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 investment and reinvestment, 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 and borrower defaults and the creditworthiness of its lessees and borrowers. 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 15, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on March 4, 2011 for the purpose of raising capital and originating equipment financing transactions and acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities. The offering of the Fund was granted effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of October 28, 2011.
As of June 30, 2018, cumulative gross contributions, less rescissions and repurchases (net of distributions paid and allocated syndication costs, as applicable), totaling $66.0 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) had been received. As of the same date, 6,542,557 Units were issued and outstanding.
Results of Operations
The three months ended June 30, 2018 versus the three months ended June 30, 2017
The Company had net income of $324 thousand and net loss of $28 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The results for the second quarter of 2018 reflect decreases in both total revenues and total operating expenses when compared to the prior year period.
Revenues
Total revenues for the second quarter of 2018 decreased by $35 thousand, or 2%, as compared to the prior year period. Such decrease was largely due to a $141 thousand, or 8%, reduction in operating lease revenues, mainly the result of portfolio runoff and dispositions of lease assets; a $48 thousand, unfavorable change in the unrealized loss on fair value adjustment for investments in securities; offset, in part, by a $134 thousand, increase in other income for penalty fees received for a lease settlement with a lessee; a $9 thousand, or 2 times, increase in interest on notes receivable and an $8 thousand, or 14%, increase in gain on sale of assets, due to a change in the volume and mix of assets sold.
Expenses
Total expenses for the second quarter of 2018 decreased by $387 thousand, or 21%, as compared to the prior year period. The net decrease in total expenses was primarily the result of a $152 thousand, or 171%, decrease in asset management fees to Managing Member, due to an a decrease in managed assets and related revenues; a $96 thousand, or 8%, decrease in depreciation of operating lease assets, a result of portfolio run-off and sales of lease assets; an $82 thousand, or 75%, decrease in professional fees, due to the year over year difference in timing and related billings for professional audit and tax services, a $27 thousand or 79%, decrease in bank charges for credit facility fees; and a $26 thousand, or 36%, decrease in interest expense, a result of a $3.6 million reduction in outstanding borrowings since June 30, 2017; offset, in part, by a $21 thousand, increase in storage fees for railcars in storage facility included in other expense.