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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSRS

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act File Number 811-179

 

Name of registrant as specified in charter: Central Securities Corporation

 

Address of principal executive offices:

630 Fifth Avenue

Suite 820

New York, New York 10111

 

Name and address of agent for service:

Central Securities Corporation, Wilmot H. Kidd, President

630 Fifth Avenue

Suite 820

New York, New York 10111

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 212-698-2020

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2014

 

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2014

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 
 

 

  

CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

JUNE 30, 2014 

 

 

 

 

 
 

CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION

(Organized on October 1, 1929 as an investment company, registered as such with the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940.)

25-YEAR HISTORICAL DATA

         Per Share of Common Stock      
Year  Total
net assets
  Net
asset
value
  Source of dividends
and distributions
  Total
dividends
and
distributions
  Unrealized
appreciation
of investments
at end of period
      Ordinary
income*
  Long-term
capital gains*
   
1988  $118,930,727   $11.77                  $25,718,033 
1989   129,376,703    12.24   $.35   $.65**  $1.00**   38,661,339 
1990   111,152,013    10.00    .20    .50**   .70**   25,940,819 
1991   131,639,511    11.87    .14    .56**   .70**   43,465,583 
1992   165,599,864    14.33    .20    .66    .86    70,586,429 
1993   218,868,360    17.90    .18    1.42    1.60    111,304,454 
1994   226,639,144    17.60    .22    1.39    1.61    109,278,788 
1995   292,547,559    21.74    .33    1.60    1.93    162,016,798 
1996   356,685,785    25.64    .28    1.37    1.65    214,721,981 
1997   434,423,053    29.97    .34    2.08    2.42    273,760,444 
1998   476,463,575    31.43    .29    1.65    1.94    301,750,135 
1999   590,655,679    35.05    .26    2.34    2.60    394,282,360 
2000   596,289,086    32.94    .32    4.03    4.35    363,263,634 
2001   539,839,060    28.54    .22    1.58**   1.80**   304,887,640 
2002   361,942,568    18.72    .14    1.11    1.25    119,501,484 
2003   478,959,218    24.32    .11    1.29    1.40    229,388,141 
2004   529,468,675    26.44    .11    1.21    1.32    271,710,179 
2005   573,979,905    27.65    .28    1.72    2.00    302,381,671 
2006   617,167,026    30.05    .58    1.64    2.22    351,924,627 
2007   644,822,724    30.15    .52    1.88    2.40    356,551,394 
2008   397,353,061    17.79    .36    2.10    2.46    94,752,477 
2009   504,029,743    22.32    .33    .32    .65    197,256,447 
2010   593,524,167    26.06    .46    .44    .90    281,081,168 
2011   574,187,941    24.96    .43    .57    1.00    255,654,966 
2012   569,465,087    24.53    .51    .43    .94    247,684,116 
2013   648,261,868    26.78    .12    3.58    3.70    305,978,151 
Six mos. to
June 30, 2014***
 680,152,702    28.20    .04    .16    .20    325,010,287 
Total dividends and distributions for the period: $7.32   $36.28   $43.60      

 

 

*Computed on the basis of the Corporation’s status as a “regulated investment company” for Federal income tax purposes. Dividends from ordinary income include short-term capital gains.
**Includes non-taxable returns of capital of $.56 in 1989, $.47 in 1990, $.11 in 1991 and $.55 in 2001.
***Unaudited.

     The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE MKT under the symbol CET. On June 30, 2014, the closing market price was $23.45 per share.

[ 2 ]
 

To the Stockholders of

     CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION:

     Financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2014 reviewed by our independent registered public accounting firm and other pertinent information are submitted herewith.

     Comparative net assets are as follows:

   June 30,
2014
(Unaudited)
  December 31,
2013
Net assets  $680,152,702   $648,261,868 
Net assets per share of Common Stock   28.20    26.78 
Shares of Common Stock outstanding   24,117,323    24,207,823 

 

     Comparative operating results are as follows:

   Six months ended June 30,
   2014
(Unaudited)
  2013
(Unaudited)
Net investment income  $1,554,659   $927,092 
Per share of Common Stock   .06*   .04*
Net realized gain on sale of investments   18,106,748    18,986,170 
Increase in net unrealized appreciation of investments   19,032,136    30,222,614 
Increase in net assets resulting from operations   38,693,543    50,135,876 

 

 

*Based on the average number of Common shares outstanding during the period.

     A distribution of $.20 per share of Common Stock was paid on June 24, 2014 to stockholders of record as of June 10, 2014. Stockholders will be sent a notice concerning the taxability of all 2014 distributions early in 2015.

     During the first six months of 2014, the Corporation purchased 93,500 shares of its Common Stock at an average price of $21.88 per share. The Corporation may from time to time purchase its Common Stock in such amounts and at such prices as the Board of Directors deems advisable in the best interests of stockholders. Purchases may be made on the NYSE MKT or in private transactions directly with stockholders.

     Stockholders’ inquiries are welcome.

CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION

WILMOT H. KIDD, President

630 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10111
July 23, 2014

[ 3 ]
 

PRINCIPAL PORTFOLIO CHANGES

April 1 to June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Common Stock unless specified otherwise)

   Number of Shares
   Purchased  Sold  Held
June 30,
2014
Aerogroup International, Inc.        20,000  
Amazon.com, Inc.   10,000        10,000
Analog Devices, Inc.        40,000   560,000
Ascent Capital Group, Inc.   27,600        27,600
CEVA, Inc.        31,100   261,000
eBay Inc.   20,000        220,000
Encana Corporation        250,000  
Flextronics International Ltd.        500,000  
GeoMet, Inc. Series A Convertible          
Redeemable Preferred Stock   9,801(a)       323,462
Intel Corporation        190,000   1,300,000
Motorola Solutions, Inc.   40,000        300,000
Murphy USA, Inc.        70,000  
Occidental Petroleum Corporation   100,000        100,000
The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc.        236   34,424
Roper Industries, Inc.        10,000   100,000
Tesco PLC        400,000  
TRI Pointe Homes, Inc.   600,000        600,000

 

(a)Received as a dividend.
[ 4 ]
 

TEN LARGEST INVESTMENTS

June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)

   Cost  Value  Percent of
Net Assets
  Year First
Acquired
   (millions)      
The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc.  $0.9   $132.5    19.5%   1982 
Coherent, Inc.   17.5    43.5    6.4    2007 
Intel Corporation   16.3    40.2    5.9    1986 
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation   18.3    34.7    5.1    1993 
Agilent Technologies, Inc.   12.6    33.9    5.0    2005 
Analog Devices, Inc.   7.6    30.3    4.5    1987 
Motorola Solutions, Inc.   14.3    20.0    2.9    2000 
Capital One Financial Corporation   13.0    19.8    2.9    2013 
Walgreen Co.   10.0    19.3    2.8    2007 
Citigroup Inc.   19.7    18.8    2.8    2013 

 

DIVERSIFICATION OF INVESTMENTS

June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)

            Percent of Net Assets
   Issues  Cost  Value  June 30,
2014
  December 31,
2013 (a)
Common Stocks:                         
Insurance   2   $4,789,505   $136,913,600    20.1%   17.7%
Banking and Finance   4    58,717,287    83,416,500    12.3    10.5 
Technology Hardware and                         
Equipment   4    48,289,569    75,906,991    11.2    12.5 
Semiconductor   3    26,599,065    74,304,170    10.9    12.3 
Health Care   3    29,098,886    58,211,600    8.6    8.5 
Energy   3    20,074,560    39,227,400    5.8    5.5 
Diversified Industrial   3    9,326,049    38,794,300    5.7    6.1 
Software and Services   3    26,998,358    28,182,700    4.1    3.4 
Retailing   2    12,907,151    22,521,600    3.3    3.4 
Other   8    51,185,032    56,651,353    8.3    8.2 
Preferred Stocks:                         
Energy   1    2,027,220    892,755    0.1    0.4 
Short-Term Investments:                         
U.S. Treasury Bills   2    54,999,885    54,999,885    8.1    9.3 

 

 

(a)Certain investments from 2013 have been reclassified to conform to 2014 presentation.
[ 5 ]
 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)

COMMON STOCKS 90.3%

Shares   Value
  Banking and Finance 12.3%     
925,000  The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation  34,669,000
240,000  Capital One Financial Corporation    19,824,000
400,000  Citigroup Inc.    18,840,000
175,000  JPMorgan Chase & Co.    10,083,500
      83,416,500
  Commercial Services 2.8%     
150,000  Clean Harbors, Inc. (a)    9,637,500
488,712  Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (a)    9,593,417
      19,230,917
  Consumer Goods 2.6%     
150,000  Coach, Inc.    5,128,500
102,000  Leggett & Platt, Inc.    3,496,560
600,000  TRI Pointe Homes, Inc. (a)    9,432,000
      18,057,060
  Consumer Services 0.3%     
27,600  Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (a)    1,821,876
       
  Diversified Industrial 5.7%     
590,000  Brady Corporation Class A    17,623,300
250,000  General Electric Company    6,570,000
100,000  Roper Industries, Inc.    14,601,000
      38,794,300
  Energy 5.8%     
280,000  Murphy Oil Corporation    18,614,400
100,000  Occidental Petroleum Corporation    10,263,000
300,000  QEP Resources, Inc.    10,350,000
      39,227,400
  Health Care 8.6%     
590,000  Agilent Technologies, Inc.    33,889,600
200,000  Medtronic, Inc.    12,752,000
200,000  Merck & Co., Inc.    11,570,000
      58,211,600
  Insurance 20.1%     
10,000  Alleghany Corporation (a)    4,381,200
34,424  The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc.     
  Class A (a)(b)(c)    132,532,400
      136,913,600
  Metals and Mining 2.6%     
150,000  Cameco Corporation    2,941,500
400,000  Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (d)    14,600,000
      17,541,500

 

[ 6 ]
 

Shares   Value
  Retailing 3.3%     
10,000  Amazon.com, Inc. (a)  $ 3,247,800
260,000  Walgreen Co.    19,273,800
      22,521,600
  Semiconductor 10.9%     
560,000  Analog Devices, Inc.    30,279,200
261,000  CEVA, Inc. (a)    3,854,970
1,300,000  Intel Corporation    40,170,000
      74,304,170
  Software and Services 4.1%     
220,000  eBay Inc. (a)    11,013,200
50,000  International Business Machines Corporation    9,063,500
200,000  Oracle Corporation    8,106,000
      28,182,700
  Technology Hardware and Equipment 11.2%     
657,000  Coherent, Inc. (a)    43,473,690
300,000  Motorola Solutions, Inc.    19,971,000
484,900  RadiSys Corporation (a)    1,692,301
3,000,000  Sonus Networks, Inc. (a)    10,770,000
      75,906,991
  Total Common Stocks     
  (cost $287,985,462)    614,130,214
PREFERRED STOCKS 0.1%
  Energy 0.1%     
323,462  GeoMet, Inc. Series A Convertible Redeemable     
  Preferred Stock (e) (cost $2,027,220)    892,755
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 8.1% 
Principal       
  U.S. Treasury Bills 8.1%     
$55,000,000  U.S. Treasury Bills 0.005% – 0.035%, due     
  7/3/14 – 7/17/14 (e) (cost $54,999,885)    54,999,885
  Total Investments     
  (cost $345,012,567) (f) (98.5%)    670,022,854
  Cash, receivables and other assets     
  less liabilities (1.5%)    10,129,848
  Net Assets (100%)  $ 680,152,702

 

 

(a)Non-dividend paying.
(b)Affiliate as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(c)Valued based on Level 3 inputs – see Note 2.
(d)Formerly known as Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
(e)Valued based on Level 2 inputs – see Note 2.
(f)Aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes is substantially the same.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 7 ]
 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)

         
ASSETS        
Investments:        
General portfolio securities at market value        
(cost $289,152,082) $482,490,569     
Securities of affiliated companies (cost $860,600)        
(Notes 5 and 6)  132,532,400     
Short-term investments (cost $54,999,885)  54,999,885  $670,022,854 
Cash, receivables and other assets:        
Cash  15,961,609     
Dividends receivable  552,609     
Office equipment and leasehold improvements, net  29,853     
Other assets  74,335   16,618,406 
Total Assets      686,641,260 
LIABILITIES        
Payable for securities purchased  5,904,228     
Accrued expenses and reserves  584,330     
Total Liabilities      6,488,558 
NET ASSETS      $680,152,702 
NET ASSETS are represented by:         
Common Stock $1 par value: authorized 30,000,000 shares;        
issued 24,210,823 (Notes 3 and 8)     $24,210,823 
Surplus:        
Paid-in $314,639,468     
Undistributed net gain from sale of investments  17,353,514     
Undistributed net investment income  984,390   332,977,372 
Net unrealized appreciation of investments      325,010,287 
Treasury stock, at cost (93,500 shares of        
Common Stock) (Note 3)      (2,045,780)
NET ASSETS      $680,152,702 
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE         
(24,117,323 shares outstanding)     $28.20 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 8 ]
 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the six months ended June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)

         
INVESTMENT INCOME         
Income:        
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $6,731) $3,771,626     
Interest  8,148  $3,779,774 
Expenses:        
Investment research  789,676     
Administration and operations  754,516     
Occupancy and office operating expenses  265,803     
Directors’ fees  143,786     
Software and information services  52,238     
Franchise and miscellaneous taxes  48,361     
Stockholder communications and meetings  42,202     
Legal, auditing and tax preparation fees  35,674     
Transfer agent, registrar and custodian fees and expenses  32,158     
Travel and related expenses  19,734     
Miscellaneous  40,967   2,225,115 
Net investment income      1,554,659 
         
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS         
Net realized gain from:        
Unaffiliated companies  17,114,368     
Affiliated companies  992,380   18,106,748 
Increase in net unrealized appreciation of investments      19,032,136 
Net gain on investments      37,138,884 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS      $38,693,543 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 9 ]
 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

For the six months ended June 30, 2014
and the year ended December 31, 2013

   Six months
ended
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
  Year ended
December 31,
2013
FROM OPERATIONS          
Net investment income  $1,554,659   $2,343,328 
Net realized gain from investment transactions   18,106,748    82,530,787 
Increase in net unrealized appreciation of investments   19,032,136    58,294,035 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   38,693,543    143,168,150 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS FROM          
Net investment income   (964,693)   (2,736,822)
Net realized gain from investment transactions   (3,858,772)   (81,454,103)
Decrease in net assets from distributions   (4,823,465)   (84,190,925)
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: (Notes 3 and 8)           
Distribution to stockholders reinvested in Common Stock       32,402,928 
Issuance of shares of Common Stock to directors and employees   66,536    177,888 
Cost of treasury stock purchased   (2,045,780)   (12,761,260)
Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital          
share transactions   (1,979,244)   19,819,556 
Total increase in net assets   31,890,834    78,796,781 
NET ASSETS          
Beginning of period   648,261,868    569,465,087 
End of period (including undistributed net investment income          
of $984,390 and $394,423, respectively)  $680,152,702   $648,261,868 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 10 ]
 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)

           
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net increase in net assets from operations       $38,693,543 
Adjustments to net increase in net assets          
from operations:          
Purchases of securities  $(51,487,972)     
Proceeds from securities sold   47,506,815      
Net decrease in short-term investments   4,997,179      
Net realized gain from investments   (18,106,748)     
Increase in net unrealized appreciation of investments   (19,032,136)     
Depreciation and amortization   24,129      
Non-cash stock compensation   66,536      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Increase in dividends receivable   (32,077)     
Decrease in receivable for securities sold   517,088      
Increase in office equipment and leasehold improvements   (1,939)     
Decrease in other assets   5,805      
Increase in payable for securities purchased   5,904,228      
Increase in accrued expenses and reserves   294,873      
Total adjustments        (29,344,219)
Net cash provided by operating activities        9,349,324 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Dividends and distributions paid   (4,823,465)     
Treasury stock purchased   (2,045,780)     
Cash flows used in financing activities        (6,869,245)
Net increase in cash        2,480,079 
Cash at beginning of period        13,481,530 
Cash at end of period       $15,961,609 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION          
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of:          
Issuance of shares of Common Stock to directors      $66,536 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 11 ]
 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies — Central Securities Corporation (the “Corporation”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Corporation in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Security Valuation — Marketable common and preferred stocks are valued at the last or closing sale price or, if unavailable, at the closing bid price. Short-term investments are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Securities for which no ready market exists are valued at estimated fair value pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.

Federal Income Taxes — It is the Corporation’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income and net capital gains to its stockholders. Management has analyzed positions taken on the Corporation’s tax returns and has determined that no provision for income taxes is required in the accompanying financial statements.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Other — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date, and cost of securities sold is determined by specific identification. Dividend income and distributions to stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

2. Fair Value Measurements — The Corporation’s investments are categorized below in three broad hierarchical levels based on market price observability as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
Level 2 — Other significant observable inputs obtained from independent sources, for example, quoted prices for similar investments or the use of models or other valuation methodologies;
Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs including the Corporation’s own assumptions based upon the best information available. Investments categorized as Level 3 include securities in which there is little, if any, market activity. The Corporation’s Level 3 investments consist of The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc. (“Plymouth Rock”).

The designated Level for a security is not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in that security.

[ 12 ]
 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued (unaudited)

The Corporation’s investments as of June 30, 2014 are classified as follows:

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Value
Common stocks  $ 481,597,814       $ 132,532,400   $ 614,130,214
Preferred stocks      $ 892,755         892,755
Short-term investments        54,999,885         54,999,885
Total  $ 481,597,814   $ 55,892,640   $ 132,532,400   $ 670,022,854

 

The Corporation may invest in exchange-traded securities that do not actively trade. Such securities will be classified as Level 1 if there are observable trading activities on the valuation date. Otherwise these securities will be classified as Level 2. The Corporation’s investment in GeoMet, Inc. Series A Preferred Stock, which is an exchange-traded security, was classified as Level 2 on June 30, 2014, and its value was based on the closing bid price. It was classified as Level 1 on December 31, 2013, and was valued based on its closing sale price. There were no other transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

The following is a reconciliation of the change in the value of Level 3 investments:

        
  Balance as of December 31, 2013  $111,451,400 
  Net realized gains and change in net unrealized     
  appreciation of investments included in net     
  increase in net assets resulting from operations   22,754,487 
  Sales   (1,673,487)
  Balance as of June 30, 2014  $132,532,400 

 

Unrealized appreciation of Level 3 investments held at June 30, 2014 increased during the six months ended June 30, 2014 by $22,375,600, which is included in the above table. In valuing Level 3 investments, the Corporation considers the results of various valuation methods. Consideration is also given to corporate governance, marketability, professional appraisals, transaction prices, company and industry results and outlooks, and general market conditions. Management recommends a value for each investment in light of all the information available. This information is subsequently presented to and discussed with the Corporation’s Board of Directors, which selects the value. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the price used by other investors or the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.

In valuing the Plymouth Rock Level 3 investment as of June 30, 2014, management used a number of significant unobservable inputs to develop a range of possible values for the investment. It used a comparable company approach that applied average market multiples from selected publicly traded companies to financial information from each of Plymouth Rock’s major business segments. The market multiples used were price-to-book value, price-to-earnings and price-to-revenue. Management also used a discounted cash flow model based on a forecasted earnings growth rate ranging from 2.5%–4% and a

[ 13 ]
 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued (unaudited)

weighted average cost of capital of 11%. An independent valuation of Plymouth Rock’s shares was also considered. The values obtained from weighting the three sources described above (with greater weight given to the comparable company approach) were then discounted by 20% and 40% for the lack of marketability, which represents the range of rates management believes market participants would apply. The resulting range of values, together with the underlying support, other information about Plymouth Rock’s financial condition and results of operations, its industry outlook, and transactions in Plymouth Rock’s shares were considered by management, which recommended a value for the investment. All of this information was subsequently considered by the Corporation’s directors, who selected the value.

Significant increases (decreases) in the price-to-book value multiple, price-to-earnings multiple, price-to-revenue multiple and earnings growth rate in isolation would result in a higher (lower) range of fair value measurements. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount for lack of marketability or weighted average cost of capital in isolation would result in a lower (higher) range of fair value measurements.

3. Common Stock Purchases — The Corporation may from time to time purchase its Common Stock in such amounts and at such prices as the Board of Directors may deem advisable in the best interests of the stockholders. Purchases will only be made at less than net asset value per share, thereby increasing the net asset value of shares held by the remaining stockholders. Shares so acquired may be held as treasury stock available for stock distributions, or may be retired. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Corporation purchased 93,500 shares as treasury stock at an average price of $21.88 per share representing an average discount from net asset value of 17.7%.

4. Investment Transactions — The aggregate cost of securities purchased and the aggregate proceeds of securities sold during the six months ended June 30, 2014, excluding short-term investments, were $51,487,972 and $47,506,815, respectively.

As of June 30, 2014, based on cost for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for all securities were $334,634,433 and $9,624,146, respectively.

5. Affiliated Companies — Plymouth Rock is an affiliated company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 due to the Corporation’s ownership of 5% or more of the company’s outstanding voting securities. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Corporation sold 236 shares of Plymouth Rock for proceeds of $998,280. The President of the Corporation is a director of Plymouth Rock.

[ 14 ]
 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued (unaudited)

          6. Restricted Securities — The Corporation from time to time invests in securities the resale of which is restricted. The Corporation does not have the right to demand registration of the restricted securities.

          On June 30, 2014, the Corporation’s restricted securities consisted of 34,424 shares of Plymouth Rock that were acquired on December 15, 1982 at a cost of $860,600. These securities had a value of $132,532,400 at June 30, 2014, which was equal to 19.5% of the Corporation’s net assets.

          7. Bank Line of Credit — The Corporation has entered into a $25 million uncommitted, secured revolving line of credit with UMB Bank, n.a. (“UMB”), the Corporation’s custodian. All borrowings are payable on demand of UMB. Interest on any borrowings is payable monthly at a rate based on the federal funds rate, subject to a minimum annual rate of 2.50%. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings.

          8. Compensation and Benefit Plans — The aggregate remuneration paid during the six months ended June 30, 2014 to all officers was $965,000. This amount represents the taxable income to these officers and therefore differs from the amounts included in the accompanying Statement of Operations that are expensed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

          Officers and other employees participate in a 401(k) and profit sharing plan. The Corporation has agreed to contribute 3% of each participant’s qualifying compensation to the plan, which is immediately vested. Contributions in excess of 3% may be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors and vest after three years of service. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Corporation accrued $92,813 related to the plan.

          The Corporation maintains an incentive compensation plan (the “2012 Plan”) which permits the grant of awards of unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units and cash to full-time employees and non-employee directors of the Corporation. The 2012 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock over the ten-year life of the 2012 Plan, of which 978,781 remain available for future grants at June 30, 2014. The 2012 Plan limits the amount of shares that can be awarded to any one person in total or within a certain time period. Any award made under the 2012 Plan may be subject to performance conditions. The 2012 Plan is administered by the Corporation’s Compensation and Nominating Committee (the “Committee”).

          Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 Plan, each non-employee director is awarded 500 shares of vested unrestricted Common Stock at his initial election to the Board of Directors or at his continuation of service as a director after the Corporation’s annual meeting. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, non-employee directors were granted a total of 3,000 shares of Common Stock valued at $22.1785 per share, which was the average of the high and low prices of the Corporation’s Common Stock on the grant date. The aggregate share value of $66,536 plus cash payments of $77,250 made to all non-employee directors are included in Directors’ Fees expense in the accompanying Statement of Operations.

[ 15 ]
 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued (unaudited)

          On December 12, 2012, the Corporation granted a performance-based award to an officer. Achievement of this award is based on the Corporation satisfying at least one of three performance goals determined by the Committee over the period from January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (the “2014 Performance Period”). Two of the performance goals are based on the Corporation’s absolute and relative investment performance and the third is based on its ratio of expenses to average net assets. The maximum amount payable under this grant is $1,000,000, of which a maximum of one-third of this amount relates to each performance goal. The Committee has full discretion to reduce the amount awarded for the achievement of any of the performance goals to zero. For the 2014 Performance Period, the Corporation satisfied two of the performance goals. On July 23, 2014, the Committee awarded the officer $204,250, of which half will be paid through the issuance of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation valued at $24.00 per share and the balance will be paid in cash. The total award amount was accrued ratably during the 2014 Performance Period.

          On July 23, 2014, the Corporation granted a new performance-based award to an officer. The terms of and the amounts payable under the new award are the same as for the award for the 2014 Performance Period described above except that the new performance period is the period from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (the “2015 Performance Period”). The Corporation will accrue compensation expense relating to this award ratably during the 2015 Performance Period based on management’s estimate of the final amount to be awarded when it believes any of the goals are probable of achievement.

          9. Operating Lease Commitment — The Corporation has extended its operating lease for office space, which was to expire at June 30, 2014, until June 30, 2019. Future minimum rental commitments under the amended lease aggregate $1.8 million as follows: $111,202 in 2014, $374,884 annually in 2015 – 2018 and $187,442 in 2019. The lease agreement contains escalation clauses relating to operating costs and real property taxes. Under the amended terms, the landlord may terminate the lease after December 31, 2015 with one-year’s notice, in which case the Corporation’s rental commitment would end as of the termination date.

[ 16 ]
 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

          The following table shows per share operating performance data, total returns, ratios and supplemental data for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2013. This information has been derived from information contained in the financial statements and market price data for the Corporation’s shares.

          The Corporation’s total returns reflect changes in market price or net asset value, as applicable, and assume reinvestment of all distributions. Distributions that are payable only in cash are assumed to be reinvested at the market price or net asset value, as applicable, on the payable date of the distribution. Distributions that may be taken in shares are assumed to be reinvested at the price designated by the Corporation.

   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009
Per Share Operating Performance                  
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.78   $24.53   $24.96   $26.06   $22.32   $17.79 
Net investment income*   .06    .10    .53    .43    .45    .29 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                              
on securities*   1.56    5.85    (.02)   (.53)   4.19    4.89 
Total from investment                              
operations   1.62    5.95    .51    (.10)   4.64    5.18 
Less:                              
Dividends from net investment income   .04    .12    .51    .43    .45    .33 
Distributions from capital gains   .16    3.58    .43    .57    .45    .32 
Total distributions   .20    3.70    .94    1.00    .90    .65 
Net asset value, end of period  $28.20   $26.78   $24.53   $24.96   $26.06   $22.32 
Per share market value,                              
end of period  $23.45   $21.72   $19.98   $20.46   $21.97   $17.98 
Total investment return,                              
market (%)   9.24    28.40    1.25    (2.50)   27.14    26.97 
Total investment return, NAV (%)   6.05    28.36    2.70    .18    21.73    30.15 
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000)  $680,153   $648,262   $569,465   $574,188   $593,524   $504,030 
Ratio of expenses to average net                              
assets (%)   .69   .77    .79    .71    .78    .91 
Ratio of net investment income to                              
average net assets (%)   .48   .38    2.14    1.62    1.92    1.49 
Portfolio turnover rate (%)   8.19    16.72    3.55    8.07    6.67    7.94 

 

 

*Based on the average number of shares outstanding during the period.
Annualized, not necessarily indicative of full year ratio.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 17 ]
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF
     C
ENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION

     We have reviewed the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the statement of investments, of Central Securities Corporation as of June 30, 2014, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, cash flows and financial highlights for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014. These interim financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of Central Securities Corporation’s management.

     We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

     Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the interim financial statements and financial highlights referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

     We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the statement of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 and financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2013, and in our report, dated February 3, 2014, we expressed an unqualified opinion on such statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights.

KPMG LLP

New York, NY
July 25, 2014

[ 18 ]
 

OTHER STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION

Direct Registration

     The Corporation utilizes direct registration, a system that allows for book-entry ownership and the electronic transfer of the Corporation’s shares. Stockholders may find direct registration a convenient way of managing their investment. Stockholders wishing certificates may request them.

     A pamphlet which describes the features and benefits of direct registration, including the ability of shareholders to deposit certificates with our transfer agent, can be obtained by calling Computershare Trust Company at 1-800-756-8200, calling the Corporation at 1-866-593-2507 or visiting our website: www.centralsecurities.com under Contact Us.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

     The policies and procedures used by the Corporation to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and the Corporation’s proxy voting record for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2014 are available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling us at our toll-free telephone number (1-866-593-2507), (2) on the Corporation’s website at www.centralsecurities.com and (3) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Quarterly Portfolio Information

     The Corporation files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and the third quarter of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Corporation’s Form N-Q filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Those forms may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

     The annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation was held on March 19, 2014. At the meeting, all of the directors of the Corporation were reelected by the following vote of the holders of the Common Stock:

     In Favor  Withheld  
  L. Price Blackford   21,590,345    190,152   
  Simms C. Browning   21,456,522    323,975   
  Donald G. Calder   21,445,338    335,159   
  David C. Colander   21,591,857    188,640   
  Jay R. Inglis   21,365,665    414,832   
  Wilmot H. Kidd   21,447,222    333,275   
  C. Carter Walker, Jr.   21,440,899    339,598   

 

     A proposal to approve the selection of KPMG LLP as independent auditors of the Corporation for the year 2014 was ratified with 21,612,427 votes in favor, 107,691 votes against and 60,379 votes abstaining.

[ 19 ]
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wilmot H. Kidd, Chairman
David C. Colander, Lead Independent Director
L. Price Blackford
Simms C. Browning
Donald G. Calder
Jay R. Inglis
C. Carter Walker, Jr.

OFFICERS

Wilmot H. Kidd, President
Marlene A. Krumholz, Vice President and Secretary
Andrew J. O’Neill, Vice President
Lawrence P. Vogel, Vice President and Treasurer

OFFICE

630 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10111
212-698-2020
866-593-2507 (toll-free)
www.centralsecurities.com

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170
800-756-8200
www.computershare.com

CUSTODIAN

UMB Bank, n.a.
Kansas City, MO

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

KPMG LLP
New York, NY

[ 20 ]
 

Item 2. Code of Ethics. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

 

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Experts. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

 

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

 

Item 6. Investments.

(a) Schedule is included as a part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclose Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Companies. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Period (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Month #1 (January 1 through January 31) 93,500 $21.88 NA NA
Month #2 (February 1 through February 28) 0 NA NA NA
Month #3 (March 1 through March 31) 0 NA NA NA
Month #4 (April 1 through April 30) 0 NA NA NA
Month #5 (May 1 through May 31) 0 NA NA NA
Month #6 (June 1 through June 30) 0 NA NA NA
Total 93,500 $21.88 NA NA
 
 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors since such procedures were last described in the Corporation’s proxy statement dated February 7, 2014.

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Central Securities Corporation (the “Corporation”) have concluded that the Corporation’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) are effective based on their evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

 

(b) There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

 

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Attached hereto.

 

(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not Applicable.

 

(b) Certifications of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Attached hereto.

 
 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Central Securities Corporation

 

 

By: /s/ Wilmot H. Kidd

Wilmot H. Kidd

President

 

August 8, 2014

Date

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capabilities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Wilmot H. Kidd

Wilmot H. Kidd

President

 

August 8, 2014

Date

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Lawrence P. Vogel

Lawrence P. Vogel

Treasurer

 

August 8, 2014

Date