Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Statements contained in this Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” (“MD&A”) and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, which are not historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. In particular, economic recession and changes in general economic conditions, including, fluctuations in demand for equipment, lease rates, and interest rates, may result in delays in leasing, re-leasing, and disposition of equipment, and reduced returns on invested capital. The Company’s performance is subject to risks relating to lessee defaults and the creditworthiness of its lessees. The Company’s performance is also subject to risks relating to the value of its equipment at the end of its leases, which may be affected by the condition of the equipment, technological obsolescence and the markets for new and used equipment at the end of lease terms. Investors are cautioned not to attribute undue certainty to these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by law.
Overview
ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) is a California limited liability company that was formed in July 1998 for the purpose of engaging in the sale of limited liability investment units and acquiring equipment to generate revenues from equipment leasing and sales activities, primarily in the United States.
The Company may continue until December 31, 2019. However, pursuant to the guidelines of the Operating Agreement, the Company began to liquidate its assets and distribute the proceeds thereof after the end of the Reinvestment Period, which ended in December 2006.
As of March 31, 2017, the Company continues in its liquidation phase. Accordingly, leased assets that mature will be returned to inventory and most likely subsequently sold, which will result in decreasing revenue as earning assets decrease. Periodic distributions are paid at the discretion of the Managing Member.
Results of Operations
The three months ended March 31, 2017 versus the three months ended March 31, 2016
The Company had net income of $425 thousand and $350 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The results for the first quarter of 2017 reflect decreases in total revenues and decrease in total expenses when compared to the prior year period.
Revenues
Total revenues for the first quarter of 2017 decreased by $33 thousand or 4% as compared to the prior year period. The decrease in total revenue was primarily a result of a decrease in operating lease revenues, mainly the result of run-off and disposition of lease assets.
Expenses
Total expenses for the first quarter of 2017 decreased by $108 thousand or 19%, as compared to the prior year period. Railcar maintenance costs decreased by $102 thousand due to costs incurred on railcars that were previously off-lease in relation to prior year. Taxes on income and franchise fees decreased by $6 thousand or 86%, attributed to the timing of tax payments to various jurisdictions.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.4 million and $965 thousand, respectively. The liquidity of the Company varies, increasing to the extent that cash flows from leases and proceeds of asset sales exceed expenses and decreasing as distributions are made to the Other Members and to the extent expenses exceed cash flows from leases and proceeds from asset sales.