SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission File Number 0-28340 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST ------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 13-7033312 -------- ---------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 625 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022 - - -------------------------------------- ----- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212)421-5333 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 [ ] AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Balance Sheets March 31, December 31, 1998 1997 ----------- ----------- (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS Investment in First Mortgage Bonds - at fair value (Note 2) $24,756,886 $24,674,787 Cash and cash equivalents 569,544 1,081,939 Marketable securities 500,000 200,000 Organization costs (net of accumulated amortization of $30,000 and $27,500, respectively) 20,000 22,500 Accrued interest receivable 182,531 181,696 ----------- ----------- Total assets $26,028,961 $26,160,922 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities: Due to affiliates $ 465,245 $ 436,197 Accounts payable 19,786 33,150 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 485,031 469,347 ----------- ----------- Shareholders' equity: Beneficial owner's equity-manager (15,598) (14,098) Beneficial owners' equity- shareholders (1,479,414 and 1,476,222 shares issued and outstanding, respectively) 25,643,389 25,731,175 Treasury shares of beneficial interest (15,892 and 8,485 shares, respectively) (301,940) (161,207) Accumulated other comprehensive income: Net unrealized gain on First Mortgage Bonds 218,079 135,705 ----------- ----------- Total shareholders' equity 25,543,930 25,691,575 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $26,028,961 $26,160,922 =========== =========== See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 2 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, ------------------ 1998 1997 ---- ---- Revenues Interest income: First Mortgage Bonds (Note 2) $506,531 $338,002 Tax-Exempt Securities 0 1,274 Marketable Securities 9,287 72,742 -------- -------- Total revenues 515,818 412,018 -------- -------- Expenses: General and administrative 12,457 29,744 General and administrative- related parties (Note 3) 13,816 24,060 Loan servicing fees 14,656 9,632 Amortization of organization costs 2,500 2,500 -------- -------- Total expenses 43,429 65,936 -------- -------- Net income $472,389 $346,082 ======== ======== Allocation of net income Shareholders $438,243 $322,790 Manager 4,427 3,261 Special distributions to Manager (Note 3) 29,719 20,031 -------- -------- Net income $472,389 $346,082 ======== ======= Net income per weighted average share-shareholders $ .30 $ .22 ======== ======== See Accompanying Notes to Finacial Statements 3 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) Net Unrealized Beneficial Beneficial Treasury Gain on Owners' Owner's Shares of First Equity- Equity- Beneficial Mortgage Total Shareholders Manager Interest Bonds ----- ------------ ------- -------- ----- Balance at January 1, 1998 $25,691,575 $25,731,175 $(14,098) $(161,207) $135,705 Issuance of shares of beneficial interest 60,646 60,646 0 0 0 Net income 472,389 438,243 34,146 0 0 Distributions (622,321) (586,675) (35,646) 0 0 Net unrealized gain on First Mortgage Bonds 82,374 0 0 0 82,374 Purchase of treasury shares of beneficial (140,733) 0 0 (140,733) 0 interest ----------- ----------- -------- --------- -------- Balance at March 31, 1998 $25,543,930 $25,643,389 $(15,598) $(301,940) $218,079 =========== =========== ======== ========= ======== See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 4 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, ------------------ 1998 1997 ---- ---- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 472,389 $ 346,082 --------- --------- Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Amortization expense- organization costs 2,500 2,500 Amortization expense-loan origination costs 26,889 12,042 Amortization of REMIC premium 0 476 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in other assets 0 (80,100) (Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable (835) 9,741 Increase in due to affiliates 29,048 38,862 Decrease in accounts payable (13,364) (3,506) --------- --------- Total adjustments 44,238 (19,985) --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 516,627 326,097 --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities: Sale (purchase) of marketable securities (300,000) 250,000 Maturity of Tax-Exempt Securities 0 400,000 Purchase of Tax-Exempt Securities 0 (400,476) Increase in deferred costs (26,614) (20,657) --------- --------- Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (326,614) 228,867 --------- --------- See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 5 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Statements of Cash Flows (continued) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, ------------------ 1998 1997 ---- ---- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of shares of beneficial interest 60,646 61,622 Distributions to shareholders (622,321) (610,977) Purchase of treasury shares of beneficial interest (140,733) 0 ---------- ---------- Net cash used in financing activities (702,408) (549,355) ---------- ---------- Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (512,395) 5,609 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,081,939 836,779 ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 569,544 $ 842,388 ========== ========== See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 6 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 1998 (Unaudited) Note 1 - General American Tax-Exempt Bond Trust (the "Trust") was formed on December 23, 1993 as a Delaware business trust for the primary purpose of investing in tax-exempt first mortgage bonds ("First Mortgage Bonds") issued by various state or local governments or their agencies or authorities and secured by first mortgage loans on multifamily residential apartment and retirement community projects. On December 23, 1993, the Trust received $1,000 from Related AMI Associates, Inc., as grantor for the benefit of Related AMI Associates, Inc. as the manager (the "Manager") of the Trust. On November 1, 1994, the Trust commenced a public offering (the "Offering") through Related Equities Corporation (the "Dealer Manager"), an affiliate of the Manager, and other broker-dealers on a "best efforts" basis, for up to 10,000,000 of its shares of beneficial interest at an initial offering price of $20 per share. The Offering terminated as of October 15, 1996. As of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, a total of 1,479,414 and 1,476,222 shares have been sold to the public through the Offering and the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan (the "Reinvestment Plan") representing Gross Proceeds (the "Gross Proceeds") of $29,569,831 and $29,509,185 (before volume discounts of $4,244). Pursuant to the Redemption Plan which became effective October 15, 1996, the Trust is required to redeem eligible shares presented for redemption for cash to the extent it has sufficient net proceeds from the sale of shares under the Reinvestment Plan. After October 15, 1996, 18,434 shares were sold through the Reinvestment Plan, the proceeds of which are restricted for use in connection with the Redemption Plan and are not included in gross proceeds. Pursuant to the Redemption Plan as of March 31, 1998, 15,892 shares were redeemed for an aggregate price of $301,940. The Trust has invested the Net Proceeds primarily in First Mortgage Bonds issued by various state or local governments or their agencies or authorities which are secured by first mortgages and related first mortgage loans financed by such bonds (collectively, "Mortgage Loans") on multifamily residential apartment projects 7 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 1998 (Unaudited) owned or to be developed by third-party developers and, to a lesser extent, by Affiliates of the Manager. The Trust also invests in Tax-Exempt Securities. As of March 31, 1998, of the total net proceeds available for investment, 9.33% had been invested in Tax-Exempt Securities and 90.67% had been invested in First Mortgage Bonds. The unaudited financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements included in the Trust's Form 10-K/A-1 for the year ended December 31, 1997. In the opinion of the Manager, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Trust as of March 31, 1998 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997. However, the operating results for the three months ended March 31, 1998 may not be indicative of the results for the year. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A-1 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The Trust adopted SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income on January 1, 1998. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods, provided for comparative purposes, is required. The statement also requires the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income to be displayed separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the balance sheet. Total comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 was $554,763 and $346,082, respectively. The Trust adopted SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. SFAS No. 131 establishes 8 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 1998 (Unaudited) standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual and interim financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Categories required to be reported as well as reconciled to the financial statements are segment profit or loss, certain specific revenue and expense items, and segment assets. Note 2 - Investment in First Mortgage Bonds Highpointe Apartments On September 2, 1997, the Trust purchased Redevelopment Authority of the County of Dauphin, Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Highpointe Club Apartments Project) Series 1989 (as hereinafter referred to as the "Highpointe Bonds") in an aggregate principal amount of $3,250,000. The Highpointe Bonds are secured by a first Mortgage and mortgage loan on Highpointe Apartments (the "Project" or "Highpointe ") a development consisting of 240 apartment units in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first claim of cash flow for payment of interest and pari passu after a $750,000 priority at sale, refinance or maturity with $8,900,000 Redevelopment Authority of the County of Dauphin, Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Green Hill Project), Series 1986 (the "1986 Bonds"). The 1986 Bonds are owned by Charter Municipal Mortgage Acceptance Company ("Charter") whose manager is an affiliate of the Manager. Highpointe is owned and operated by RHA INV., Inc. (the "Borrower") an affiliate of the Manager. The borrower (an affiliate of Related Capital Corporation) is in default under the terms of the $8,900,000 loan agreement due to certain amounts of unpaid base interest as of March 31, 1998. However, Charter has indicated it will not exercise its rights to call the mortgage note as defined under the terms of the agreement. The Highpointe Bonds bear a fixed current interest of 9.0%, payable monthly in arrears. The Highpointe Bonds enjoy payment priority over the 1986 Bonds. The Trust has been informed that, as of the date hereof, the Borrower is current with respect to all payments of principal and interest on the Highpointe Bonds. 9 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 1998 (Unaudited) The Highpointe Bonds mature on June 1, 2006. The principal of the Highpointe Bonds will be payable upon maturity, sale or refinancing of the Project. The Highpointe Bonds will receive a $750,000 priority payment of principal prior to any payment of principal on the 1986 Bonds. Remaining principal on the Highpointe Bonds and principal and accrued interest on the 1986 Bonds will be paid pari passu, that is by an equal progression of payments after the payment of interest, other than interest accrued and unpaid on the 1986 Bonds on June 6, 1989, and the $750,000 priority amount. The cost basis of the First Mortgage Bonds was $24,538,807 and $24,539,082 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997. The net unrealized gain of $218,079 on First Mortgage Bonds consists of gross unrealized gains and losses of $567,831 and $349,752, respectively, at March 31, 1998 and $478,634 and $342,929, respectively, as of December 31, 1997. 10 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 1998 (Unaudited) Note 2 - Investment in First Mortgage Bonds Information relating to investments in First Mortgage Bonds as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 are as follows: Accumu- Debt Date of Outstand- lated Unrealized Service Invest- ing Loan Loan Amorti- Gain (Loss) Received Net ment/Final Balance at Origina- zation at at Balance at Balance at by the Less 1998 Interest Descrip- Maturity March tion Mar. 31, March 31, March December Trust Amorti- Earned Property tion Date 31, 1998 Costs 1998 1998 31, 1998 31, 1997 for 1998 zation for 1998 - - -------- ---- --------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- ------ -------- Reflections Apartments 336 Casselbury, Apt. 12/95- Florida (A) Units 12/25 $10,700,000 $293,914 $(66,131) $567,831 $11,495,614 $11,400,660 $240,750 $(7,348) $233,402 Rolling Ridge Apartments 110 Chino Hills, Apt. 8/96- California(B) Units 8/26 4,925,000 241,725 (40,288) (15,165) 5,111,272 5,124,127 109,295 (9,585) 99,710 Lexington Trails Apartments 200 Houston, Apt. 5/97- Texas (C) Units 5/22 4,900,000 123,886 (11,356) (112,530) 4,900,000 4,900,000 110,250 (3,097) 107,153 Highpointe Apartments Harrisburg, 240 Pennsylvania Apt. 9/97- (D) Units 6/06 3,250,000 237,918 (15,861) (222,057) 3,250,000 3,250,000 73,125 (6,859) 66,266 ----------- -------- --------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------- -------- -------- $23,775,000 $897,443 $(133,636) $218,079 $24,756,886 $24,674,787 $533,420 $(26,889) $506,531 =========== ======== ========= ======== =========== =========== ======== ======== ======== (A) The interest rate for the Reflections is 9.00%. In addition to the interest rate the Trust will be entitled to 25% of the cash flow, as defined. (B) The interest rate for the Rolling Ridge is 9.00%. In addition to the interest rate the Trust will be entitled to 30% of the cash flow, as defined. (C) The interest rate for the Lexington Trails is 9.00%. (D) The interest rate for the Highpointe is 9.00%. 11 AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 1998 (Unaudited) Note 3 - Related Party Transactions The Trust Agreement provides for the Manager, an affiliate of Related Capital Company, to act as the Manager of the Trust. In accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Manager received or is entitled to receive (i) compensation in connection with the organization and start-up of the Trust and the Trust's investment in the tax-exempt First Mortgage Bonds; (ii) special distributions calculated as a percentage of total assets invested by the Trust which totaled $29,719 and $20,031 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively; the total amount accrued and unpaid as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 amounted to $106,766 and $91,906, respectively; (iii) a subordinated incentive fee based on the gain on the sale of the tax-exempt First Mortgage Bonds; (iv) reimbursement of certain administrative costs incurred by the Manager or an affiliate on behalf of the Trust which totaled $13,816 and $24,060 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively; the total amount accrued and unpaid as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 amounted to $309,549 and $295,733, respectively; (v) bond selection fees calculated on a percentage of the Gross Proceeds applicable to the First Mortgage Bonds; as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 $584,392 and $584,392 respectively of such costs have been incurred of which $584,392 and $584,392 have been capitalized and included in Investment in First Mortgage Bonds; and (vi) certain other fees. Note 4 - Subsequent Event In May 1998, it is anticipated that distributions of approximately $585,000 and $6,000 will be paid to the Shareholders and the Manager, respectively, representing the 1998 first quarter distribution. The distribution will be funded from cash collections of interest income through approximately the distribution date, May 15, 1998. 12 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Trust has invested the Net Proceeds primarily in First Mortgage Bonds issued by various state or local governments or their agencies or authorities which are secured by first mortgages and related first mortgage loans financed by such bonds (collectively, "Mortgage Loans") on multifamily residential apartment projects owned or to be developed by third-party developers and, to a lesser extent, by Affiliates of the Manager. The First Mortgage Bonds have maturities ranging from June 2006 to August 2026, although the Trust anticipates holding the First Mortgage Bonds for approximately 10 to 12 years and having the right to cause repayment of the bonds at that time. The Trust also invests in Tax-Exempt Securities. As of March 31, 1998, of the total net proceeds available for investment, 9.33% had been invested in Tax-Exempt Securities and 90.67% had been invested in First Mortgage Bonds. At March 31, 1998, the Trust has no investments in Tax-Exempt Securities. For a description of the Trust's investments in First Mortgage Bonds see Note 2 of Notes to the Financial Statements. During the three months ended March 31, 1998, cash and cash equivalents decreased approximately $512,000 due to the purchase of marketable securities ($300,000), an increase in deferred costs ($27,000), distributions to shareholders ($622,000) and purchase of treasury shares of beneficial interest in excess of proceeds from the issuance of shares of beneficial interest ($80,000) which exceeded cash provided by operating activities ($517,000). Included in the adjustments to reconcile the net income to cash provided by operating activities is amortization in the amount of approximately $29,000. Pursuant to the Redemption Plan which became effective October 15, 1996, the Trust is required to redeem eligible shares presented for redemption for cash to the extent it has sufficient net proceeds from the sale of shares under the Reinvestment Plan. After October 15, 1996, 18,434 shares were sold through the Reinvestment Plan, the proceeds of which are restricted for use in connection with the Redemption Plan and are not included in gross proceeds. Pursuant to the Redemption Plan as of March 31, 1998, 15,892 shares have been redeemed since inception of the Redemption Plan for an aggregate price of $301,940. 13 The Trust originally established a reserve for working capital and contingencies in an amount equal to 1% of the Gross Proceeds of the Offering and may add to such reserves from Cash Flow and Sale or Repayment Proceeds. As of March 31, 1998, all of this reserve has been used to pay general and administrative, general and administrative-related parties and loan servicing fees. Liquidity will be adversely affected by unanticipated costs, including operating costs in excess of cash flows. The Trust may borrow funds from third parties or from the Manager or its affiliates to meet working capital requirements of the Trust or to take over the operation of a Property on a short-term basis (up to 24 months) but not for the purpose of making Distributions. The Trust expects that cash generated from its investments will be sufficient to pay all of the Trust's expenses in the foreseeable future. However, certain expense reimbursements totaling $310,000 and $296,000 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively, and the payment of a portion of the special distribution totaling $107,000 and $92,000 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively, to the Manager have been accrued but are unpaid. The Trust anticipates that cash generated from the operations of the properties underlying its investment in First Mortgage Bonds (taking into account its preferred position relative to other creditors) will be sufficient to meet the required debt service payments to the Trust with respect to the First Mortgage Bonds for the foreseeable future. Distribution Policy The Trust has adopted a policy of attempting to maintain stable distributions during the offering period and acquisition stage. In order to accomplish this result, a portion of the Net Proceeds were invested in Tax-Exempt Securities which matured during this period. A portion of the proceeds from such repayments were distributed to the shareholders. The effect of this policy has been the following: (a) a portion of the distributions have constituted a return of capital; (b) earlier investors' returns from an investment in the Trust will be greater than later investors' returns; and (c) there was a decrease in funds available to be invested in Mortgage Investments. Of the total distributions of $622,321 and $610,877 made for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, $149,932 ($.10 per 14 share or 24%) and $264,895 ($.18 per share or 43%) represents a return of capital determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. As of March 31, 1998, the aggregate amount of the distributions made since the commencement of the Offering representing a return of capital, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, totaled $1,659,656. The portion of the distributions which constitute a return of capital was significant during the acquisition stage in order to maintain level distributions to shareholders. The level of future distributions will depend upon results of operations. Beginning in 1998 the Trust's distribution policy calls for quarterly distributions which more closely reflect collections. Management expects that cash flow from operations, combined with the maturity of investments described above and continued deferral of payment of the Manager's expense reimbursement, special distribution and loan servicing fees, will be sufficient to fund distributions at the current level in the near future. Results of Operations The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 consisted primarily of interest income earned on First Mortgage Bonds and marketable securities, net of general and administrative, general and administrative-related parties and loan servicing fees. Interest income from First Mortgage Bonds increased approximately $169,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 as compared to the corresponding period in 1997 primarily due to the investment in the Lexington Trails First Mortgage Bond in May 1997 and the Highpointe First Mortgage Bond in September 1997. Interest income from marketable securities decreased approximately $63,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 as compared to the corresponding period in 1997 primarily due to the sale of such securities to purchase the Lexington Trails First Mortgage Bond in May 1997 and the Highpointe First Mortgage Bond in September 1997. General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $17,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 as compared to the corresponding period in 1997 primarily due to a decrease in costs associated with SEC filings in 1998. 15 General and administrative-related parties decreased approximately $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 as compared to the corresponding period in 1997 primarily due to a decrease in expense reimbursements to affiliates of the Manager in 1998. Loan servicing fees increased approximately $5,000 for three months ended March 31, 1998 as compared to the corresponding period in 1997 primarily due to the investment in the Lexington Trails First Mortgage Bond in May 1997 and the Highpointe First Mortgage Bond in September 1997. Year 2000 Compliance As the year 2000 approaches, an issue has emerged regarding how existing application software programs and operating systems can accommodate this date value. Failure to adequately address this issue could have potentially serious repercussions. The Advisor is in the process of working with the Trust's service providers to prepare for the year 2000. Based on information currently available, the Trust does not expect that it will incur significant operating expenses or be required to incur material costs to be year 2000 compliant. 16 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 Security Holders - None Item 5. Other Information - None Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) 3. Exhibits 3(a) Certificate of Trust and Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 33-73688). 3(b),4 Second Amended and Restated Business Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b), 4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 33-73688) 10(a) Escrow Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 33-73688). 10(b) Fee Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 33-73688). 27 Financial Data Schedule (filed herewith) (b) Reports on Form 8-K No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the quarter ended March 31, 1998. 17 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. AMERICAN TAX-EXEMPT BOND TRUST (Registrant) By: RELATED AMI ASSOCIATES, INC., as Manager Date: May 13, 1998 By: /s/ Alan P. Hirmes ----------------------- Alan P. Hirmes Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer Date: May 13, 1998 By: /s/ Glenn F. Hopps ----------------------- Glenn F. Hopps Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer