Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in franchises
Invest in trading cards
Investing in FranShares involves risks such as market volatility, economic changes, and franchise-specific challenges. Despite efforts to mitigate risks, there's no guarantee of returns, and FranShares' financial health could impact investments.
Investing in trading cards on Alt involves market risk, liquidity risk, uncertainties in authentication and grading, regulatory changes, operational risks including cybersecurity threats, and risks related to the physical storage and insurance of assets.
While liquidity isn't guaranteed, the platform is developing a secondary market for potential future liquidity opportunities.
Alt enhances the liquidity of trading cards through the Alt Exchange and Alt Liquid Auctions, enabling quick and efficient buying and selling of authenticated, graded cards stored in the Alt Vault. Bi-weekly auctions provide regular opportunities for transactions, while Alt Lending allows users to access cash without selling their assets.
FranShares' TNT Franchise Fund Inc., with 55 locations across major U.S. metros, historically generates returns of 20 to 28% EBITDA per location after 16-18 months.
Returns on trading card investments via Alt are influenced by the rarity, condition, and market demand for specific cards, making them highly variable. While some cards may see substantial appreciation, others might not perform as well, reflecting the speculative nature of alternative investments. Investors should adopt a long-term view and be prepared for fluctuations, as significant returns are possible but not guaranteed.
Income portfolios target a 10-15 year hold; growth funds aim for a 5-7 year period before selling.
The investment time horizon for trading cards on Alt is typically long-term.
FranShares welcomes both accredited and non-accredited investors, focusing mainly on opportunities for non-accredited individuals. The platform also accepts international investors from many countries, depending on the specifics of each offering.
To invest on Alt, individuals must be at least 18 years old, provide a current address, a Social Security number for U.S. residents, and a valid government-issued photo ID for both U.S. and international users. Alt is inclusive of international investors, accepting payments from 76 additional countries.
Franchise investments are subject to volatility due to economic shifts, industry trends, and franchise performance. While some franchises may be more resilient, values can fluctuate, posing a risk to investment value in adverse conditions.
Trading cards on Alt are subject to volatility due to factors like changing market demand, the rarity and condition of the cards, and broader economic trends. This niche market's limited buyer and seller base can lead to significant price fluctuations, making the value of these assets potentially change rapidly and unpredictably.
FranShares employs SEC regulations A+, D, and CF for its investment offerings, creating structures with a main investment vehicle and subsidiaries for each franchise brand, possibly including locations or groups of locations.
Alt adheres to regulatory requirements by verifying the identity of all users, a step that aligns with legal standards for financial technology platforms. Although specific audit details aren't provided, such platforms typically undergo periodic audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and cybersecurity standards.
FranShares' insurance covers physical damages or losses to franchises but does not protect against market fluctuations, economic downturns, or fraud. Coverage limits may not fully reflect market values, meaning insurance does not eliminate all investment risks.
Alt offers insurance for trading cards stored in its vault, safeguarding investors' assets against theft, damage, and loss.
FranShares plans to distribute excess cash flow to investors 12 to 18 months after each offering closes, with distributions expected quarterly. The frequency can vary (quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) based on the specific offering.
Trading cards on Alt do not offer dividends. Instead, the potential financial benefit for investors lies in the appreciation of the asset's value over time, with returns realized through capital gains upon sale.
Investors in FranShares can receive their investment back through the sale of franchises, targeted within 5-15 years depending on the fund type. Upon sale, net proceeds are distributed to investors based on their fund ownership share.
To get their money back, investors on Alt can sell their trading cards through the Alt Exchange or Alt Liquid Auctions. Once a sale is processed, the funds are credited to the seller's account, from which they can be withdrawn. The time and price at which cards sell may vary based on market demand and card rarity.
FranShares charges a 1% to 3% annual management fee and possibly a performance fee, detailed in each offering's documents. No management fees are charged for the "TNT Franchise Inc." offering.
Alt charges no fees for vaulting services for cards graded by supported companies, while charging $5 for each unsupported graded and ungraded card. Sales transactions on Alt's marketplace incur a tiered selling fee based on the card's final sale price: 10% for sales up to $7,499, 8% for sales between $7,500 and $9,999, and 5% for sales of $10,000 or more.
FranShares investors may owe capital gains taxes on profits from share sales and pay taxes on dividends, classified as ordinary or qualified based on holding periods and individual tax situations.
Alt supports tax reporting for investors by issuing 1099-K forms to those who meet specific criteria: being a verified Alt customer, filing taxes in the US, and receiving payments over $600 in a calendar year. This ensures compliance with tax obligations by reporting to the IRS and relevant state tax authorities.