AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-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 3-6 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Report of Independent Auditors 7 Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 1995 and 1994 8 Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 9 Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 10 Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 11 Notes to the Financial Statements 12-20 ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Schedule of Excess (Deficiency) of Total Cash Generated to Cost of Equipment Disposed 21 Statement of Cash and Distributable Cash From Operations, Sales and Refinancings 22 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 23 -1- 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. For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1995: Summary of Operations 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 - ------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- Lease revenue $ 915,325 $ 1,576,139 $ 2,031,903 $ 4,039,951 $ 5,297,113 Net income (loss) $ (376,288) $ 682,540 $ 194,656 $ (1,016,535) $ (314,002) Per Unit: Net income (loss) $ (0.37) $ 0.67 $ 0.19 $ (1.00) $ (0.31) Cash distributions $ 1.00 $ 2.00 $ 2.00 $ 1.50 $ 2.06 Financial Position - ------------------------- Total assets $ 3,803,973 $ 5,703,303 $ 7,468,387 $ 9,875,321 $ 15,740,678 Total long-term obligations $ 8,904 $ 245,685 $ 560,198 $ 1,186,537 $ 4,250,940 Partners' capital $ 3,491,454 $ 4,886,947 $ 6,242,819 $ 8,086,575 $ 10,631,919 -2- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Year ended December 31, 1995 compared to the year ended December 31, 1994 and the year ended December 31, 1994 compared to the year ended December 31, 1993 Overview - -------- As an equipment leasing partnership, American Income Partners III-A Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") was organized to acquire a diversified portfolio of capital equipment subject to lease agreements with third parties. The Partnership was designed to progress through three principal phases: acquisitions, operations, and liquidation. During the operations phase, a period of approximately six years, all equipment in the Partnership's portfolio progresses through various stages. Initially, all equipment generates rental revenues under primary term lease agreements. During the life of the Partnership, these agreements expire on an intermittent basis and equipment held pursuant to the related leases are renewed, re-leased or sold, depending on prevailing market conditions and the assessment of such conditions by American Finance Group ("AFG") to obtain the most advantageous economic benefit. Over time, a greater portion of the Partnership's original equipment portfolio becomes available for remarketing and cash generated from operations and from sales or refinancings begins to fluctuate. Ultimately, all equipment will be sold and the Partnership will be dissolved. In accordance with the Partnership's stated investment objectives and policies, the Managing General Partner is considering the winding-up of the Partnership's operations, the liquidation of its entire portfolio. The Partnership's operations commenced in 1987. Results of Operations - --------------------- For the year ended December 31, 1995, the Partnership recognized lease revenue of $915,325 compared to $1,576,139 and $2,031,903 for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The decrease in lease revenue between 1993 and 1995 was expected and resulted principally from primary and renewal lease term expirations and the sale of equipment. The Partnership also earns interest income from temporary investments of rental receipts and equipment sales proceeds in short-term instruments. The Partnership's equipment portfolio includes certain assets in which the Partnership holds a proportionate ownership interest. In such cases, the remaining interests are owned by AFG or an affiliated equipment leasing program sponsored by AFG. Proportionate equipment ownership enables the Partnership to further diversify its equipment portfolio by participating in the ownership of selected assets, thereby reducing the general levels of risk which could result from a concentration in any single equipment type, industry or lessee. The Partnership and each affiliate individually report, in proportion to their respective ownership interests, their respective shares of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses associated with the equipment. In 1995, the Partnership sold equipment which had been fully depreciated to existing lessees and third parties. These sales resulted in a net gain, for financial statement purposes, of $170,679 compared to a net gain in 1994 of $269,648, on equipment having a net book value of $88,268 and a net gain in 1993 of $682,980, on equipment having a net book value of $52,421. It cannot be determined whether future sales of equipment will result in a net gain or a net loss to the Partnership, as such transactions will be dependent upon the condition and type of equipment being sold and its marketability at the time of sale. In addition, the amount of gain or loss reported for financial statement purposes is partly a function of the amount of accumulated depreciation associated with the equipment being sold. The ultimate realization of residual value for any type of equipment is dependent upon many factors, including AFG's ability to sell and re-lease equipment. Changing market conditions, industry trends, technological advances, and many other events can converge to enhance or detract from asset values at any given time. AFG attempts to monitor these changes in order to identify opportunities which may be advantageous to the Partnership and which will maximize total cash returns for each asset. -3- The total economic value realized upon final disposition of each asset is comprised of all primary lease term revenues generated from that asset, together with its residual value. The latter consists of cash proceeds realized upon the asset's sale in addition to all other cash receipts obtained from renting the asset on a re-lease, renewal or month-to-month basis. The Partnership classifies such residual rental payments as lease revenue. Consequently, the amount of gain or loss reported in the financial statements is not necessarily indicative of the total residual value the Partnership achieved from leasing the equipment. Depreciation expense was $599,372, $976,507, and $2,291,765 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. For financial reporting purposes, to the extent that an asset is held on primary lease term, the Partnership depreciates 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 represent estimates of equipment values at the date of primary lease expiration. To the extent that an asset is held beyond its primary lease term, the Partnership continues to depreciate the remaining net book value of the asset on a straight- line basis over the asset's remaining economic life. (See Note 2 to the financial statements herein.) The Partnership recorded a write-down of the carrying value of its interest in an L1011-50 aircraft representing an impairment, during the year ended December 31, 1995. The resulting charge, $734,600 ($0.72 per limited partnership unit) in 1995 was based on a comparison of the estimated net realizable value and corresponding carrying value for the Partnership's interest in the aircraft. Net realizable value was estimated based on (i) third-party appraisals of the Partnership's aircraft and (ii) AFG's assessment of prevailing market conditions for similar aircraft. In recent years, market values for used commercial jet aircraft have deteriorated. Consistent price competition and other pressures within the airline industry have inhibited sustained profitability for many carriers. Most major airlines have had to re-evaluate their aircraft fleets and operating strategies. Such issues complicate the determination of net realizable value for specific aircraft, and particularly used aircraft, because cost-benefit and market considerations may differ significantly between major airlines. Aircraft condition, age, passenger capacity, distance capability, fuel efficiency, and other factors also influence market demand and market value for passenger jet aircraft. Interest expense was $2,095 or less than 1% of lease revenue in 1995, $9,855 or less than 1% of lease revenue in 1994, and $54,907 or 2.7% of lease revenue in 1993. In the future, interest expense will be minimal due to the scheduled maturity of the Partnership's debt obligations in 1996. Management fees were 5% of lease revenue in each of the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and will not change as a percentage of lease revenue in future years. Operating expenses consist principally of administrative charges, professional service costs, such as audit and legal fees, as well as printing, distribution and remarketing expenses. In certain cases, equipment storage or repairs and maintenance costs may be incurred in connection with equipment being remarketed. Collectively, operating expenses represented approximately 11.8%, 9%, and 5.1% of lease revenue in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Operating expenses in 1994 include repair and maintenance costs incurred in connection with the re-lease of an L1011-50 aircraft to a third party. The amount of future operating expenses cannot be predicted with certainty; however, such expenses are usually higher during the acquisition and liquidation phases of a partnership. Other fluctuations typically occur in relation to the volume and timing of remarketing activities. Liquidity and Capital Resources and Discussion of Cash Flows - ------------------------------------------------------------ The Partnership by its nature is a limited life entity which was established for specific purposes described in the preceding "Overview". As an equipment leasing program, the Partnership's principal operating activities derive from asset rental transactions. Accordingly, the Partnership's principal source of cash from operations is provided by the collection of periodic rents. These cash inflows are used to satisfy debt service obligations associated with leveraged leases, and to pay management fees and operating costs. Operating activities generated net cash inflows of $1,114,799, $1,344,655, and $2,727,721 in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Future renewal, re-lease and equipment sale activities will cause a gradual decline in the Partnership's lease 4 revenues and corresponding sources of operating cash. Overall, expenses associated with rental activities, such as management fees, and net cash flow from operating activities will decline as the Partnership experiences a higher frequency of remarketing events. During 1995, the Partnership and other affiliated partnerships, executed a renegotiated and extended lease agreement in connection with two DC- 10-40 aircraft leased by Northwest Airlines, Inc. ("Northwest"). Pursuant to the agreement, Northwest will continue to lease these aircraft until September 3, 2000. The Partnership, which owns a 1.84% interest in these aircraft, will receive $55,080 each year through December 31, 1999 and $41,310 during the year ending December 31, 2000. Ultimately, the Partnership will dispose of all assets under lease. This will occur principally through sale transactions whereby each asset will be sold to the existing lessee or to a third party. Generally, this will occur upon expiration of each asset's primary or renewal/re-lease term. In certain instances, casualty or early termination events may result in the disposal of an asset. Such circumstances are infrequent and usually result in the collection of stipulated cash settlements pursuant to terms and conditions contained in the underlying lease agreements. Cash expended for equipment acquisitions and cash realized from asset disposal transactions are reported under investing activities on the accompanying Statement of Cash Flows. In 1994, the Partnership capitalized $16,420 in connection with an upgrade of the L1011-50 aircraft. During 1995, the Partnership realized $170,679 in equipment sale proceeds compared to $357,916 and $735,401 in 1994 and 1993, respectively. Future inflows of cash from asset disposals will vary in timing and amount and will be influenced by many factors including, but not limited to, the frequency and timing of lease expirations, the type of equipment being sold, its condition and age, and future market conditions. The Partnership obtained long-term financing in connection with certain equipment leases. The origination of such indebtedness and the subsequent repayments of principal are reported as components of financing activities. Cash inflows of $182,044 in 1993 resulted from leveraging a portion of the Partnership's equipment portfolio with third-party lenders. No leveragings of equipment occurred in 1995 or 1994. Each note payable is recourse only to the specific equipment financed and to the minimum rental payments contracted to be received during the debt amortization period (which period generally coincides with the lease rental term). As rental payments are collected, a portion or all of the rental payment is used to repay the associated indebtedness. The Partnership's notes payable will be fully amortized in 1996. Cash distributions to the Recognized Owners and General Partners are declared and generally paid within fifteen days following the end of each calendar quarter. The payment of such distributions is presented as a component of financing activities. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the Partnership declared total cash distributions of Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales and Refinancings of $1,019,205. In accordance with the Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership (the "Restated Agreement, as amended"), the Recognized Owners were allocated 99% of these distributions, or $1,009,013, and the General Partners were allocated 1%, or $10,192. The fourth quarter 1995 cash distribution was paid on January 22, 1996. Cash distributions paid to the Partners consist of both a return of and a return on capital. To the extent that cash distributions consist of Cash From Sales or Refinancings, substantially all of such cash distributions should be viewed as a return of capital. Cash distributions do not represent and are not indicative of yield on investment. Actual yield on investment cannot be determined with any certainty until conclusion of the Partnership and will be dependent upon the collection of all future contracted rents, the generation of renewal and/or re-lease rents, and the residual value realized for each asset at its disposal date. Future market conditions, technological changes, the ability of AFG to manage and remarket the assets, and many other events and circumstances, could enhance or detract from individual asset yields and the collective performance of the Partnership's equipment portfolio. 5 The future liquidity of the Partnership will be influenced by the foregoing and will be greatly dependent upon the collection of contractual rents and the outcome of residual activities. The Managing General Partner anticipates that cash proceeds resulting from these sources will satisfy the Partnership's future expense obligations. However, the amount of cash available for distribution in future periods will fluctuate. Equipment lease expirations and asset disposals will cause the Partnership's net cash from operating activities to diminish over time; and equipment sale proceeds will vary in amount and period of realization. In addition, the Partnership may be required to incur asset refurbishment or upgrade costs in connection with future remarketing activities. Accordingly, fluctuations in the level of quarterly cash distributions will occur during the life of the Partnership. 6 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ------------------------------ To the Partners of American Income Partners III-A Limited Partnership: We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of American Income Partners III-A Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related statements of operations, changes in partners' capital, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Income Partners III-A Limited Partnership at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 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. /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP ERNST & YOUNG LLP Boston, Massachusetts March 12, 1996 7 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION December 31, 1995 and 1994 ASSETS 1995 1994 ------ ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents $ 530,418 $ 819,430 Rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $97,000 and $140,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively 13,711 147,870 Accounts receivable - affiliate 3,717 145,904 Equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $7,354,059 and $9,246,109 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively 3,256,127 4,590,099 ------------ ------------ Total assets $ 3,803,973 $ 5,703,303 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL --------------------------------- Notes payable $ 8,904 $ 245,685 Accrued interest 27 5,627 Accrued liabilities 42,500 15,500 Accrued liabilities - affiliate 19,181 2,776 Deferred rental income 50,808 37,165 Cash distributions payable to partners 191,099 509,603 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities 312,519 816,356 ------------ ------------ Partners' capital (deficit): General Partners (186,830) (172,875) Limited Partnership Interests (1,009,014 Units; initial purchase price of $25 each) 3,678,284 5,059,822 ------------ ------------ Total partners' capital 3,491,454 4,886,947 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 3,803,973 $ 5,703,303 ============ ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 8 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 1995 1994 1993 ------------ ----------- ----------- Income: Lease revenue $ 915,325 $ 1,576,139 $ 2,031,903 Interest income 27,917 44,218 32,331 Gain on sale of equipment 170,679 269,648 682,980 ------------ ----------- ----------- Total income 1,113,921 1,890,005 2,747,214 ------------ ----------- ----------- Expenses: Depreciation 599,372 976,507 2,291,765 Write-down of equipment 734,600 -- -- Interest expense 2,095 9,855 54,907 Equipment management fees - affiliate 45,766 78,807 101,595 Operating expenses - affiliate 108,376 142,296 104,291 ------------ ----------- ----------- Total expenses 1,490,209 1,207,465 2,552,558 ------------ ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) $ (376,288) $ 682,540 $ 194,656 ============ =========== =========== Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit $ (0.37) $ 0.67 $ 0.19 ============ =========== =========== Cash distributions declared per limited partnership unit $ 1.00 $ 2.00 $ 2.00 ============ =========== =========== 9 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 General Recognized Owners Partners ------------------------------- Amount Units Amount Total -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1992 $ (140,879) 1,009,014 $ 8,227,454 $ 8,086,575 Net income - 1993 1,947 -- 192,709 194,656 Cash distributions declared (20,384) -- (2,018,028) (2,038,412) ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1993 (159,316) 1,009,014 6,402,135 6,242,819 Net income - 1994 6,825 -- 675,715 682,540 Cash distributions declared (20,384) -- (2,018,028) (2,038,412) ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1994 (172,875) 1,009,014 5,059,822 4,886,947 Net loss - 1995 (3,763) -- (372,525) (376,288) Cash distributions declared (10,192) -- (1,009,013) (1,019,205) ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1995 $ (186,830) 1,009,014 $ 3,678,284 $ 3,491,454 ============= =========== =========== ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements 10 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 1995 1994 1993 ------------- ------------- ------------- Cash flows from (used in) operating activities: Net income (loss) $ (376,288) $ 682,540 $ 194,656 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation 599,372 976,507 2,291,765 Write-down of equipment 734,600 -- -- Gain on sale of equipment (170,679) (269,648) (682,980) Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts (43,000) (45,000) -- Changes in assets and liabilities: Decrease (increase) in: rents receivable 177,159 135,776 90,630 accounts receivable - affiliate 142,187 (40,821) 897,890 Increase (decrease) in: accrued interest (5,600) (17,914) (12,786) accrued liabilities 27,000 (48,500) (8,500) accrued liabilities - affiliate 16,405 (9,886) (7,500) deferred rental income 13,643 (18,399) (35,454) --------- --------- --------- Net cash from operating activities 1,114,799 1,344,655 2,727,721 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from (used in) investing activities: Purchase of equipment -- (16,420) -- Proceeds from equipment sales 170,679 357,916 735,401 --------- --------- --------- Net cash from investing activities 170,679 341,496 735,401 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from (used in) financing activities: Proceeds from notes payable -- -- 182,044 Principal payments - notes payable (236,781) (314,513) (808,383) Distributions paid (1,337,709) (2,038,412) (1,911,011) --------- --------- --------- Net cash used in financing activities (1,574,490) (2,352,925) (2,537,350) --------- --------- --------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (289,012) (666,774) 925,772 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 819,430 1,486,204 560,432 --------- --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 530,418 $ 819,430 $ 1,486,204 ========= ========= ========= Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for interest $ 7,695 $ 27,769 $ 67,693 11 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements December 31, 1995 NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP MATTERS - --------------------------------------------- The Partnership was organized as a limited partnership under the Massachusetts Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the "Uniform Act") on April 16, 1987, 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 Incorporated) and $100 from the Initial Limited Partner (AFG Assignor Corporation). On June 29, 1987 the Partnership issued 1,009,014 units, representing assignments of limited partnership interests (the "Units") to 2,007 investors. Unitholders and Limited Partners (other than the Initial Limited Partner) are collectively referred to as Recognized Owners. The 1,009,014 Units include 54 bonus units. Subsequent to the Partnership's Closing on June 29, 1987, the Partnership had five General Partners: AFG Leasing Incorporated, a Massachusetts corporation, Kestutis J. Makaitis, Daniel J. Roggemann, Martin F. Laughlin and Geoffrey A. MacDonald (collectively the "General Partners"). Messrs. Makaitis, Roggemann and Laughlin subsequently elected to withdraw as Individual General Partners. The General Partners, each of which is affiliated with American Finance Group ("AFG"), a Massachusetts partnership, are not required to make any other capital contributions to the Partnership, except as may be required under the Uniform Act and Section 6.1(b) of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership (the "Restated Agreement, as amended"). AFG is a successor to the business of American Finance Group, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation engaged since its inception in 1980 in various aspects of the equipment leasing business. In 1990, certain members of AFG's management, principally Geoffrey A. MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of AFG, established AFG Holdings (Massachusetts) Limited Partnership ("Holdings Massachusetts") to acquire ownership and control of AFG. Holdings Massachusetts effected this event by acquiring all of the equity interests of AFG's two partners, AFG Holdings Illinois Limited Partnership ("Holdings Illinois") and AFG Corporation. Holdings Massachusetts incurred significant indebtedness to finance this acquisition, a significant portion of which was scheduled to mature in 1995. On December 16, 1994, the senior lender to Holdings Massachusetts (the "Senior Lender") assumed control of its security interests in Holdings Illinois and AFG Corporation and sold all such interests to GDE Acquisitions Limited Partnership, a Massachusetts limited partnership owned and controlled entirely by Gary D. Engle, President and member of the Executive Committee of AFG. As a result of this transaction, GDE Acquisitions Limited Partnership acquired all of the assets, rights and obligations of AFG from the Senior Lender and assumed control of AFG. Geoffrey A. MacDonald remains as Chief Executive Officer of AFG and member of its Executive Committee. Significant operations commenced June 29, 1987 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 will be allocated 99% to the Recognized Owners and 1% to the General Partners until Payout and 85% to the Recognized Owners and 15% to the General Partners after Payout. Payout will occur when the Recognized Owners have received distributions equal to their original investment plus a cumulative annual return of 10% (compounded quarterly) on undistributed invested capital. Under the terms of a Management Agreement between the Partnership and AFG, management services are provided by AFG to the Partnership at fees which the Managing General Partner believes to be competitive for similar services. (Also see Note 4.) 12 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - --------------------------------------------------- Statement of Cash Flows - ----------------------- The Partnership considers liquid investment instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. From time to time, the Partnership invests excess cash with large institutional banks in reverse repurchase agreements with overnight maturities. Under the terms of the agreements, title to the underlying securities passes to the Partnership. The securities underlying the agreements are book entry securities. At December 31, 1995, the Partnership had $525,000 invested in reverse repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury Bills or interests in U.S. Government securities. Revenue Recognition - ------------------- Rents are payable to the Partnership monthly, quarterly or semi- annually and no significant amounts are calculated on factors other than the passage of time. The leases are accounted for as operating leases and are noncancellable. Rents received prior to their due dates are deferred. Future minimum rents of $1,234,458 are due as follows: For the year ending December 31, 1996 $ 630,624 1997 447,289 1998 57,980 1999 57,255 2000 41,310 ---------- Total $1,234,458 ========== Revenue from major individual lessees which accounted for 10% or more of lease revenue in each of the past three years is as follows: 1995 1994 1993 ---------------- --------------- --------------- Northwest Airlines, Inc. $ 360,285 $ 441,827 $ 523,635 ING Aviation Lease $ 176,874 -- -- During 1995, the Partnership and other affiliated partnerships, executed a renegotiated and extended lease agreement in connection with two DC-10-40 aircraft leased by Northwest Airlines, Inc. ("Northwest"). Pursuant to the agreement, Northwest will continue to lease these aircraft until September 3, 2000. The Partnership which owns a 1.84% interest in these aircraft, will receive $55,080 each year through December 31, 1999 and $41,310 during the year ending December 31, 2000. During 1994, the Managing General Partner lowered the aggregate amount reserved against potentially uncollectable rents to $140,000. This resulted in an increase to lease revenue of $45,000 in 1994. During 1995, this reserve was further reduced to $97,000 resulting in an increase to lease revenue of $43,000 in 1995. It cannot be determined whether the Partnership will recover any past due rents in the future; however, the Managing General Partner will pursue the collection of all such items. 13 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) 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 represents asset base price plus acquisition fees and was determined in accordance with the Restated Agreement, as amended, and certain regulatory guidelines. Asset base price is 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 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 is intended to allocate the cost of equipment over the period during which it produces economic benefit. The principal period of economic benefit is considered to correspond to each asset's primary lease term, which term generally represents the period of greatest revenue potential for each asset. Accordingly, to the extent that an asset is held on primary lease term, the Partnership depreciates 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 represent estimates of equipment values at the date of primary lease expiration. To the extent that an asset is held beyond its primary lease term, the Partnership continues to depreciate the remaining net book value of the asset on a straight-line basis over the asset's remaining economic life. Periodically, the Managing General Partner evaluates the net carrying value of equipment to determine whether it exceeds estimated net realizable value. Adjustments to reduce the net carrying value of equipment are recorded in those instances where estimated net realizable value is considered to be less than net carrying value. Such adjustments are reflected separately on the accompanying Statement of Operations as Write-Down of Equipment. The ultimate realization of residual value for any type of equipment is dependent upon many factors, including AFG's ability to sell and re-lease equipment. Changing market conditions, industry trends, technological advances, and many other events can converge to enhance or detract from asset values at any given time. AFG attempts to monitor these changes in order to identify opportunities which may be advantageous to the Partnership and which will maximize total cash returns for each asset. Accrued Liabilities - Affiliate - ------------------------------- Unpaid operating expenses paid by AFG on behalf of the Partnership are reported as Accrued Liabilities Affiliate. (See Note 4.) 14 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) Allocation of Profits and Losses - -------------------------------- For financial statement purposes, net income or loss is 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 (Loss) and Cash Distributions Per Unit - ------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) and cash distributions per Unit are based on 1,009,014 Units outstanding during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 and computed after allocation of the General Partners' 1% share of net income (loss) and cash distributions. 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. Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards - ---------------------------------------------- In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of, which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. Statement 121 also addresses the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of. The Partnership will adopt Statement 121 in the first quarter of 1996 and, based on current circumstances, does not believe the impact of adoption to be material to the financial statements of the Partnership. NOTE 3 - EQUIPMENT - ------------------ The following is a summary or equipment owned by the Partnership at December 31, 1995. In the opinion of AFG, the acquisition cost of the equipment did not exceed its fair market value. 15 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) Lease Term Equipment Equipment Type (Months) at Cost Location - -------------------------------- -------- ----------- ---------------- Aircraft 36-108 $ 7,649,166 MN/Foreign Motor vehicles 12-72 1,086,176 IL Trailers/intermodal containers 36-84 760,402 MI/NC Locomotives 57-60 378,818 GA/MI/MO/OH/OK Retail store fixtures 1-72 351,938 IN Tractors and heavy-duty trucks 1-72 139,915 LA/OR Research and test 17-84 105,268 MI/OH Materials handling 1-84 84,993 MI/TX Communications 1-60 51,508 NJ/NY Computers and peripherals 1-60 2,002 PA ----------- Total equipment cost 10,610,186 Accumulated depreciation (7,354,059) ----------- Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 3,256,127 =========== In certain cases, the cost of the Partnership's equipment represents a proportionate ownership interest. The remaining interests are owned by AFG or an affiliated equipment leasing program sponsored by AFG. The Partnership and each affiliate individually report, in proportion to their respective ownership interests, their respective shares of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses associated with the equipment. Proportionate equipment ownership enables the Partnership to further diversify its equipment portfolio by participating in the ownership of selected assets, thereby reducing the general levels of risk which could result from a concentration in any single equipment type, industry or lessee. At December 31, 1995, the Partnership's equipment portfolio included equipment having a proportionate original cost of $9,116,147, representing approximately 86% of total equipment cost. Certain of the equipment and related lease payment streams were used to secure term loans with third-party lenders. The preceding summary of equipment includes leveraged equipment having an original cost of approximately $352,000 which had been fully depreciated at December 31, 1995. (See Note 5.) Generally, the costs associated with maintaining, insuring and operating the Partnership's equipment are incurred by the respective lessees pursuant to terms specified in their individual lease agreements with the Partnership. As equipment is sold to third parties or otherwise disposed of, the Partnership recognizes 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 the sale or disposition. The ultimate realization of estimated residual value in the equipment is dependent upon, among other things, AFG's ability to maximize proceeds from selling or re-leasing the equipment upon expiration of the primary lease terms. At December 31, 1995, the Partnership held equipment for sale or re-lease with a cost of approximately $111,000 which had been fully depreciated. The Managing General Partner is actively seeking the sale or re-lease of all equipment not on lease. 16 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) The Partnership recorded a write-down of the carrying value of its interest in an L1011-50 aircraft representing an impairment, during the year ended December 31, 1995. The resulting charge, $734,600 ($0.72 per limited partnership unit) in 1995 was based on a comparison of the estimated net realizable value and corresponding carrying value for the Partnership's interest in the aircraft. NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - ----------------------------------- All operating expenses incurred by the Partnership are paid by AFG on behalf of the Partnership and AFG is 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, 1995, which were paid or accrued by the Partnership to AFG or its Affiliates, are as follows: 1995 1994 1993 ------------ ------------ ----------- Equipment management fees $ 45,766 $ 78,807 $ 101,595 Administrative charges 21,000 12,000 14,955 Reimbursable operating expenses due to third parties 87,376 130,296 89,336 ------------ ------------ ----------- Total $ 154,142 $ 221,103 $ 205,886 ============ ============ =========== As provided under the terms of the Management Agreement, AFG is compensated for its services to the Partnership. Such services include all aspects of acquisition, management and sale of equipment. For acquisition services, AFG is compensated by an amount equal to 4.75% of Equipment Base Price paid by the Partnership. For management services, AFG is compensated by an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 5% of gross lease rental revenues or (ii) fees which the Managing General Partner reasonably believes to be competitive for similar services for similar equipment. Both of these fees are subject to certain limitations defined in the Management Agreement. Compensation to AFG for services connected to the sale of equipment is calculated as the lesser of (i) 3% of gross sale proceeds or (ii) one-half of reasonable brokerage fees otherwise payable under arm's length circumstances. Payment of the remarketing fee is subordinated to Payout and is subject to certain limitations defined in the Management 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 are 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 are reimbursed to AFG. All equipment was acquired 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 are paid directly to either AFG or to a lender. AFG temporarily deposits collected funds in a separate interest-bearing escrow account prior to remittance to the Partnership. At December 31, 1995, the Partnership was owed $3,717 by AFG for such funds and the interest thereon. These funds were remitted to the Partnership in January 1996. 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 17 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) (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 (limited partners), sought to enjoin the Offer and obtain unspecified monetary damages. A settlement of this litigation was approved by the Court on November 15, 1995. 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 Plaintiffs have filed an appeal in this matter. The Recognized Owners of the Partnership tendered approximately 101,615 units or 10.07% of the total outstanding units of the Partnership to AALP. The operations of the Partnership are not expected to be adversely affected by these proceedings or settlements. NOTE 5 - NOTES PAYABLE - ---------------------- Notes payable at December 31, 1995 consisted of installment notes of $8,904 payable to a bank. All of the installment notes are non-recourse, with an interest rate of 7.13% and are collateralized by the equipment and assignment of the related lease payments. The installment notes will be fully amortized by noncancellable rents in the year ending December 31, 1996. NOTE 6 - INCOME TAXES - --------------------- The Partnership is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been recorded in the accounts of the Partnership. For financial statement purposes, the Partnership allocates 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 differs 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 allocates net income or loss in accordance with the provisions of such agreement. The Restated Agreement, as amended, requires that upon dissolution of the Partnership, the General Partners will be required to contribute to the Partnership an amount equal to any negative balance which may exist in the General Partners' tax capital account. At December 31, 1995, the General Partners had a positive tax capital account balance. The following is a reconciliation between net income (loss) reported for financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. 18 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) 1995 1994 1993 ------------ ------------- ------------ Net income (loss) $ (376,288) $ 682,540 $ 194,656 Financial statement depreciation in excess of tax depreciation 270,656 395,126 1,562,320 Write-down of equipment 734,600 -- -- Prepaid rental income 13,643 (18,399) (35,454) Other (20,500) (7,446) 71,392 ------------ ------------- ------------ Net income for federal income tax reporting purposes $ 622,111 $ 1,051,821 $ 1,792,914 ============ ============= ============ The following is a reconciliation between partners' capital reported for financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994: 1995 1994 ------------- ------------ Partners' capital $ 3,491,454 $ 4,886,947 Add back selling commissions and organization and offering costs 1,063,602 1,063,602 Financial statement distributions in excess of tax distributions 1,911 5,096 Cumulative difference between federal income tax and financial statement income (loss) (1,913,099) (2,911,498) ------------- ------------ Partners' capital for federal income tax reporting purposes $ 2,643,868 $ 3,044,147 ============= ============ Financial statement distributions in excess of tax distributions and cumulative difference between federal income tax and financial statement income (loss) represent timing differences. NOTE 7 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - -------------------------- In 1993, Healthcare Enterprises of North Texas Ltd. (d.b.a. "Wylie Hospital"), a lessee of the Partnership, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Eastern District of Texas. The Chapter 11 proceeding remains pending. AFG, on behalf of the Partnership and certain other AFG-sponsored programs, filed a proof of claim in this matter. Equipment leased to this lessee had a cost of approximately $36,500 at the time of the bankruptcy filing. The Partnership sold the equipment in May 1995 and recognized a net gain of $455 for financial statement purposes. Pursuant to the order of the Bankruptcy Court, Wylie Hospital was required to pay $11,000 to the Partnership for settlement of this matter, which amount was paid in full as of April 1995. This bankruptcy did not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Partnership. On March 15, 1993, Herman's Sporting Goods, Inc., a lessee of the Partnership (the "Debtor") filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States District Court, Trenton, New Jersey. The 19 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) Chapter 11 proceeding remains pending. Certain unpaid rents due to the Partnership were scheduled by the Debtor as unsecured claims. Upon order of the Bankruptcy Court, renewal rental schedules for all equipment leased to the Debtor by the Partnership were executed and are currently in effect. On August 23, 1994, the Court confirmed the Debtor's First Modified Plan of Reorganization, as Amended and Modified, and the Partnership has received two of the three scheduled payments from the Debtor with respect to its unsecured claims. The Partnership's equipment portfolio includes equipment on lease to the Debtor with an original cost of approximately $52,000, which is fully depreciated for financial reporting purposes and represents less than 1% of the Partnership's aggregate equipment portfolio at December 31, 1995. All scheduled renewal lease rents from the Debtor have been collected to date and the Partnership has not experienced any material losses as a result of this bankruptcy. NOTE 8 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT - ------------------------- On January 1, 1995, AFG entered into a series of agreements with PLM International, Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California ("PLM"), whereby PLM would: (i) purchase, in a multi-step transaction, certain of AFG's assets and (ii) provide accounting, asset management and investor services to AFG and certain of AFG's affiliates, including the Partnership and all other equipment leasing programs managed by AFG (the "Investment Programs"). On January 3, 1996, AFG and PLM executed an amendment to the 1995 agreements whereby PLM purchased: (i) AFG's lease origination business and associated contracts, (ii) the rights to the name "American Finance Group" and associated logo, and (iii) certain furniture, fixtures and computer software. PLM hired AFG's marketing force and certain other support personnel effective January 1, 1996 in connection with the transaction and relinquished its responsibilities under the 1995 agreements to provide accounting, asset management and investor services to AFG, its affiliates and the Investment Programs after December 31, 1995. Accordingly, AFG and its affiliates retain ownership and control and all authority and rights with respect to each of the general partners or managing trustees of the Investment Programs; and AFG, as Manager, will continue to provide accounting, asset management and investor services to the Partnership. Pursuant to the 1996 amendment to the 1995 agreements, AFG and certain of its affiliates agreed not to compete with the lease origination business sold to PLM for a period of five years. AFG reserved the right to satisfy all equipment needs of the Partnership and all other Investment Programs and reserved certain other rights not material to the Partnership. AFG also agreed to change its name, except where it is used in connection with the Investment Programs. AFG's management considers the amendment to the 1995 agreements to be in the best interest of AFG and the Partnership. 20 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP SCHEDULE OF EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF TOTAL CASH GENERATED TO COST OF EQUIPMENT DISPOSED for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 The Partnership classifies all rents from leasing equipment as lease revenue. Upon expiration of the primary lease terms, equipment may be 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, represent 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 in the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. 1995 1994 1993 ------------ ------------- ------------ Rents earned prior to disposal of equipment, net of interest charges $ 3,305,414 $ 2,914,616 $ 4,652,725 Sale proceeds realized upon disposition of equipment 170,679 357,916 735,401 --------- --------- --------- Total cash generated from rents and equipment sale proceeds 3,476,093 3,272,532 5,388,126 Original acquisition cost of equipment disposed 3,226,022 2,881,579 4,931,614 --------- --------- --------- Excess of total cash generated to cost of equipment disposed $ 250,071 $ 390,953 $ 456,512 ========= ========= ========= 21 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT OF CASH AND DISTRIBUTABLE CASH FROM OPERATIONS, SALES AND REFINANCINGS for the year ended December 31, 1995 Sales and Operations Refinancings Total ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Net income (loss) $ (546,967) $ 170,679 $ (376,288) Add back: Depreciation 599,372 -- 599,372 Write-down of equipment 734,600 -- 734,600 Management fees 45,766 -- 45,766 Decrease in allowance for doubtful account (43,000) -- (43,000) Less: Principal reduction of notes payable (236,781) -- (236,781) ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Cash from operations, sales and refinancings 552,990 170,679 723,669 Less: Management fees (45,766) -- (45,766) ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Distributable cash from operations, sales and refinancings 507,224 170,679 677,903 Other sources and uses of cash: Cash at beginning of year 819,430 -- 819,430 Net change in receivables and accruals 370,794 -- 370,794 Less: Cash distributions paid (1,167,030) (170,679) (1,337,709) ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Cash at end of year $ 530,418 -- $ 530,418 ================ ================ ================ 22 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-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, 1995 For the year ended December 31, 1995, the Partnership reimbursed the Managing General Partner and its Affiliates for the following costs: Operating expenses $ 92,699 23