AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV
American Income Partners IV-A Limited Partnership
Annual Report to the Partners, December 31, 1996
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PARTNERS
PAGE
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 2
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 3-5
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Report of Independent Auditors 6
Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 1995 7
Statement of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation for the
Period October 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996 8
Statement of Operations for the Period January 1, 1996 to
September 30, 1996 and for the Years Ended
December 31, 1995 and 1994 9
Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital for the Period
January 1, 1996 to September 30, 1996 and for the Years Ended
December 31, 1995 and 1994 10
Statement of Cash Flows for the Period January 1, 1996
to September 30, 1996
and for the Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12-21
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Schedule of Excess (Deficiency) of Total Cash Generated to
Cost of Equipment Disposed 23
Statement of Cash and Distributable Cash from Operations,
Sales and Refinancings 24
Schedule of Costs Reimbursed to the Managing General Partner
and its Affiliates as Required by Section 10.4 of the Amended
and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership 25
1
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following data should be read in conjunction with Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
and the financial statements. The discussion of the 1996 results, presented
below, incorporates the nine month operating period ended September 30,
1996 and the three month liquidation period ended December 31, 1996.
For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1996:
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
Lease revenue $ 1,040,415 $1,273,402 $1,721,134 $3,078,474 $ 3,948,379
Net income (loss) $ 1,004,807 $ 878,377 $1,210,140 $ 723,846 $ (280,774)
Per Unit:
Net income (loss) $ 1.06 $ 0.93 $ 1.28 $ 0.76 $ (0.30)
Cash distributions $ 4.69 $ 1.50 $ 2.00 $ 3.75 $ 3.75
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets - $4,293,196 $5,117,645 $6,464,064 $ 10,469,832
Total long-term
obligations - $ 85,938 $ 141,872 $ 365,598 $ 1,474,464
Partners' capital - $3,927,765 $4,473,024 $5,161,064 $ 7,996,308
2
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources
American Income Partners IV-A Limited Partnership (the Partnership) was
established in 1988 as a direct-participation equipment leasing program.
The Partnership's principal purpose was (i) to acquire and lease a
diversified portfolio of capital equipment to third-party lessees and (ii)
to distribute the net cash flow realized from the Partnership's business
operations to its Partners. The Partnership was capitalized with equity
contributions of $23,490,000 from its Recognized Owners and $1,000 from its
Managing General Partner. Following its inception, the Partnership acquired
a diversified pool of capital equipment at an aggregate cost of
$36,098,387, a significant portion of which was financed by third-party
banks or other institutional lenders. On September 30, 1996, the
Partnership sold substantially all of its assets and thereafter wound up
its operations. The Partnership was dissolved on December 31, 1996.
Organized as a limited-life entity, the Partnership was anticipated to be
dissolved within approximately seven years of its formation. A significant
portion of the Partnership's equipment assets, representing 73% of its
original equipment portfolio, was sold in the ordinary course of business
prior to September 30, 1996. On September 30, 1996, the remainder of the
Partnership's equipment portfolio was sold to RSL Finance Limited
Partnership II (the Buyer). Accordingly, the financial statements
accompanying this discussion were prepared using the liquidation basis of
accounting for the period October 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996. The
Statement of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation reflects the liquidation
of assets during that period.
A comparison of current and prior years' financial results is not presented
because it is not considered meaningful due the dissolution of the
Partnership and the liquidation of its assets.
Prior to its dissolution, the Partnership's principal sources of revenue
consisted of rental income from equipment leases and sales proceeds
generated from the disposition of its equipment assets. Rental income was
used first to extinguish indebtedness and second to pay the Partnership's
management fees and operating expenses. Net cash flow from all sources,
after satisfaction of debt service, management fees and operating expenses,
was used to pay cash distributions to the Partners. Over its lifetime, the
Partnership paid aggregate cash distributions of $24,037,997. In accordance
with the Partnership's Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
Limited Partnership, the Partnership's Recognized Owners were paid 99% of
such cash distributions, or $23,797,617 ($25.33 per unit) and the General
Partners were paid 1% of such distributions, or $240,380. At December 31,
1996, the Partnership had a contingency reserve balance of $478,963. These
funds will be used to satisfy any expenses of the Partnership which may
arise after its dissolution date. To the extent that these funds are not
utilized for such purposes, they will be paid to the Partners according to
their respective allocation percentages, 99%, or $474,173, representing
$0.50 per unit, to the Recognized Owners and 1%, or $4,790, to the General
Partners.
3
During the second quarter of 1996, the Partnership engaged an investment
adviser to solicit potential buyers for the Partnership's remaining
equipment assets and associated lease contracts. The remarketing effort was
undertaken jointly by 15 individual equipment leasing programs, consisting
of the Partnership and 14 affiliated partnerships (the Other Affected
Partnerships). Thirteen of the programs, including the Partnership, sold
all of their equipment assets (the Liquidated Programs); and two programs
sold only their proportionate ownership interests in certain assets owned
jointly with one or more of the Liquidated Programs (collectively, the Sale
Assets). Substantially all of the Partnership's equipment assets of
material value represented partial ownership interests whereby the
Partnership owned less than a 100% interest in the equipment it sold. The
remaining interests in such assets were owned by one or more of the Other
Affected Partnerships.
On September 30, 1996, the Partnership and each of the Other Affected
Partnerships executed individual purchase and sale agreements with the
Buyer for all of the Sale Assets, except for one McDonnell Douglas MD-82
aircraft leased to Northwest Airlines, Inc. (the NWA Aircraft), hereafter
the Sales Assets, as Revised. The NWA Aircraft, in which the Partnership
owned a proportionate interest of 18%, was purchased by the lessee pursuant
to a separate negotiation. The Partnership realized $1,229,840 of net sale
proceeds for the Sale Assets, as Revised and $2,347,394 for the NWA
Aircraft. The latter included early termination rental payments of $292,524
from the lessee. At the date of sale, the Sale Assets, as Revised and the
NWA Aircraft had net book values of $839,271 and $2,195,994, respectively.
In aggregate, the Partnership and the Other Affected Partnerships realized,
prior to transaction costs, $32,997,000 for all of the Sale Assets, as
Revised and $13,200,000 for the NWA Aircraft. Net proceeds from the NWA
Aircraft were allocated to the owners of the NWA Aircraft according to
their respective percentage ownership interests. Net proceeds from the Sale
Assets, as Revised were allocated to the Partnership and to each of the
Other Affected Partnerships based upon an apportionment of the sales price
among all equipment comprising the Sale Assets, as Revised according to
each asset's estimated re-sale value, as determined by an independent
appraiser. For financial reporting purposes, the Partnership recognized a
net gain of $249,445 in connection with both sale transactions. In
addition, the Partnership recognized a net gain of $40,692 during the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 from the sale of other equipment, all of
which had been fully depreciated for financial reporting purposes at the
date of sale.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership recognized lease
revenue of $1,040,415. In addition, the Partnership earned interest income
from temporary cash investments. Operating expenses consisted principally
of administrative charges, professional service costs, such as legal and
accounting fees, as well as printing, distribution, and remarketing
expenses, including equipment storage and repairs and maintenance costs.
Operating costs for 1996 include all identified costs anticipated to be
incurred in connection with the Partnership's wind-up and dissolution.
On October 10, 1996, the Managing General Partner entered into a Cross
Partnership Agreement (the Agreement) with the general partners of certain
of the Other Affected Partnerships participating in the sales transactions
described above. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Partnership and each of the
other partnerships agreed to set aside a contingency reserve for future
liabilities. The Agreement provides that obligations of any individual
partnership which are not associated with the sales transactions will
directly reduce that partnership's reserve balance, whereas costs
pertaining to the sales transactions will be allocated against the reserve
balances of the Partnership and each of the other partnerships on a
proportionate basis. If the reserve balance of the Partnership is depleted
to zero, the reserve balances contributed by the other partnerships will be
debited on a proportionate basis to cover the deficit. If the reserve
balances of any one of the other partnerships is depleted to zero, the
reserve balance of the Partnership and any other partnerships having a
4
positive reserve balance shall be debited on a proportionate basis to cover
the deficit. Upon termination of the Agreement, any remaining monies will
be distributed to the partners of those partnerships with positive reserve
balances. At December 31, 1996, the Partnership had a contingency reserve
balance of $478,963. To the extent that this contingency reserve is not
necessary to satisfy any unforeseen liabilities of the Partnership, it will
be remitted to the Partners.
The dissolution of the Partnership was recorded at the Office of the
Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on December 31,
1996. The Partnership's business operations were concluded on that date.
Immediately following the filing of the Partnership's 1996 Form 10-K, the
Managing General Partner of the Partnership will file Form 15,
Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration under Section 12(g)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Suspension of Duty to File
Reports Under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
5
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Partners of American Income Partners IV-A Limited Partnership:
We have audited the accompanying statement of financial position of
American Income Partners IV-A Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1995,
and the related statements of operations, changes in partners' capital, and
cash flows for each of the two years ended December 31, 1995 and for the
period from January 1, 1996 to September 30, 1996. In addition, we have
audited the statement of changes in net assets in liquidation for the
period from October 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Managing General
Partner of American Income Partners IV-A Limited Partnership approved a
plan of liquidation on September 30, 1996, and the Partnership commenced
liquidation shortly thereafter. As a result, the partnership has changed
its basis of accounting for periods subsequent to September 30, 1996 from
the going-concern basis to a liquidation basis. The liquidation was
completed and the Partnership was dissolved on December 31, 1996.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of American Income
Partners IV-A Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1995, the results of
its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years ended December
31, 1995, and for the period from January 1, 1996 to September 30, 1996,
and the changes in its net assets in liquidation for the period from
October 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on the bases described in the preceding
paragraph.
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the
basic financial statements taken as a whole. The Additional Financial
Information identified in the Index to Annual Report to the Partners is
presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of
the basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic financial statements
and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation
to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 7, 1997
6
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
DECEMBER 31, 1995
ASSETS
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 861,146
Rents receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $25,000 73,373
Accounts receivable-affiliate 127,841
Equipment at cost, net of accumulated
depreciation of $7,678,349 3,230,836
---------------
Total assets $ 4,293,196
===============
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 85,938
Accrued interest 1,086
Accrued liabilities 20,000
Accrued liabilities-affiliate 12,018
Deferred rental income 9,116
Cash distributions payable to partners 237,273
---------------
Total liabilities 365,431
---------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT):
General Partners (167,081)
Limited Partnership Interests (939,600 Units,
initial purchase price of $25 each) 4,094,846
---------------
Total partners' capital 3,927,765
---------------
Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 4,293,196
===============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
7
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS IN LIQUIDATION
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1996 TO DECEMBER 31, 1996
INTEREST INCOME $ 10,209
OPERATING EXPENSES-AFFILIATE (14,431)
LIQUIDATING DISTRIBUTION (478,963)
---------------
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS IN LIQUIDATION DURING THE PERIOD (483,185)
NET ASSETS IN LIQUIDATION, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 483,185
---------------
NET ASSETS IN LIQUIDATION, END OF PERIOD $ -
===============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
8
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1996 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 1996 FOR THE YEARS ENDED
TO SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995 1994
INCOME:
Lease revenue $1,040,415 $1,273,402 $1,721,134
Interest income 44,474 53,473 56,681
Gain on sale of equipment 290,137 80,698 322,414
---------- ---------- ----------
Total income 1,375,026 1,407,573 2,100,229
---------- ---------- ----------
EXPENSES:
Depreciation 195,571 378,245 720,759
Interest expense 3,413 8,274 22,299
Equipment management fees-affiliate 52,021 63,670 86,057
Operating expenses-affiliate 114,992 79,007 60,974
---------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses 365,997 529,196 890,089
---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME $1,009,029 $ 878,377 $1,210,140
========== ========== ==========
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT $ 1.06 $ 0.93 $ 1.28
========== ========== ==========
CASH DISTRIBUTIONS DECLARED PER
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT $ 4.69 $ 1.50 $ 2.00
========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
9
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1996 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
GENERAL
PARTNERS RECOGNIZED OWNERS
AMOUNT UNITS AMOUNT TOTAL
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993 $(154,748) 939,600 $ 5,315,812 $ 5,161,064
Net income-1994 12,101 - 1,198,039 1,210,140
Cash distributions declared (18,982) - (1,879,198) (1,898,180)
--------- ------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994 (161,629) 939,600 4,634,653 4,473,024
Net income-1995 8,784 - 869,593 878,377
Cash distributions declared (14,236) - (1,409,400) (1,423,636)
--------- ------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 (167,081) 939,600 4,094,846 3,927,765
Net income for the period
January 1, 1996
to September 30, 1996 10,090 - 998,939 1,009,029
Cash distributions declared (44,536) - (4,409,073) (4,453,609)
--------- ------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 $(201,527) 939,600 $ 684,712 $ 483,185
========= ======= =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
10
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1996 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
AND FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 1996 FOR THE YEARS ENDED
TO SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995 1994
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 1,009,029 $ 878,377 $ 1,210,140
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
from operating
activities-
Depreciation 195,571 378,245 720,759
Gain on sale of equipment (290,137) (80,698) (322,414)
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts (15,000) - (25,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities-
Decrease (increase) in-
Rents receivable 88,373 28,231 (5,189)
Due from Buyer (21,367) - -
Accounts receivable-affiliate (235,088) 21,021 77,568
Increase (decrease) in-
Accrued interest (354) (592) (3,331)
Accrued liabilities 37,341 4,500 2,000
Accrued liabilities-affiliate 10,599 6,800 4,841
Deferred rental income (9,116) 3,308 (22,935)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash from operating activities 769,851 1,239,192 1,636,439
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments from direct financing leases - - 201,035
Proceeds from equipment sales 40,692 89,476 332,254
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash from investing activities 40,692 89,476 533,289
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments-notes payable (25,150) (55,934) (361,226)
Distributions paid (711,819) (1,660,908) (2,313,408)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities (736,969) (1,716,842) (2,674,634)
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 73,574 (388,174) (504,906)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 861,146 1,249,320 1,754,226
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 934,720 $ 861,146 $ 1,249,320
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for interest $ 3,767 $ 8,866 $ 25,630
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
As discussed in Notes 1 and 4, the Partnership entered into a sale transaction
to dispose of its equipment portfolio. This transaction was closed on September
30, 1996. The Partnership received net sales proceeds of $1,229,840, a portion
of which was subsequently used to repay outstanding principal and interest
of $60,788 and $732, respectively. The remainder $1,168,320, was deposited
into an escrow account and transferred to the Partnership on October 3,
1996.
As discussed in Notes 1 and 4, the Partnership entered into an additional
sale transaction to dispose of its interest in an aircraft leased to
Northwest Airlines, Inc. This transaction was settled on September 30,
1996. The net sales proceeds of $2,054,870 were deposited into an escrow
account and transferred to the Partnership on October 3, 1996.
In 1994, the Partnership capitalized $137,500 of refurbishment costs
incurred to upgrade certain equipment all of which was financed by a
third-party lender.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
11
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(1) ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP MATTERS
Organization
The Partnership was organized as a limited partnership under the
Massachusetts Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the Uniform Act) on June 21,
1988, for the purpose of acquiring and leasing to third parties a
diversified portfolio of capital equipment. Partners' capital initially
consisted of contributions of $1,000 from the Managing General Partner (AFG
Leasing IV Incorporated) and $100 from the Initial Limited Partner (AFG
Assignor Corporation). On September 29, 1988, the Partnership issued
939,600 units, representing assignments of limited partnership interests
(the Units) to 1,372 investors. Unitholders and Limited Partners (other
than the Initial Limited Partner) are collectively referred to as
Recognized Owners. On December 31, 1996, the General Partners of the
Partnership caused the Partnership's Amended and Restated Agreement and
Certificate of Limited Partnership (the Restated Agreement, as amended) to
be canceled by filing a Certificate of Cancellation with the Massachusetts
Secretary under the Uniform Act. Accordingly, the Partnership was dissolved
on December 31, 1996.
The Partnership originally had four General Partners: AFG Leasing IV
Incorporated, a Massachusetts corporation established in 1987 and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of American Finance Group (AFG), a Massachusetts
general partnership, which subsequently became Equis Financial Group
Limited Partnership (collectively referred to herein as AFG), Daniel J.
Roggemann, Martin F. Laughlin, and Geoffrey A. MacDonald (collectively the
General Partners). Messrs. Roggemann and Laughlin subsequently elected to
withdraw as Individual General Partners. AFG Leasing IV Incorporated is
also the general partner or managing general partner of certain affiliated
partnerships sponsored by AFG.
Significant operations commenced September 29, 1988 when the Partnership
made its initial equipment purchase. Pursuant to the Restated Agreement, as
amended, Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From
Sales or Refinancings were allocated 99% to the Recognized Owners and 1% to
the General Partners.
Under the terms of a management agreement between the Partnership and
AF/AIP Programs Limited Partnership and the terms of an identical
management agreement between AF/AIP Programs Limited Partnership and AFG
(collectively, the Management Agreement), management services were provided
by AFG to the Partnership at fees which the Managing General Partner
believed to be competitive for similar services. (Also see Note 5.)
12
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(1) ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP MATTERS (Continued)
Organization (Continued)
Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership (Equis) is a Massachusetts
partnership formerly known as American Finance Group (AFG). AFG was
established in 1988 as a Massachusetts general partnership and succeeded
American Finance Group, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation organized in
1980. Equis and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) are engaged in
various aspects of the equipment leasing business, including Equis' role as
Equipment Manager or Advisor to the Partnership and several other
Direct-Participation equipment leasing programs sponsored or co-sponsored
by AFG (the Other Investment Programs). The Company arranges to broker or
originate equipment leases, acts as remarketing agent and asset manager,
and provides leasing support services, such as billing, collecting and
asset tracking.
The general partner of Equis, with a 1% controlling interest, is Equis
Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation owned and controlled entirely by
Gary D. Engle, its President and Chief Executive Officer. Equis Corporation
also owns a controlling 1% general partner interest in Equis' 99% limited
partner, GDE Acquisition Limited Partnership (GDE LP). Equis Corporation
and GDE LP were established in December 1994 by Mr. Engle for the sole
purpose of acquiring the business of AFG.
In January 1996, the Company sold certain assets of AFG relating primarily
to the business of originating new leases, and the name "American Finance
Group," and its acronym to a third party (the Buyer). AFG changed its name
to Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership after the sale was concluded.
Pursuant to terms of the sale agreements, Equis agreed not to compete with
the Buyer's lease origination business for a period of five years; however,
Equis is permitted to originate certain equipment leases, principally those
involving noninvestment grade lessees and ocean-going vessels, which are
not in competition with the Buyer. In addition, the sale agreements
specifically reserved to Equis the rights to continue using the name
American Finance Group and its acronym in connection with the Partnership
and the Other Investment Programs and to continue managing all assets owned
by the Partnership and the Other Investment Programs, including the right
to satisfy all required equipment acquisitions utilizing either brokers or
the Buyer. Geoffrey A. MacDonald, Chairman of Equis Corporation and Gary D.
Engle agreed not to compete with the sold business on terms and conditions
similar to those for the Company.
13
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(1) ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP MATTERS (Continued)
Basis of Presentation
On September 30, 1996, the Partnership sold all of its remaining equipment
assets, excluding its interest in an aircraft, for $1,229,840. The entire
remarketing effort was undertaken jointly by 15 individual equipment
leasing programs, consisting of the Partnership and 14 affiliated
partnerships, each of which individually executed separate purchase and
sale agreements with RSL Finance Limited Partnership II (the Buyer) and
certain of which entered into a collective purchase and sale agreement with
Northwest Airlines, Inc. (NWA), to sell all or a portion of their equipment
assets (the Sale Assets). These proceeds were first used to repay the
entire outstanding balance due under the notes payable and the associated
interest of $60,788 and $732, respectively. Certain of these partnerships,
including the Partnership, sold their collective interest in a McDonnell
Douglas MD-82 aircraft (NWA Aircraft) to NWA. The net consideration for
this aircraft was allocated first to remaining lease rental obligations and
second to sale proceeds. The Partnership's proportionate share of this
consideration was $2,347,394, including $2,054,870 representing net sale
proceeds. (See Note 5.)
On October 15, 1996, the Partnership paid a cash distribution of $3,979,063
of which $3,939,272 was paid to the Limited Partners and $39,791 was paid
to the Managing General Partner. As discussed in Note 4, the Partnership
had a contingency reserve of $478,963 at December 31, 1996.
The Managing General Partner approved a plan of liquidation on September
30, 1996 and commenced liquidation on October 1, 1996. On December 31,
1996, the Managing General Partner dissolved the Partnership in accordance
with the Restated Agreement, as amended.
The financial statements presented have been prepared on a going-concern
basis through September 30, 1996. Due to the dissolution of the Partnership
requiring liquidation and distribution of its net assets, the Partnership
changed its basis of accounting from going-concern to liquidation basis
effective October 1, 1996. Liquidation basis requires that statements be
prepared based on anticipated liquidating values of assets and liabilities.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Statement of Cash Flows
The Partnership considered liquid investment instruments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. From time to time,
the Partnership invested excess cash with large institutional banks in
reverse repurchase agreements with overnight maturities. Under the terms of
the agreements, title to the underlying securities passed to the
Partnership. The securities underlying the agreements were book entry
securities.
14
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Revenue Recognition
Rents were payable to the Partnership monthly, quarterly or semi-annually
and no significant amounts were calculated on factors other than the
passage of time. The leases were accounted for as operating leases and were
noncancellable. Rents received prior to their due dates were deferred. The
Partnership's entire equipment portfolio was sold on September 30, 1996. No
future rents are due.
Revenue from major individual lessees which accounted for 10% or more of
lease revenue during each of the past three years is as follows:
1996 1995 1994
Northwest Airlines, Inc. $555,794 $351,029 $436,986
Gearbulk Shipowning Ltd. (formerly Kristian
Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi A/S) $190,602 $288,446 $293,386
Building Materials Corporation of America - $152,033 $177,372
Rose's Stores, Inc. - - $190,051
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements
and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Equipment on Lease
All equipment was acquired from AFG, one of its affiliates, including other
equipment leasing programs sponsored by AFG, or from third-party sellers.
Equipment cost represented asset base price plus acquisition fees and was
determined in accordance with the Restated Agreement, as amended, and
certain regulatory guidelines. Asset base price was affected by the
relationship of the seller to the Partnership as summarized herein. Where
the seller of the equipment was AFG or an affiliate, asset base price was
the lower of (i) the actual price paid for the equipment by AFG or the
affiliate plus all actual costs accrued by AFG or the affiliate while
carrying the equipment less the amount of all rents earned by AFG or the
affiliate prior to selling the equipment or (ii) fair market value as
determined by the Managing General Partner in its best judgment, including
all liens and encumbrances on the
15
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Equipment on Lease (Continued)
equipment and other actual expenses. Where the seller of the equipment was
a third party who did not manufacture the equipment, asset base price was
the lower of (i) the price invoiced by the third party or (ii) fair market
value as determined by the Managing General Partner. Where the seller of
the equipment was a third party who also manufactured the equipment, asset
base price was the manufacturer's invoice price, which price was considered
to be representative of fair market value.
Depreciation
The Partnership's depreciation policy was intended to allocate the cost of
equipment over the period during which it produced economic benefit. The
principal period of economic benefit was considered to correspond to each
asset's primary lease term, which term generally represented the period of
greatest revenue potential for each asset. Accordingly, to the extent that
an asset was held on primary lease term, the Partnership depreciated the
difference between (i) the cost of the asset and (ii) the estimated
residual value of the asset on a straight-line basis over such term. For
purposes of this policy, estimated residual values represented estimates of
equipment values at the date of primary lease expiration. To the extent
that an asset was held beyond its primary lease term, the Partnership
continued to depreciate the remaining net book value of the asset on a
straight-line basis over the asset's remaining economic life.
Accrued Liabilities-Affiliate
Unpaid operating expenses paid by AFG on behalf of the Partnership were
reported as Accrued Liabilities-Affiliate. (See Note 5.)
Allocation of Profits and Losses
For financial statement purposes, net income or loss was allocated to each
Partner according to their respective ownership percentages (99% to the
Recognized Owners and 1% to the General Partners). See Note 6 concerning
allocation of income or loss for income tax purposes.
Net Income and Cash Distributions Per Unit
Net income and cash distributions per Unit were based on 939,600 Units
outstanding during each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, and computed after allocation of the General Partners' 1% share of
net income and cash distributions.
16
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Provision for Income Taxes
No provision or benefit from income taxes is included in the accompanying
financial statements. The Partners are responsible for reporting their
proportionate shares of the Partnership's taxable income or loss and other
tax attributes on their tax returns.
(3) INVESTMENT IN DIRECT FINANCING LEASE
During 1994, the Partnership entered into a direct financing lease in
connection with the remarketing of certain equipment. The Partnership
received $205,814 of aggregate lease payments in connection with the sale
of this equipment during the year ending December 31, 1994. For financial
statement purposes, the Partnership recorded a gain on sale of equipment of
$201,035 and interest income of $4,779. Interest income represented the
difference between the aggregate lease payments received by the Partnership
and the present value of those lease payments, calculated at the lease's
inception using the rate of interest implicit in the lease or 5.16%.
Ownership of the equipment was transferred to the lessee in December 1994
upon receipt of the final lease payment.
(4) EQUIPMENT
At September 30, 1996, the Partnership disposed of its entire equipment
portfolio.
As equipment was sold to third parties, or otherwise disposed of, the
Partnership recognized a gain or loss equal to the difference between the
net book value of the equipment at the time of sale or disposition and the
proceeds realized upon sale or disposition.
(5) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All operating expenses incurred by the Partnership were paid by AFG on
behalf of the Partnership and AFG was reimbursed at its actual cost for
such expenditures. Fees and other costs incurred during each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996, which were paid or accrued by
the Partnership to AFG or its Affiliates, are as follows:
1996 1995 1994
Equipment management fees $ 52,021 $ 63,670 $ 86,057
Administrative charges 30,343 21,000 12,000
Reimbursable operating expenses
due to third parties 99,080 58,007 48,974
-------- -------- --------
Total $181,444 $142,677 $147,031
======== ======== ========
17
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(5) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
As provided under the terms of the Management Agreement, AFG was
compensated for its services to the Partnership. Such services included all
aspects of acquisition, management and sale of equipment. For acquisition
services, AFG was compensated by an amount equal to 4.75% of Equipment Base
Price paid by the Partnership. For management services, AFG was compensated
by an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 5% of gross lease rental revenues
earned by the Partnership or (ii) fees which the Managing General Partner
reasonably believed to be competitive for similar services for similar
equipment. Both of these fees were subject to certain limitations defined
in the Management Agreement. As Payout was not achieved, AFG received no
compensation for services connected to the sale of equipment under its
subordinated remarketing agreement.
Administrative charges represent amounts owed to AFG, pursuant to Section
10.4 of the Restated Agreement, as amended, for persons employed by AFG who
were engaged in providing administrative services to the Partnership.
Reimbursable operating expenses due to third parties represent costs paid
by AFG on behalf of the Partnership which were reimbursed to AFG.
All equipment was purchased from AFG, one of its affiliates, including
other equipment leasing programs sponsored by AFG, or from third-party
sellers. The Partnership's Purchase Price was determined by the method
described in Note 2.
All rents and proceeds from the sale of equipment were paid directly to
either AFG or to a lender. AFG temporarily deposited collected funds in a
separate interest-bearing escrow account prior to remittance to the
Partnership.
On August 18, 1995, Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership (AALP), a
newly formed Massachusetts limited partnership owned and controlled by
certain principals of AFG, commenced a voluntary cash Tender Offer (the
Offer) for up to approximately 45% of the outstanding units of limited
partner interest in this Partnership and 20 affiliated partnerships
sponsored and managed by AFG. The Offer was subsequently amended and
supplemented in order to provide additional disclosure to unitholders;
increase the offer price; reduce the number of units sought to
approximately 35% of the outstanding units; and extend the expiration date
of the Offer to October 20, 1995. Following commencement of the Offer,
certain legal actions were initiated by interested persons against AALP,
each of the general partners (4 in total) of the 21 affected programs, and
various other affiliates and related parties. One action, a class action
brought in the United States District Court for the District of
Massachusetts (the Court) on behalf of the unitholders (Recognized Owners),
sought to enjoin the Offer and obtain unspecified monetary damages. A
settlement of this litigation was approved by the Court on November 15,
1995. The Plaintiffs filed an appeal in this matter. On November 26, 1996,
the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit handed down a
decision affirming the Court's approval of
18
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(5) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
the settlement. A second class action, brought in the Superior Court of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the Superior Court) seeking to enjoin the
Offer, obtain unspecified monetary damages, and intervene in the first
class action, was dismissed by the Superior Court. The Recognized Owners of
the Partnership tendered 80,347 units or 8.55% of the total outstanding
units of the Partnership to AALP. In September 1996, AALP sold these units
to Equis for $391,587.
The remarketing effort described in Note 1 was undertaken jointly by 15
individual equipment leasing programs, consisting of the Partnership and 14
affiliated partnerships (Other Affected Partnerships). Thirteen of the
programs, including the Partnership, sold all of their equipment assets
(the Liquidated Programs); and two programs sold only their proportionate
ownership interests in certain assets owned jointly with one or more of the
Liquidated Programs. Substantially all of the Partnership's equipment
assets of material value represented partial ownership interests whereby
the Partnership owned less than a 100% interest in the equipment it sold.
The remaining interests in such assets were owned by one or more of the
Other Affected Partnerships.
On September 30, 1996, the Partnership and each of the Other Affected
Partnerships executed individual purchase and sale agreements with the
Buyer for all of the Sale Assets, except for one McDonnell Douglas MD-82
aircraft leased to Northwest Airlines, Inc., hereafter the Sale Assets, as
Revised. The NWA Aircraft, in which the Partnership owned a proportionate
interest of 18%, was purchased by the lessee pursuant to a separate
negotiation. The Partnership realized $1,229,840 of net sale proceeds for
the Sale Assets, as Revised and $2,347,394 for the NWA Aircraft. The latter
included early termination rental payments of $292,524 from the lessee. At
the date of sale, the Sale Assets, as Revised and the NWA Aircraft had net
book values of $839,271 and $2,195,994, respectively. In aggregate, the
Partnership and the Other Affected Partnerships realized, prior to
transaction costs, $32,997,000 for all of the Sale Assets, as Revised and
$13,200,000 for the NWA Aircraft. Net proceeds from the NWA Aircraft were
allocated to the owners of the NWA Aircraft according to their respective
percentage ownership interests. Net proceeds from the Sale Assets, as
Revised were allocated to the Partnership and to each of the Other Affected
Partnerships based upon an apportionment of the sales price among all
equipment comprising the Sale Assets, as Revised according to each asset's
estimated re-sale value, as determined by an independent appraiser.
The Buyer is a limited partnership established to acquire the Sale Assets,
as Revised, and has no direct affiliation with the Partnership, the Other
Affected Partnerships, the General Partners or AFG. The sole general
partner of the Buyer is RSL Holdings, Inc. (RSL). An affiliate of RSL
purchased a significant limited partnership interest in a
direct-participation equipment leasing program co-sponsored by AFG in 1992.
AFG acquired this interest in 1993 for cash and assumption of indebtedness.
There have been no other business dealings between the Buyer and AFG and
their affiliates.
19
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(5) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
On October 10, 1996, the Managing General Partner entered into a Cross
Partnership Agreement (the Agreement) with the general partners of certain
of the Other Affected Partnerships participating in the sales transactions
described above. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Partnership and each of the
other partnerships agreed to set aside a contingency reserve for future
liabilities. The Agreement provides that obligations of any individual
partnership which are not associated with the sales transactions will
directly reduce that partnership's reserve balance, whereas costs
pertaining to the sales transactions will be allocated against the reserve
balances of the Partnership and each of the other partnerships on a
proportionate basis. If the reserve balance of the Partnership is depleted
to zero, the reserve balances contributed by the other partnerships will be
debited on a proportionate basis to cover the deficit. If the reserve
balances of any one of the other partnerships is depleted to zero, the
reserve balance of the Partnership and any other partnerships having a
positive reserve balance shall be debited on a proportionate basis to cover
the deficit. Upon termination of the Agreement, any remaining monies will
be distributed to the partners of those partnerships with positive reserve
balances. At December 31, 1996, the Partnership had a contingency reserve
balance of $478,963. To the extent that this contingency reserve is not
necessary to satisfy any unforeseen liabilities of the Partnership, it will
be remitted to the Partners.
(6) INCOME TAXES
The Partnership was not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes.
Accordingly, no provision for income taxes was recorded in the accounts of
the Partnership.
For financial statement purposes, the Partnership allocated net income or
loss to each class of partner according to their respective ownership
percentages (99% to the Recognized Owners and 1% to the General Partners).
This convention differed from the income or loss allocation requirements
for income tax and Dissolution Event purposes as delineated in the Restated
Agreement, as amended. For income tax purposes, the Partnership allocated
net income or loss in accordance with such agreement.
The following is a reconciliation between net income reported for financial
statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:
1996 1995 1994
Net income $ 1,004,807 $ 878,377 $ 1,210,140
Financial statement depreciation in
excess of
(less than) tax depreciation 116,128 (177,792) 5,257
Prepaid rental income (9,116) 3,308 (22,935)
Other 1,775,075 8,777 115,964
----------- --------- -----------
Net income for federal income tax
reporting
purposes $ 2,886,894 $ 712,670 $ 1,308,426
=========== ========= ===========
20
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(Continued)
(6) INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The principal component of Other consists of the difference between the tax
gain on equipment disposals and the financial statement gain on disposals.
The following is a reconciliation between partners' capital reported for
financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the year
ended December 31, 1995. A reconciliation for the year ended December 31,
1996 has not been presented, as partners' capital for financial statement
and federal income tax reporting purposes is zero.
Partners' capital $ 3,927,765
Add back selling commissions and organization
and offering costs 2,755,175
Financial statement distributions in excess
of tax distributions 2,373
Cumulative difference between federal income
tax and financial statement income (loss)
(2,095,598)
--------------
Partners' capital for federal
income tax reporting purposes $ 4,589,715
==============
Financial statement distributions in excess of tax distributions and
cumulative difference between federal income tax and financial statement
income (loss) represent timing differences.
21
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
22
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
SCHEDULE OF EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF TOTAL CASH
GENERATED TO COST OF EQUIPMENT DISPOSED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
The Partnership classified all rents from leasing equipment as lease
revenue. Upon expiration of the primary lease terms, equipment was sold,
rented on a month-to-month basis or re-leased for a defined period under a
new or extended lease agreement. The proceeds generated from selling or
re-leasing the equipment, in addition to any month-to-month revenues,
represented the total residual value realized for each item of equipment.
Therefore, the financial statement gain or loss, which reflects the
difference between the net book value of the equipment at the time of sale
or disposition and the proceeds realized upon sale or disposition, may not
reflect the aggregate residual proceeds realized by the Partnership for
such equipment.
The following is a summary of cash excess associated with equipment
dispositions occurring during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994.
1996 1995 1994
Rents earned prior to disposal of
equipment, net of interest charges $13,146,236 $787,232 $2,522,596
Sale proceeds realized upon
disposition of equipment 3,325,402 89,476 533,289
----------- -------- ----------
Total cash generated from rents and
equipment sale proceeds 16,471,638 876,708 3,055,885
Original acquisition cost of equipment
disposed 10,909,185 732,566 2,342,498
----------- -------- ----------
Excess of total cash generated to cost
of equipment disposed $ 5,562,453 $144,142 $ 713,387
=========== ======== ==========
23
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF CASH AND DISTRIBUTABLE CASH
FROM OPERATIONS, SALES AND REFINANCINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
SALES AND
OPERATIONS REFINANCINGS TOTAL
NET INCOME $ 714,670 $ 290,137 $ 1,004,807
ADD BACK:
Depreciation 195,571 - 195,571
Decrease in allowance for
doubtful accounts (15,000) - (15,000)
Management fees 52,021 - 52,021
Book value of disposed equipment - 3,035,265 3,035,265
LESS:
Principal reduction of notes payable (85,938) - (85,938)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash from operations, sales
and refinancings 861,324 3,325,402 4,186,726
LESS:
Management fees (52,021) - (52,021)
----------- ----------- -----------
Distributable cash from
operations,
sales and refinancings 809,303 3,325,402 4,134,705
OTHER SOURCES AND USES OF CASH:
Cash, beginning of year 861,146 - 861,146
Net change in receivables and
accruals 173,994 - 173,994
LESS:
Cash distributions paid (1,365,480) (3,325,402) (4,690,882)
Liquidating distribution (478,963) - (478,963)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH, END OF YEAR $ - $ - $ -
=========== =========== ===========
24
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
SCHEDULE OF COSTS REIMBURSED TO THE MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER
AND ITS AFFILIATES AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 10.4 OF THE AMENDED
AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
DECEMBER 31, 1996
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership reimbursed the
Managing General Partner and its Affiliates for the following costs:
Operating expenses $ 128,218
25