UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) [X] Annual Report Pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [Fee Required] For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 or [ ] Transition Report to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [Fee Required] For the transition period from________to_______ Commission File Number 33-18089-A HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Tennessee 62-1336905 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) One Belle Meade Place, 4400 Harding Road, Suite 500, Nashville, Tennessee 37205 (Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (615) 292-1040 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each Title of Each Class exchange on which registered None None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: UNITS OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST (Title of Class) 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 at least the past 90 days. YES X NO Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy of information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] The aggregate sales price of the Units of Limited Partnership Interest to nonaffiliates was $4,200,000 as of February 28, 1998. This does not reflect market value, but is the price at which these Units of Limited Partnership Interest were sold to the Public. There is no current market for these Units. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Documents Incorporated by Reference in Part IV: Prospectus of Registrant, dated April 3, 1989, as filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities and Exchange Commission. PART I Item 1. Business Hickory Lenders, Ltd. ("Registrant"), is a Tennessee limited partnership organized on September 15, 1987 pursuant to the provisions of the Tennessee Uniform Limited Partnership Act, Chapter 2, Title 61, Tennessee Code Annotated, as amended. The General Partner of Registrant is 222 Hickory, Ltd. Registrant's primary business is to lend monies to Hickory Hills, Ltd. which owns and operates two real estate projects. Registrant's investment objectives are preservation of capital and capital appreciation through lending with a participating interest to partnerships investing in real estate which will appreciate through the passage of time, growth in the surrounding areas and the development of the Properties prior to resale. Narrative Description of Business The Registrant issued a $3,454,300 participating mortgage note (the "Lender Financing") in 1988, maturing on December 31, 1997, to Hickory Hills, Ltd. (the "Borrower"), an affiliated Partnership sharing the same General Partner. The Proceeds of the Lender Financing were used by the Borrower, together with the Borrower's equity funds, to acquire the Properties and fund reserves. The Lender Financing entitles the registrant to receive a priority return of interest and principal and a 55% profit participation upon the sale of the properties. The Registrant continues its policy begun in 1991 of not recognizing interest income for financial reporting purposes on the Lender Financing. This policy was adopted because there had not been any payments made on the Lender Financing since its inception and there has been no independent verification of the value of land held as collateral. Interest income of approximately $350,000 a year will be recognized for tax and loan payment purposes. The note due date was extended from December 31, 1997 to December 31, 1998 in 1997. As of December 31, 1997, the Properties securing the Lender Financing consisted of approximately 230 acres in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee and a residential subdivision in Hendersonville, Sumner County, Tennessee on Old Hickory Lake with 243 lots of which 7 lots remain unsold. The Nashville property was purchased partially developed. During 1997 and 1996, the Registrant did certain site work required by sales and made a contribution to the city towards the future improvements of Old Hickory Boulevard. The land is expected to be sold for use as industrial/office distribution and residential property. Extensive infrastructure development has been completed on the Hendersonville property. Competition The Registrant has no competition because it is under agreement with the Borrower to lend all proceeds raised, less operating reserves, to the Borrower. A discussion of the competition surrounding the Properties securing the Lender Financing follows: Nashville Property There is a significant amount of competition for the industrial/office distribution property in northern Davidson County near the airport and along Brick Church Pike, south of the Property. As competitive sites nearer the City are absorbed, the Borrower's site should experience more activity. The Borrower's prices are comparable to its competition. Hendersonville Property There is currently a limited amount of competition surrounding the Harbortowne Development. The Property is located one mile to the east of Highway 31-E by-pass which provides excellent access to downtown Nashville. The development offers landscaped yards, gas heat, and other amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse. There are several developments in Hendersonville and Nashville which serve as competition for these lots. The Registrant has no employees. Mortgage services are being provided under a contractual agreement with Landmark Realty Services Corporation, an affiliate of the General Partner. Item 2. Properties The Registrant does not own any property, nor does it intend to own any property in the future. Item 3. Legal Proceedings Registrant is not a party to any legal proceedings. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders The security holders of Registrant did not vote on any matter during the fiscal year covered by this report. PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Units of Limited Partnership Interest and Related Security Holder Matters There is no established market for the Units and it is not anticipated that any will exist in the future. The Registrant commenced an offering to the public on December 3, 1987 of 4,200 Units of Limited Partnership Interest at $1,000 per Unit. The offering of $4,200,000 was fully subscribed and closed on August 31, 1988. As of February 28, 1998, there were 369 holders of record of the Units of Limited Partnership Interests. Distributions of $672,000 were made to unit holders during 1997. There were no material restrictions upon Registrant's present or future ability to make distributions following the provisions of Registrant's Limited Partnership Agreement. Item 6. Selected Financial Data For the Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Interest income $ 5,269 4,449 4,061 5,747 6,006 Net loss (35,478) (35,323) (34,068) (33,134) (33,285) Net loss per limited partner unit (10.06) (9.62) (8.62) (7.89) (7.93) Distributions per limited partner unit 160 120 50 80 100 Total assets 2,156,342 2,870,608 3,415,022 3,661,211 4,033,739 Note receivable affiliate 1,833,601 2,478,601 3,228,601 3,454,300 3,454,300 Interest receivable affiliate - - - 84,301 359,301 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation Due to the nature of the Registrant, all activity is a result of transactions with Hickory Hills, Ltd., the Borrower. Sales The Borrower sold 17, 39, and 38 lots in 1997, 1996, and 1995 respectively, on the Hendersonville property to Phillips Builders under the terms of the exclusive option contract negotiated in 1991. Gross sales proceeds were $ 436,000, $992,000, and $770,610 in 1997, 1996, and 1995 respectively. Of the lots sold, one of 17 in 1997 and three of the 39 in 1996 were lake front lots which sold for significantly higher prices and carried a higher applicable principal balance. The Borrower also sold 6.14, 2.5, and 3.86 acres in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, of the Nashville property for gross proceeds of $ 500,050, $188,250, and $154,400, respectively. From the proceeds of all sales, $ 645,000, $750,000, and $310,000 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, was paid to the Registrant in interest and the remainder was retained for operations and development. The Applicable Principal Balance assigned to 1997, 1996, and 1995 sales is $275,212, $314,855, and $316,860, respectively. The cumulative Applicable Principal Balance as of December 31, 1997 is $1,866,516 and is payable from future sales after all accrued interest is paid. Operations There has been very little change in the operations of the registrant and no significant changes are expected in the future. The Registrant continues its policy begun in 1991 of not recognizing interest income for financial reporting purposes on the Lender Financing. This policy was adopted because there had not been any payments made on the Lender Financing since its inception and there has been no independent verification of the value of land held as collateral. Interest income of approximately $350,000 a year will be recognized for tax and loan payment purposes. The unpaid accrued interest balance for loan payment purposes is $831,855 at December 31, 1997. The Registrant received $645,000, $750,000,and $310,000 payments on the Lender Financing in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Financial Condition and Liquidity At February 28,1998, the Registrant had $59,753 in cash and cash equivalents to meet its 1998 operating expenses, which are not significant. Therefore the General Partner believes that the present cash balance will be sufficient to cover the operating expenses for 1998. Since 1989, the Borrower has retained a portion of the sale proceeds for development of future phases and operations of the properties and did not use all sale proceeds to reduce accrued interest and applicable principal. The Registrant and Lenders' joint general partner believes that this use of proceeds was contemplated by the loan agreement. However, the loan agreement is ambiguous on this point; therefore, this treatment could constitute a default on the loan agreement. In such an event the Partnership is required to foreclose the loan and accelerate the amounts due. Currently, the Partnership has not foreclosed or accelerated the amounts due under the loan agreement. We have considered the impact of the Year 2000 issues on our computer systems and applications and developed a remediation plan. We expect the cost of upgrading computers and software to be immaterial to the Partnership. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data The Financial Statements required by Item 8 are filed at the end of this report. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. None. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant Registrant does not have any directors or officers. 222 Hickory, Ltd. is the General Partner. 222 Partners, Inc. is the general partner of the General Partner and, as such, has general responsibility and ultimate authority in matters affecting the Registrant's business. 222 Partners, Inc. 222 Partners, Inc. was formed in September, 1986 and serves as general partner for several other real estate investment limited partnerships. The directors of 222 Partners, Inc. are W. Gerald Ezell, Steven D. Ezell, and Michael A. Hartley. W. Gerald Ezell W. Gerald Ezell, age 67, is a director of 222 Partners, Inc. Until November, 1985, Mr. Ezell had been for over 20 years an agency manager for Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company and a registered securities principal of Capital Analysts Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company. Steven D. Ezell Steven D. Ezell, age 45, is the President and sole shareholder of 222 Partners, Inc. He has been an officer of 222 Partners Inc. from September 17, 1986 through the current period. Mr. Ezell is President and 50% owner of Landmark Realty Services Corporation. He was for the prior four years involved in property acquisitions for Dean Witter Realty Inc. in New York City, most recently as Senior Vice President. Steven D. Ezell is the son of W. Gerald Ezell. Michael A. Hartley Michael A. Hartley, age 38, serves as a Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President of 222 Partners, Inc. He has been an officer of 222 Partners, Inc. from September 17, 1986 through the current period. He is Vice President and 50% owner of Landmark Realty Services Corporation. Prior to joining Landmark, Mr. Hartley was Vice President of Dean Witter Realty Inc., a New York-based real estate investment firm. Item 11. Executive Compensation During 1997, Registrant was not required to and did not pay remuneration to any executives, partners of the General Partner or any affiliates, except as set forth in Item 13 of this report, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." The General Partner does participate in the Profits, Losses, and Distributions of the Partnership as set forth in the Partnership Agreement. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management As of February 28, 1998 no person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 3 (d) (3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was known by the Registrant to beneficially own more than five percent of the Units of Registrant. As of the above date, the Registrant knew of no officers or directors of 222 Partners, Inc. that beneficially owned any of the units of the Registrant. There are no arrangements known by the Registrant, the operation of which may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of the Registrant. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions No affiliated entities have, for the year ending December 31, 1997, earned compensation for services from the Registrant in excess of $60,000. For a listing of miscellaneous transactions with affiliates which were less than $60,000, refer to Note 2 of the notes to Financial Statements in Item 8. The Registrant loaned $3,454,300 to Hickory Hills, Ltd., an affiliated partnership, in 1988. The Registrant received $645,000, $750,000, and $310,000 on the Lender Financing in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. An additional $831,855 of accrued interest is due under the terms of the loan which has not been recognized as income by the Registrant. The note was due on December 31, 1997 but was extended for one year. The General Partner does not expect the Partnership to have the liquidity to retire the debt in full at December 31, 1998. The General Partner of the Borrower plans to negotiate an extension of the loan term. If an extension is not received and the Borrower does not repay the Note, the Registrant could foreclose and take the Property. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K (a) (1) Financial Statements Page Number Independent Auditors' Report F-1 Financial Statements Balance Sheets F-2 Statements of Operations F-3 Statements of Partners' Equity F-4 Statements of Cash Flows F-5 Notes to Financial Statements F-6 (2) Financial Statement Schedules Additional financial information furnished pursuant to the requirements of Form 10-K: Financial Statement Schedule - Independent Auditors' Report S-1 Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate S-2 Financial Statements of Properties Securing Mortgage Loan - Hickory Hills, Ltd. Financial Statements Independent Auditors' Report M-1 Balance Sheets M-2 Statements of Operations M-3 Statements of Partners' Deficit M-4 Statements of Cash Flows M-5 Notes to Financial Statements M-6 All other Schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required or the information is included in the Financial Statements or notes thereto. (3) Exhibits 3 Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership, incorporated by reference to Exhibit A1 to the Prospectus of Registrant dated December 3, 1987 filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities and Exchange Commission. 10A Loan Agreement by and among Hickory Hills, Ltd. and the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Form S-18 Registration Statement as Filed on October 23, 1987. 10B Deed of Trust and Security Agreement by and among Hickory Hills,Ltd. and the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Form S-18 Registration Statement as filed on October 23, 1987. 10C Promissory Note of Hickory Hills, Ltd. to Hickory Lenders, Ltd., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's Form S-18 Registration Statement as filed on October 23, 1987. 22 Subsidiaries-Registrant has no subsidiaries. 27 Financial Data Schedule (b) No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last quarter of 1997. Independent Auditors' Report The Partners Hickory Lenders, Ltd.: We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Hickory Lenders, Ltd. (a limited partnership) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations, partners' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hickory Lenders, Ltd. at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three- year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Nashville, Tennessee January 30, 1998 F-1 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Balance Sheets December 31, 1997 and 1996 Assets 1997 1996 Cash and cash equivalents $ 322,741 374,088 Note receivable from affiliate(note 3) 1,833,601 2,478,601 Deferred loan costs, less accumulated amortization of $179,200 in 1997 and $161,281 in 1996 - 17,919 $ 2,156,342 2,870,608 Partners' Equity Limited Partners (4,200 units outstanding) $ 2,156,342 2,870,608 General Partners - - Commitments and contingencies (notes 2 and 3) Total partners' equity $ 2,156,342 2,870,608 See accompanying notes to financial statements. F-2 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Statements of Operations Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 1997 1996 1995 Interest income $ 5,269 4,449 4,061 Expenses: Mortgage service fee (note 2) 7,000 7,000 7,000 Legal and accounting fees (note 2) 11,972 13,067 11,776 General and administrative 3,856 1,785 1,433 Amortization 17,919 17,920 17,920 Total expenses 40,747 39,772 38,129 Net loss $ (35,478) (35,323) (34,068) Net loss allocated to: Limited partners $ (42,266) (40,414) (36,189) General partner 6,788 5,091 2,121 Net loss per limited partner unit $ (10.06) (9.62) (8.62) Weighted average units outstanding 4,200 4,200 4,200 See accompanying notes to financial statements. F-3 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Statements of Partners' Equity Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 Limited General partners partner Total Units Amounts Balance at December 31, 1994 4,200 $ 3,661,211 - 3,661,211 Net loss - (36,189) 2,121 (34,068) Distributions to partners (note 4) - (210,000) (2,121) (212,121) _______ _______ _______ _______ Balance at December 31, 1995 4,200 3,415,022 - 3,415,022 Net loss - (40,414) 5,091 (35,323) Distributions to partners (note 4) - (504,000) (5,091) (509,091) _______ _______ _______ _______ Balance at December 31, 1996 4,200 2,870,608 - 2,870,608 Net loss - (42,266) 6,788 (35,478) Distributions to - (672,000) (6,788) (678,788) partners (note 4)------ ------- -------- ------- Balance at December 31, 1997 4,200 $2,156,342 - 2,156,342 See accompanying notes to financial statements. F-4 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Statements of Cash Flows Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 1997 1996 1995 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (35,478) (35,323) (34,068) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Amortization 17,919 17,920 17,920 Decrease in interest receivable from affiliate - - 84,301 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (17,559) (17,403) 68,153 Cash flows from financing activities: Distributions to partners (678,788) (509,091) (212,121) Decrease in note receivable from affiliate 645,000 750,000 225,699 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (33,788) 240,909 13,578 (Decrease) increase in net cash and cash equivalents (51,347) 223,506 81,731 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 374,088 150,582 68,851 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 322,741 374,088 150,582 Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information: Cash paid during the year for state income taxes $ 2,968 1,121 - See accompanying notes to financial statements. F-5 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 1997 and 1996 (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Organization Hickory Lenders, Ltd. (the Partnership), a Tennessee limited partnership, was organized on September 15, 1987, to lend amounts to corporations, partnerships and other entities engaged primarily in the business of owning and operating real estate. The General Partner is 222 Hickory, Ltd., and the general partner of 222 Hickory, Ltd. is 222 Partners, Inc. The Partnership prepares financial statements and income tax returns on the accrual method and includes only those assets, liabilities, and results of operations which relate to the business of the Partnership. (b) Estimates Management of the Partnership has made estimates and assumptions to prepare these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (c) Cash and Cash Equivalents The Partnership considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash belonging to the Partnership is combined in an account with funds from other partnerships related to the general partner. (d) Note Receivable from Affiliate The Partnership, considering current information and events regarding the borrower's ability to repay its obligations, considers a note to be impaired when it is probable that the Partnership will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement. When a note is considered to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is measured based upon the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. The Partnership will establish an impairment allowance for the amount that the recorded value of the note exceeds its estimated fair value. The impairment allowance is established by a charge to earnings. Any cash receipts on F-6 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued impaired notes receivable are applied to reduce the principal amount and are recognized as interest income, thereafter. (e) Deferred Loan Costs Deferred loan costs were amortized by the straight-line method over the ten year term of the note receivable from the affiliate. (f) Income Taxes No provision has or will be made for Federal income taxes since such taxes are the personal responsibility of the partners. The Partnership is subject to a six percent state tax on certain interest income. Annually, the partners receive from the Partnership, IRS Form K-1's, which provide them with their respective share of taxable income or losses, deductions, and other tax related information. The only difference between the tax basis and reported amounts of the Partnership's assets and liabilities relates to the recognition of interest income. For income tax purposes, the outstanding note receivable principal balance accrues interest at a compounded interest rate of 7.2% per annum. This results in a book basis of the note receivable of $1,833,601 and interest receivable of $0 at December 31, 1997 compared to a tax basis of $3,454,300 and $696,008, respectively. (g) Partnership Allocations Net profits, losses and distributions of cash flow of the Partnership are allocated to the partners in accordance with the Partnership agreement as follows: Partnership net profits are allocated first to any partner with a negative balance in their capital account, determined at the end of the taxable year as if the Partnership had distributed cash flow, in proportion to the negative capital balance account of all partners until no partner's capital account is negative. Net profit allocations are then made to the limited partners up to the difference between their capital account balances and the sum of their adjusted capital contributions (capital balance, net of cumulative F-7 HICKORY LENDERS (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued cash distributions in excess of preferred returns - 12% annual cumulative return on capital contributed). Any remaining net profit allocations are then made to the limited partners until the taxable year in which cumulative profits to the limited partners equal their adjusted capital contribution plus an unpaid preferred return (12% annual cumulative return on capital contributed). Net profits are then allocated to the general partner until the ratio of the general partner's capital account balance to the capital account balances, in excess of adjusted capital contributions and unpaid preferred return, of all limited partners is 27% to 73%. Thereafter, profits are generally allocated 27% to the general partner and 73% to the limited partners. Net losses are allocated to the partners in proportion to their positive capital accounts. Partnership distributions are allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the general partner in an amount equal to their preferred return (12% annual cumulative return on capital contributed), 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the general partner until the limited partners have received an amount equal to their adjusted capital contributions, and then 73% to the limited partners and 27% to the general partner. Cumulative unpaid preferred returns are $2,806,348 and $2,974,348 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. (h) Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. (2) Related Party Transactions The general partner and its affiliates have been actively involved in overseeing the note receivable agreement. Affiliates of the general partner receive fees for performing certain services. Expenses incurred for these services during 1997, 1996, and 1995 are as follows: 1997 1996 1995 Mortgage service fee $ 7,000 7,000 7,000 Accounting fees 1,850 2,100 1,500 F-8 HICKORY LENDERS (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (3) Note Receivable From Affiliate The note receivable from affiliate represents a $3,454,300 note receivable from Hickory Hills, Ltd., an affiliate sharing the same General Partner. This note receivable bears simple interest at 10% per annum plus "additional interest" upon the sale of any portion of the collateral equal to 55% of the "net revenues", as defined in the Participating Loan Agreement. The note is secured by a mortgage on the debtor's land and improvements held for investment in Davidson County and Sumner County, Tennessee and by a security interest in any cash reserves or investment securities held by the debtor, unpaid accrued interest and principal payments become due upon the sale of the property or any portion thereof to the extent cash is available, but no later than December 31, 1998. In 1997, the note due date was extended from December 31, 1997 to December 31, 1998. Summarized financial information of Hickory Hills, Ltd. at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, are presented below. Assets 1997 1996 Cash and cash equivalents $ 180,308 142,345 Restricted cash 167,859 258,676 Land and improvements held for investment 2,071,767 2,473,839 Other assets 280 280 Total assets $ 2,420,214 2,875,140 Liabilities and Partners' Deficit Liabilities: Note payable to affiliate $ 3,454,300 3,454,300 Accrued interest payable to affiliate 831,855 1,126,627 Accrued property taxes 8,852 10,635 Other accrued expenses 101,270 81,902 Total liabilities 4,396,277 4,673,464 Partners' deficit: (1,976,063) (1,798,324) Total liabilities and partners' deficit $ 2,420,214 2,875,140 F-9 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (3) Note Receivable From Affiliate (continued) Operations 1997 1996 1995 Revenues: Income on sales of land and improvements held for investment $ 270,274 324,085 152,469 Interest income 12,200 31,331 24,238 Miscellaneous income 1,377 - - Total revenues 283,851 355,416 176,707 Expenses: Property management fee 3,000 3,000 3,000 Legal and accounting 13,070 13,782 12,925 General and administrative 4,101 8,270 8,381 Property taxes 27,816 35,058 39,683 Land maintenance fees 63,375 63,202 23,199 Interest 350,228 350,228 350,228 Total expenses 461,590 473,540 437,416 Net loss $ 177,739 118,124 260,709 Cash flows Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 37,963 (116,729) 126,595 During 1997 and prior years, the affiliate retained portions of the net proceeds from sales without paying the applicable principal balance or accrued interest to the Partnership. This was done to fund anticipated future requirements for additional development and operations. During 1997 and 1996, the affiliate received net proceeds of $ 857,961 and $ 1,098,590, respectively, from the sale of property. The affiliate remitted interest to the Partnership in the amount of $645,000 and $750,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The cumulative past-due principal balance payable to the Partnership is $1,866,516 and $1,591,304 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The general partner believes that retaining sales proceeds for development and distributing only net available cash to the Partnership was contemplated by the note agreement. However, the note agreement does not explicitly authorize this use of funds; therefore, this treatment could constitute a default on the note and accelerate the amounts due or foreclose upon the note. To date, the Partnership has not foreclosed or accelerated the amounts due under the note agreement. F-10 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (3) Note Receivable From Affiliate (continued) The Partnership has determined that the note receivable from the affiliates is impaired. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, interest that was not accrued amounted to $1,126,627. At December 31, 1997, the Partnership had no valuation allowance for impairment as the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral exceeded the recorded investment of the note. The average recorded investment in the impaired note receivable during 1997 and 1996 was $2,156,101 and $2,881,101 respectively. The Partnership did not recognize interest income on the note receivable in any of the years in the three year period ending December 31, 1997, due to the lack of principal reductions as required by the loan agreement and continued net losses by the Borrower. (4) Distributions For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Partnership made distributions to its partners totaling $678,788 and $509,091,and $212,121, respectively. Of these amounts, 99% was allocated to the limited partners ($160 per unit, $120 per unit, and $50 per unit, respectively) and 1% was allocated to the general partner. (5) Fair Value of Financial Instruments At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value because of the short maturity of this financial instrument. The determination of the estimated fair value of the note receivable was not practicable as the note agreement does not provide for a predictable cash payment stream. F-11 Independent Auditors' Report The Partners Hickory Lenders, Ltd.: Under date of January 30, 1998, we reported on the balance sheets of Hickory Lenders, Ltd. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations, partners' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements and our report thereon are included elsewhere herein. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned financial statements, we have also audited the related financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Nashville, Tennessee January 30, 1998 S-1 Schedule IV HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate December 31, 1997 Principal amount of loan subject to Carrying delin- Face amount quent Final Periodic amount of principal Interest maturity payment Prior of mortgage or Description rate date terms liens mortgage (1)(2) interest Hickory Hills, Ltd., a affiliate 10% December Upon the $ - 3,454,300 1,833,601 - 31, 1998 sale of property Schedule IV HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate December 31, 1997 (continued) 1997 1996 1995 ____ ____ ____ (1) Balance at beginning of period $ 2,478,601 3,228,601 3,454,300 Deductions - Collections of principal 645,000 750,000 225,699 Balance at close of period 1,833,601 2,478,601 3,228,601 (2) Aggregate cost for tax purposes 3,454,300 3,454,300 3,454,300 *The note receivable from affiliate represents a $1,833,601 note receivable from Hickory Hills, Ltd., an affiliate sharing the same General Partner. This note receivable bears interest at 10% per annum plus "additional interest" upon the sale of any portion of the collateral equal to 55% of the "net revenues" as defined in the Participating Loan Agreement. The note is secured by a mortgage on the debtor's land and improvements held for investment in Davidson County and Sumner County, Tennessee and by a security interest in any cash reserves or investment securities held by the debtor. Unpaid accrued interest and principal payments become due upon the sale of the property or any portion thereof to the extent cash is available, but no later than December 31, 1998. In 1997, the note terms were extended from December 31, 1997 to December 31, 1998. An additional $831,855 of interest was due at December 31, 1997 which has not been recognized in income by the Partnership. See Note 3 to the financial statements. See accompanying independent auditors' report. Independent Auditors' Report The Partners Hickory Hills, Ltd.: We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Hickory Hills, Ltd. (a limited partnership) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations, partners' deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates make by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hickory Hills, Ltd. at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As discussed in Note 1, the Partnership adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" on January 1, 1996. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Partnership will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements, the Partnership has suffered recurring losses from operations, resulting in a net capital deficiency, and a note due in full on December 31, 1998 which the Partnership will be unable to repay, that raise substantial doubt about the Partnership's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 8. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Nashville, Tennessee January 30, 1998 M-1 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Balance Sheets December 31, 1997 and 1996 Assets 1997 1996 Cash and cash equivalents (note 5) $ 180,308 142,345 Restricted cash (note 2) 167,859 258,676 Land and improvements held for investment (notes 4 and 5) 2,071,767 2,473,839 Other assets 280 280 Total assets $ 2,420,214 2,875,140 Liabilities and Partners' Deficit Liabilities: Note payable to affiliate (note 5) $ 3,454,300 3,454,300 Accrued interest payable to affiliate (note 5) 831,855 1,126,627 Accrued property taxes 8,852 10,635 Other accrued expenses 101,270 81,902 Total liabilities 4,396,277 4,673,464 Partners' deficit: Limited partners (1,800 units outstanding) (1,976,163) (1,798,424) General partner 100 100 Total partners' deficit (1,976,063) (1,798,324) Commitments and contingencies (notes 5, 6, and 8) Total liabilities and partners' deficit $ 2,420,214 2,875,140 See accompanying notes to financial statements. M-2 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Statements of Operations Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 1997 1996 1995 Revenues: Sales of land and improvements $ 936,050 1,180,250 925,010 Cost of sales of land and improvements held for (587,687) (774,505) (707,893) investment Selling expenses(note 3) (78,089) (81,660) (64,648) Income on sales of land and improvements held for investment 270,274 324,085 152,469 Interest income 12,200 31,331 24,238 Miscellaneous income 1,377 - - Total revenues 283,851 355,416 176,707 Expenses: Property management fee (note 3) 3,000 3,000 3,000 Legal and accounting (note 3) 13,070 13,782 12,925 General and administrative 4,101 8,270 8,381 Property taxes 27,816 35,058 39,683 Land maintenance fees 63,375 63,202 23,199 Interest (notes 3 and 5) 350,228 350,228 350,228 Total expenses 461,590 473,540 437,416 Net loss $ (177,739) (118,124) (260,709) Net loss allocated to: Limited partners $ (177,739) (118,124) (260,709) General partner $ - - - Net loss per limited partner unit $ (98.74) (65.62) (144.84) Weighted average units outstanding 1,800 1,800 1,800 See accompanying notes to financial statements. M-3 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Statements of Partners' Deficit Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 Limited General partners partner Total Units Amount Balance at December 31, 1994 1,800 $ (1,419,591) 100 (1,419,491) Net loss - (260,709) - (260,709) -------- -------- -------- --------- Balance at December 31, 1995 1,800 (1,608,300) 100 (1,680,200) Net loss - (118,124) - (118,124) ------- -------- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1996 1,800 (1,798,424) 100 (1,798,324) Net loss - (177,739) - (177,739) ------- -------- -------- --------- Balance at December 31, 1997 1,800 $(1,976,163) 100 (1,976,063) ------- -------- -------- -------- See accompanying notes to financial statements. M-4 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Statements of Cash Flows Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 1997 1996 1995 ____ ____ ____ Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (177,739) (118,124) (260,709) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Cost of sales of land and improvements held for investments 587,687 774,505 707,893 Cost of land and improvements held for investment (185,615) (507,369) (244,042) Decrease (increase) in restricted cash 90,817 77,436 (81,261) Decrease (increase) in other assets - 21,013 (20,828) (Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable to affiliate (294,772) (399,772) 40,228 (Decrease) increase in accrued property taxes (1,783) 780 (25,586) Increase in other accrued expenses 19,368 34,802 10,900 ------- ------- -------- Net cash provided by/ (used in) operating activities 37,963 (116,729) 126,595 ------- ------- -------- Net change in cash and cash equivalents 37,963 (116,729) 126,595 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 142,345 259,074 132,479 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 180,308 142,345 259,074 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the year for interest $ 645,000 750,000 310,000 See accompanying notes to financial statements. M-5 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 1997 and 1996 (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Organization Hickory Hills, Ltd. (the Partnership), a Tennessee limited partnership, was organized on September 15, 1987, to acquire three tracts of undeveloped land located in the Nashville metropolitan and Hendersonville, Tennessee areas. The General Partner is 222 Hickory, Ltd., and the general partner of 222 Hickory, Ltd. is 222 Partners, Inc. The Partnership prepares financial statements and income tax returns on the accrual method and includes only those assets, liabilities, and results of operations which relate to the business of the Partnership. In the event that the Partnership has short-term cash deficiencies, the General Partner can defer the collection of fees for certain related party expenses or grant interest-free loans from related parties until cash becomes available. (b) Estimates Management of the Partnership has made estimates and assumptions to prepare these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates include the determination of the estimated fair value of the land and improvements held for investment in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long- Lived Assets to be Disposed Of". Actual results could differ from those estimates. (c) Cash and Cash Equivalents The Partnership considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the management of the Partnership has reserved cash balances of $55,250 and $53,500, respectively, for payment of impact fees. Cash belonging to the Partnership is combined in an account with funds from other partnerships related to the general partner. (d) Land and Improvements Held for Investments Land is recorded at cost and includes two tracts of undeveloped land representing approximately 230 and 235 acres at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In addition, the Partnership owns one tract of land developed into residential lots with 7 and 24 lots remaining at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Land costs include amounts to acquire and hold land, including interest and property taxes during the development period. Costs to hold land, including interest and property taxes are charged to expense once development is substantially complete. M-6 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Land improvement costs include development costs expended subsequent to the acquisition of a tract. The Partnership adopted the provisions of SFAS NO. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" on January 1, 1996. SFAS No. 121 requires that long-lived assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The fair value of the assets can be determined externally, using appraisals, or internally using discounted future net cash flows. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets less estimated costs to sell. Impairment is recognized through the establishment of an allowance for impairment with a corresponding charge to operations. Losses upon the sale of the assets are charged to the allowance. Based upon management's analysis of discounted future net cash flows, the Partnership's land and improvements held for investment does not meet definitions of impairment under SFAS No. 121. Accordingly, land held for investment is recorded at cost with no allowance for impairment necessary. The adoption of SFAS No. 121 did not have an impact on the Partnership's financial position, result of operations, or liquidity. (e) Income Recognition Income from sales of land and improvements held for investment is generally recorded on the accrual basis when the buyer's financial commitment is sufficient to provide economic substance to the transaction, and when other criteria of SFAS No. 66 "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate" are satisfied. For sales of real estate where both cost recovery is reasonably certain and the collectibility of the contract price is reasonably assured, but the transaction does not meet the remaining requirements to be recorded on the accrual basis, profit is deferred and recognized under the installment method, which recognizes profit as collections of principal are received. If developments subsequent to the adoption of the installment method occur which cause the transaction to meet the requirements of the full accrual method, the remaining deferred profit is recognized at that time. Any losses on sales of real estate are recognized at the time of the sale. M-7 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) (f) Income Taxes No provision has or will be made for Federal or state income taxes since such taxes are the responsibility of the partners. Annually, the partners receive, from the Partnership, IRS Form K-1's which provides them with their respective share of taxable income or losses, deductions, and other tax related information. The only difference between the tax basis and reported amounts of the Partnership's assets and liabilities relates to the valuation of land and improvements held for investment. For income tax purposes certain costs were capitalized as additional land improvement costs. (g) Partnership Allocations Net profits, losses and distribution of cash flow of the Partnership are allocated to the Partners in accordance with the Partnership agreement as follows: Partnership net profits are allocated first to any partner with a negative balance in their capital account, determined at the end of the taxable year as if the Partnership has distributed cash flow, in proportion to the negative capital balance account of all partners until no partner's capital account is negative. Net profit allocations are then made to the limited partners up to the difference between their capital account balances and the sum of their adjusted capital contributions (capital balance, net of cumulative cash distributions in excess of preferred returns - 12% annual cumulative return on capital contributed). Any remaining net profit allocations are then made to the limited partners until the taxable year in which cumulative profits to the limited partners equal their adjusted capital contribution plus an unpaid preferred return (12% annual cumulative return on capital contributed). Net profits are then allocated to the general partner until the ratio of the general partner's capital account balance to the capital account balances, in excess of adjusted capital contributions and unpaid preferred return, of all limited partners is 27% to 73%. Thereafter, profits are generally allocated 27% to the general partner and 73% to the limited partners. Net losses are allocated to the partners in proportion to their positive capital accounts. Partnership distributions are allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the general partner in an amount equal to their preferred return (12% annual, cumulative return on capital contributed), 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the general partner until the limited partners have received M-8 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) an amount equal to their adjusted capital contributions, and then 73% to the limited partners and 27% to the general partner. Cumulative unpaid preferred returns are $2,214,000 and $1,998,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. (h) Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. (2) Restricted Cash At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Partnership has restricted cash balances of $167,859 and $258,676, respectively, to be used to fund property improvements, consisting of road and utility work. (3) Related Party Transactions The general partner and its affiliates have been actively involved in managing the Partnership. Affiliates of the general partner receive fees and commissions for performing certain services. Expenses incurred for these services during 1997, 1996, and 1995 are as follows: 1997 1996 1995 Accounting fees $ 2,100 2,100 1,500 Property management fee 3,000 3,000 3,000 Engineering fees 9,025 24,765 - Real estate commissions 42,034 37,290 23,694 Interest expense $350,228 350,228 350,228 (4) Land and Improvements Held for Investment The components of land and improvements held for investment at December 31, are as follows: 1997 1996 Land $1,180,334 1,538,626 Land Improvements 891,433 935,213 --------- ---------- $2,071,767 2,473,839 The aggregate cost of land and improvements held for investment for Federal income tax purposes was $2,850,629 and $ 3,378,273 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. M-9 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (5) Note Payable to Affiliate The note payable to affiliate represents a $3,454,300 note payable to Hickory Lenders, Ltd. (the Lender), an affiliate sharing the same General Partner. The note accrues simple interest at an annual rate of 10% plus "additional interest" upon the sale of any portion of the collateral equal to 55% of the "net revenues", as defined in the Participating Loan Agreement. The note is secured by a mortgage on the land and improvements held for investment and by a security interest in any unrestricted cash or investment securities held by the Partnership. The note maturity date was extended by one year to December 1998. Interest and principal payments become due upon the sale of the collateral or any portion thereof to the extent cash is available, but no later than December 31, 1998. During 1997 and prior years, the Partnership retained portions of the net proceeds from sales without paying the applicable principal balance or accrued interest to the Lender. The cumulative principal balance currently payable to the Lender is $1,866,516 and $1,591,304 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The General Partner believes that retaining sales proceeds for development and distributing only net available cash to the Lender was contemplated by the note agreement. However, the note agreement does not explicitly authorize the retention of these funds; therefore, this treatment could constitute a default on the note agreement. In such an event the Lender is required to foreclose the loan and accelerate the amounts due or foreclose upon the note. To date, the Lender has not foreclosed or accelerated the amounts due under the loan agreement. (6) Commitments The Partnership has granted an exclusive option to a home builder to purchase all remaining lots in the Harbortowne Subdivision in accordance with a specified takedown and pricing schedule. The per lot price will increase to $25,500, in May 1998 and will increase $2,000 annually thereafter. M-10 HICKORY HILLS, LTD. (A Limited Partnership) Notes to Financial Statements (7) Fair Value of Financial Instruments At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of those financial instruments. The determination of the estimated fair values of the note payable and the related accrued interest payable was not practicable as the note agreement does not provide for a predictable cash payment stream. (8) Going Concern The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Partnership will continue as a going concern. The Partnership had a note due on December 31, 1997 and was unable to repay the note. The Lender has extended the due date to December 31, 1998. However, the General Partner does not expect the Partnership to have the liquidity to retire the debt in full. The General Partner plans to negotiate another extension of the loan term. If an extension is not received and the Partnership does not repay the Note, the Lender could foreclose and take the Partnership's assets. The partnership would then be dissolved. This uncertainty raises substantial doubt about the Partnership's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. M-11 HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. (A Tennessee Limited Partnership) Exhibit Index Exhibit 3 Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership, incorporated by reference to Exhibit A1 to the Prospectus of Registrant dated December 3, 1987 filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities and Exchange Commission. 10A Loan Agreement by and among Hickory Hills, Ltd. and Hickory Lenders, Ltd., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form S-18 Registration Statement as filed on October 23, 1987. 10B Deed of Trust and Security Agreement by and among Hickory Hills, Ltd. and the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Form S-18 Registration Statement as filed on October 23, 1987. 10C Promissory Note of Hickory Hills, Ltd. to Hickory Lenders, Ltd., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's Form S-18 Registration Statement as filed on October 23, 1987. 22 Subsidiaries-Registrant has no subsidiaries. 27 Financial Data Schedule SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. By: 222 Hickory, Ltd. General Partner By: 222 Partners, Inc. General Partner DATE: March 31, 1998 By: /s/Steven D. Ezell President and Director DATE: March 31, 1998 By: /s/Michael A. Hartley Vice-President and Director Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. HICKORY LENDERS, LTD. By: 222 Hickory, Ltd. General Partner By: 222 Partners, Inc. General Partner DATE: March 31, 1998 By: /s/Steven D. Ezell President and Director DATE: March 31, 1998 By: /s/Michael A. Hartley Vice-President and Director Supplemental Information to be Furnished with Reports filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act by Registrant Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Act: No annual report or proxy material has been sent to security holders.