UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ___________________ FORM 10-K [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002. [ ] 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 1-10553 _______________________ PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) CALIFORNIA 94-3041013 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 235 3RD STREET SOUTH, SUITE 200 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (727) 803-1800 _______________________ 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. 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 registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] Aggregate market value of voting stock: N/A Indicate the number of units outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of depositary units, as of the latest practicable date: Class Outstanding at March 26, 2003 - ----- --------------------------------- Limited partnership depositary units: 7,381,265 General Partnership units: 1 An index of exhibits filed with this Form 10-K is located at page 40 Total number of pages in this report: 49 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS -------- (A) Background On April 2, 1987, PLM Financial Services, Inc. (FSI or the General Partner), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLM International, Inc. (PLM International or PLMI), filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to a proposed offering of 7,500,000 depositary units (the units) in PLM Equipment Growth Fund II, a California limited partnership (the Partnership, the Registrant, or EGF II). The Partnership's offering became effective on June 5, 1987. FSI, as General Partner, owns a 5% interest in the Partnership. The Partnership engages in the business of investing in a diversified equipment portfolio consisting primarily of used, long-lived, low-obsolescence capital equipment that is easily transportable by and among prospective users. The Partnership's primary objectives are: (1) to maintain a diversified portfolio of long-lived, low-obsolescence, high residual-value equipment which was purchased with the net proceeds of the initial partnership offering, supplemented by debt financing, and surplus operating cash during the investment phase of the Partnership; (2) to generate sufficient net operating cash flow from lease operations to meet liquidity requirements and to generate cash distributions to the limited partners until such time as the General Partner commences the orderly liquidation of the Partnership assets or, unless the Partnership is terminated earlier, upon sale of all Partnership property or by certain other events; (3) to selectively sell equipment when the General Partner believes that, due to market conditions, market prices for equipment exceed inherent equipment values or that expected future benefits from continued ownership of a particular asset will have an adverse effect on the Partnership. As the Partnership is in the liquidation phase, proceeds from these sales, together with excess net operating cash flow from operations, less reasonable reserves are used to pay distributions to the partners; (4) to preserve and protect the value of the portfolio through quality management, maintaining the portfolio's diversity and constantly monitoring equipment markets; The offering of the Units of the Partnership closed on March 18, 1988. The General Partner contributed $100 for its 5% general partner interest in the Partnership. On November 20, 1990, the units of the Partnership began trading on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). Thereupon each unitholder received a depositary receipt representing ownership of the number of units owned by such unitholder. The General Partner delisted the Partnership's units from the AMEX on April 8, 1996. The last day for trading on the AMEX was March 22, 1996. As of December 31, 2002, there were 7,381,265 depositary units outstanding. On January 1, 1999, the Partnership entered its liquidation phase and in accordance with the limited partnership agreement, the General Partner has commenced an orderly liquidation of the Partnership's assets. The liquidation phase will end on December 31, 2006, unless the Partnership is terminated earlier upon sale of all of the equipment or by certain other events. Table 1, below, lists the equipment and the cost of equipment in the Partnership's portfolio, as of December 31, 2002 (in thousands of dollars): TABLE 1 ------- Units Type Manufacturer Cost - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Owned equipment held for operating leases: 612. . . . . Intermodal trailers Various $ 9,404 118. . .. . . Mill gondola railcars Various 3,340 111. . . . . Pressurized tank railcars Various 3,131 26 . . . . . Covered hopper railcars ACF Industries 408 10 . . . . . Nonpressurized tank railcars Various 218 Total owned equipment held for operating lease $16,501 (1) Lease revenues for dry piggyback trailers are based on a per-diem lease in the free running interchange with the railroads. Railcars are leased under operating leases with terms of six months to six years. (B) Management of Partnership Equipment The Partnership has entered into an equipment management agreement with PLM Investment Management, Inc. (IMI), a wholly owned subsidiary of FSI, for the management of the Partnership's equipment. The Partnership's management agreement with IMI is to co-terminate with the dissolution of the Partnership, unless the limited partners vote to terminate the agreement prior to that date or at the discretion of the General Partner. IMI has agreed to perform all services necessary to manage the equipment on behalf of the Partnership and to perform or contract for the performance of all obligations of the lessor under the Partnership's leases. In consideration for its services and pursuant to the partnership agreement, IMI is entitled to a monthly management fee (see Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements). (C) Competition (1) Operating Leases versus Full Payout Leases The equipment owned by the Partnership is leased out on an operating lease basis wherein the rents received during the initial noncancelable term of the lease are insufficient to recover the Partnership's purchase price of the equipment. The short- to mid-term nature of operating leases generally commands a higher rental rate than longer-term, full payout leases and offers lessees relative flexibility in their equipment commitment. In addition, the rental obligation under an operating lease need not be capitalized on the lessee's balance sheet. The Partnership encounters considerable competition from lessors that utilize full payout leases on new equipment, i.e. leases that have terms equal to the expected economic life of the equipment. While some lessees prefer the flexibility offered by a shorter-term operating lease, other lessees prefer the rate advantages possible with a full payout lease. Competitors may write full payout leases at considerably lower rates and for longer terms than the Partnership offers, or larger competitors with a lower cost of capital may offer operating leases at lower rates, which may put the Partnership at a competitive disadvantage. 1 Includes equipment purchased with the proceeds from capital contributions, undistributed cash flow from operations, and Partnership borrowings. Includes costs capitalized subsequent to the date of acquisition and equipment acquisition fees paid to PLM Transportation Equipment Corporation (TEC), a wholly ownedsubsidiary of FSI. All equipment was used equipment at the time of purchase. (2) Manufacturers and Equipment Lessors The Partnership competes with equipment manufacturers who offer operating leases and full payout leases. Manufacturers may provide ancillary services that the Partnership cannot offer, such as specialized maintenance services (including possible substitution of equipment), training, warranty services, and trade-in privileges. The Partnership also competes with many equipment lessors, including ACF Industries, Inc. (Shippers Car Line Division), GATX, General Electric Railcar Services Corporation, and other investment programs that lease the same types of equipment. (D) Demand The Partnership currently operates in two operating segments: railcar leasing and trailer leasing. Each equipment-leasing segment engages in short-term to mid-term operating leases to a variety of customers. The Partnership equipment is used to transport materials and commodities rather than people. The following section describes the international and national markets in which the Partnership's capital equipment operates: (1) Intermodal Trailers Intermodal trailers are used to transport a variety of dry goods by rail on flatcars, usually for distances of over 400 miles. Over the past seven years, intermodal trailers have continued to be rapidly displaced by domestic containers as the preferred method of transport for such goods. This displacement occurs because railroads offer approximately 20% lower wholesale freight rates on domestic containers compared to intermodal trailers. During 2002, demand for intermodal trailers was much more depressed than historic norms. Unusually low demand occurred over the first half of the year due to a rapidly slowing economy and low rail freight rates for 53-foot domestic containers. Due to the decline in demand, shipments for the year within the intermodal pool trailer market declined approximately 10% compared to the prior year. Average utilization of the entire US intermodal trailer pool fleet declined from 77% in 1999 to 75% in 2000 to 63% in 2001 and further declined to a record low of 50% in 2002. The General Partner continued its aggressive marketing program in a bid to attract new customers for the Partnership's intermodal trailers during 2002. The largest Partnership trailer customer, Consolidated Freightways, abruptly shut down their operations and declared bankruptcy during 2002. This situation was largely offset by extensive efforts with other carriers to increase market share. Even with these efforts, average utilization of the Partnership's intermodal trailers for the year 2002 dropped 12% from 2001 to approximately 61%, still 11% above the national average. The trend towards using domestic containers instead of intermodal trailers is expected to accelerate in the future. Due to the anticipated continued weakness in the overall economy intermodal trailer shipments are forecast to decline by 10% to 15% in 2003, compared to 2002. As such, the nationwide supply of intermodal trailers is expected to have approximately 27,000 units in surplus for 2003. The maintenance costs have increased approximately 12% from 2001 due to improper repair methods performed by the railroads' vendors and billed to owners. The General will continue to seek to expand its customer base and undertake significant efforts to reduce cartage and maintenance costs, such as minimizing trailer downtime at repair shops and terminals. (2) Railcars (a) Mill Gondola Railcars Mill gondola railcars are typically used to transport scrap steel for recycling from steel processors to small steel mills called minimills. Demand for steel is cyclical and moves in tandem with the growth or contraction of the overall economy. Within the United States, carloadings for the commodity group that includes scrap steel decreased over 12% in 2001, and while there has been a small recovery this last year, it has not been sufficient to buoy car demand. These cars remain in storage. (b) Pressurized Tank Railcars Pressurized tank railcars are used to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer). The North American markets for LPG include industrial applications, residential use, electrical generation, commercial applications, and transportation. LPG consumption is expected to grow over the next few years as most new electricity generation capacity is expected to be gas fired. Within any given year, consumption is particularly influenced by the severity of winter temperatures. Within the fertilizer industry, demand is a function of several factors, including the level of grain prices, status of government farm subsidy programs, amount of farming acreage and mix of crops planted, weather patterns, farming practices, and the value of the US dollar. Population growth and dietary trends also play an indirect role. On an industry-wide basis, North American carloadings of the commodity group that includes petroleum and chemicals decreased over 2% in 2002 after a 5% decline in 2001. Even with this further decrease in industry-wide demand, the utilization of pressurized tank railcars across the Partnership was in the 85% range during the year. The availability of cars to lease was affected by the advancing age of this fleet and related corrosion issues on foam insulated cars. (c) Covered Hopper (Grain) Railcars Demand for covered hopper railcars, which are specifically designed to service the grain industry, continued to experience weakness during 2002; carloadings were down 3% when compared to 2001 volumes. There has been a consistent pattern of decline in the number of carloadings over the last several years. The US agribusiness industry serves a domestic market that is relatively mature, the future growth of which is expected to be consistent but modest. Most domestic grain rail traffic moves to food processors, poultry breeders, and feedlots. The more volatile export business, which accounts for approximately 30% of total grain shipments, serves emerging and developing nations. In these countries, demand for protein-rich foods is growing more rapidly than in the US, due to higher population growth, a rapid industrialization pace, and rising disposable income. Other factors contributing to the softness in demand for covered hopper railcars are the large number of new railcars built in the late 1990s and the more efficient utilization of covered hoppers by the railroads. As in prior years, any covered hopper railcars that were leased were done so at considerably lower rental rates. Many of the Partnership's cars are smaller and thus less desirable than those currently being built. Because of this factor, the lack of any prospect for improvement in car demand, and the large number of idle cars throughout the industry, the Partnership has sold a number of these cars. As a result, utilization rose to 70% at the end of 2002. (d) General Purpose (Nonpressurized) Tank Railcars General purpose tank railcars are used to transport bulk liquid commodities and chemicals not requiring pressurization, such as certain petroleum products, liquefied asphalt, lubricating oils, molten sulfur, vegetable oils, and corn syrup. The overall health of the market for these types of commodities is closely tied to both the US and global economies, as reflected in movements in the Gross Domestic Product, personal consumption expenditures, retail sales, and currency exchange rates. The manufacturing, automobile, and housing sectors are the largest consumers of chemicals. Within North America, 2002 carloadings of the commodity group that includes chemicals and petroleum products reversed previous declines and rose 4% after a fall of 5% during 2001. Utilization of the Partnership's nonpressurized tank railcars has been increasing reflecting this market condition and presently stands at about 75%. (E) Government Regulations The use, maintenance, and ownership of equipment are regulated by federal, state, local, or foreign government authorities. Such regulations may impose restrictions and financial burdens on the Partnership's ownership and operation of equipment. Changes in government regulations, industry standards, or deregulation may also affect the ownership, operation, and resale of the equipment. Substantial portions of the Partnership's equipment portfolio are either registered or operated internationally. Such equipment may be subject to adverse political, government, or legal actions, including the risk of expropriation or loss arising from hostilities. Certain of the Partnership's equipment is subject to extensive safety and operating regulations, which may require its removal from service or extensive modifications of such equipment to meet these regulations, at considerable cost to the Partnership. Such regulations include but are not limited to: The U.S. Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations regulates the classification and packaging requirements of hazardous materials which apply particularly to the Partnership's tank railcars. The Federal Railroad Administration has mandated that effective July 1, 2000 all tank railcars must be re-qualified every ten years from the last test date stenciled on each railcar to insure tank shell integrity. Tank shell thickness, weld seams and weld attachments must be inspected and repaired if necessary to re-qualify the tank railcar for service. The average cost of this inspection is $3,600 for jacketed tank railcars and $1,800 for non-jacketed tank railcars. This does not include any necessary repairs. This inspection is to be performed at the next scheduled tank test and every ten years thereafter. The Partnership currently owns 109 jacketed tank railcars and 10 non-jacketed tank railcars. There are 7 jacketed tank railcars and 5 non-jacketed tank railcars that will need re-qualification in 2003 or 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership recalled three owned tank railcars to due a general recall for a manufacturing defect allowing extensive corrosion of the railcars' internal lining. The fair value and net book value per railcar was $2,000 and $-0-, respectively. Accordingly, the Partnership did not record an impairment loss. Repairs of the railcars were determined to be cost prohibitive. The fair value of railcars with this defect was determined by using industry expertise. These railcars were off lease. As of December 31, 2002, the Partnership was in compliance with the above government regulations. Typically, costs related to extensive equipment modifications to meet government regulations are passed on to the lessee of that equipment. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES ---------- The Partnership neither owns nor leases any properties other than the equipment it has purchased. As of December 31, 2002, the Partnership owned a portfolio of transportation and related equipment as described in Item I, Table 1. The Partnership acquired equipment with the proceeds of the Partnership offering of $150.0 million, proceeds from debt financing of $35.0 million and by reinvesting a portion of its operating cash flow in additional equipment. The Partnership maintains its principal office at 235 3rd Street South, Suite 200, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ------------------ The Partnership, together with affiliates, initiated litigation in various official forums in 2000 and 2001 in India against a defaulting Indian airline lessee to repossess Partnership property and to recover damages for failure to pay rent and failure to maintain such property in accordance with relevant lease contracts. The Partnership has repossessed all of its property previously leased to such airline, and the airline has ceased operations. In response to the Partnership's collection efforts, the airline filed counter-claims against the Partnership in excess of the Partnership's claims against the airline. The General Partner believes that the airline's counterclaims are completely without merit, and the General Partner will vigorously defend against such counterclaims. During 2001, the General Partner decided to minimize its collection efforts from the Indian lessee in order to save the Partnership from incurring additional expenses associated with trying to collect from a lessee that has no apparent ability to pay. The Partnership is involved as plaintiff or defendant in various other legal actions incidental to its business. Management does not believe that any of these actions will be material to the financial condition or results of operations of the Partnership. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS ----------------------------------------------------------- No matters were submitted to a vote of the Partnership's limited partners during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE PARTNERSHIP'S EQUITY AND RELATED DEPOSITARY UNIT ------------------------------------------------------------------- MATTERS --- Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, the General Partner is entitled to a 5% interest in the profits, losses and distributions of the Partnership. The General Partner is the sole holder of such interest. Special allocations of income are made to the General Partner equal to the deficit balance, if any, in the capital account of the General Partner. The General Partner's annual allocation of net income will generally be equal to the General Partner's cash distributions paid during the current year. The remaining interests in the profits, losses and distributions of the Partnership are owned, as of December 31, 2002, by the 6,016 unit holders of units in the Partnership. There are several secondary markets that will facilitate sales and purchases of depositary units. Secondary markets are characterized as having few buyers for depository units and, therefore, are generally viewed as inefficient vehicles for the sale of depositary units. Presently, there is no public market for the units and none is likely to develop. The Partnership is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol GFYPZ. To prevent the units from being considered publicly traded and thereby to avoid taxation of the Partnership as an association treated as a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code, the limited partnership units will not be transferable without the consent of the General Partner, which may be withheld in its absolute discretion. The General Partner intends to monitor transfers of limited partnership units in an effort to ensure that they do not exceed the percentage or number permitted by certain safe harbors promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. A transfer may be prohibited if the intended transferee is not a United States citizen or if the transfer would cause any portion of the units of a "Qualified Plan" as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and Individual Retirement Accounts to exceed the allowable limit. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA ------------------------- Table 2, below, lists selected financial data for the Partnership: TABLE 2 ------- For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands of dollars, except weighted-average depositary unit amounts) 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 --------------------------------------- Operating results: Total revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,841 $3,823 $7,878 $6,367 $13,567 Gain on disposition of equipment. . .. . . . . . . . 1,233 929 2,448 328 5,990 Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated special-purpose entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- -- 1,304 (448) (1,484) Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921 42 4,207 934 6,031 At year-end: Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,492 $5,533 $7,535 $8,858 $ 12,474 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 302 983 1,202 1,207 Cash distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ -- $1,363 $4,534 $4,545 $ 4,604 Special distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ -- $ -- $ 777 $ -- $ 3,885 Total cash distribution . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ -- $1,363 $5,311 $4,545 $ 8,489 Cash distribution representing a return of capital to the limited partners. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . $ -- $1,295 $1,104 $3,611 $ 2,458 Per weighted-average depositary unit: Net income (loss) $ 0.12 1 $(0.00) 1 $0.53 1 $0.10 1 $0.76 1 Cash distribution . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . $ -- $ 0.18 $ 0.58 $ 0.58 $ 0.59 Special distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ -- $ -- $ 0.10 $ -- $ 0.50 Total cash distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ -- $ 0.18 $ 0.68 $ 0.58 $ 1.09 Cash distribution representing a return of capital to the limited partners. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ -- $ 0.18 $ 0.15 $ 0.49 $ 0.33 1 After an increase of income of $46,000 ($0.01 per weighted-average depositary unit) in 2002, representing special allocations from the General Partner. After a reduction of income of $0.1 million ($0.01 per weighted-average depositary unit) in 2001 and 2000, representing special allocations to the General Partner. After a reduction of income of $0.2 million ($0.02 per weighted-average depositary unit) in 1999, representing special allocations to the General Partner. After reductions in net income of $0.1 million ($0.02 per weighted- Average depositary unit) in 1998, representing special allocations to the General Partner. (See Note 1 to the financial statements) ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND ------------------------------------------------------------------- RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ------------------- (A) Introduction Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations relates to the financial statements of PLM Equipment Growth Fund II (the Partnership). The following discussion and analysis of operations focuses on the performance of the Partnership's equipment in the various segments in which it operates and its effect on the Partnership's overall financial condition. (B) Results of Operations -- Factors Affecting Performance (1) Re-leasing Activity and Repricing Exposure to Current Economic Conditions The exposure of the Partnership's equipment portfolio to repricing risk occurs whenever the leases for the equipment expire or are otherwise terminated and the equipment must be remarketed. Major factors influencing the current market rate for the Partnership's equipment include supply and demand for similar or comparable types of transport capacity, desirability of the equipment in the leasing market, market conditions for the particular industry segment in which the equipment is to be leased, overall economic conditions, and various regulations concerning the use of the equipment. Equipment that is idle or out of service between the expiration of one lease and the assumption of a subsequent lease can result in a reduction of contribution to the Partnership. The Partnership experienced re-leasing or repricing activity in 2002 across its railcar and trailer portfolio. (a) Railcars: The relatively short duration of most leases exposes the railcars to considerable re-leasing activity. As of December 31, 2002, the Partnership had 64 railcars off-lease. Additional railcar leases will expire in 2003. The Partnership's railcar lease revenue declined approximately $0.1 million from 2001 to 2002 due to the sale and disposition of railcars during 2001 and 2002. (b) Trailers: The Partnership's trailer portfolio operates with short-line railroad systems. The relatively short duration of most leases in these operations exposes the trailers to considerable re-leasing activity. The Partnership's lease revenue decreased approximately $0.1 million from 2001 to 2002 primarily due lower utilization on the trailer fleet in 2002 compared to 2001. (2) Equipment Liquidations Liquidation of Partnership equipment represents a reduction in the size of the equipment portfolio and may result in a reduction of contribution to the Partnership. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Partnership sold or disposed of marine containers and railcars, with an aggregate net book value of $0.1 million, for proceeds of $1.4 million. (3) Equipment Valuation In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of " (SFAS No. 121), the General Partner reviewed the carrying value of the Partnership's equipment portfolio at least quarterly and whenever circumstances indicated that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable due to expected future market conditions. If the projected undiscounted cash flows and the fair value of the equipment were less than the carrying value of the equipment, an impairment loss was recorded. In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" (SFAS No. 144), which replaced SFAS No. 121. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. Losses for impairment are recognized when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be realized from a long-lived asset are determined to be less than the carrying value of the asset and the carrying amount of long-lived assets exceed its fair value. The determination of fair value for a given investment requires several considerations, including but not limited to, income expected to be earned from the asset, estimated sales proceeds, and holding costs excluding interest. The Partnership applied the new rules on accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets beginning January 1, 2002. No reductions to the equipment carrying values were required for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, or 2000. (C) Financial Condition -- Capital Resources and Liquidity The General Partner purchased the Partnership's initial equipment portfolio with capital raised from its initial equity offering and permanent debt financing. No further capital contributions from the original partners are permitted under the terms of the limited partnership agreement. As of December 31, 2002, the Partnership had no outstanding indebtedness. The Partnership relies on operating cash flow to meet its operating obligations and make cash distributions to the limited partners. For the year ended December 31, 2002, the Partnership generated $0.7 million in cash from its operating activities. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Partnership disposed of marine containers and railcars, with an aggregate net book value of $0.1 million, for proceeds of $1.4 million. Accounts receivable decreased $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2002 due to the decrease in lease revenue caused by the reduction in the size of the equipment portfolio. The General Partner has not planned any expenditures, nor is it aware of any contingencies that would cause it to require any additional capital to that mentioned above. The Partnership is in its active liquidation phase. As a result, the size of the Partnership's remaining equipment portfolio and, in turn, the amount of net cash flows from operations will continue to become progressively smaller as assets are sold. Significant asset sales may result in special distributions to the partners. The amounts reflected for assets and liabilities of the Partnership have not been adjusted to reflect liquidation values. The equipment portfolio that is actively being marketed for sale by the General Partner continues to be carried at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less cost of disposal. Although the General Partner estimates that there will be distributions to the Partnership after final disposal of assets and settlement of liabilities, the amounts cannot be accurately determined prior to actual disposal of the equipment. (D) Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the General Partner to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On a regular basis, the General Partner reviews these estimates including those related to asset lives and depreciation methods, impairment of long-lived assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, and contingencies and litigation. These estimates are based on the General Partner's historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The General Partner believes, however, that the estimates, including those for the above-listed items, are reasonable and that actual results will not vary significantly from the estimated amounts. The General Partner believes the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Partnership's financial statements: Asset lives and depreciation methods: The Partnership's primary business involves the purchase and subsequent lease of long-lived transportation and related equipment. The General Partner has chosen asset lives that it believes correspond to the economic life of the related asset. The General Partner has chosen a deprecation method that it believes matches the benefit to the Partnership from the asset with the associated costs. These judgments have been made based on the General Partner's expertise in each equipment segment that the Partnership operates. If the asset life and depreciation method chosen does not reduce the book value of the asset to at least the potential undiscounted future cash flows from the asset to the Partnership, the Partnership would be required to record an impairment. Likewise, if the net book value of the asset was reduced by an amount greater than the economic value has deteriorated, the Partnership may record a gain on sale upon final disposition of the asset. Impairment of long-lived assets: Whenever there is an indicator that an impairment may exist, the General Partner reviews the carrying value of equipment to determine if the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable in consideration of current economic conditions. This requires the General Partner to make estimates related to future undiscounted cash flows from each asset as well as the determination if the deterioration is temporary or permanent. If these estimates or the related assumptions change in the future, the Partnership may be required to record an impairment loss. Allowance for doubtful accounts: The Partnership maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the lessees to make the lease payments. These estimates are primarily based on the amount of time that has lapsed since the related payments were due as well as specific knowledge related to the ability of the lessees to make the required payments. If the financial condition of the Partnership's lessees were to deteriorate, additional allowances could be required that would reduce income. Conversely, if the financial condition of the lessees were to improve or if legal remedies to collect past due amounts were successful, the allowance for doubtful accounts may need to be reduced and income would be increased. Contingencies and litigation: The Partnership is subject to legal proceedings involving ordinary and routine claims related to its business. The ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such matters cannot be estimated with certainty and requires the use of estimates in recording liabilities for potential litigation settlements. Estimates for losses from litigation are disclosed if considered possible and accrued if considered probable after consultation with counsel. If estimates of potential losses increase or the related facts and circumstances change in the future, the Partnership may be required to record additional litigation expense. (E) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" (SFAS No. 146), which is based on the general principle that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity should be recorded when it is incurred and initially measured at fair value. SFAS No. 146 applies to costs associated with (1) an exit activity that does not involve an entity newly acquired in a business combination, or (2) a disposal activity within the scope of SFAS No. 146. These costs include certain termination benefits, costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease, and other associated costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees. Because the provisions of this statement are to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, the effect of adopting this statement cannot be determined. In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" (FIN 45). This interpretation requires the guarantor to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation at the inception of the guarantee. The provisions of FIN 45 will be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued after December 31, 2002. (F) Results of Operations -- Year-to-Year Detailed Comparison (1) Comparison of the Partnership's Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. (a) Owned Equipment Operations Lease revenues less direct expenses (defined as repairs and maintenance, equipment operating, and asset-specific insurance expenses) on owned equipment increased during the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 2001. Gains or losses from the sale of equipment, interest and other income and certain expenses such as depreciation and general and administrative expenses relating to the operating segments (see Note 5 to the financial statements), are not included in the owned equipment operation discussion because they are indirect in nature and not a result of operations, but the result of owning a portfolio of equipment. The following table presents lease revenues less direct expenses by equipment type (in thousands of dollars): For the Years Ended December 31, 2002 2001 ------------------- Railcars. . . . . $ 790 $ 401 Trailers. . . . . 583 785 Marine containers 2 (25) Railcars: Railcar lease revenues and direct expenses were $1.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, during 2001. Lease revenue decreased $0.1 million due to the disposition of railcars in 2001 and 2002. Direct expenses decreased $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 2001 due to fewer repairs being required for the railcar portfolio in 2002. Trailers: Trailer lease revenues and direct expenses were $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, during the same period of 2001. Trailer lease revenues decreased $0.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 2001 due to lower utilization on the Partnership's trailer fleet. Trailer direct expenses increased $0.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 2001 due to increased repair and maintenance costs in 2002. Marine containers: Marine container lease revenues were $3,000 and $(24,000) in the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The negative $24,000 of lease revenues in the year ended December 31, 2001 resulted from actual lease revenue in previous periods being lower than was previously accrued. As of December 31, 2002, the Partnership had disposed of its entire marine container portfolio. (b) Indirect Expenses Related to Owned Equipment Operations Total indirect expenses of $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 decreased from $2.2 million for the same period in 2001. Significant variances are explained as follows: (i) A $0.3 million decrease in depreciation expense from 2001 levels reflects the effect of asset dispositions in 2002 and 2001. (ii) A $0.2 million decrease in general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2002 resulted from the reduction in the size of the Partnership's equipment portfolio over the last twelve months. (c) Gain on Disposition of Owned Equipment Gain on disposition of equipment in the year ended December 31, 2002 totaled $1.2 million, and resulted from the disposition of marine containers and railcars with an aggregate net book value of $0.1 million for aggregate proceeds of $1.4 million. Gain on disposition of equipment for the year ended December 31, 2001 totaled $0.9 million, and resulted from the sale of marine containers, trailers, and railcars, with an aggregate net book value of $0.1 million for proceeds of $0.7 million. Included in the gain on sale are unused repair reserves of $0.3 million. (d) Net Income As a result of the foregoing, the Partnership's net income was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to net income of $42,000 during the year ended December 31, 2001. The Partnership's ability to operate and liquidate assets, secure leases, and re-lease those assets whose leases expire is subject to many factors, and the Partnership's performance in the year ended December 31, 2002 is not necessarily indicative of future periods. (2) Comparison of the Partnership's Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. (a) Owned Equipment Operations Lease revenues less direct expenses (defined as repair and maintenance, equipment operating expense and asset-specific insurance expenses) on owned equipment decreased during the year ended December 31, 2001, when compared to 2000. The following table presents lease revenues less direct expenses by segment (in thousands of dollars): For the Years Ended December 31, 2001 2000 ------------------- Trailers. . . . . $ 785 $ 1,217 Railcars. . . . . 401 1,983 Marine containers (25) 75 Trailers: Trailer lease revenues and direct expenses were $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $1.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, during the same period of 2000. The decrease in trailer contribution was due to the sale of 32% of the Partnership's trailers during 2000. Railcars: Railcar lease revenues and direct expenses were $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $3.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, during the same period of 2000. The decrease in railcar contribution during the year ended December 31, 2001 was due to the disposition of railcars during 2000 and 2001. Marine containers: Marine container lease revenues were ($24,000) and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The decrease in marine container contribution in the year ended December 31, 2001 was due to the disposition of marine containers in 2000 and 2001. The negative lease revenues during the year ended December 31, 2001 was caused by actual lease revenues in 2000 being less than had been previously reported. The Partnership receives its actual amount of marine container lease revenues managed in equipment pools approximately 90 days following the end of each quarter. Estimates are made for each quarter's lease revenues that are trued up to the actual results in the following quarter. (b) Indirect Expenses Related to Owned Equipment Operations Total indirect expenses of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 decreased from $2.9 million for the same period in 2000. Significant variances are explained as follows: (i) A $0.5 million decrease in depreciation expense from 2000 levels reflects the effect of equipment dispositions during 2001 and 2000. (ii) A $0.2 million decrease in general and administrative expenses was due to the reduction in the size of the Partnership's equipment portfolio. (iii) A $0.1 million decrease in management fees was due to lower lease revenues earned during the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to the same period of 2000. (iv) A $0.1 million increase in the provision for bad debts was based on the General Partner's evaluation of the collectability of receivables compared to the same period of 2000. (c) Gain on Disposition of Owned Equipment Gain on disposition of equipment for the year ended December 31, 2001 totaled $0.9 million, and resulted from the sale of marine containers, trailers, and railcars, with an aggregate net book value of $0.1 million for proceeds of $0.7 million. Included in the gain on sale are unused repair reserves of $0.3 million. Net gain on disposition of equipment for the year ended December 31, 2000 totaled $2.4 million, which resulted from the disposal of marine containers, trailers, and railcars, with an aggregate net book value of $0.8 million, for proceeds of $3.3 million. (d) Equity in Net Income of an Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity (USPE) Equity in net income of an unconsolidated special-purpose entity represents the Partnership's share of the net income generated from the operation of jointly owned assets accounted for under the equity method (see Note 4 to the financial statements). This entity was a single purpose entity that did not have any debt. As of December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Partnership had no interests in USPEs. During the year ended December 31, 2000, net income of $1.3 million resulted from the gain on sale of the Partnership's interest in the USPE of $1.4 million, partially offset by depreciation expense, direct expenses, and administrative expenses of $0.1 million. (e) Net Income As a result of the foregoing, the Partnership's net income was $42,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to net income of $4.2 million during 2000. The Partnership's ability to operate and liquidate assets, secure leases, and re-lease those assets whose leases expire is subject to many factors, and the Partnership's performance in the year ended December 31, 2001 is not necessarily indicative of future periods. In the year ended December 31, 2001, the Partnership distributed $1.3 million to the limited partners, or $0.18 per weighted-average limited partnership unit. (G) Geographic Information Certain of the Partnership's equipment operates in international markets. Although these operations expose the Partnership to certain currency, political, credit, and economic risks, the General Partner believes these risks are minimal or has implemented strategies to control the risks. Currency risks are at a minimum because all invoicing, with the exception of a small number of railcars operating in Canada, is conducted in US dollars. Political risks are minimized generally through the avoidance of operations in countries that do not have a stable judicial system and established commercial business laws. Credit support strategies for lessees range from letters of credit supported by US banks to cash deposits. Although these credit support mechanisms generally allow the Partnership to maintain its lease yield, there are risks associated with slow-to-respond judicial systems when legal remedies are required to secure payment or repossess equipment. Economic risks are inherent in all international markets and the General Partner strives to minimize this risk with market analysis prior to committing equipment to a particular geographic area. Refer to Note 6 to the financial statements for information on the revenues, net income, and net book value of equipment in various geographic regions. Revenues and net operating income (loss) by geographic region are impacted by the time period the asset is owned and the useful life ascribed to the asset for depreciation purposes. Net income (loss) from equipment is significantly impacted by depreciation charges, which are greatest in the early years of ownership due to the use of the double-declining balance method of depreciation. The relationships of geographic revenues, net income (loss), and net book value of equipment are expected to significantly change in the future as assets come off lease and decisions are made to either redeploy the assets in the most advantageous geographic location, or sell the assets. The Partnership's owned equipment on lease to US-domiciled lessees consists of trailers and railcars. During 2002, lease revenues generated by owned equipment in the United States accounted for 82% of the lease revenues, while generating net operating income of $0.5 million. The Partnership's equipment leased to Canadian-domiciled lessees consists of railcars. During 2002, lease revenues generated by owned equipment in Canada accounted for 18% of the lease revenues, while generating a net income of $0.7 million (H) Inflation Inflation had no significant impact on the Partnership's operations during 2002, 2001, or 2000. (I) Forward-Looking Information Except for historical information contained herein, the discussion in this Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of the Partnership's plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions. The cautionary statements made in this Form 10-K should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this Form 10-K. The Partnership's actual results could differ materially from those discussed here. (J) Outlook for the Future The Partnership is in its liquidation phase. Given the current economic environment and offers received for similar types of equipment owned by the Partnership, the General Partner has determined it would not be advantageous to sell the remaining Partnership equipment at the current time. The General Partner will continue to monitor the equipment markets to determine an optimal time to sell. In the meantime, equipment will continue to be leased, and re-leased at market rates as existing leases expire. Although the General Partner estimates that there will be distributions to the partners after final disposal of assets and settlement of liabilities, the amounts cannot be accurately determined prior to actual disposal of the equipment. Sale decisions may cause the operating performance of the Partnership to decline over the remainder of its life. The liquidation phase will end on December 31, 2006, unless the Partnership is terminated earlier upon sale of all of the equipment or by certain other events. Several factors may affect the Partnership's operating performance in 2003 and beyond, including changes in the markets for the Partnership's equipment and changes in the regulatory environment in which that equipment operates. Liquidation of the Partnership's equipment represents a reduction in the size of the equipment portfolio and may result in a reduction of contribution to the Partnership. Other factors affecting the Partnership's contribution in 2003 and beyond include: 1. Through 2002, U.S. and Canadian freight carloads decreased 1% and 3%, respectively, compared to 2001. There has been, however, a recent increase in some of the commodities that drive demand for those types of railcars most prevalent in the Partnership's fleet. It will be some time, however, before this translates into new leasing demand by shippers since most shippers have idle cars in their fleets. 2. Utilization of intermodal trailers owned by the Partnership decreased 12% during 2002 compared to 2001. This decline was similar to the decline in industry-wide utilization. As the Partnership's trailers are smaller than many shippers prefer, the General Partner expects continued declines in utilization over the next few years. Additionally, one of the major shippers that leased the Partnership's trailers has entered bankruptcy. While the Partnership did not have any outstanding receivables from the company, its bankruptcy may cause a further decline in performance of the trailer fleet in the future. 3. The General Partner has seen an increase in insurance premiums on its equipment portfolio and is finding it more difficult to place the coverage. Premiums for the equipment types owned by the Partnership have increased over 25%. The increase in premiums caused by the increase in rate will be partially mitigated by the reduction in the value of the Partnership equipment portfolio caused by the events of September 11, 2001 and other economic factors. The General Partner has also experienced an increase in the deductible required to obtain coverage. This may have a negative impact on the Partnership in the event of an insurance claim. The ability of the Partnership to realize acceptable lease rates on its equipment in the different equipment markets is contingent on many factors, such as specific market conditions and economic activity, technological obsolescence, and government or other regulations. The General Partner continually monitors both the equipment markets and the performance of the Partnership's equipment in these markets. The General Partner may make an evaluation to reduce the Partnership's exposure to equipment markets in which it determines that it cannot operate equipment and achieve acceptable rates of return. Several other factors may affect the Partnership's operating performance in 2003 and beyond, including changes in the markets for the Partnership's equipment and changes in the regulatory environment in which that equipment operates. The other factors affecting the Partnership's contribution in 2003 and beyond include: (1) Repricing Risk Certain of the Partnership's trailers and railcars will be remarketed in 2003 as existing leases expire, exposing the Partnership to repricing risk/opportunity. Additionally, the Partnership entered its liquidation phase on January 1, 1999, and has commenced an orderly liquidation of the Partnership's assets. The General Partner intends to re-lease or sell equipment at prevailing market rates; however, the General Partner cannot predict these future rates with any certainty at this time, and cannot accurately assess the effect of such activity on future Partnership performance. (2) Impact of Government Regulations on Future Operations The General Partner operates the Partnership's equipment in accordance with current applicable regulations (see Item 1, Section E, Government Regulations). However, the continuing implementation of new or modified regulations by some of the authorities mentioned previously, or others, may adversely affect the Partnership's ability to continue to own or operate equipment in its portfolio. Additionally, regulatory systems vary from country to country, which may increase the burden to the Partnership of meeting regulatory compliance for the same equipment operated between countries. Ongoing changes in the regulatory environment, both in the US and internationally, cannot be predicted with any accuracy and preclude the General Partner from determining the impact of such changes on Partnership operations, or sale of equipment. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations regulates the classification and packaging requirements of hazardous materials which apply particularly to Partnership's tank railcars. The Federal Railroad Administration has mandated that effective July 1, 2000 all tank railcars must be re-qualified every ten years from the last test date stenciled on each railcar to insure tank shell integrity. Tank shell thickness, weld seams and weld attachments must be inspected and repaired if necessary to re-qualify the tank railcar for service. The average cost of this inspection is $3,600 for jacketed tank railcars and $1,800 for non-jacketed tank railcars. This does not include any necessary repairs. This inspection is to be performed at the next scheduled tank test and every ten years thereafter. The Partnership currently owns 109 jacketed tank railcars and 10 non-jacketed tank railcars. There are 7 jacketed tank railcars and 5 non-jacketed tank railcars that will need re-qualification in 2003 or 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership recalled three owned tank railcars to due a general recall for a manufacturing defect allowing extensive corrosion of the railcars' internal lining. The fair value and net book value per railcar was $2,000 and $-0-, respectively. Accordingly, the Partnership did not record an impairment loss. Repairs of the railcars were determined to be cost prohibitive. The fair value of railcars with this defect was determined by using industry expertise. These railcars were off lease. (3) Distributions During the active liquidation phase, the Partnership will use operating cash flow and proceeds from the sale of equipment to meet its operating obligations and, to the extent available, make distributions to the partners. In the long term, changing market conditions and used equipment values preclude the General Partner from accurately determining the impact of future re-leasing activity and equipment sales on Partnership performance and liquidity. (4) Liquidation Liquidation of the Partnership's equipment represents a reduction in the size of the equipment portfolio and may result in a reduction of contribution to the Partnership. Since the Partnership is in its active liquidation phase, the size of the Partnership's remaining equipment portfolio and, in turn, the amount of net cash flows from operations will continue to become progressively smaller as assets are sold. Significant asset sales may result in special distributions to unitholders. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Partnership's primary market risk exposure is that of currency devaluation risk. During 2002, 12% of the Partnership's total lease revenues came from non-United States domiciled lessees. Most of the leases require payment in United States (US) currency. If these lessees' currency devalues against the US dollar, the lessees could potentially encounter difficulty in making the US dollar denominated lease payments. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ----------------------------------------------- The financial statements for the Partnership are listed in the Index to Financial Statements included in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND ------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES ------------------ (A) Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures None (B) Changes in Accountants In September 2001, the General Partner announced that the Partnership had engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Partnership's auditors and had dismissed KPMG LLP. KPMG LLP issued an unqualified opinion on the 2000 financial statements. During 2000 and the subsequent interim period preceding such dismissal, there were no disagreements with KPMG LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF PLM FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. ------------------------------------------------------------------ As of the date of this annual report, the directors and executive officers of PLM Financial Services, Inc. (and key executive officers of its subsidiaries) are as follows: Name Age Position Gary D. Engle . 53 Director, PLM Financial Services, Inc., PLM Investment Management, Inc., and PLM Transportation Equipment Corp. James A. Coyne 42 Director, Secretary and President, PLM Financial Services, Inc. and PLM Investment Management, Inc., Director and Secretary, PLM Transportation Equipment Corp. Richard K Brock 40 Director and Chief Financial Officer, PLM Financial Services, Inc., PLM Investment Management, Inc. and PLM Transportation Equipment Corp. Gary D. Engle was appointed a Director of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in January 2002. He was appointed a director of PLM International, Inc. in February 2001. He is a director and President of MILPI Holdings, LLC ('"MILPI"). Since November 1997, Mr. Engle has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Semele Group Inc. ("Semele"), a publicly traded company. Mr. Engle is President and Chief Executive Officer of Equis Financial Group ("EFG"), which he joined in 1990 as Executive Vice President. Mr. Engle purchased a controlling interest in EFG in December 1994. He is also President of AFG Realty, Inc. James A. Coyne was appointed President of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in August 2002. He was appointed a Director and Secretary of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in April 2001. He was appointed a director of PLM International, Inc. in February 2001. He is a director, Vice President and Secretary of MILPI. Mr. Coyne has been a director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Semele since 1997. Mr. Coyne is Executive Vice President of Equis Corporation, the general partner of EFG. Mr. Coyne joined EFG in 1989, remained until 1993, and rejoined in November 1994. Richard K Brock was appointed a Director and Chief Financial Officer of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in August 2002. From June 2001 through August 2002, Mr. Brock was a consultant to various leasing companies including PLM Financial Services, Inc. From October 2000 through June 2001, Mr. Brock was a Director of PLM Financial Services, Inc. Mr. Brock was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PLM International, Inc. and PLM Financial Services, Inc. in January 2000, having served as Acting Chief Financial Officer since June 1999 and as Vice President and Corporate Controller of PLM International, Inc. and PLM Financial Services, Inc. since June 1997. Prior to June 1997, Mr. Brock served as an accounting manager at the PLM Financial Services, Inc. beginning in September 1991 and as Director of Planning and General Accounting beginning in February 1994. The directors of PLM Financial Services, Inc. are elected for a one-year term or until their successors are elected and qualified. No family relationships exist between any director or executive officer of PLM Financial Services, Inc., PLM Transportation Equipment Corp., or PLM Investment Management, Inc. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ----------------------- The Partnership has no directors, officers, or employees. The Partnership has no pension, profit sharing, retirement, or similar benefit plan in effect as of December 31, 2002. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------ (A) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners The General Partner is entitled to a 5% interest in the profits and losses (subject to certain allocations of income) and distributions of the Partnership. As of December 31, 2002, no investor was known by the General Partner to beneficially own more than 5% of the depositary units of the Partnership. (B) Security Ownership of Management Neither the General Partner and its affiliates nor any executive officer or director of the General Partner and its affiliates own any depositary units of the Partnership as of December 31, 2002. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS -------------------------------------------------- Transactions with Management and Others During 2002, management fees to IMI were $0.1 million. During 2002, the Partnership reimbursed FSI and its affiliates $0.1 million for administrative services and data processing expenses performed on behalf of the Partnership. The balance due to affiliates as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 includes $33,000 and $42,000, respectively, due to FSI and its affiliates for management fees. ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES ------------------------- Based on their evaluation as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this Form 10-K, the Partnership's principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Partnership files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. There have been no significant changes in the Partnership's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation. PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ------------------------------------------------------------------ (A) 1. Financial Statements The financial statements listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 2. Financial Statements required under Regulation S-X Rule 3-09. The following financial statements are filed as an exhibit of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. a. East West 925 (B) Reports on Form 8-K None. (C) Exhibits 4. Limited Partnership Agreement of Registrant, incorporated by reference to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 33-13113), which became effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 1987. 4.1 Amendment, dated November 18, 1991, to Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, incorporated by reference to the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 1993. 10.1 Management Agreement between Registrant and PLM Investment Management, Inc., incorporated by reference to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 33-13113), which became effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 1987. Financial Statements required under Regulation S-X Rule 3-09. 99.1 East West 925 CONTROL CERTIFICATION I, James A. Coyne, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of PLM Equipment Growth Fund II. 2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which this annual report is prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and board of Managers: a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: March 26, 2003 By: /s/ James A. Coyne --------------------- James A. Coyne President (Principal Executive Officer) CONTROL CERTIFICATION - ---------------------- I, Richard K Brock, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of PLM Equipment Growth Fund II. 2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which this annual report is prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and board of Managers: a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: March 26, 2003 By: /s/ Richard K Brock ---------------------- Richard K Brock Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Partnership has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The Partnership has no directors or officers. The General Partner has signed on behalf of the Partnership by duly authorized officers. Dated: March 26, 2003 PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II PARTNERSHIP By: PLM Financial Services, Inc. General Partner By: /s/ James A. Coyne --------------------- James A. Coyne President By: /s/ Richard K Brock ---------------------- Richard K Brock Chief Financial Officer CERTIFICATION The undersigned hereby certifies, in their capacity as an officer of the General Partner of PLM Equipment Growth Fund II (the Partnership), that the Annual Report of the Partnership on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Partnership at the end of such period and the results of operations of the Partnership for such period. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following directors of the Partnership's General Partner on the dates indicated. Name Capacity Date - ---- -------- ---- /s/ Gary D. Engle_________ - ----------------------------- Gary D. Engle Director, FSI March 26, 2003 /s/ James A. Coyne_______ - ---------------------------- James A. Coyne Director, FSI March 26, 2003 /s/ Richard K Brock______ - ---------------------- Richard K Brock Director, FSI March 26, 2003 PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (ITEM 15(A)) Page ---- Independent auditors' reports 24-25 Balance sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 26 Statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 27 Statements of changes in partners' capital for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 28 Statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 29 Notes to financial statements 30-39 All financial statement schedules have been omitted, as the required information is not pertinent to the registrant or is not material, or because the information required is included in the financial statements and notes thereto. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Partners PLM Equipment Growth Fund II: We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of PLM Equipment Growth Fund II (the "Partnership"), as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related statements of income, changes in partners' capital, and cash flows for the years then ended. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Partnership, in accordance with the limited partnership agreement, entered its liquidation phase on January 1, 1999 and has commenced an orderly liquidation of the Partnership assets. The Partnership will terminate on December 31, 2006, unless terminated earlier upon the sale of all equipment or by certain other events. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Certified Public Accountants Tampa, Florida March 7, 2003 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Partners PLM Equipment Growth Fund II: We have audited the accompanying statements of income, changes in partners' capital and cash flows of PLM Equipment Growth Fund II ("the Partnership") for the year ended December 31, 2000. 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 audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, PLM Equipment Growth Fund II, in accordance with the limited partnership agreement, entered its liquidation phase on January 1, 1999 and has commenced an orderly liquidation of the Partnership assets. The Partnership will terminate on December 31, 2006, unless terminated earlier upon sale of all equipment or by certain other events. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of PLM Equipment Growth Fund II for the year ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. /s/ KPMG LLP SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA March 2, 2001 PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, (in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts) 2002 2001 --------- --------- ASSETS Equipment held for operating lease, at cost . . . . . . . . $ 16,501 $ 21,119 Less accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (14,500) (18,146) --------- --------- Net equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,001 2,973 Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,025 1,958 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $47 in 2002 and $89 in 2001 . . . . . . . . 412 584 Prepaid expenses and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 18 --------- --------- Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,492 $ 5,533 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . $ 307 $ 260 Due to affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 42 --------- --------- Total liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 302 --------- --------- Commitments and contingencies Partners' capital Limited partners (7,381,265 depositary units as of December 31, 2002 and 7,381,165 as of December 31, 2001) 6,152 5,231 General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- -- --------- --------- Total partners' capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,152 5,231 --------- --------- Total liabilities and partners' capital . . . . . . . $ 6,492 $ 5,533 ========= ========= See accompanying notes to financial statements. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands of dollars, except weighted-average unit amounts) 2002 2001 2000 ------- ------- ------- REVENUES Lease revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,554 $2,673 $5,338 Interest and other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 221 92 Gain on disposition of equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,233 929 2,448 ------- ------- ------- Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,841 3,823 7,878 ------- ------- ------- EXPENSES Depreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 857 1,127 1,581 Repairs and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,053 1,377 1,915 Equipment operating expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 121 119 Insurance expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 123 67 Management fees to affiliate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 132 269 General and administrative expenses to affiliate. . . . . 67 171 234 Other general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . 642 699 848 (Recovery of) provision for bad debts . . . . . . . . . . (17) 31 (58) ------- ------- ------- Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,920 3,781 4,975 ------- ------- ------- Equity in net income of unconsolidated special-purpose entity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- -- 1,304 ------- ------- ------- Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 921 $ 42 $4,207 ======= ======= ======= PARTNERS' SHARE OF NET INCOME (LOSS) Limited partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 921 $ (26) $3,942 General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- 68 265 ------- ------- ------- Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 921 $ 42 $4,207 ======= ======= ======= Limited Partner's net income (loss) per weighted-average depositary unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.12 $(0.00) $ 0.53 ======= ======= ======= See accompanying notes to financial statements. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000 (in thousands of dollars) Limited General Partners Partner Total ------------------------------- Partners' capital as of December 31, 1999 $ 7,656 $ -- $ 7,656 Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,942 265 4,207 Cash distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4,308) (226) (4,534) Special distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . (738) (39) (777) ---------- --------- -------- Partners' capital as of December 31, 2000 6,552 -- 6,552 Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26) 68 42 Cash distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,295) (68) (1,363) ---------- --------- -------- Partners' capital as of December 31, 2001 5,231 -- 5,231 Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921 -- 921 ---------- --------- -------- Partners' capital as of December 31, 2002 $ 6,152 $ -- $ 6,152 ========== ========= ======== See accompanying notes to financial statements. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands of dollars) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2002 2001 2000 -------- -------- -------- Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 921 $ 42 $ 4,207 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 857 1,127 1,581 Gain on disposition of equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,233) (929) (2,448) Equity in net income of an unconsolidated special- purpose entity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- -- (1,304) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 144 158 Prepaid expenses and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . (36) 17 12 Accounts payable and accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . 47 (98) 130 Due to affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9) (11) (15) Lessee deposits and reserve for repairs . . . . . . . . . . -- (162) (334) -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . 709 130 1,987 -------- -------- -------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from disposition of equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,358 653 3,297 Distribution from liquidation of an unconsolidated special-purpose entity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- -- 1,827 Additional investments in unconsolidated special-purpose entity -- -- (156) -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by investing activities . . . . . . . . 1,358 653 4,968 -------- -------- -------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash distribution paid to limited partners. . . . . . . . . . . -- (1,295) (4,308) Cash distribution paid to General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . -- (68) (226) Special distribution paid to limited partners . . . . . . . . . -- -- (738) Special distribution paid to General Partner. . . . . . . . . . -- -- (39) -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . -- (1,363) (5,311) -------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . 2,067 (580) 1,644 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . 1,958 2,538 894 -------- -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,025 $ 1,958 $ 2,538 ======== ======== ======== See accompanying notes to financial statements. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Basis of Presentation ----------------------- Organization - ------------ PLM Equipment Growth Fund II, a California limited partnership (the Partnership), was formed on March 30, 1987. The Partnership engages primarily in the business of owning, leasing, or otherwise investing in predominately used transportation and related equipment. The Partnership commenced significant operations in June 1987. PLM Financial Services, Inc. (FSI) is the General Partner of the Partnership. FSI is a wholly owned subsidiary of PLM International, Inc. (PLM International). The Partnership, in accordance with its limited partnership agreement, entered its liquidation phase on January 1, 1999, and has commenced an orderly liquidation of the Partnership's assets (see Note 10). The Partnership will terminate on December 31, 2006, unless terminated earlier upon the sale of all equipment or by certain other events. The General Partner may no longer reinvest cash flows and surplus funds in equipment. All future cash flows and surplus funds after payment of operating expenses, if any, are to be used for distributions to partners, except to the extent used to maintain reasonable reserves. During the liquidation phase, the Partnership's assets will continue to be recorded at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. FSI manages the affairs of the Partnership. The cash distributions of the Partnership are generally allocated 95% to the limited partners and 5% to the General Partner (see Net Income and Distributions per Depositary Unit, below). Net income is allocated to the General Partner to the extent necessary to cause the General Partner's capital account to equal zero. Such allocation of income may not cumulatively exceed five ninety-fifths of the aggregate of the capital contributions made by the limited partners and the reinvestment cash available for distribution. The General Partner is also entitled to a subordinated incentive fee equal to 7.5% of surplus distributions, as defined in the limited partnership agreement, remaining after the limited partners have received a certain minimum rate of return. The General Partner does not anticipate that this fee will be earned. Estimates - --------- The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operations - ---------- The equipment of the Partnership is managed under a continuing management agreement by PLM Investment Management, Inc. (IMI), a wholly owned subsidiary of FSI. IMI receives a monthly management fee from the Partnership for managing the equipment (see Note 2). FSI, in conjunction with its subsidiaries, sells equipment to investor programs and third parties, manages pools of equipment under agreements with the investor programs, and is a general partner of other programs. Accounting for Leases - ----------------------- The Partnership's leasing operations generally consist of operating leases. Under the operating lease method of accounting, the lessor records the leased asset at cost and depreciates the leased asset over its estimated useful life. Rental payments are recorded as revenue over the lease term as earned in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 13, "Accounting for Leases" (SFAS No.13). Lease origination costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the lease. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Basis of Presentation (continued) ----------------------- Depreciation - ------------ Depreciation of transportation equipment held for operating leases is computed on the double-declining balance method, taking a full month's depreciation in the month of acquisition, based upon estimated useful lives of 15 years for railcars and 12 years for other types of equipment. The depreciation method changes to straight-line when annual depreciation expense using the straight-line method exceeds that calculated by the double-declining balance method. Acquisition fees have been capitalized as part of the cost of the equipment. Major expenditures that are expected to extend the useful lives or reduce future operating expenses of equipment are capitalized and amortized over the estimated remaining life of the equipment. Transportation Equipment - ------------------------- Equipment held for operating leases is stated at cost. In accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" (SFAS No. 121), the General Partner reviewed the carrying value of the Partnership's equipment portfolio at least quarterly and whenever circumstances indicated that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable due to expected future market conditions. If the projected undiscounted cash flows and the fair value of the equipment were less than the carrying value of the equipment, an impairment loss was recorded. In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" (SFAS No. 144), which replaced SFAS No. 121. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. Losses for impairment are recognized when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be realized from a long-lived asset are determined to be less than the carrying value of the asset and the carrying amount of long-lived assets exceed its fair value. The determination of fair value for a given investment requires several considerations, including but not limited to, income expected to be earned from the asset, estimated sales proceeds, and holding costs excluding interest. The Partnership applied the new rules on accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets beginning January 1, 2002. No reductions were required to the carrying value of the equipment during 2002, 2001, or 2000. Investment in Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity - ------------------------------------------------------- The Partnership had an interest in an unconsolidated special-purpose entity (USPE) that owned an aircraft. This was a single purpose entity that did not have any debt. This interest was accounted for using the equity method. This aircraft was sold in the first quarter of 2000. The Partnership's investment in the USPE included acquisition and lease negotiation fees paid by the Partnership to PLM Transportation Equipment Corporation (TEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of FSI. The Partnership's interest in the USPE was managed by IMI. The Partnership's equity interest in the net income of the USPE is reflected net of management fees paid or payable to IMI and the amortization of acquisition and lease negotiation fees paid to TEC. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Basis of Presentation (continued) ----------------------- Repairs and Maintenance - ------------------------- Repair and maintenance costs to railcars and trailers are usually the obligation of the Partnership. Maintenance costs for the marine containers were the obligation of the lessee. To meet the repair requirements of certain marine containers, reserve accounts were prefunded by the lessee. If an asset is sold and there is a balance in the reserve account for repairs to that asset, the balance in the reserve account is reclassified as additional sales proceeds. During 2001, the General Partner determined that there would be no future repairs made to certain marine containers and reclassified the remaining balance of $0.2 million in marine container repair reserves to interest and other income on the accompanying statement of income. Net Income and Distributions per Depositary Unit - ------------------------------------------------------ Cash distributions are allocated 95% to the limited partners and 5% to the General Partner and may include amounts in excess of net income. The limited partners' net income is allocated among the limited partners based on the number of limited partnership units owned by each limited partner and on the number of days of the year each limited partner is in the Partnership. During 2002, the General Partner received a special loss allocation of $46,000 to bring its capital account to zero. During 2001 and 2000, the General Partner received a special allocation of income of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively in excess of its pro-rata ownership share. Cash distributions are recorded when declared. Cash distributions are generally paid in the same quarter they are declared. For the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, cash distributions totaled $1.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, or $0.18 and $0.58 per weighted-average depositary unit, respectively. There were no cash distributions in 2002. The Partnership declared and paid a special distribution of $0.8 million to the partners during 2000, or $0.10 per weighted-average depositary unit. No special distributions were declared during 2002 or 2001. Cash distributions relating to the fourth quarter of 2000 of $1.1 million or $0.15 per weighted-average depositary unit were declared and paid during the first quarter of 2001. There were no distributions declared or paid relating to the fourth quarter of 2001 or 2002 in the first quarter of 2002 or 2003. Cash distributions to investors in excess of net income are considered a return of capital. Cash distributions to the limited partners of $1.3 million and $1.1 million in 2001 and 2000, respectively, were deemed to be a return of capital. Net Income (Loss) Per Weighted-Average Depositary Unit - ------------------------------------------------------------ Net income (loss) per weighted-average depositary unit was computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to limited partners by the weighted-average number of depositary units deemed outstanding during the period. The weighted-average number of depositary units deemed outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2002 were 7,381,265, and during the years ended December 31, 2001, and 2000 were 7,381,165. Cash and Cash Equivalents - ---------------------------- The Partnership considers highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the investments. Comprehensive Income - --------------------- The Partnership's net income was equal to comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Basis of Presentation (continued) ----------------------- New Accounting Standards - -------------------------- In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" (SFAS No. 146) which is based on the general principle that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity should be recorded when it is incurred and initially measured at fair value. SFAS No. 146 applies to costs associated with (1) an exit activity that does not involve an entity newly acquired in a business combination, or (2) a disposal activity within the scope of SFAS No. 146. These costs include certain termination benefits, costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease, and other associated costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees. Because the provisions of this statement are to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, the effect of adopting this statement cannot be determined. In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" (FIN 45). This interpretation requires the guarantor to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation at the inception of the guarantee. The provisions of FIN 45 will be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued after December 31, 2002. 2. Transactions with General Partner and Affiliates ----------------------------------------------------- An officer of FSI contributed $100 of the Partnership's initial capital. Under the equipment management agreement, IMI receives a monthly management fee attributable to either owned equipment or interests in equipment owned by the USPE equal to the greater of (i) 5% of Gross Revenues (as defined in the agreement) or (ii) 1/12 of 1/2% of the net book value of the equipment portfolio subject to certain adjustments. The Partnership management fee in 2002, 2001 and 2000 was based on lease revenue and was $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million, respectively. Partnership management fees of $33,000 and $42,000, respectively, were payable as of December 31, 2002 and 2001. The Partnership reimbursed FSI and its affiliates $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively, for data processing expenses and administrative services performed on behalf of the Partnership. The Partnership's proportional share of the USPE's administrative and data processing expenses reimbursed to FSI were $-0-, $-0- and $2,000 during 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These affiliated expenses reduced the Partnership's share of income in the USPE. 3. Equipment --------- Owned equipment held for operating leases is stated at cost. The components of owned equipment as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands of dollars): Equipment held for operating leases 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------- Trailers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,404 $ 9,404 Railcars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,097 10,705 Marine containers . . . . . . . . . -- 1,010 --------- --------- 16,501 21,119 Less accumulated depreciation . . . (14,500) (18,146) --------- --------- Net equipment . . . . . . . . . $ 2,001 $ 2,973 ========= ========= Revenues are earned by placing equipment under operating leases. The Partnership's marine containers were leased to operators of utilization-type leasing pools that included equipment owned by unaffiliated parties. In such instances, revenues received by the Partnership consisted of a specified percentage of revenues generated by leasing the equipment to sublessees, after deducting certain direct operating expenses of the pooled equipment. Rental revenues for trailers are based on a per-diem lease in the free running interchange with the railroads. Rents for railcars are based on fixed rates. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3. Equipment (continued) ---------------------- As of December 31, 2002, all owned equipment in the Partnership's portfolio was on lease, except for 64 railcars with an aggregate net book value of $0. As of December 31, 2001, all owned equipment in the Partnership's portfolio was on lease except for 223 railcars and 7 marine containers with an aggregate net book value of $0.2 million. During 2002, the General Partner disposed of marine containers and railcars owned by the Partnership, with an aggregate net book value of $0.1 million, for proceeds of $1.4 million. During 2001, the General Partner disposed of marine containers, trailers, and railcars owned by the Partnership, with an aggregate net book value of $0.1 million, for proceeds of $0.7 million. Included in the 2001 gain on sale are unused repair reserves of $0.3 million. There were no reductions to the carrying values of equipment in 2002, 2001, or 2000. All owned equipment on lease is being accounted for as operating leases. Future minimum rents under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2002 during each of the next five years are $0.4 million in 2003, $0.3 million in 2004, $0.2 million in 2005, $23,000 in 2006, and $0 thereafter. Per diem and short-term rentals consisting of utilization rate lease payments included in revenue amounted to $1.9 million, $1.8 million, and $2.0 million in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively. 4. Investment in an Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity ----------------------------------------------------------- The Partnership had an interest in an USPE that consisted of a 50% interest in a tenancy in common (TIC) owning a Boeing 737-200A aircraft (and related assets and liabilities). This was a single purpose entity that did not have any debt. This aircraft was sold in the first quarter of 2000 and the Partnership received liquidating proceeds from the sale of $1.8 million for its net investment of $0.3 million. The tables below set forth 100% of the gain on disposition of equipment, direct and indirect expenses, and net income of the entity in which the Partnership had an interest, and the Partnership's proportional share of income in this entity for the year ended December 31, 2000 (in thousands of dollars): East West For the year ended . . . . . . . 925 December 31, 2000. . . . TIC - -------------------------------------------- Gain on disposition of equipment $ 2,862 Less: Direct expenses. . . . . . 74 Indirect expenses . . 183 ---------- Net income. . . . . . . . . . $ 2,605 ========== Partnership's share of net income. . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,304 ========== 5. Operating Segments ------------------- The Partnership operates or operated in four primary operating segments: aircraft leasing, marine container leasing, trailer leasing, and railcar leasing. Each equipment-leasing segment engages in short-term to mid-term operating leases to a variety of customers. The General Partner evaluates the performance of each segment based on profit or loss from operations before allocation of general and administrative expenses and certain other expenses. The segments are managed separately due to different business strategies for each operation. The accounting policies of the Partnership's operating segments are the same as described in Note 1, Basis of Presentation. There were no intersegment revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5. Operating Segments (continued) -------------------------------- The following tables present a summary of the operating segments (in thousands of dollars): Marine Container Trailer Railcar For the Year Ended December 31, 2002 Leasing Leasing Leasing Other 1 Total - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVENUES Lease revenue $ 3 $ 1,515 $ 1,036 $ -- $ 2,554 Interest income and other -- -- 3 51 54 Gain on disposition of equipment 4 10 1,219 -- 1,233 -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- Total revenues 7 1,525 2,258 51 3,841 -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- EXPENSES Operations support 1 932 246 63 1,242 Depreciation 3 526 328 -- 857 Management fees to affiliates -- 75 54 -- 129 General and administrative expenses -- 280 106 323 709 Provision for (recovery of) bad debts -- 26 (43) -- (17) -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- Total expenses 4 1,839 691 386 2,920 -------- -------- -------- ------ ------- Net income (loss) $ 3 $ (314) $ 1,567 $ (335) $ 921 ======== ======== ======== ====== ======= Total assets as of December 31, 2002 $ 5 $ 2,360 $ 48 $ 4,079 $6,492 ======== ======== ======== ====== ======= Marine Container Trailer Railcar For the Year Ended December 31, 2001 Leasing Leasing Leasing Other 1 Total - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVENUES Lease revenue $ (24) $ 1,596 $ 1,101 $ -- $ 2,673 Interest income and other 159 -- 3 59 221 Gain (loss) on disposition of equipment 391 22 526 (10) 929 --------- ------- -------- ------- ------ Total revenues 526 1,618 1,630 49 3,823 --------- ------- -------- ------- ------ EXPENSES Operations support 1 811 700 109 1,621 Depreciation 20 530 577 -- 1,127 Management fees to affiliates (1) 38 95 -- 132 General and administrative expenses 1 284 94 491 870 Provision for bad debts 1 21 9 -- 31 --------- ------- -------- ------- ------ Total expenses 22 1,684 1,475 600 3,781 --------- ------- -------- ------- ------ Net income (loss) $ 504 $ (66) $ 1 55 $ (551) $ 42 ========= ======= ======= ======== ====== Total assets as of December 31, 2001 $ 27 $ 2,953 $ 577 $1,976 $5,533 ========= ======= ======= ======== ====== ___________________________ 1 Includes certain assets not identifiable to a specific segment, such as cash and prepaid expenses. Also includes interest income and costs not identifiable to a particular segment, such as certain operations support and general and administrative expenses. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5. Operating Segments (continued) ------------------------------------ Marine Aircraft Container Trailer Railcar For the Year Ended December 31, 2000 Leasing Leasing Leasing Leasing Other 1 Total - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVENUES Lease revenue $ -- $ 81 $ 1,945 $ 3,312 $ -- $5,338 Interest income and other -- -- -- 6 86 92 Net gain on disposition of equipment -- 182 301 1,965 -- 2,448 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ Total revenues -- 263 2,246 5,283 86 7,878 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ EXPENSES Operations support -- 6 728 1,329 38 2,101 Depreciation -- 206 648 727 -- 1,581 Management fees to affiliates -- 4 98 167 -- 269 General and administrative expenses 4 6 332 205 535 1,082 Recovery of bad debts -- -- (21) (27) (10) (58) -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ Total expenses 4 222 1,785 2,401 563 4,975 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ Equity in net income of USPE 1,304 -- -- -- -- 1,304 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ Net income (loss) $ 1,300 $ 41 $ 461 $ 2,882 $(477) $4,207 ======== ======== ======== ======== ====== ====== 6. Geographic Information ----------------------- The Partnership owns certain equipment that is leased and operated internationally. A limited number of the Partnership's transactions are denominated in a foreign currency. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the results of operations and are not material. The Partnership leases or leased its aircraft, railcars, and trailers to lessees domiciled in three geographic regions: the United States, Canada, and South Asia. Marine containers were leased to multiple lessees in different regions that operated worldwide. The table below sets forth lease revenues by geographic region for the Partnership's owned equipment, grouped by domicile of the lessee as of and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars): Owned Equipment ================ Region. . . . . . 2002 2001 2000 United States . . $ 2,088 $ 2,046 $ 3,956 Canada. . . . . . 463 651 1,301 Rest of the world 3 (24) 81 ------- ------- ------- Lease revenues $ 2,554 $ 2,673 $ 5,338 ======= ======= ======= The following table sets forth net income (loss) information by region for the Partnership's owned equipment and investments in an USPE, grouped by domicile of the lessee as of and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars): ______________________________ 1 Includes interest income and costs not identifiable to a particular segment, such as certain operations support and general and administrative expenses. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6. Geographic Information (continued) ----------------------- Owned Equipment Investments in an USPE ------------------------- -------------------------- Region. . . . . . 2002 2001 2000 2002 2001 2000 ========================= =========================== United States . . $ 516 $ (429) $ 2,661 $ -- $ -- $ -- Canada. . . . . . 736 518 679 -- -- -- South Asia. . . . -- -- -- -- -- 1,304 Rest of the world 4 504 42 -- -- -- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ------- Regional income . 1,256 593 3,382 -- -- 1,304 Administrative and other. . . (335) (551) (479) -- -- -- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ------- Net income . $ 921 $ 42 $ 2,903 $ -- $ -- $ 1,304 ======= ======== ======= ======== ======== ======= The net book value of these assets as of December 31 are as follows (in thousands of dollars): Owned Equipment --------------- Region. . . . . . 2002 2001 2000 ======================= United States . . $ 1,996 $ 2,692 $ 3,743 Canada. . . . . . 5 255 432 Rest of the world -- 26 69 ------- ------- ------- Net book value $ 2,001 $ 2,973 $ 4,244 ======= ======= ======= 7. Concentrations of Credit Risk -------------------------------- No single lessee accounted for more than 10% of the total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. In 2002, however, the Partnership sold railcars to Greenbrier and the gain from this sale accounted for 27% of the Partnership's revenues in 2002. In 2000, the Partnership sold its remaining investment in an USPE in which it had a 50% interest in an aircraft to Aegro Capital. The gain from this sale accounted for 14% of the Partnership's revenues from wholly owned equipment in 2000. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the General Partner believes the Partnership had no significant concentrations of credit risk that could have a material adverse effect on the Partnership. 8. Income Taxes ------------- The Partnership is not subject to income taxes, as any income or loss is included in the tax returns of the individual partners. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made in the financial statements of the Partnership. As of December 31, 2002, the federal income tax basis was higher than the financial statement carrying values of certain assets and liabilities by $15.1 million, primarily due to differences in depreciation methods and the tax treatment of underwriting commissions and syndication costs. 9. Contingencies ------------- The Partnership, together with affiliates, has initiated litigation in various official forums in India against a defaulting Indian airline lessee to repossess Partnership property and to recover damages for failure to pay rent and failure to maintain such property in accordance with relevant lease contracts. The Partnership has repossessed all of its property previously leased to such airline, and the airline has ceased operations. In response to the Partnership's collection efforts, the airline filed counter-claims against the Partnership in excess of the Partnership's claims against the airline. The General Partner believes that the airline's counterclaims are completely without merit, and the General Partner will vigorously defend against such counterclaims. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 9. Contingencies (continued) -------------------------- During 2001, the General Partner decided to minimize its collection efforts from the Indian lessee in order to save the Partnership from incurring additional expenses associated with trying to collect from a lessee that has no apparent ability to pay. The Partnership is involved as plaintiff or defendant in various other legal actions incidental to its business. Management does not believe that any of these actions will be material to the financial condition or results of operations of the Partnership. 10. Liquidation and Special Distributions ---------------------------------------- On January 1, 1999, the General Partner began the liquidation phase of the Partnership and commenced an orderly liquidation of the Partnership's assets. Given the current economic environment, and offers received for similar types of equipment owned by the Partnership, the General Partner has determined it would not be advantageous to sell the remaining Partnership equipment at the current time. The General Partner will continue to monitor the equipment markets to determine an optimal time to sell. In the meantime, equipment will continue to be leased, and re-leased at market rates as existing leases expire. The amounts reflected for assets and liabilities of the Partnership have not been adjusted to reflect liquidation values. The equipment portfolio continues to be carried at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less cost to dispose. Although the General Partner estimates that there will be distributions after liquidation of assets and liabilities, the amounts cannot be accurately determined prior to actual liquidation of the equipment. Upon final liquidation, the Partnership will be dissolved. A special distribution of $0.8 million ($0.10 per weighted-average depositary unit) was paid in 2000. No special distributions were paid in 2002 and 2001. The Partnership is not permitted to reinvest proceeds from sales or liquidations of equipment. These proceeds, in excess of operational cash requirements, are periodically paid out to limited partners in the form of special distributions. The sales and liquidations occur because of the determination by the General Partner that it is the appropriate time to maximize the return on an asset through the sale of that asset, and, in some leases, the ability of the lessee to exercise purchase options. EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11. Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) ---------------------------------- The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts): March June September December 31, 30, 30, 31, Total ================================================ Operating results: Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . $1,875 $ 568 $ 700 $ 698 $3,841 Net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . 1,200 (169) (143) 33 921 Per weighted-average depositary unit: Limited partners' net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . $ 0.16 $(0.02) $ (0.02) $ 0.00 $ 0.12 In the first quarter of 2002, the Partnership disposed of railcars and recorded a gain on disposition of $1.2 million. The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2001 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts): March June September December 31, 30, 30, 31, Total =============================================== Operating results: Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . $ 921 $ 675 $ 818 $ 1,409 $3,823 Net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . (338) (368) 20 728 42 Per weighted-average depositary unit: Limited partners' net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . $(0.05) $(0.05) $ 0.00 $ 0.10 $(0.00) In the fourth quarter of 2001, the Partnership sold trailers, marine containers, and railcars for a gain of $0.6 million. PLM EQUIPMENT GROWTH FUND II INDEX OF EXHIBITS Exhibit Page - ------- ---- 4.. . . Limited Partnership Agreement of Partnership * 4.1 Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement of Registrant * 10.1 Management Agreement between Partnership and PLM Investment * Management, Inc. 99.1 East West 925. 41-48 __________________________ *Incorporated by reference. See page 19 of this report.