1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10 - Q [x] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Period Ended March 31, 1997 -------------- or [] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Transition Period From ---------------- to ----------------- Commission File Number 33-89506 -------- BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I -------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 52-1915821 ---------- ------------ (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 100 Second Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 --------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (319) 365-2506 -------------- Registrant's telephone number, including area code: Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No --- --- Applicable Only to Corporate Issuers Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date. Shares of Beneficial Interest - 9,439 shares as of April 30, 1997 2 Page 2 BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I INDEX PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE - ------------------------------ ------ Item 1. Financial statements (unaudited): Statements of assets and liabilities - March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 3 Statements of operations - three months ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 4 Statements of changes in net assets - three months ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 5 Statements of cash flows - three months ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 6 Notes to the financial statements 7 Item 2. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. 7 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION - --------------------------- Item 1. Legal proceedings - none Item 2. Changes in securities - none Item 3. Defaults upon senior securities - none Item 4. Submission of matters to a vote of shareholders - none Item 5. Other information - none Item 6. Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K a. Exhibits - none b. No report on Form 8-K was filed for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 SIGNATURES 11 3 Page 3 BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED) March 31, 1997 December 31, 1996 ---------------- ----------------- ASSETS Investments in securities (Note B) $1,129,696 $1,405,000 Cash 24,120 97,025 Temporary investment in money market securities 5,602,583 4,993,174 Interest receivable 36,232 40,186 Other assets 10,608 7,690 ---------- ---------- Total Assets 6,803,239 6,543,075 ---------- ---------- LIABILITIES Accounts payable and other accrued expenses 17,341 23,594 Distributions payable to shareholders 805,221 584,480 Due to affiliate 41,473 47,022 ---------- ---------- Total Liabilities 864,035 655,096 ---------- ---------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES NET ASSETS (equivalent to $646.97 per share in 1997 and $662.24 per share in 1996) $5,939,204 $5,887,979 ========== ========== Net assets consist of: Shares of beneficial interest (25,000 shares authorized; 9,180 and 8,891 shares issued and outstanding in 1997 and 1996, respectively $6,808,083 $6,782,316 Undistributed net investment loss (868,879) (894,337) ---------- ---------- $5,939,204 $5,887,979 ========== ========== See notes to financial statements. 4 Page 4 BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 March 31, 1996 -------------- -------------- REVENUES: Interest income $104,693 $56,045 Other income 500 -0- -------- ------- 105,193 56,045 -------- ------- EXPENSES: Management fees 41,473 30,290 Administrative services 9,754 9,912 Trustee fees 6,000 2,000 Auditing and accounting fees 4,225 3,375 Legal expense 14,840 -0- Other general and administrative expenses 3,443 3,422 -------- ------- Total expenses 79,735 48,999 -------- ------- NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS $ 25,458 $ 7,046 ======== ======= NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER BENEFICIAL SHARE $ 2.82 $ 1.78 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES $ 9,038 $ 3,968 ======== ======= See notes to financial statements. 5 Page 5 BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 March 31, 1996 -------------- -------------- Shares of Shares of Beneficial Beneficial Interest Amount Interest Amount ---------- ------ -------- ------ Net investment income --- $25,458 --- $7,046 --------- --------- --------- -------- Net increase in assets resulting from operations --- 25,458 7,046 Proceeds from sales of Shares of beneficial interest 294 294,000 688 688,000 Syndication costs incurred --- (42,492) --- (98,154) Shares of beneficial interest redeemed (5) (5,000) --- -0- Distributions payable to shareholders --- (220,741) --- (137,451) Net assets at beginning of period 8,891 5,887,979 5,128 4,242,814 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net assets at end of period 9,180 $5,939,204 5,816 $4,702,255 ========== ========== ===== ========== See notes to financial statements. 6 Page 6 BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 March 31, 1996 ------------------ ------------------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net investment income $ 25,458 $ 7,046 Adjustments to reconcile net investment loss to net cash flows from operating activities: Amortization of organizational costs 250 251 Gain on redemption of unit (500) -0- Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Temporary investment in money market securities (609,409) (695,951) Other assets (3,168) (9,832) Interest receivable 3,954 17,830 Due to affiliate (5,549) 3,075 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (6,253) 11,633 --------- --------- Net cash flows from operating activities (595,217) (665,948) --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Repayment of note receivable 275,304 -0- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sales of shares of beneficial interest 294,000 688,000 Redemption of shares of beneficial interest (4,500) -0- Syndication costs incurred (42,492) (98,154) --------- --------- Net cash flows from financing activities 247,008 589,846 --------- --------- NET DECREASE IN CASH (72,905) (76,102) CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 97,025 102,269 --------- --------- CASH AT END OF PERIOD $ 24,120 $ 26,167 ========= ========= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Noncash financing activities: Distributions payable to shareholders $220,741 $137,451 See notes to financial statements. 7 Page 7 BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) NOTE A -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 1996. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair representation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 1997. The preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles necessarily requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. NOTE B -- INVESTMENTS COST VALUATION ---------- --------- VisionComm, Inc.: Note receivable $1,129,696 $1,129,696 Warrants for 125,000 shares at $5/share -0- -0- Soil Recovery Services, Inc.: Convertible subordinated debenture 1,000,000 -0- ---------- ---------- $2,129,696 $1,129,696 ========== ========== The Trust has invested in a senior secured note issued by VisionComm, Inc., which is primarily engaged in the telecommunications and private cable television business. The five year note carries a 14% interest rate with interest only due the first year, due in equal monthly installments thereafter. The Trust's investment in VisionComm is valued at its original cost less principal repayments. 8 Page 8 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND --------------------------------------------------------------- RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: ---------------------- The Trust has also invested $1,000,000 in a convertible subordinated debenture issued by Soil Recovery Services, Inc. ("SRS"). The debenture is for a seven year term with an annual interest rate of 15% with no prepayment penalty. Interest only is due the first two years with equal principal payments due at the end of years three through seven. The debenture can be converted at any time at a conversion rate that will provide the Trust with approximately 21.5% of the common stock of SRS. SRS experienced and continues to experience severe cash flow problems and the Trust served a Notice of Default and a Notice of Rescission on SRS and commenced litigation against key parties. The last interest payment received by the Trust was in July 1996. SRS filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 12, 1996. The Trust is continuing its avenues of recovery through the bankruptcy court and litigation. The Trust has recognized an unrealized loss of $1,000,000 for SRS as management believes that SRS is insolvent and will be unable to make payments pursuant to the convertible subordinated debenture. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Three Months Ended Three Months Ended DESCRIPTION: March 31, 1997 March 31, 1996 ----------------------------------------- Interest income $ 104,693 $ 56,045 Management fees $ 41,473 $ 30,290 Legal expense $ 14,840 $ -0- Berthel Growth & Income Trust I was formed on February 10, 1995. The Trust received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission to begin offering shares of beneficial interest effective June 21, 1995. The minimum offering of 1,500 shares sold was reached on August 30, 1995. As of March 31, 1997 9,180 shares were issued and outstanding. The Trust earned $63,423 of interest income from short term temporary investments in the first quarter of 1997. Interest from these short term temporary investments increased $7,378 from the corresponding period in 1996. The interest income earned on this type of investment will vary from period to period due to the liquidation of short term money market investments to acquire other enhanced yield investments or to pay distributions to shareholders. 9 Page 9 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED): -------------------------- The Trust also earned interest income of $41,270 from its investment in a 14% senior secured note ("note") in VisionComm, Inc. ("VCI"). On April 30, 1996, the Trust invested $2,180,000 in a note with VCI. As of March 31, 1997, VCI has paid the Trust principal payments totalling $1,050,304. The interest income the Trust earns on this note investment will fluctuate with changes in the principal balance. Management fees equal to 2.5% of the total assets of the Trust have increased $11,183 in the first quarter of 1997 compared to the corresponding quarter in 1996. As more assets come under the control of the Trust, management fees will also show a corresponding increase. The Trust has incurred $12,057 of legal charges in 1997 in connection with the Soil Recovery Services, Inc. bankruptcy. Future legal charges associated with this bankruptcy are expected however, they cannot be determined at this time. INVESTMENTS: Cost Valuation VisionComm, Inc. 14% five year secured note receivable $1,129,696 $1,129,696 Warrants for 125,000 shares at $5 per share -0- -0- ---------- ---------- Total $1,129,696 $1,129,696 ========== ========== VisionComm continues to install payphones and has acquired or contracted for a greater number of private cable operations than originally projected to date. Since 1) VisionComm is performing satisfactorily, 2) the Trust is adequately collateralized, and 3) the absence of any transaction that would imply a different value, the Trustees have recommended that the Trust's investment in VisionComm be valued at its original cost less principal repayments. The original investment was $2,180,000 at 14%. VisionComm had a principal repayment of $775,000 in December 1996 and $275,304 in January 1997. The remaining $1,129,696 continues to perform at 14%. The Trust continues to hold warrants to purchase 21.5% of the company. The principals of VisionComm invested an additional $800,000 in the company prior to December 31, 1996. 10 Page 10 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED): -------------------------- OTHER POTENTIAL PORTFOLIO COMPANIES AND TRUST ACTIVITIES: The Trust signed a Letter of Intent with a company in February 1997. The proposed investment terms call for a $2,000,00, six-year promissory note, at a rate of 14% per annum. The Trust is completing due diligence and finalization of legal documents. The Trust continues to receive and review inquiries for financing. The Trust is also completing an application for the establishment of a small business investment company ("SBIC"). The application is expected to be completed and filed with the Small Business Administration ("SBA") by May 9, 1997. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Three Months Ended Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 March 31, 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Major Cash Source: Proceeds from issuance of beneficial shares $ 294,000 $ 688,000 Repayment of note receivable 275,304 -0- Major Cash Use: Payments for syndication costs $ 42,492 $ 98,154 Investment in money market securities 609,409 695,951 Pending investment in portfolio companies, the Trust has invested $5,602,583 in a money market mutual fund at March 31, 1997. Distributions payable of $805,221 have been accrued as of March 31, 1997. The Trust will continue to accrue distributions based on 10% simple annual interest computed on a daily basis from the initial closing (August 30, 1995) until the Final Closing. The Trust Advisor is not aware of any regulatory issues that may have a substantial negative impact on the portfolio companies and is currently researching for possible investment of Trust funds. The effect of interest rate fluctuations and inflation on the current Trust investments is negligible. 11 Page 11 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I ------------------------------- (Registrant) Date Ronald O. Brendengen/s/ --------------- ----------------------------------------- Ronald O. Brendengen, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer Date Daniel P. Wegmann/s/ --------------- ----------------------------------------- Daniel P. Wegmann, Controller