82,914                   82,914                         109,518  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-D
    850,830                   850,830                         431,901  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E
    5,704,480                   5,704,480                   385,623       2,946,535  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Warrant
    94,339             94,339             (13,012 )                  
 
 
17

 
 
   
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
                         
AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/12
   
PURCHASES/ MERGER
   
SALES/
MATURITY/ EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 3/31/13
 
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE
3/31/13
   
ACQUISITION COST
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Warrant
    1,257,859                   1,257,859                         173,500  
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-F
    912,453                   912,453                   85,406       583,060  
Total Affiliates and Controlled Investments
                                                  $ 16,221,521     $ 20,530,990  
Total Affiliates
                                                  $ 10,221,521     $ 14,530,990  
Total Controlled Investments
                                                  $ 6,000,000     $ 6,000,000  

*
Controlled investment.

As of March 31, 2013, Kevin Landis represents the Company and sits on the board of directors of Pivotal Systems, Inc.; Silicon Genesis Corporation; and QMAT, Inc.  Serving on boards of directors of portfolio companies may cause conflicts of interest.  The Adviser has adopted various procedures to ensure that the Company will not be unfavorably affected by these potential conflicts.

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The matters discussed in this report, as well as in future oral and written statements by management of the Company, include forward-looking statements based on current management expectations that involve substantial  risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements related to future events or our future financial performance. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments and to achieve certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this report should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans or objectives will be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this report include, without limitations, statements as to:

our future operating results;
our business prospects and the prospects of our prospective portfolio companies;
the impact of investments that we expect to make;
the impact of a protracted decline in the liquidity of the credit markets on our business;
our informal relationships with third parties;
the expected market for venture capital investments and our addressable market;
the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
our ability to access the equity market;
the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
our expected financings and investments;
our regulatory structure and tax status;
our ability to operate as a business development company and a regulated investment company;
the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;
the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operation of our portfolio companies;
the timing, form, and amount of any dividend distributions;
 
 
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impact of fluctuation of interest rates on our business;
valuation of any investments in portfolio companies particularly those having no liquid trading market; and
our ability to recover unrealized losses.

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.

OVERVIEW

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation that has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. As such, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70 percent of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities of private or micro-cap public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, for tax purposes we have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. FCM serves as our investment adviser and manages the investment process on a daily basis.

Our investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital, principally by seeking capital gains on our equity and equity-related investments. There can be no assurance that we will achieve our investment objective. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80 percent of our net assets for investment purposes in technology companies.  We consider technology companies to be those companies that derive at least 50 percent of their revenues from products and/or services within the information technology sector or in the “cleantech” sector.  Information technology companies include, but are not limited to, those focused on computer hardware, software, telecommunications, networking, Internet, and consumer electronics. While there is no standard definition of cleantech, it is generally regarded as including goods and services designed to harness renewable energy and materials, eliminate emissions and waste, and reduce the use of natural resources. In addition, under normal circumstances we invest at least 70 percent of our total assets in privately held companies and public companies with market capitalizations of less than $250 million. Our portfolio is primarily composed of equity and equity derivative securities of technology and cleantech companies (as defined above). These investments generally range between $1 million and $10 million each, although the investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. We acquire our investments through direct investments in private companies, negotiations with selling shareholders, and in organized secondary marketplaces for private securities.

While our primary focus is to invest in illiquid private technology and cleantech companies, we may also invest in micro-cap publicly traded companies. In addition, we may invest up to 30 percent of the portfolio in opportunistic investments that do not constitute the private companies and micro-cap public companies described above. These other investments may include investments in securities of public companies that are actively traded or in actively traded derivative securities such as options on securities or security indices. These other investments may also include investments in high-yield bonds, distressed debt, or securities of public companies that are actively traded and securities of companies located outside of the United States. Our investment activities are managed by FCM.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following information is a comparison for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, and the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

INVESTMENT INCOME
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, we had interest income of $266,100 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with Silicon Genesis Corporation.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, we had interest income of $139,572 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible note investments with Silicon Genesis Corporation.
 
 
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The higher level of interest income in the quarter ended March 31, 2013 was due to a significant increase in the principal amount of the outstanding notes with Silicon Genesis Corporation.

OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses totaled approximately $1,152,620 during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Significant components of operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, were management fee expense of $979,146 and professional fees (audit, legal, accounting, and consulting) of $101,370.

Operating expenses totaled approximately $576,828 during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Significant components of operating expenses for the period ended March 31, 2012, were management fee expense of $424,994 and professional fees (audit, legal, accounting, and consulting) of $104,378.

The higher level of operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 is primarily attributable to an increase in our total assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based.

NET INVESTMENT LOSS
The net investment loss was $886,520 for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

The net investment loss was $437,256 for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

The greater net investment loss in the quarter ended March 31, 2013 is primarily due to the increase in management fees. As noted above, the increase in investment advisory fees is due to the expansion of our total assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based.

NET INVESTMENT REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION
Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the cost basis of the investment without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation primarily reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, we recognized net realized gains of approximately $1,177,436 from the sale of securities. Realized gains were substantially higher than those in the year-ago period due to premiums collected from written options transactions during the quarter.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, net unrealized depreciation on total investments decreased by $2,787,283. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized depreciation was primarily composed of an increase in the fair value of our portfolio companies, notably SolarCity and Twitter.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, there were no recognized net realized gains/(losses) from the sale of securities.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, net unrealized depreciation on total investments and other assets decreased by $2,673,528. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized depreciation was primarily composed of an increase in the fair value of our portfolio companies, notably Facebook.
 
 
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A summary of the net realized and unrealized loss on investments for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013, and March 31, 2012, is shown below.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Realized gains
  $ 1,177,436  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
  $ 2,787,283  
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
  $ 3,964,719  

   
As of March 31, 2013
 
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments
  $ 2,384,708  
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments
  $ (20,653,339 )
Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments
  $ (18,268,631 )
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
Realized gains
  $ -  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
  $ 2,673,528  
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
  $ 2,673,528  

   
As of March 31, 2012
 
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments
  $ 4,335,179  
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments
  $ (9,764,724 )
Net increase in unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments
  $ (5,429,545 )
 
INCOME AND EXCISE TAXES
As we intend to continue to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, the Company does not provide for income taxes.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties in income tax expense.

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS PER SHARE
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the net increase in net assets resulting from operations totaled $3,078,199. Basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 was $0.36.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the net increase in net assets resulting from operations totaled $2,236,272. Basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $0.64. Despite a larger increase in net assets for the quarter ended March 13, 2013, which is due primarily to an increase in realized gains from written options transactions, the net increase in net assets per share was smaller, due to the larger number of outstanding shares for the quarter ended March 13, 2013.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At March 31, 2013, we had investments in public and private securities totaling approximately $63.8 million. Also, at March 31, 2013, we had approximately $135.0 million in cash.We primarily invest cash on hand in a money market treasury portfolio. We expect the portion of our portfolio consisting of cash and cash equivalents to decrease as we become fully invested.

As of March 31, 2013, net assets totaled approximately $199.0 million, with an NAV per share of $23.26. Our primary use of funds will be investments in portfolio companies and payments of fees and other operating expenses we incur. Additionally, we expect to raise additional capital to support our future growth through future equity offerings. To the extent we determine to raise additional equity through an offering of our common stock at a price below NAV, existing investors will experience dilution.
 
 
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PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

PRIVATE INVESTMENTS
We make investments in securities of both public and private companies. At March 31, 2013, we had investments in the following private companies:

Gilt Groupe Holdings, Inc.
Gilt Groupe Holdings, Inc. (“Gilt Groupe”), New York, NY, is a leader in online “flash sales” of designer merchandise at discount prices.

At March 31, 2013, our investment in Gilt Groupe consisted of 198,841 shares of common stock with an aggregate market value of approximately $1.9 million.

INNOViON Corporation
INNOViON Corporation (“Innovion”), San Jose, California, provides foundry ion implant services to the microelectronics industry.

At March 31, 2013, our investments in INNOViON consisted of 324,948 shares of Series A-1 preferred stock, 168,804 shares of Series A-2 preferred stock, and one share of common stock, with a combined fair value of $236,456.

Pivotal Systems Corporation
Pivotal Systems, Corporation (“Pivotal Systems”) provides monitoring and process control technologies for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

At March 31, 2013, our investment in Pivotal Systems consisted of 4,765,876 shares of Series A preferred stock and warrants to purchase up to 3,176,935 shares of Series A preferred stock with a combined fair value of approximately $4.0 million.

QMAT, Inc.
QMAT, Inc. (“QMAT”) is developing advanced materials technologies for applications in the electronics industry.

At March 31, 2013, our investment in QMAT consisted of 6,000,000 shares of Series A preferred stock and warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Series A preferred stock with a combined fair value of approximately $6.0 million.

Silicon Genesis Corporation
Silicon Genesis Corporation (“SiGen”), San Jose, CA, provides engineered substrate process technology for the semiconductor, display, optoelectronics, and solar markets.

At March 31, 2013, our investments in SiGen consisted of 82,914 shares of Series 1-C preferred stock, 850,830 shares of Series 1-D preferred stock, 5,704,480 shares of Series 1-E preferred stock, 912,453 shares of Series 1-F preferred stock, 921,892 shares of common stock, warrants for 1,257,859 shares of Series 1-E preferred stock, warrants for 8,037,982 shares of common stock, a $1.25 million par value convertible note, a $500,000 par value convertible note, a $1.0 million par value convertible note, and a $3.0 million term note. The convertible notes each bear annual interest at a rate of 20% and the term note bears an annual interest at a rate of 10%. The convertible notes  mature on December 31, 2014, and the term note matures on December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2013, the combined fair value of our SiGen securities was approximately $6.2 million.

Skyline Solar, Inc.
Skyline Solar, Inc. (“Skyline Solar”), Mountain View, CA, is a supplier of concentrated solar photovoltaic systems for utility-scale solar electricity generation projects.

At March 31, 2013, our investment in Skyline Solar consisted of 793,651 shares of Series C preferred stock, with a fair value of $0.
 
 
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SoloPower, Inc.
SoloPower, Inc. (“SoloPower”), San Jose, CA, produces low-cost, high-power, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules that offer a viable alternative to the electricity produced using traditional fossil fuels.

At March 31, 2013, our investments in SoloPower consisted of 400,000 shares of Series A preferred stock, 100,205 shares of Series B preferred stock, 100,000 shares of Series D preferred stock, 190,476 shares of Series E-1 preferred stock, and warrants to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock, with a combined fair value of approximately $0.

TapAd, Inc.
TapAd, Inc. (“TapAd”), New York, NY, is an advertising technology company that enables digital advertisers to deliver targeted advertisements to users across multiple devices (i.e., desktop, mobile, tablet).

At March 31, 2013, our investments in TapAd consisted of 140,024 shares of Series B-1 preferred stock, with a fair value of approximately $1.5 million.

Twitter, Inc.
Twitter, Inc. (“Twitter”), San Francisco, CA, is an online social networking service that lets users send and receive 140-character messages (“tweets”). The service has more than 140 million active users and more than 340 million daily tweets.

At March 31, 2013, our investment in Twitter consisted of 812,200 shares of common stock and 194,000 shares of Series B preferred stock, with a fair value of approximately $18.5 million.

UCT Coatings, Inc.
UCT Coatings, Inc. (“UCT”), Stuart, Florida, is a leader in the development of metal coatings that reduce friction and improve efficiency in mechanical systems.

At March 31, 2013, our investments in UCT consisted of 1,500,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 172,270 shares of common stock, with a combined fair value of $336,767.

PUBLIC INVESTMENTS
At March 31, 2013, we had investments in the following public securities:

Facebook, Inc.
Facebook, Inc. (“Facebook”), Menlo Park, CA, is an online social networking service with approximately 900 million active users worldwide. Facebook also develops technologies to facilitate information sharing and the digital mapping of social connections. At March 31, 2013, our investment in Facebook consisted of 600,000 shares of common stock with a market value of $15,348,000.

Intevac, Inc.
Intevac, Inc. (“Intevac”), Santa Clara, CA, is a leading provider of cost-effective, advanced equipment and products to the hard disk drive, solar, semiconductor, and photonics industries. At March 31, 2013, our investment in Intevac consisted of 545,156 shares of common stock with an aggregate market value of approximately $2.6 million.
 
SolarCity Corp.
SolarCity Corp. (“SolarCity”), San Mateo, CA, is a leading installer of commercial and residential solar photovoltaic systems.

At March 31, 2013, our investment in SolarCity consisted of 426,300 shares of common stock, with a fair value of approximately $7.2 million.  Because our holdings in SolarCity were purchased while it was a private company, we are subject to  a 180-day “lock-up” period during which we are not allowed to dispose of the security. Due to this resale restriction, our valuation of our SolarCity holdings reflects a discount to SolarCity’s closing price on March 31, 2013.
 
 
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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent to the close of the fiscal quarter on March 31, 2013, and through the date of the issuance of the financial statements included herein, a material event related to our portfolio of investments occurred.

 
On April 11, 2013, we acquired 2,267,659 shares of Wrightspeed, Inc. at a cost of approximately $6.0 million. Wrightspeed, Inc. is a supplier of electric drivetrains for medium-duty trucks.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The Company’s  business activities contain elements of risk.  We consider the principal types of market risk to be valuation risk and small company investment risk.

VALUATION RISK
Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market price for those securities for which market quotations are readily available and (ii) fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors for all other assets.

Because there is typically no public market for our interests in the small privately-held companies in which we invest, the valuation of the securities in that portion of our portfolio is determined in good faith by our Board of Directors with the assistance of our Valuation Committee, comprised of the independent members of our Board of Directors, in accordance with our Valuation Procedures.  In addition, the Board of Directors may use the services of a nationally recognized independent valuation firm to aid it in determining the fair value of some of these securities.  In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the determined value of our portfolio of securities may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for such securities existed.  Determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment, although our valuation policy is intended to provide a consistent basis for determining fair value of the portfolio investments.  The methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (sales, income, or earnings multiples, etc.), discounts from market prices of similar securities, purchase price of securities, subsequent private transactions in the security or related securities, or discounts applied to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities, as well as a combination of these and other factors.  Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time, and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed.

Furthermore, changes in valuation of any of our investments in privately-held companies from one period to another may be volatile.

Investments in privately held, immature companies are inherently more volatile than investments in more mature businesses.  Such immature businesses are inherently fragile and easily affected by both internal and external forces.

Our portfolio companies can lose much or all of their value suddenly in response to an internal or external adverse event.  Conversely, these immature businesses can gain suddenly in value in response to an internal or external positive development.

The values assigned to our assets are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized, as these amounts depend on future circumstances and cannot be reasonably determined until the individual investments are actually liquidated or become readily marketable.  Upon sale of investments, the values that are ultimately realized may be different from what is presently estimated.  This difference could be material.

PRIVATELY PLACED SMALL COMPANIES RISK
The Company invests in small companies, and its investments in these companies are considered speculative in nature.  The Company’s investments often include securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale that adversely affect
 
 
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the liquidity and marketability of such securities.  As a result, the Company is subject to risk of loss which may prevent our shareholders from achieving price appreciation, dividend distributions and return of capital.

WE CURRENTLY HOLD A LARGE PORTION OF OUR ASSETS IN CASH
As of March 31, 2013, a large portion of the Company’s assets (approximately 68%) is invested in cash and/or cash equivalents, which are expected to earn low yields. Given the current low interest rate environment, to the extent the management fee and other operating expenses exceed interest income on the cash holdings of the Company, the Company may experience losses. Furthermore, the investment advisory fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in cash-equivalent securities.

A number of factors have contributed to the fact that we currently have a large cash position. Most significantly, we raised approximately $127 million in additional capital in 2012. We began the year 2012 with approximately $68 million in cash on hand and deployed approximately $60 million of that cash in 2012. We deployed an additional $8 million during the first four months of 2013.

In addition, changes in the market landscape in 2012 have made it more challenging to deploy our capital. We invest in private companies via two types of transactions: (1) investing directly in a company (a “primary transaction”) and (2) buying already-issued shares from an existing investor in a company (a “secondary transaction”). In 2012 (particularly during the second half), a confluence of events created a dramatic decrease in the availability of both primary and secondary transactions, which resulted in the need to take longer to deploy our assets.

In 2012, for the second year in a row, we witnessed a decline in the number of IPOs and M&A transactions for venture-backed companies in the U.S. The downward trend has continued through the first quarter of 2013. In our view, the disappointing Facebook IPO soured what had been expected to be a healthy IPO market in the second half of 2012. In our experience, when IPOs and M&A transactions decline, venture capital investors grow more cautious and make fewer investments. Not surprisingly, the number of venture deals in the U.S. was down in 2012 and in the first quarter of 2013 as well. Against this backdrop, we found the investment environment more challenging in the second half of 2012. Because our investment approach often relies upon cooperating with other investors to complete a financing, increased caution among venture investors has made it more difficult to close deals.

In the secondary market, shrinking exits from private companies have made secondary transactions in private company stock much more risky. This increased risk in secondary transactions means we have become much more selective in choosing opportunities for secondary investments.

The Facebook IPO also destabilized the secondary market. For several weeks and months after the IPO, it appeared that the secondary market locked up, as buyers stepped back from and sellers continued to demand high prices. We chose to step back during this period as well, having determined that valuations were likely to fall. Our expectations were confirmed, and it was not until late in the third quarter of 2012 that we felt comfortable investing again. In the end we believe the price slump has been good for buyers and for our shareholders. We closed several secondary transactions in the fourth quarter of 2012 at significant discounts to the “pre-Facebook” valuations for the companies involved.

More significantly, however, we observed that the availability of shares in what we consider to be top-tier private companies on organized secondary exchanges declined dramatically in 2012 and has shown no sign of reversing through the first quarter of 2013. By way of background, the emergence of organized secondary exchanges (including SecondMarket and SharesPost) for private company stock was making headlines in 2011 as trading in shares of Facebook heated up. For a time it appeared that these online secondary exchanges could provide sellers with a ready market for private shares and accredited buyers with access to a large number of potential investments. However, while it was well known that Facebook shares represented the lion’s share of trading volume on these platforms, the continued expansion of online trading of private company shares that many market participants, including us, expected has not materialized. Some companies have even taken steps to discourage or, in some cases, block transactions by their shareholders on these online exchanges. To the extent that shares of top-tier private companies are traded, we have found that the market has become highly fragmented, being handled in many cases by small brokers or directly between buyer and seller, as opposed to online secondary exchanges. The result is a relatively de-centralized market that is less efficient than a more organized exchange could be.
 
 
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In sum, we have become more selective in making secondary investments, and these investments have become more difficult than anticipated due to the declining relevance on online secondary exchanges. This combination of factors means that our ability to utilize these exchanges to deploy our cash has been limited, and it is, therefore, taking us longer to invest our capital than we initially planned. However, we are encouraged by the recent announcement by NASDAQ that it will jointly establish the NASDAQ Private Market with SharesPost to enable more efficient buying and selling of private company shares.

In some cases, particularly for primary transactions, it will be to our advantage to hold sufficient cash reserve so that we can make additional subsequent investments in these companies in order to (a) avoid having our earlier investments become diluted in future dilutive financings, (b) invest additional capital into existing portfolio companies in case additional investments are necessary, and/or (c) exercise warrants, options, or convertible securities that were acquired as part of the earlier transactions. For this reason, in the case of primary transactions (as opposed to secondary transactions where we do not buy the securities from the issuing companies but instead from existing stockholders), we typically reserve cash in an amount at least equal to our initial investment for such follow-on opportunities.  Cash reserves held with respect to a particular investment should, therefore, decline as it is held longer, and will typically not be needed once that portfolio company becomes public or we determine it is no longer in our best interest to make investments in such portfolio company.

In addition, we believe it is in our best interest to be patient, diligent investors. The timing of attractive investment opportunities is unpredictable. We strive to maintain sufficient cash to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise. Further, it would be difficult to rapidly deploy large amounts of cash, as it takes time to build a pipeline of high-quality potential investments.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended march 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are not a party to any material pending legal proceeding, and no such proceedings are known to be contemplated.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012 in response to Item 1A of Part 1 of Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

None.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

None.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 6.
 
EXHIBITS
     
Exhibit Number
 
Description
31.1
 
Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2
 
Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
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SIGNATURES

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

 
FIRSTHAND TECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
Dated: May 10, 2013
/s/ Kevin Landis                                
 
Kevin Landis
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number
 
Description
31.1
 
Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2
 
Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
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