UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________to _________
Commission file number 0-10412
NATIONAL PROPERTY INVESTORS 4
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California | 13-3031722 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
55 Beattie Place, PO Box 1089
Greenville, South Carolina 29602
(Address of principal executive offices)
(864) 239-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
[X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). [ ] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] |
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company [X] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [ ] Yes [X] No
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NATIONAL PROPERTY INVESTORS 4
BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except unit data)
| September 30, | December 31, |
|
| 2010 | 2009 |
|
| (Unaudited) | (Note) |
|
Assets |
|
| |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 222 | $ 140 | |
Receivables and deposits | 138 | 145 | |
Other assets | 1,298 | 1,251 | |
Investment property: |
|
| |
Land | 1,980 | 1,980 | |
Buildings and related personal property | 40,194 | 39,714 | |
| 42,174 | 41,694 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | (33,308) | (32,070) | |
| 8,866 | 9,624 | |
| $ 10,524 | $ 11,160 | |
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|
| |
Liabilities and Partners' Deficit |
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| |
Liabilities |
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| |
Accounts payable | $ 147 | $ 346 | |
Tenant security deposit liabilities | 446 | 421 | |
Other liabilities | 520 | 555 | |
Due to affiliates (Note B) | 856 | 549 | |
Mortgage notes payable | 47,962 | 48,419 | |
| 49,931 | 50,290 | |
|
|
| |
Partners' Deficit |
|
| |
General partner | (538) | (536) | |
Limited partners (60,005 units |
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| |
issued and outstanding) | (38,869) | (38,594) | |
| (39,407) | (39,130) | |
| $ 10,524 | $ 11,160 | |
Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
NATIONAL PROPERTY INVESTORS 4
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per unit data)
| Three Months | Nine Months | ||
| Ended September 30, | Ended September 30, | ||
| 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 |
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
Rental income | $ 1,949 | $ 1,911 | $ 5,893 | $ 5,742 |
Other income | 247 | 286 | 866 | 1,037 |
Total revenues | 2,196 | 2,197 | 6,759 | 6,779 |
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|
|
Expenses: |
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|
|
Operating | 764 | 693 | 2,620 | 2,514 |
General and administrative | 35 | 33 | 102 | 151 |
Depreciation | 415 | 414 | 1,260 | 1,224 |
Interest | 837 | 841 | 2,518 | 2,536 |
Property taxes | 190 | 186 | 574 | 557 |
Total expenses | 2,241 | 2,167 | 7,074 | 6,982 |
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Casualty gain (Note D) | 9 | -- | 38 | -- |
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Net (loss) income | $ (36) | $ 30 | $ (277) | $ (203) |
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Net loss allocated to general |
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|
partner (1%) | $ -- | $ -- | $ (2) | $ (2) |
Net (loss) income allocated to |
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|
|
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limited partners (99%) | (36) | 30 | (275) | (201) |
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|
|
|
|
| $ (36) | $ 30 | $ (277) | $ (203) |
Net (loss) income per limited |
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|
|
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partnership unit | $ (0.60) | $ 0.50 | $ (4.58) | $ (3.35) |
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Distributions per limited |
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partnership unit | $ -- | $ -- | $ -- | $ 9.48 |
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
NATIONAL PROPERTY INVESTORS 4
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' DEFICIT
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except unit data)
| Limited |
|
| |
| Partnership | General | Limited |
|
| Units | Partner | Partners | Total |
|
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Original capital contributions | 60,005 | $ 1 | $ 30,003 | $ 30,004 |
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Partners' deficit at |
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December 31, 2009 | 60,005 | $ (536) | $(38,594) | $(39,130) |
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Net loss for the nine months |
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|
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ended September 30, 2010 | -- | (2) | (275) | (277) |
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|
Partners’ deficit at |
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|
|
|
September 30, 2010 | 60,005 | $ (538) | $(38,869) | $(39,407) |
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
| Nine Months Ended | |
| September 30, | |
| 2010 | 2009 |
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
Net loss | $ (277) | $ (203) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided |
|
|
by operating activities: |
|
|
Depreciation | 1,260 | 1,224 |
Amortization of loan costs | 48 | 48 |
Casualty gain | (38) | -- |
Change in accounts: |
|
|
Receivables and deposits | 7 | 27 |
Other assets | (95) | (248) |
Accounts payable | (116) | 43 |
Tenant security deposit liabilities | 25 | (120) |
Other liabilities | (35) | 135 |
Due to affiliates | (29) | 31 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 750 | 937 |
|
|
|
Cash flows used in investing activities: |
|
|
Insurance proceeds received | 38 | -- |
Property improvements and replacements | (585) | (594) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (547) | (594) |
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
Payments on mortgage notes payable | (457) | (317) |
Distributions to partners | -- | (575) |
Advances from affiliate | 559 | 566 |
Payments on advances from affiliate | (223) | (70) |
Net cash used in financing activities | (121) | (396) |
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|
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 82 | (53) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 140 | 181 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ 222 | $ 128 |
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Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
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Cash paid for interest | $ 2,470 | $ 2,286 |
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Supplemental disclosure of non-cash flow activity: |
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Property improvements and replacements included in |
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accounts payable | $ 16 | $ 198 |
Included in property improvements and replacements for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are approximately $99,000 and $13,000 of property improvements and replacements, respectively, which were included in accounts payable at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note A – Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited financial statements of National Property Investors 4 (the "Partnership" or the "Registrant") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of NPI Equity Investments, Inc. (“NPI Equity” or the "Managing General Partner"), all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. The Managing General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("AIMCO"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust.
The Partnership’s management evaluated subsequent events through the time this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was filed.
Note B - Transactions with Affiliated Parties
The Partnership has no employees and depends on the Managing General Partner and its affiliates for the management and administration of all Partnership activities. The Partnership Agreement provides for payments to affiliates for services and for reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.
Affiliates of the Managing General Partner receive 5% of gross receipts from the Partnership's property as compensation for providing property management services. The Partnership paid to such affiliates approximately $335,000 and $339,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which are included in operating expenses.
Affiliates of the Managing General Partner charged the Partnership for reimbursement of accountable administrative expenses amounting to approximately $89,000 and $101,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses and investment property. The portion of these reimbursements included in investment property for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are construction management services provided by an affiliate of the Managing General Partner of approximately $27,000 and $38,000, respectively. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Partnership owed approximately $17,000 and $44,000, respectively, for accountable administrative expenses, which are included in due to affiliates.
For services relating to the administration of the Partnership and operation of the Partnership's property, the Managing General Partner is entitled to receive payment for non-accountable expenses up to a maximum of $100,000 per year based upon the number of Partnership units sold, subject to certain limitations. The Managing General Partner received approximately $19,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, which is included in general and administrative expenses. No such reimbursements were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
In addition to the amounts discussed above, as compensation for services rendered in managing the Partnership, the Managing General Partner is entitled to receive a Partnership Management Fee in conjunction with distributions of cash from operations, subject to certain limitations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, approximately $31,000 was paid in conjunction with the distributions from operations and is included in general and administrative expenses. There were nosuch fees paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as there were no distributions from operations.
Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Managing General Partner, advanced the Partnership approximately $559,000 and $566,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, to fund operations at the Partnership’s investment property. AIMCO Properties, L.P. charges interest on advances under the terms permitted by the Partnership Agreement. The advances bear interest at the prime rate plus 2% (5.25% at September 30, 2010) per annum. Interest expense was approximately $21,000 and $3,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Partnership repaid approximately $246,000 and $71,000, respectively, of advances and accrued interest. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the total advances and accrued interest due to AIMCO Properties, L.P. was approximately $839,000 and $505,000, respectively, and are included in due to affiliates. The Partnership may receive additional advances of funds from AIMCO Properties, L.P. although AIMCO Properties, L.P. is not obligated to provide such advances. For more information on AIMCO Properties, L.P., including copies of its audited balance sheets, please see its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Partnership insures its property up to certain limits through coverage provided by AIMCO which is generally self-insured for a portion of losses and liabilities related to workers’ compensation, property casualty, general liability and vehicle liability. The Partnership insures its property above the AIMCO limits through insurance policies obtained by AIMCO from insurers unaffiliated with the Managing General Partner. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Partnership was charged by AIMCO and its affiliates approximately $88,000 for insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims administration. Additional charges will be incurred by the Partnership during 2010 as other insurance policies renew later in the year. The Partnership was charged by AIMCO and its affiliates approximately $111,000 for insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims administration during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Note C – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value is defined as the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The Partnership believes that the carrying amount of its financial instruments (except for mortgage notes payable) approximates their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Partnership estimates the fair value of its mortgage notes payable by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with that currently believed to be available to the Partnership for similar term, mortgage notes payable. At September 30, 2010, the fair value of the Partnership's mortgage notes payable at the Partnership's incremental borrowing rate was approximately $55,510,000.
Note D – Casualty Events
In February 2010, the Partnership’s property experienced damages from a snow storm of approximately $11,000. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Partnership received insurance proceeds of approximately $9,000. The Partnership recognized a casualty gain of approximately $9,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 as the associated assets were fully depreciated.
In April 2010, the Partnership’s property experienced damages from a fire. The estimated damages were approximately $44,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Partnership received insurance proceeds of approximately $29,000 to cover the damages. After writing off the fully depreciated cost of the damaged assets, the Partnership recognized a casualty gain of approximately $29,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
Note E – Contingencies
As previously disclosed, AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company, both affiliates of the Managing General Partner, were defendants in a lawsuit, filed as a collective action in August 2003 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that they willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for time worked in excess of 40 hours per week (“overtime claims”). The plaintiffs also contended that AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company (“the Defendants”) failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call" (“on-call claims”). In March 2007, the court in the District of Columbia decertified the collective action. In July 2007, plaintiffs’ counsel filed individual cases in Federal court in 22 jurisdictions. In the second quarter of 2008, AIMCO Properties, L.P. settled the overtime cases involving 652 plaintiffs and established a framework for resolving the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel. As a result, the lawsuits asserted in the 22 Federal courts have been dismissed. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the settlement amounts for alleged unpaid overtime to employees were paid by those partnerships where the respective employees had worked. The Partnership was not required to pay any settlement amounts. At this time, the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel are not resolved. Pursuant to the global settlement agreement, the parties selected six test “on-call” cases to be arbitrated. The parties arbitrated four “on-call” claims and obtained defense verdicts on all four. Two additional “on-call” claims were dismissed with prejudice. The process now calls for the parties to attempt to mediate the remaining “on-call” claims and plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, and the mediation is currently scheduled for November 16, 2010. The Managing General Partner is uncertain as to the amount of any loss that may be allocable to the Partnership. Therefore, the Partnership cannot estimate whether any loss will occur or a potential range of loss.
Environmental
Various Federal, state and local laws subject property owners or operators to liability for management, and the costs of removal or remediation, of certain hazardous substances present on a property, including lead-based paint. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of the hazardous substances. The presence of, or the failure to manage or remedy properly, hazardous substances may adversely affect occupancy at affected apartment communities and the ability to sell or finance affected properties. In addition to the costs associated with investigation and remediation actions brought by government agencies, and potential fines or penalties imposed by such agencies in connection therewith, the presence of hazardous substances on a property could result in claims by private plaintiffs for personal injury, disease, disability or other infirmities. Various laws also impose liability for the cost of removal, remediation or disposal of hazardous substances through a licensed disposal or treatment facility. Anyone who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances is potentially liable under such laws. These laws often impose liability whether or not the person arranging for the disposal ever owned or operated the disposal facility. In connection with the ownership, operation and management of its property, the Partnership could potentially be liable for environmental liabilities or costs associated with its property.
Mold
The Partnership is aware of lawsuits against owners and managers of multifamily properties asserting claims of personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold, some of which have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements. The Partnership has only limited insurance coverage for property damage loss claims arising from the presence of mold and for personal injury claims related to mold exposure. Affiliates of the Managing General Partner have implemented policies, procedures, third-party audits and training and the ManagingGeneral Partner believes that these measures will prevent or eliminate mold exposure and will minimize the effects that mold may have on residents. To date, the Partnership has not incurred any material costs or liabilities relating to claims of mold exposure or to abate mold conditions. Because the law regarding mold is unsettled and subject to change the Managing General Partner can make no assurance that liabilities resulting from the presence of or exposure to mold will not have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements in certain circumstances. Certain information included in this Quarterly Report contains or may contain information that is forward-lookingwithin the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements regarding the effect of redevelopments, the Partnership’s future financial performance, including the Partnership’s ability to maintain current or meet projected occupancy and rent levels, and the effect of government regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements and, in addition, will be affected by a variety of risks and factors some of which are beyond the Partnership’s control including, without limitation: financing risks, including the availability and cost of financing and the risk that the Partnership’s cash flows from operations may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; natural disasters and severe weather such as hurricanes; national and local economic conditions; the general level of interest rates; energy costs; the terms of governmental regulations that affect the Partnership’s property and interpretations of those regulations; the competitive environment in which the Partnership operates; real estate risks, including fluctuations inreal estate values and the general economic climate in local markets and competition for residents in such markets; insurance risk,including the cost of insurance; development risks; litigation, including costs associated with prosecuting or defending claims and any adverse outcomes; and possible environmental liabilities, including costs, fines or penalties that may be incurred due to necessary remediation of contamination of properties presently owned or previously owned by the Partnership. Readers should carefully review the Partnership’s financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the other documents the Partnership files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Partnership's investment property consists of one apartment complex, Village of Pennbrook Apartments, located in Falls Township, Pennsylvania. The average occupancy was 96% and 91% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Managing General Partner attributes the increase in occupancy at Village of Pennbrook Apartments to competitive pricing.
The Partnership’s financial results depend upon a number of factors including the ability to attract and maintain tenants at the investment property, interest rates on mortgage loans, costs incurred to operate the investment property, general economic conditions and weather. As part of the ongoing business plan of the Partnership, the Managing General Partner monitors the rental market environment of its investment property to assess the feasibility of increasing rents, maintaining or increasing occupancy levels and protecting the Partnership from increases in expenses. As part of this plan, the Managing General Partner attempts to protect the Partnership from the burden of inflation-related increases in expenses by increasing rents and maintaining a high overall occupancy level. However, the Managing General Partner may use rental concessions and rental rate reductions to offset softening market conditions; accordingly, there is no guarantee that the Managing General Partner will be able to sustain such a plan. Further, a number of factors that are outside the control of the Partnership such as the local economic climate and weather can adversely or positively affect the Partnership’s financial results.
Results of Operations
The Partnership’s net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $36,000 compared to net income of approximately $30,000 for the corresponding period in 2009. The Partnership’s net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $277,000 compared to a net loss of approximately $203,000 for the corresponding period in 2009. The increase in net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2010 is due to an increase in total expenses partially offset by the recognition of a casualty gain in 2010. The increase in net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is due to anincrease in total expenses and a decrease in total revenues partially offset by the recognition of casualty gains in 2010.
Total expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2010 increased primarily due to an increase in operating expenses. Depreciation, interest, property taxes and general and administrative expenses remained relatively constant for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Total expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased due to increases in operating, depreciation and property tax expenses, partially offset by decreases in interest and general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2010 due to increases in utilities and salaries and benefits. Operating expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to increases in utilities and snow removal costs due to excessive snowfall in the area, partially offset by decreases in contract services, painting supplies, salaries and benefits and resident eviction costs. Interest expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to scheduled payments on the mortgages encumbering the Partnership’s investment property and the payment of interest incurred in connection with the escheatment of unclaimed distributions during 2009, partially offset by an increase in interest on advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P. Depreciation expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to property improvements and replacements placed into service during the past twelve months which are now being depreciated. Property tax expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to an increase in the tax rate at the Partnership’s investment property.
General and administrative expenses decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 primarily due to a decrease in the partnership management fees paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to affiliates of theManaging General Partnerfrom distributions from operations. Also included in general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are reimbursements to theManaging General Partneras allowed under the Partnership Agreement, costs associated with the quarterly and annual communications with investors and regulatory agencies and the annual audit required by the Partnership Agreement.
Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2010 remained relatively constant as a decrease in other income was substantially offset by an increase in rental income. Total revenues decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to a decrease in other income, partially offset by an increase in rental income. Rental income increased for both periods due to an increase in occupancy and a decrease in bad debt expense, partially offset by a decrease in the average rental rates at the Partnership’s investment property. Other income decreased for both periods due to decreases in tenant utility reimbursements, lease cancellation fees, late fees and ancillary services income at the Partnership’s investment property.
In February 2010, the Partnership’s property experienced damages from a snow storm of approximately $11,000. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Partnership received insurance proceeds of approximately $9,000. The Partnership recognized a casualty gain of approximately $9,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 as the associated assets were fully depreciated.
In April 2010, the Partnership’s property experienced damages from a fire. The estimated damages were approximately $44,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Partnership received insurance proceeds of approximately $29,000 to cover the damages. After writing off the fully depreciated cost of the damaged assets, the Partnership recognized a casualty gain of approximately $29,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At September 30, 2010, the Partnership had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $222,000, compared to approximately $140,000 at December 31, 2009. Cash and cash equivalents increased approximately $82,000 due to approximately$750,000 of cash provided by operating activities, partially offset by approximately $547,000 and $121,000 of cash used in investing and financing activities, respectively. Cash used in investing activities consisted of property improvements and replacements, partially offset by insurance proceeds received. Cash used in financing activities consisted of principal payments made on the mortgage notes payable and repayment of advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P., partially offset by advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P.
Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Managing General Partner, advanced the Partnership approximately $559,000 and $566,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, to fund operations at the Partnership’s investment property. AIMCO Properties, L.P. charges interest on advances under the terms permitted by the Partnership Agreement. The advances bear interest at the prime rate plus 2% (5.25% at September 30, 2010) per annum. Interest expense was approximately $21,000 and $3,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Partnership repaid approximately $246,000 and $71,000, respectively, of advances and accrued interest. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the total advances and accrued interest due to AIMCO Properties, L.P. was approximately $839,000 and $505,000, respectively, and are included in due to affiliates. The Partnership may receive additional advances of funds from AIMCO Properties, L.P. although AIMCO Properties, L.P. is not obligated to provide such advances. For more information on AIMCO Properties, L.P., including copies of its audited balance sheets, please see its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The sufficiency of existing liquid assets to meet future liquidity and capital expenditure requirements is directly related to the level of capital expenditures required at the property to adequately maintain the physical assets and other operating needs of the Partnership and to comply with Federal, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements. The Managing General Partner monitors developments in the area of legal and regulatory compliance. Capital improvements planned for the Partnership’s property are detailed below.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Partnership completed approximately $502,000 of capital improvements at Village of Pennbrook Apartments, consisting primarily of construction related to the casualties discussed above, building improvements and appliance, water heater, air conditioning unit, and floor covering replacements. These improvements were funded from operating cash flow and insurance proceeds. The Partnership regularly evaluates the capital improvement needs of the property. While the Partnership has no material commitments for property improvements and replacements, certain routine capital expenditures are anticipated during the remainder of 2010. Such capital expenditures will depend on the physical condition of the property as well as insurance proceeds and anticipated cash flow generated by the property.
Capital expenditures will be incurred only if cash is available from operations, Partnership reserves or advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P., although AIMCO Properties, L.P. does not have an obligation to fund such advances. To the extent that capital improvements are completed, the Partnership's distributable cash flow, if any, may be adversely affected at least in the short term.
The Partnership's assets are thought to be generally sufficient for any near-term needs (exclusive of capital improvements and repayment of amounts due to affiliates) of the Partnership. The first mortgage encumbering Village of Pennbrook Apartments of approximately $25,148,000 requires monthly payments of principal and interest until September 1, 2021 with a balloon payment of approximately $19,515,000 due at maturity. The second mortgage encumbering Village of Pennbrook Apartments of approximately $13,070,000 requires monthly payments of principal and interest until September 1, 2021, with a balloon payment of approximately $10,561,000 due at maturity. The third mortgage encumbering Village of Pennbrook Apartments of approximately $9,744,000 requires monthly payments of principal and interest until September 1, 2021 with a balloon payment of approximately $7,783,000 due atmaturity. The Managing General Partner will attempt to refinance such indebtedness and/or sell the property prior to such maturity dates. If the property cannot be refinanced or sold for a sufficient amount, the Partnership will risk losing such property through foreclosure.
The Partnership distributed the following amounts during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands, except per unit data):
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| Nine months ended | Per Limited | Nine months ended | Per Limited |
| September 30, | Partnership | September 30, | Partnership |
| 2010 | Unit | 2009 | Unit |
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Operations | $ -- | $ -- | $ 575 | $ 9.48 |
Future cash distributions will depend on the levels of cash generated from operations, the timing of the debt maturities, property sale and/or refinancings. The Partnership’s cash available for distribution is reviewed on a monthly basis. There can be no assurance, however, that the Partnership will generate sufficient funds from operations after required capital improvement expenditures and repayment of amounts due to affiliates to permit distributions to its partners in 2010 or subsequent periods.
Other
In addition to its indirect ownership of the general partner interest in the Partnership, AIMCO and its affiliates owned 47,850 limited partnership units (the “Units”) in the Partnership representing 79.74% of the outstanding Units at September 30, 2010. A number of these Units were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by AIMCO or its affiliates. It is possible that AIMCO or its affiliates will acquire additional Units in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of AIMCO, either through private purchases or tender offers. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, Unit holders holding a majority of the Units are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Managing General Partner. As a result of its ownership of 79.74% of the outstanding Units, AIMCO is in a position to influence all such voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. With respect to 26,466 Units, AIMCO IPLP, L.P., an affiliate of AIMCO, is required to vote such Units: (i) against any increase in compensation payable to the Managing General Partner or to affiliates; and (ii) on all other matters submitted by it or its affiliates, in proportion to the votes cast by non-tendering Unit holders. Except for the foregoing, no other limitations are imposed on AIMCO's or AIMCO IPLP, L.P.'s ability to influence voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. Although the Managing General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Managing General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Managing General Partner, as managing general partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Managing General Partner to AIMCO as its sole stockholder.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States which require the Partnership to make estimates and assumptions. The Partnership believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
Impairment of Long-Lived Asset
Investment property is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable. If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the Partnership’s estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.
Real property investment is subject to varying degrees of risk. Several factors may adversely affect the economic performance and value of the Partnership’s investment property. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic climate; competition from other apartment communities and other housing options; local conditions, such as loss of jobs or an increase in the supply of apartments that might adversely affect apartment occupancy or rental rates; changes in governmental regulations and the related cost of compliance; increases in operating costs (including real estate taxes) due to inflation and other factors, which may not be offset by increased rents; changes in tax laws and housing laws, including the enactment of rent control laws or other laws regulating multi-family housing; and changes in interest rates and the availability of financing. Any adverse changes in these and other factors could cause an impairment of the Partnership’s asset.
Revenue Recognition
The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less. The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area. Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current tenants and all receivables due from former tenants.
ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Partnership’s management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Managing General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnership’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Managing General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnership’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As previously disclosed, AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company, both affiliates of the Managing General Partner, were defendants in a lawsuit, filed as a collective action in August 2003 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that they willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for time worked in excess of 40 hours per week (“overtime claims”). The plaintiffs also contended that AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company (“the Defendants”) failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call" (“on-call claims”). In March 2007, the court in the District of Columbia decertified the collective action. In July 2007, plaintiffs’ counsel filed individual cases in Federal court in 22 jurisdictions. In the second quarter of 2008, AIMCO Properties, L.P. settled the overtime cases involving 652 plaintiffs and established a framework for resolving the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel. As a result, the lawsuits asserted in the 22 Federal courts have been dismissed. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the settlement amounts for alleged unpaid overtime to employees were paid by those partnerships where the respective employees had worked. The Partnership was not required to pay any settlement amounts. At this time, the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel are not resolved. Pursuant to the global settlement agreement, the parties selected six test “on-call” cases to be arbitrated. The parties arbitrated four “on-call” claims and obtained defense verdicts on all four. Two additional “on-call” claims were dismissed with prejudice. The process now calls for the parties to attempt to mediate the remaining “on-call” claims and plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, and the mediation is currently scheduled for November 16, 2010. The Managing General Partner is uncertain as to the amount of any loss that may be allocable to the Partnership. Therefore, the Partnership cannot estimate whether any loss will occur or a potential range of loss.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
See Exhibit Index.
The agreements included as exhibits to this Form 10-Q contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:
- should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;
- have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;
- may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to an investor; and
- were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.
Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. The Partnership acknowledges that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, it is responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions arerequired to make the statements in this Form 10-Q not misleading. Additional information about the Partnership may be found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the Partnership’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website athttp://www.sec.gov.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| NATIONAL PROPERTY INVESTORS 4 |
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| By: NPI EQUITY INVESTMENTS, INC. |
| Managing General Partner |
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Date: November 12, 2010 | By: /s/Steven D. Cordes |
| Steven D. Cordes |
| Senior Vice President |
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Date: November 12, 2010 | By: /s/Stephen B. Waters |
| Stephen B. Waters |
| Senior Director of Partnership Accounting |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description of Exhibit
2.1 NPI, Inc. Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 17, 1995, incorporated by reference to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 17, 1995.
2.2 Partnership Units Purchase Agreement dated as of August 17, 1995 incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Insignia Financial Group, Inc. ("Insignia") with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 1995.
2.3 Management Purchase Agreement dated as of August 17, 1995, incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Insignia Financial Group, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 1995.
3.4 Agreement of Limited Partnership, incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Prospectus of the Partnership dated September 20, 1983, as amended on June 13 1989, and as thereafter supplemented contained in the fiscal Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Reg. No. 2-63733).
3.4a Amendment to the Limited Partnership Agreement dated December 22, 2005 initially filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.1 Agreement to Purchase Village of Pennbrook Apartments dated November 25, 1981 between the Partnership and SB Partners, incorporated by reference to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 25, 1981.
10.8 Multifamily Note dated June 30, 2006 between National Property Investors 4, a California limited partnership, and Capmark Finance Inc., a California corporation, incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2006.
10.9 Amended and Restated Multifamily Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between National Property Investors 4, a California limited partnership, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2006.
10.10 Amended and Restated Multifamily Note dated June 30, 2006 between National Property Investors 4, a California limited partnership, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2006.
10.11 Amended and Restated Guaranty, dated June 30, 2006 between National Property Investors 4, a California limited partnership, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2006.
10.13 Multifamily Note dated May 30, 2008 between National Property Investors 4, a California limited partnership, and Capmark Bank in reference to Village of Pennbrook Apartments, incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 2008.
10.14 Multifamily Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement dated May 30, 2008 between National Property Investors 4, a California limited partnership and Capmark Bank in reference to Village of Pennbrook Apartments,incorporated by reference to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 2008.
31.1 Certification of equivalent of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification of equivalent of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification of equivalent of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.