OTHER INVESTMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]

Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets [Text Block]

4. OTHER INVESTMENTS

As of March 31, 2019, the Company’s portfolio of other investments had an aggregate carrying value of approximately $6.0 million and we have committed to fund approximately $911,000 as required by agreements with the investees. The carrying value of these investments is equal to contributions less distributions and loss valuation adjustments, if any.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we made cash contributions to other investments of approximately $328,000. This consisted $200,000 in a new investment which holds residential mortgages acquired from a bank at discount and follow on contributions to existing investments of $128,000.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we received cash distributions from other investments of approximately $175,000. This consisted of distributions from existing investments (primarily real estate related). Also, in the first quarter of 2019 the Company’s $300,000 investments in a private insurance company publicly registered all shares and began trading on the NASDAQ on March 29, 2019. Accordingly, we have transferred this investment to marketable securities. As of March 31, 2019, this investment had an unrealized loss of approximately $99,000.

Net income from other investments for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, is summarized below:

	2019		2018
Partnerships owning real estate & related	$	42,000	$	132,000
Partnerships owning diversified businesses		28,000		15,000
Investment in other (private bank)		-		32,000
Income from investment in affiliate T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc.		8,000		39,000
Total net income from other investments	$	78,000	$	218,000

The following tables present gross unrealized losses and fair values for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that investments have been in a continuous loss position:

	As of March 31, 2019
	12 Months or Less					Greater than 12 Months					Total
Investment Description	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
Partnerships owning investments in technology related industries	$	-	$	-		$	132,000	$	(18,000	)	$	132,000	$	(18,000	)
Partnerships owning diversified businesses investments		215,000		(17,000	)		-		-			215,000		(17,000	)
Total	$	215,000	$	(17,000	)	$	132,000	$	(18,000	)	$	347,000	$	(35,000	)

	As of December 31, 2018
	12 Months or Less					Greater than 12 Months					Total
Investment Description	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
Partnerships owning investments in technology related industries	$	-	$	-		$	132,000	$	(18,000	)	$	132,000	$	(18,000	)
Partnerships owning diversified businesses investments		273,000		(27,000	)		-		-			273,000		(27,000	)
Total	$	273,000	$	(27,000	)	$	132,000	$	(18,000	)	$	405,000	$	(45,000	)

When evaluating the investments for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, and the Company’s intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell, the investment before recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis.

In accordance with ASC Topic 320-10-65, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments there were no OTTI impairment valuation adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.