Back to GetFilings.com

Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal period ended December 31, 2004

Commission File Number 0-19509

EQUUS II INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 529-0900

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Approximate aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant: $44,825,139 computed on the basis of $7.72 per share, closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2004. For purposes of calculating this amount only, all directors and executive officers of the registrant have been treated as affiliates. There were 6,506,692 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of March 28, 2005. The net asset value of a share at December 31, 2004 was $10.54.

Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the Proxy Statement for 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference in Part II and III.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

Equus II Incorporated (the “Fund”) is a Delaware corporation that seeks to generate current distributions of net investment income and long term capital gains by making equity-oriented investments in small to medium sized privately owned companies (“portfolio companies”). We invest primarily in companies that intend to grow either internally or by acquiring other businesses, including through leveraged buyouts. We may also invest in recapitalizations of existing businesses or special situations from time to time. Our investments in Portfolio Companies consist principally of equity securities such as common and preferred stock, but also include other equity-oriented securities such as debt convertible into common or preferred stock or debt combined with warrants, options or other rights to acquire common or preferred stock. The Fund has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”).

We have nine directors. Seven of our directors are individuals (the “Independent Directors”) who are not “interested persons” of the Fund as defined by the Investment Company Act. Our directors are responsible for providing overall guidance and supervision of the Fund, approving the valuation of our investments and performing various duties imposed on directors of a business development company by the Investment Company Act. Among other things, the Independent Directors must approve the management arrangements for the Fund, the custody arrangements with respect to portfolio securities, the selection of independent public accountants, fidelity bonding and any transactions with affiliates.

We have engaged Equus Capital Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Management Company”), to provide certain investment management and administrative services to the Fund. Subject to the supervision of the directors, the Management Company performs, or arranges for third parties to perform, the management, administrative, certain investment advisory and other services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Management Company identifies, evaluates, structures, monitors and disposes of our investments. The Management Company also manages our cash and short-term, interest-bearing investments and provides the Fund, at the Management Company’s expense, with the office space, facilities, equipment and personnel (whose salaries and benefits are paid by the Management Company) necessary to enable the Fund to conduct its business.

The Management Company, its officers and directors and the officers of the Fund are collectively referred to herein as “Management.” Our principal office is located at 2727 Allen Parkway, 13^th Floor, Houston, Texas, 77019, and the telephone number is (713) 529-0900.

Investment Practices

Approximately 71% of our net assets are invested in securities of Portfolio Companies and other entities. Substantially all amounts not invested in securities of Portfolio Companies are invested in short-term, highly liquid investments consisting of U.S. Treasury Bills, interest-bearing bank accounts, certificates of deposit or other short-term, highly liquid investments providing, in the opinion of the Management Company, appropriate safety of principal.

Our investments in portfolio securities are usually structured in private transactions negotiated directly with the owner or issuer of the securities acquired. The enterprise value of a

1

Table of Contents

portfolio company typically ranges from $15,000,000 to $75,000,000, at the time of our initial investment. Our initial investment in a portfolio company typically ranges from $1,500,000 to $7,500,000 and normally represents fifteen to eighty percent of the equity in such company. The balance of the purchase price of a portfolio company is supplied by debt financing and other equity investors, if necessary.

We attempt to reduce certain of the risks inherent in private equity-oriented investments by investing in a portfolio of companies involved in different industries. We limit our initial investment (whether in the form of equity or debt securities, commitments to purchase securities or debt guaranties) in any portfolio company to no more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets at the date of initial investment. However, our investment in a particular portfolio company may exceed these initial investment limitations due to follow-on investments, as discussed below, or due to increases in the value of such investments. At December 31, 2004, we had approximately 22% of our net assets invested in one company.

We may make investments as a sole investor, with other professional investors or with other persons. We ordinarily are not the sole investor in a portfolio company. Joint equity participants may include management of the portfolio company, other business development companies, small business investment companies, other institutional or individual investors or venture capital groups. The investment position of the Fund and its co-investors in portfolio companies will typically involve a substantial, and may constitute a controlling, interest in such companies.

We may borrow funds to make new or follow-on investments, to maintain our pass through tax status, or to pay contingencies and expenses. See “Borrowings” and “Loss of Conduit Tax Treatment” under “Factors that May Affect Future Results, the Market Price of Common Stock, and the Accuracy of Forward Looking Statements.”

Investment Criteria

Prospective investments are evaluated by Management based upon criteria that may be modified from time to time. The criteria currently being used by Management in determining whether to make an investment in a prospective portfolio company include:

2

Table of Contents

Investment Operations

The investment operations of the Fund consist principally of the following basic activities:

Identifying Investments. Investment opportunities are identified by the Management Company and its officers and directors. Investment proposals may, however, come from other sources, which may include unsolicited proposals from the public and referrals from banks, lawyers, accountants and members of the financial community. Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, the Fund may pay such persons (including affiliates of Management other than directors, officers and employees of the Management Company) finder’s fees to the extent permissible under applicable law and consistent with industry practice.

Evaluating Investment Opportunities. Prior to committing funds to an investment opportunity, due diligence is conducted to assess the prospects and risks of the potential investment. See “Investment Criteria” above.

Structuring Investments. Portfolio company investments typically are negotiated directly with the prospective portfolio company or its affiliates. The Management Company structures the terms of a proposed investment, including the purchase price, the type of security to be purchased and the future involvement of the Fund and affiliates in the portfolio company’s business. The Management Company seeks to structure the terms of the investment to provide for the capital needs of the portfolio company and at the same time maximize the Fund’s opportunities for capital appreciation in its investment.

Providing Management Assistance and Monitoring of Investments. Successful private equity investments typically require active monitoring of, and significant participation in, major business decisions of portfolio companies. In most cases, officers of the Fund serve as members of the boards of directors of portfolio companies. Such management assistance is required of a business development company under the Investment Company Act and is intended to enable us to provide guidance and management assistance with respect to such matters as capital structure, budgets, profit goals, diversification strategy, financing requirements, management additions or replacements and development of a public or private market for the securities of the portfolio company. In connection with their service as directors of portfolio companies, officers and directors of Management may receive and retain directors’ fees or reimbursement for expenses incurred, and may participate in incentive stock option plans for non-employee directors, if any. When necessary, the Management Company, on behalf of the Fund, may also assign staff professionals with financial or management expertise to assist portfolio company management on specific problems.

Current Portfolio Companies

For a description of our current portfolio company investments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Temporary Investments

Pending investment in portfolio companies, we invest our available funds in interest-bearing bank accounts, money market mutual funds, U.S. Treasury securities and/or certificates of deposit with maturities of less than one year (collectively, “Temporary Investments”).

3

Table of Contents

Temporary Investments may also include commercial paper (rated or unrated) and other short-term securities. Temporary Investments constituting cash, cash items, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. Government agencies and high quality debt securities (commercial paper rated in the two highest rating categories by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Corporation, or if not rated, issued by a company having an outstanding debt issue so rated, with maturities of less than one year at the time of investment) will qualify for determining whether the Fund has 70% of its total assets invested in Managed Companies (as hereafter defined) or in qualified Temporary Investments for purposes of the business development company provisions of the Investment Company Act. See “Regulation” below. At December 31, 2004, the Fund had approximately $18,800,000 in Temporary Investments and cash or approximately 27% of our net assets.

Follow-on Investments

Following our initial investment in a portfolio company, we may be requested to make follow-on investments in the company. Follow-on investments may be made to take advantage of warrants or other preferential rights granted to us or otherwise to increase our position in a successful or promising portfolio company. We may also be called upon to provide additional equity or loans needed by a portfolio company to fully implement its business plans, to develop a new line of business or to recover from unexpected business problems. We may make follow-on investments in portfolio companies from funds on hand or may borrow all or a portion of the funds required to make such follow-on investments. If we are unable to maintain our revolving line of credit and do not have sufficient funds to make follow-on investments, the portfolio company in need of the investment may be negatively impacted and/or our equity interest in the portfolio company may be reduced.

We have committed, under certain circumstances, to make additional capital contributions to two venture capital funds and follow-on investments in certain portfolio companies. See further discussion of this in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Disposition of Investments

The method and timing of the disposition of our portfolio investments is critical to the realization of capital appreciation and to the minimization of any capital losses. We expect to dispose of our portfolio securities through a variety of transactions, including sales of portfolio securities in underwritten public offerings, public sales of such securities and negotiated private sales of such securities to the portfolio company itself or to other investors. In addition, we may distribute our portfolio securities in-kind to our stockholders. In structuring investments, we endeavor to reach such agreements or understandings with a prospective portfolio company as may be appropriate with respect to the method and timing of the disposition of our investment and, if appropriate, seek to obtain registration rights at the expense of the portfolio company. We bear the costs of disposing of investments to the extent not paid by the portfolio company.

Operating Expenses

The Management Company, at its expense, provides the Fund with office space, facilities, equipment and personnel (whose salaries and benefits are paid by the Management Company) necessary for the conduct of our business and pays all costs related to proposed acquisitions of portfolio securities that are not completed, unless such proposed acquisitions have been previously approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund.

4

Table of Contents

The Fund is responsible for paying certain expenses relating to its operations, including: management fees to the Management Company; fees and expenses of the Independent Directors; finder’s fees; direct costs of proposed investments in portfolio companies, whether or not completed, if such proposed investments have been approved for acquisition by our Board of Directors; depositary fees of unaffiliated depositaries; fees of unaffiliated transfer agents, registrars and disbursing agents; the administrative fee to the Management Company; portfolio transaction expenses; interest; legal and accounting expenses; costs of printing and mailing proxy materials and reports to stockholders; New York Stock Exchange fees; custodian fees; litigation costs; costs of disposing of investments including brokerage fees and commissions; and other unusual or nonrecurring expenses and other expenses properly payable by the Fund. We also have the ability to pay bonuses to our officers, but none have been paid to date.

Valuation

On a quarterly basis, the Management Company performs a valuation of our investments, subject to the approval of our Board of Directors. Valuations of portfolio securities are done in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the financial reporting policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The fair value of investments for which no market exists (including most of our investments) is determined on the basis of procedures established in good faith by our Board of Directors. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of an investment would be the amount we might reasonably expect to receive for it upon its current sale, in an orderly manner. There is a range of values that are reasonable for such investments at any particular time. Generally, cost is the primary factor used to determine fair value until significant developments affecting the portfolio company (such as results of operations or changes in general market conditions) provide a basis for use of an appraisal valuation.

Appraisal valuations are based upon such factors as a portfolio company’s earnings, cash flow and net worth, the market prices for similar securities of comparable companies, an assessment of the company’s current and future financial prospects and various other factors and assumptions. In the case of unsuccessful operations, the appraisal may be based upon liquidation value. Appraisal valuations are necessarily subjective and the Management Company’s estimate of values may differ materially from amounts actually received upon the disposition of portfolio securities. Also, failure by a portfolio company to achieve its business plan or obtain and maintain its financing arrangements could result in a significant and rapid change in its value.

We may also use, when available, third-party transactions in a portfolio company’s securities as the basis of valuation (the “private market method”). The private market method will be used only with respect to completed transactions or firm offers made by sophisticated, independent investors.

Our investments for which market quotations are readily available and which are freely transferable are valued at the closing price on the date of valuation. For securities which are in a class of public securities but are restricted from free trading (such as Rule 144 stock or large blocks), valuation is set by discounting the closing price to reflect the estimated effects of the illiquidity caused by such restrictions. The fair values of debt securities, which are generally held to maturity, are determined on the basis of the terms of the debt securities and the financial condition of the issuer. Certificates of deposit generally will be valued at their face value, plus interest accrued to the date of valuation.

5

Table of Contents

The Board of Directors reviews the valuation policies on a quarterly basis to determine their appropriateness and may also hire independent firms to review the Management Company’s methodology of valuation or to conduct an independent valuation.

On a daily basis, we adjust our net asset value for the changes in the value of our publicly held securities and material changes in the value of our private securities and report those amounts to Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. Weekly and daily net asset values appear in various publications, including Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal.

Custodian

We act as the custodian of our securities to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act and are subject to the restrictions imposed on self-custodians by the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. We have entered into an agreement with Frost National Bank with respect to the safekeeping of our securities. The principal business office of the custodian is 100 West Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

Transfer and Disbursing Agent

We employ American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as our transfer agent to record transfers of the shares, maintain proxy records and to process distributions. The principal business office of our transfer agent is 59 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10007.

Factors that May Affect Future Results, the Market Price of Common Stock, and the Accuracy of Forward-Looking Statements

In the normal course of our business, in an effort to keep our stockholders and the public informed about our operations and portfolio of investments, we may issue certain statements, either in writing or orally, that contain or may contain forward-looking information. Generally, these statements relate to business plans or strategies of the Fund or Portfolio Companies in which it invests, projected or anticipated benefits or consequences of such plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits of new or follow-on investments made by or to be made by the Fund, or projections involving anticipated purchases or sales of securities or other aspects of the Fund’s operating results. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. As noted elsewhere in this report, the Fund’s operations and portfolio of investments are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, and other influences, many of which are outside the control of the Fund, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect the results of the Fund’s operations or net asset value, the market price of its common stock, and whether forward-looking statements made by the Fund ultimately prove to be accurate.

6

Table of Contents

The following discussion outlines certain factors that could affect our results for 2004 and beyond and cause them to differ materially from those that may be set forth in any forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf:

Valuation of Investments. Our net asset value is based on the value assigned to our portfolio investments. Investments in companies whose securities are publicly traded are valued at their quoted market price, less a discount to reflect the estimated effects of restrictions on the sale of such securities, if applicable. We adjust our net asset value for changes in the value of our publicly held securities on a daily basis.

The value of the Fund’s investments in securities for which market quotations are not available is determined as of the end of each calendar quarter, unless there is a significant event requiring a change in valuation in the interim. Cost is used to approximate fair value of such investments until significant developments affecting an investment provide a basis for use of an appraisal valuation. Thereafter, such portfolio investments are carried at appraised values as determined quarterly by management. Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, our estimate of fair value may materially differ from the fair value that would have been used had a ready market existed for the securities. Appraisal valuations are based on a portfolio company’s historical performance and certain assumptions concerning the company’s future performance, the financial markets, and general economic conditions. A portfolio company’s failure to achieve its business plan, changes in financial and other markets, or changes in general economic conditions could result in significant and rapid changes in the value of a portfolio company. At December 31, 2004, only one of our portfolio companies had securities for which market quotations were readily available. However, because our holdings of shares in such company substantially exceed the average daily trading volume, we have recorded a discount from market value on our shares. Such discount may or may not reflect the actual price we could receive on the sale of such securities. See “Valuation.”

Market Value and Net Asset Value. The shares of our common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Stockholders desiring liquidity may trade their shares of common stock on the NYSE at current market value, which historically has been below the net asset value. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from net asset value. This characteristic of shares of a closed-end fund is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that a fund’s net asset value will decrease. The risk of purchasing shares of a closed-end fund that might trade at a discount is more pronounced for investors who wish to sell their shares in a relatively short period of time because for those investors, realization of a gain or loss on their investments is likely to be more dependent upon the existence of a premium or discount than upon portfolio performance. Our shares have traded at a discount to net asset value since they began trading. For information concerning the trading history of our shares, see “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.”

Non-Diversified Status; Number of Investments. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act, which means we are not limited in the proportion of our assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. We do not initially invest more than 15% of the value of our net assets in a single portfolio company. However, follow-on investments, disproportionate increases or decreases in the value of certain portfolio companies or the sale of investments may result in greater than 15% of our net assets being invested in a single portfolio company. At December 31, 2004, we had investments in sixteen entities, including twelve Portfolio Companies, two venture capital funds and two entities awaiting liquidation. The value of one investment exceeded 22% of the value of our net assets. This investment is a business which manufactures residential windows, primarily for new construction. Changes in business or industry trends or in the financial condition, results of operations, or the market’s assessment of any single portfolio company will affect our net asset value and the market price of our common stock to a greater extent than would be the case if we were a “diversified” company holding numerous investments.

7

Table of Contents

Leveraged Portfolio Investments. While leveraged buyout investments and investments in highly leveraged companies may offer the opportunity for significant gains, such investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk and can also result in substantial losses. The use of leverage by Portfolio Companies magnifies the increase or decrease in the value of a Fund investment as compared to the overall change in value of a portfolio company.

Many of our portfolio companies have incurred substantial indebtedness in relation to their overall capital base. Such indebtedness generally has a term that will require that the balance of the loan be refinanced when it matures. In the event a portfolio company cannot generate adequate cash flow to meet the principal and interest payments on its indebtedness or is not successful in refinancing the debt upon its maturity, our investment could be reduced or eliminated through foreclosure on the portfolio company’s assets or the portfolio company’s reorganization or bankruptcy.

A substantial portion of the indebtedness incurred by portfolio companies may bear interest at rates that will fluctuate in accordance with a stated interest rate index or the prime lending rate. The cash flow of a portfolio company may not be sufficient to meet increases in interest payments on its indebtedness. Accordingly, the profitability of our portfolio companies, as well as the value of our investments in such companies, depends significantly upon prevailing interest rates.

If a portfolio company cannot refinance its credit facility on a timely basis, it may be required to sell assets to repay debt or seek protection under applicable reorganization or bankruptcy laws. In either event the value of our investment in such portfolio company may be materially affected.

Lack of Liquidity of Portfolio Investments. Our portfolio investments consist principally of securities that are subject to restrictions on sale because they were acquired from the issuer in “private placement” transactions or because we are deemed to be an affiliate of the issuer. Generally, we will not be able to sell these securities publicly without the expense and time required to register the securities under the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities law, unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available. In addition, contractual or practical limitations may restrict our ability to liquidate our securities in Portfolio Companies, since in many cases the securities of such companies will be privately held and we may own a relatively large percentage of the issuer’s outstanding securities. Sales may also be limited by securities market conditions, which may be unfavorable for sales of securities of particular issuers. The above limitations on liquidity of our securities could preclude or delay any disposition of such securities, which may reduce the amount of proceeds that might otherwise be realized.

Borrowings. We may borrow funds to make investments, to maintain our pass-through tax status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code or to pay contingencies and expenses. We are permitted under the Investment Company Act to borrow if, immediately after the borrowing, we will have asset coverage of at least 200%. That is, we may borrow an amount up to 50% of the value of our assets (including investments made with borrowed funds). The amount and nature of any borrowings will depend upon a number of factors over which we have no control, including general economic conditions, conditions in the

8

Table of Contents

financial markets and the impact of the financing on the tax treatment of the stockholders. The use of leverage, even on a short-term basis, could have the effect of magnifying increases or decreases in our net asset value. While the “spread” between the current yield on our investments and the cost of any loan would augment the stockholders’ return from the Fund, if the spread narrows (because of an increase in the cost of debt or insufficient income on our investments), distributions to the stockholders would be adversely affected. If the spread were reversed, we might be unable to meet our obligations to our lenders, which might then seek to cause us to liquidate some or all of our investments. There can be no assurance that we would realize full value for our investments or recoup all of our capital if our portfolio investments were required to be liquidated in other than an orderly manner.

Many financial institutions today are unwilling to lend against a portfolio of illiquid, private securities. The decline in the number of institutions in our credit market and the make-up of our portfolio has made it more difficult for us to borrow at the level and on the terms that we desire. Our borrowings have historically consisted of a revolving line of credit, the proceeds of which have been utilized to provide liquidity for expenses and contingencies and to make new or follow-on investments, and a line of credit promissory note or margin account utilized quarterly to enable us to achieve adequate diversification to maintain our pass-through tax status as a regulated investment company.

The costs of borrowing money may exceed the income from the portfolio securities we purchased with the borrowed money. The Fund will suffer a decline in net asset value if the investment performance of the additional securities purchased with borrowed money fails to cover their cost to the Fund (including any interest paid on the money borrowed). A decline in net asset value could affect our ability to make distributions on our common stock. Our failure to distribute a sufficient portion of our net investment income and net realized capital gains could result in a loss of pass-through tax status or subject us to a 4% excise tax. See “Loss of Conduit Tax Treatment.” If the asset coverage for debt securities issued by the Fund declines to less than 200% (as a result of market fluctuations or otherwise), we may be required to sell a portion of our investments when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 2 in the “Notes to the Financial Statements” for further discussion of the current status of our borrowings and liquidity.

Need for Follow-on Investments in Portfolio Companies. After our initial investment in a portfolio company, we may be called upon from time to time to provide additional funds to such company, or may have the opportunity to increase our investment in such company by the exercise of a warrant to purchase common stock. There is no assurance that we will make, or have sufficient funds to make, follow-on investments. Any decision by us not to make a follow-on investment or any inability on our part to make such an investment may have a negative impact on a portfolio company in need of such an investment or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation, and may dilute our equity interest in or reduce the expected yield on our investment.

Loss of Conduit Tax Treatment. The Fund may cease to qualify for conduit tax treatment if it is unable to comply with the diversification and gross income requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. Subchapter M requires that at the end of each quarter (i) at least 50% of the value of our assets must consist of cash, government securities and other securities of any one issuer that do not represent more than 5% of the value of our total assets and 10% of the

9

Table of Contents

outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) no more than 25% of the value of our assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than United States government securities), or of two or more issuers that are controlled by us and are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses. Additionally, at least 90% of our gross income must be derived from interest, dividends, gains from sale of portfolio securities and other qualifying sources. As discussed in “Borrowings,” we have historically borrowed funds necessary to make qualifying investments to satisfy the foregoing diversification requirements. If we fail to satisfy such diversification requirements and cease to qualify for conduit tax treatment, we will be subject to income tax on our income and gains and stockholders will be subject to income tax on distributions. We may also cease to qualify for conduit tax treatment, or be subject to a 4% excise tax, if we fail to distribute a sufficient portion of our net investment income and net realized capital gains. Management believes that we have met the Subchapter M requirements to be taxed as a RIC and we intend to be taxed as such for 2004.

Long-Term Objective. The Fund is intended for investors seeking long-term capital growth. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to play short-term swings in the stock market. The portfolio securities acquired by us generally require four to seven years or longer to reach maturity and generally are illiquid. An investment in our shares should not be considered a complete investment program. Each prospective purchaser should take into account his investment objectives as well as his other investments when considering the purchase of our shares.

Competition for Investments. We encounter competition from other persons or entities with similar investment objectives. These competitors include private equity partnerships, other business development companies, investment partnerships and corporations, small business investment companies, large industrial and financial companies investing directly or through affiliates, foreign investors of various types and individuals. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources and more personnel than the Fund and may be subject to different and frequently less stringent regulation.

Possible Volatility of Stock Price. The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our net asset value, our quarterly operating results, and other factors. The market price of the common stock may be significantly affected by such factors as the announcement of new or follow-on investments in portfolio companies, the sale or proposed sale of a portfolio investment, the results of operations or fluctuations in the market prices or appraised value of one or more of our Portfolio Companies, changes in earnings estimates by market analysts, speculation in the press or analyst community and general market conditions or market conditions specific to particular industries. From time to time in recent years, the securities markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the common stock. In addition, we are subject to the risk of the securities markets in which our portfolio securities are traded. Securities markets are cyclical and the prices of the securities traded in such markets rise and fall at various times. These cyclical periods may extend over significant periods of time.

Regulation

The Investment Advisers Act generally prohibits investment advisers from entering into investment advisory contracts with an investment company that provides for compensation to the

10

Table of Contents

investment adviser on the basis of a share of capital gains or capital appreciation of the portfolio investments or any portion of the funds of the investment company or pursuant to a stock option plan. The Investment Advisers Act, however, permits the payment of compensation based on capital gains or the issuance of incentive stock options to management in an investment advisory contract between an investment adviser and a business development company. The Fund has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act. We have provided for incentive compensation to our officers based on an incentive stock option plan established and approved by our stockholders in 1997.

We may not withdraw our election to be treated as a business development company without first obtaining the approval of a majority in interest of our stockholders. The following brief description of the Investment Company Act is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder.

A business development company must be operated for the purpose of investing in the securities of certain present and former “eligible portfolio companies” or certain bankrupt or insolvent companies and must make available significant managerial assistance to portfolio companies. An eligible portfolio company generally is a company that (1) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, any state or states, (2) is not an investment company and (3)(a) does not have a class of marginable securities, (b) is actively controlled by the business development company acting either alone or as part of a group acting together and an affiliate of the business development company is a member of the portfolio company’s board of directors or (c) meets such other criteria as may be established by the SEC. Control is presumed to exist where the business development company owns more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of a portfolio company.

“Making available significant managerial assistance” is defined under the Investment Company Act to mean (a) any arrangement whereby a business development company, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide and, if accepted, does provide significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives or policies of a portfolio company or (b) the exercise of a controlling influence over the management or policies of a portfolio company by the business development company acting individually or as part of a group acting together which controls such company (“Managed Company”). A business development company may satisfy the requirements of clause (a) with respect to a portfolio company by purchasing securities of such a company as part of a group of investors acting together if one person in such group provides the type of assistance described in such clause. However, the business development company will not satisfy the general requirement of making available significant managerial assistance if it only provides such assistance indirectly through an investor group. A business development company need only extend significant managerial assistance with respect to portfolio companies, which are treated as Qualifying Assets (as defined below) for the purpose of satisfying the 70% test discussed below.

The Investment Company Act prohibits or restricts the Fund from investing in certain types of companies, such as brokerage firms, insurance companies, investment banking firms and investment companies. Moreover, the Investment Company Act limits the type of assets that we may acquire to “Qualifying Assets” and certain assets necessary for its operations (such as office furniture, equipment and facilities) if, at the time of the acquisition, less than 70% of the value of our total assets consists of qualifying assets. Qualifying Assets include (1) securities of companies that were eligible portfolio companies at the time that the Fund acquired their securities; (2) securities of companies that are actively controlled by the Fund; (3) securities of

11

Table of Contents

bankrupt or insolvent companies that are not otherwise eligible portfolio companies; (4) securities acquired as follow-on investments in companies that were eligible portfolio companies at the time of our initial acquisition of their securities but are no longer eligible portfolio companies, provided that we have maintained a substantial portion of our initial investment in such companies; (5) securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to any of the foregoing; and (6) cash items, government securities and high-quality, short-term debt. The Investment Company Act also places restrictions on the nature of the transactions in which, and the persons from whom, securities can be purchased in order for such securities to be considered Qualifying Assets. As a general matter, Qualifying Assets may only be purchased from the issuer or an affiliate in a transaction not constituting a public offering. We may not engage in short term sales of securities or purchase any security on margin, except such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions or to maintain our pass-through tax status as a regulated investment company.

We are permitted by the Investment Company Act, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of senior debt and a single class of preferred stock senior to the common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 200% after the issuance of the debt or the senior stockholders’ interests. In addition, provisions must be made to prohibit any distribution to common stockholders or the repurchase of any shares unless the asset coverage ratio is at least 200% at the time of the distribution or repurchase.

We generally may sell our common stock at a price that is below the prevailing net asset value per share only upon the approval of the policy by stockholders holding a majority of our issued shares, including a majority of shares held by nonaffiliated stockholders. We may, in accordance with certain conditions established by the SEC, sell shares below net asset value in connection with the distribution of rights to all of our stockholders. We may also issue shares at less than net asset value in payment of dividends to existing stockholders.

Since we are a closed-end business development company, our stockholders have no right to present their shares to the Fund for redemption. Recognizing the possibility that our shares might trade at a discount, our Board of Directors has determined that it would be in the best interest of our stockholders for us to be authorized to attempt to reduce or eliminate a market value discount from net asset value. Accordingly, from time to time we may, but we are not required to, repurchase our shares (including by means of tender offers) to attempt to reduce or eliminate any discount or to increase the net asset value of our shares.

The investments and business of the Fund are managed by the Management Company, pursuant to a Management Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) initially approved by our stockholders at a special meeting on April 9, 1997. The Management Agreement provides that the Management Company shall provide, or arrange for suitable third parties to provide, any and all management and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Fund and the conduct of its business. In return for its service and the expenses which the Management Company assumes under the Management Agreement, we pay the Management Company, on a quarterly basis, a management fee equal to 0.5% of our net assets on the last day of each calendar quarter (2% per annum).

The Management Agreement will continue in effect until May 9, 2005, and from year-to–year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (i) a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund or (ii) a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

12

Table of Contents

The Management Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by a vote of our Board of Directors or the holders of a majority of our shares on 60 days’ written notice to the Management Company, and would automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the Investment Company Act).

Many of the transactions involving the Fund and our affiliates (as well as affiliates of such affiliates) require the prior approval of a majority of the Independent Directors and a majority of the Independent Directors having no financial interest in the transactions. However, certain transactions involving closely affiliated persons of the Fund, including the Management Company, require the prior approval of the SEC. In general (a) any person who owns, controls or holds with power to vote more than 5% of the outstanding shares, (b) any director or executive officer and (c) any person who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such person, must obtain the prior approval of a majority of the Independent Directors and, in some situations, the prior approval of the SEC, before engaging in certain transactions involving the Fund or any company controlled by the Fund. In accordance with the Investment Company Act, a majority of the directors must be persons who are not “interested persons” as defined in such act. Except for certain transactions which must be approved by the Independent Directors, the Investment Company Act generally does not restrict transactions between the Fund and its Portfolio Companies.

Pursuant to the Equus II Incorporated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (“Stock Incentive Plan”), the Fund may issue options to our officers, all of whom are employed by the Management Company, and our directors, in an aggregate amount of up to 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Options are issued to our officers at the discretion of the compensation committee in accordance with the Stock Incentive Plan.

In November 2001, options to acquire a total of 990,000 shares at $7.69 per share were issued to our officers. These options included dividend equivalent rights. Dividend equivalent rights represent the right of our officers to receive a credit against the option exercise price for the amount of any dividends paid by us during the option period. In January 2002, we filed an application with the SEC seeking an amendment to an exemptive order previously issued by the SEC to permit us to grant dividend equivalent rights to the Fund’s independent directors as part of their stock option awards. During its review of such application, the SEC staff advised us that it does not believe that dividend equivalent rights are permitted under the Investment Company Act. Based on the ongoing discussion with the SEC, no dividends have been credited to the options and we have not recorded any associated compensation expense for the 2004 or 2003 dividends applicable to dividend equivalent rights.

On September 30, 1999, options to purchase 719,794 shares of common stock of the Fund were exercised by six officers of the Fund for $15.45 per share. Pursuant to the terms of the options, the Stock Incentive Plan, and the Investment Company Act, the Fund loaned the officers the exercise price of $11,124,086 and the officers issued promissory notes, which were secured by the 719,794 shares, to the Fund. In 2001, the Fund agreed to cancel the remaining principal balance and accrued interest on the promissory notes aggregating $11,040,849 in consideration of the officers surrendering to the Fund 844,133 shares of common stock (the shares originally issued and certain shares received as dividends). Pursuant to the terms of the notes, the cancellation of the principal and accrued interest on the notes was based on the net asset value of the shares at date of surrender. The officers retained 71,235 shares of common stock following the cancellation of the notes.

13

Table of Contents

During its review of the exemptive application filed by the Fund in connection with the granting of the dividend equivalent rights as part of the Stock Incentive Plan, the SEC staff raised certain issues with respect to the valuation of the shares held as collateral and the manner in which the notes were settled in 2001. In November 2003, the Fund’s board of directors appointed a special committee of independent directors (Robert L. Knauss, Gary R. Petersen, and Gregory J. Flanagan) to address the SEC staff’s issues and retained Dechert LLP as independent legal counsel to the special committee of the board with respect to the issues raised by the SEC. The Fund responded to the staff’s questions and supplied additional information, and the special committee and counsel met personally with the SEC staff.

In September 2004, the independent directors of the Fund unanimously approved a proposal to resolve the issues surrounding the loan transactions by unwinding the loan transactions and attempting to place the Fund in the position it would have been in had the loan transactions never taken place. In exchange for repayment of the balance of benefits received as a result of the loan transactions, the Fund agreed to formally release each of the Fund’s officers and former officers from any and all claims that the Fund might have with respect to the loan transactions. The aggregate amount requested from individual current and former officers under the proposal was approximately $863,000, the value of the 71,235 shares retained by the officers plus any dividends received and retained on any of the shares while they were outstanding. In November and December 2004 the Fund issued releases to three officers and one former officer in consideration of their payment to the Fund of an aggregate of $629,785 in cash. Also in December 2004, the Fund, upon recommendation of the special committee and receipt of a fairness opinion, agreed to accept the return of options to purchase 198,000 shares of the Fund’s common stock at $7.69 per share from a second former officer in lieu of a cash payment of $186,574 in exchange for a similar release. In March 2005, the Fund issued a release to one additional former officer in consideration of his payment to the Fund of $23,475.

Item 2. Properties.

We do not have any direct interest in any physical properties.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

The Fund, our affiliates, and certain of our portfolio companies are involved in asserted claims and have the possibility for unasserted claims which may ultimately affect our net asset value or the fair value of our portfolio investments.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

14

Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EQS”. We had approximately 6,100 stockholders at December 31, 2004, 1,124 of which were registered holders. Registered holders do not include those stockholders whose stock has been issued in street name. At December 31, 2004, our net asset value was $10.54 per share of our common stock ($10.52 per diluted share).

The following table reflects the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the two years ended December 31, 2004, by quarter:

As a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, we are required to distribute to our stockholders, in a timely manner, at least 90% of our taxable net investment income each year. If we do not distribute, in a timely manner, 98% of our taxable net capital gains and 98% of our taxable net investment income each year (as well as any portion of the respective 2% balances not distributed in the previous year), we will be subject to a 4% non-deductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income of regulated investment companies. Under the Investment Company Act, we are not permitted to pay dividends to stockholders unless we meet certain asset coverage requirements. If taxable net investment income is retained, we will be subject to federal income and excise taxes. We reserve the right to retain net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses for reinvestment or to pay contingencies and expenses. Such retained amounts, if any, will be taxable to the Fund as long-term capital gains and our stockholders will be able to claim their proportionate share of the federal income taxes paid by us on such gains as a credit against their own federal income tax liabilities. Stockholders will also be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of their Fund shares by the difference between their undistributed capital gains and their tax credit.

Historically, we have distributed net investment income and net taxable realized gains from the sale of portfolio investments at least annually. We declared a net investment income dividend of $3,560,205 ($0.57 per share) during 2004. The 2004 dividend was paid in additional shares of common stock or in cash by specific election made by each stockholder. We paid $1,589,160 in cash and issued 260,719 additional shares of stock at $7.56 per share in January 2005, in connection with such dividend. The Fund also declared dividends of $4,556,772 ($0.72 per share) during 2003.

We invest in companies that we believe have a high potential for capital appreciation, and we intend to realize the majority of our profits upon the sale of our investments in Portfolio Companies. Consequently, most of the companies in which we invest do not have established policies of paying annual dividends. However, a portion of the investments in portfolio securities held by us consists of interest-bearing subordinated debt securities or dividend-paying preferred stock, and we have received dividends on one common stock investment in 2003 and 2004.

15

Table of Contents

The information under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Fund’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to April 30, 2005 (the “2004 Proxy Statement”), is incorporated into Item 12 of this report by reference.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, we did not sell any securities which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. In December 2003, we issued a $1.5 million 9% secured note payable to an individual due on January 31, 2005. The Fund repaid the note in full in April 2004.

1997 Stock Incentive Plan

Directors and officers of the Fund who are responsible for or contribute to the management, growth, success, and profitability of the Fund and who are designated by the Compensation Committee are eligible to participate in the plan.

The Fund initially reserved 836,953 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan (which represented 20% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 1996). Each calendar quarter the number of shares available for issuance under the plan is adjusted to equal the greater of 836,953 or 20% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding on the last day of the preceding calendar quarter. If an option or award lapses or is

16

Table of Contents

terminated or canceled without issuance of shares, the unissued shares subject to such option or award will again be available for grant under the plan. If there is a stock split, stock dividend, reclassification of shares, or other similar corporate event affecting the Fund’s shares, appropriate adjustments will be made in the number and kind of shares that can be issued under the plan and the number and kind of shares and exercise prices of options or awards outstanding at the date of such event. No officer may be granted in any fiscal year of the Fund options or rights to acquire in the aggregate more than 500,000 shares of common stock.

The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee appointed by the Board that, to the extent required to qualify for the exemption contained in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, must include at least two directors. Members of the Compensation Committee are not eligible to receive discretionary options or awards under the plan.

The plan authorizes the grant, either alone or in combination, of (a) “nonqualified” stock options that do not qualify for beneficial treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (b) incentive stock options under Section 422A of the Code, (c) alternate appreciation rights, and (d) limited rights. Any award granted under the plan must be evidenced by a written award agreement.

The Compensation Committee may grant options qualifying as incentive stock options under the Code and nonqualified stock options. Subject to certain terms and conditions provided in the plan, options granted under the plan are exercisable at the price and on the terms determined by the Committee. The exercise price of options may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock at the date of grant. Options are exercisable at such times as provided in the award agreement although options may not be exercised prior to six months after the date they are granted and the option period for any award may not exceed ten years. Payment of the exercise price of an option may be made in cash, and in the discretion of the Committee, with such other consideration as the Committee may specify and as is permitted under the Investment Company Act. Consistent with Section 422A of the Code and the regulations thereunder, the plan contains certain limits on the value of incentive stock options that may be exercised during a year and restrictions on the exercise price and period of incentive stock options granted to employees who own more than 10% of the Fund’s common stock.

Unless otherwise provided in the award agreement, options terminate three months after an option holder’s termination of employment for any reason other than death, retirement, disability, or termination by the Fund without cause. In the event of the termination of employment because of death, the option holder’s estate may exercise his or her options during the one-year period following death. In the event of termination of employment because of disability or retirement, the option holder may exercise his or her options during the 36-month period following his or her termination. In the event of termination of employment by the Fund without cause, all options shall vest and the option holder may exercise his or her options during the 60-month period following his or her termination. The termination of an officer’s services does not otherwise accelerate the termination date of his or her options.

Concurrently with or subsequent to the award of a stock option, the Compensation Committee may award to the option holder with respect to each share of common stock covered by an option, a related alternate appreciation right (“alternate appreciation rights”), permitting the option holder to be paid the appreciation on the option in lieu of exercising the option. Alternate appreciation rights are exercisable subject to the same terms and conditions as the related options; provided, however, that alternate appreciation rights may be exercised only if

17

Table of Contents

and to the extent that any payment on the alternate appreciation rights would not result in a greater dilution of the interests of the Fund’s stockholders than would result, if instead of the alternate appreciation rights, the stock options to which they relate were exercised. The amount to be paid on an alternate appreciation right is the difference between the fair market value of a share of common stock and the option price per share on the exercise date. Payment of alternate appreciation rights will be made in shares of common stock determined by dividing the payment amount by the current market value of a share of common stock on the exercise date. Exercise of an alternate appreciation right will cancel an equal number of options related to the alternate appreciation right. Unless otherwise provided in the award agreement, alternate appreciation rights will terminate three months after an option holder’s termination of employment for any reason other than retirement or disability. In the event of termination of employment because of disability or retirement, the option holder may exercise his or her alternate appreciation rights during the six-month period following his or her termination.

Concurrently with or subsequent to the award of a stock option, the Compensation Committee may grant with respect to each share of common stock covered by an option, a related limited right permitting the option holder, during a specified time period, to be paid the appreciation on the option in lieu of exercising the option (“limited right”). Limited rights are exercisable in full for a period of seven months following the date of a “Change in Control” of the Fund. A Change in Control of the Fund is defined as a change in a majority of the directors of the Fund within one year following certain designated transactions, including a tender offer, merger, or proxy contest, the acquisition of 51% or more of the shares of common stock by an unaffiliated person, entity, or group, or the termination of the Management Company as investment adviser to the Fund. The amount to be paid on a limited right is the difference between the option price per share of common stock covered by the related option and the greater of (a) the highest price per share paid in connection with the Change in Control or (b) the highest price per share of the common stock on the NYSE during the 60-day period prior to the Change in Control; provided, however, that limited rights may be exercised only if and to the extent that any payment on the limited rights would not result in a greater dilution of the interests of the Fund’s stockholders than would result, if instead of the limited rights, the stock options to which they relate were exercised. Payment of the limited right will be made in cash.

Unless otherwise provided in the award agreement, limited rights will terminate upon an option holder’s termination of employment for any reason other than retirement or disability. In the event of termination of employment because of disability or retirement, the option holder may exercise his or her limited rights during the six-month period following his or her termination. Terminations following a Change in Control (except for “just cause”) do not terminate a limited right.

Each non-officer director serving on the Board on April 1, 1997, was granted a nonqualified stock option to purchase 5,500 shares of common stock of the Fund that will vest 50% immediately and 16-2/3% on the first, second, and third anniversari