10-Q 1 atel-20190331x10q.htm 10-Q atel15_Current_Folio_10Q

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Form 10‑Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of  1934.

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

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 000‑54931

ATEL 15, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

California

   

45‑1625956

(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)

 

(I. R. S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

The Transamerica Pyramid, 600 Montgomery Street, 9th Floor, San Francisco, California 94111

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (415) 989‑8800

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: Limited Liability Company Units

Title of each class:

    

Trading Symbol

    

Name of each exchange on which registered:

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

Indicate by a 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 ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit files).  Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b‑2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☒

Smaller reporting company ☒

Emerging growth company ☐

 

 

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b‑2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

The number of Limited Liability Company Units outstanding as of April 30, 2019 was 6,542,557.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

 

 

 

 


 

ATEL 15, LLC

Index

Part I. 

Financial Information

3

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

 

Balance Sheets, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018

3

 

Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

4

 

Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

5

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

6

 

Notes to the Financial Statements

7

 

 

 

Item 2. 

Management’s  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

27

 

 

 

Item 4. 

Controls and Procedures

32

 

 

 

Part II. 

Other Information

33

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

33

 

 

 

Item 2. 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

33

 

 

 

Item 3. 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

33

 

 

 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

33

 

 

 

Item 5. 

Other Information

33

 

 

 

Item 6. 

Exhibits

33

 

 

 

2


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).

ATEL 15, LLC

BALANCE SHEETS

MARCH 31, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

2019

    

2018

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

2,547

 

$

1,716

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

58

 

 

75

Due from Managing Member and affiliates

 

 

 —

 

 

 1

Investment in securities

 

 

315

 

 

144

Warrants, fair value

 

 

208

 

 

376

Equipment under operating leases, net

 

 

21,706

 

 

22,772

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

15

 

 

30

Total assets

 

$

24,849

 

$

25,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Managing Member and affiliates

 

 

89

 

 

42

Other

 

 

482

 

 

463

Non-recourse debt

 

 

569

 

 

1,191

Senior long-term debt

 

 

2,068

 

 

2,068

Unearned operating lease income

 

 

243

 

 

61

Total liabilities

 

 

3,451

 

 

3,825

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members’ capital:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Other Members

 

 

21,398

 

 

21,289

Total Members’ capital

 

 

21,398

 

 

21,289

Total liabilities and Members’ capital

 

$

24,849

 

$

25,114

 

See accompanying notes.

3


 

ATEL 15, LLC

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS

ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

(in thousands except units and per unit data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Revenues:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Leasing and lending activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Operating leases revenue, net

 

$

1,420

 

$

1,655

 

Interest on notes receivable

 

 

14

 

 

 4

 

Gain on sale of operating lease assets and early termination of notes receivable

 

 

 5

 

 

1,748

 

Unrealized gain on investment in securities

 

 

 3

 

 

139

 

Other

 

 

 6

 

 

 4

 

Total revenues

 

 

1,448

 

 

3,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Depreciation of operating lease assets

 

 

882

 

 

1,115

 

Asset management fees to Managing Member

 

 

70

 

 

211

 

Cost reimbursements to Managing Member and/or affiliates

 

 

160

 

 

237

 

Provision for (reversal of) credit losses

 

 

 7

 

 

(56)

 

Amortization of initial direct costs

 

 

 —

 

 

18

 

Interest expense

 

 

29

 

 

66

 

Professional fees

 

 

80

 

 

64

 

Outside services

 

 

26

 

 

37

 

Taxes on income and franchise fees

 

 

10

 

 

 5

 

Freight and shipping

 

 

12

 

 

67

 

Storage fees

 

 

11

 

 

39

 

Other

 

 

44

 

 

54

 

Total expenses

 

 

1,331

 

 

1,857

 

Net income

 

$

117

 

$

1,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Managing Member

 

$

 1

 

$

106

 

Other Members

 

 

116

 

 

1,587

 

 

 

$

117

 

$

1,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per Limited Liability Company Unit (Other Members)

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.24

 

Weighted average number of Units outstanding

 

 

6,542,557

 

 

6,548,640

 

 

See accompanying notes.

4


 

ATEL 15, LLC

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

(in thousands except units and per unit data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

    

Amount

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing

 

 

 

 

    

Units

    

Other Members

    

Member

    

Total

Balance December 31, 2017

 

6,557,057

 

$

20,434

 

$

 —

 

$

20,434

Repurchases of Units

 

(14,500)

 

 

(58)

 

 

 —

 

 

(58)

Distributions to Other Members ($0.20 per Unit)

 

 —

 

 

(1,303)

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,303)

Distributions to Managing Member

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(106)

 

 

(106)

Net income

 

 —

 

 

1,587

 

 

106

 

 

1,693

Balance March 31, 2018 ( Unaudited)

 

6,542,557

 

$

20,660

 

$

 —

 

$

20,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2018

 

6,542,557

 

$

21,289

 

$

 —

 

$

21,289

Distribution to Other Members ( $0.00 per unit )

 

 —

 

 

(7)

 

 

 —

 

 

(7)

Distributions to Managing Members

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1)

 

 

(1)

Net income

 

 —

 

 

116

 

 

 1

 

 

117

Balance March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

6,542,557

 

$

21,398

 

$

 —

 

$

21,398

 

See accompanying notes.

5


 

ATEL 15, LLC

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

Operating activities:

    

2019

    

2018

Net income

 

$

117

 

$

1,693

Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 Gain on sales of equipment under operating lease and early termination of notes receivable

 

 

(5)

 

 

(1,748)

 Depreciation of operating lease assets

 

 

882

 

 

1,115

 Amortization of initial direct costs

 

 

 —

 

 

18

 Provision for (reversal of) credit losses

 

 

 7

 

 

(56)

 Unrealized loss (gain) on investment in securities

 

 

(3)

 

 

(139)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 Accounts receivable

 

 

10

 

 

38

 Due from Managing Member and affiliates

 

 

 1

 

 

 —

 Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

14

 

 

(10)

 Due to Managing Member and affiliates

 

 

47

 

 

(50)

 Accrued distributions to Other Members

 

 

 —

 

 

(615)

 Accounts payable, other

 

 

19

 

 

 8

 Accrued liabilities, affiliates

 

 

 —

 

 

(216)

 Unearned operating lease income

 

 

182

 

 

91

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

1,271

 

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Proceeds from sales of equipment under operating leases and early termination of notes

 

 

190

 

 

3,977

Principal payments received on notes receivable

 

 

 —

 

 

35

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

 

190

 

 

4,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Repayments under non-recourse debt

 

 

(622)

 

 

(905)

Repayments under credit facility

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,250)

Distributions to Other Members

 

 

(7)

 

 

(1,303)

Distributions to Managing Member

 

 

(1)

 

 

(106)

Repurchases of Units

 

 

 —

 

 

(58)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(630)

 

 

(4,622)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

831

 

 

(481)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

1,716

 

 

932

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

2,547

 

$

451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

$

 8

 

$

38

Cash paid during the period for taxes

 

$

17

 

$

 1

Conversion of warrants to equity securities

 

$

168

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

6


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Limited Liability Company matters:

ATEL 15, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on March 4, 2011 for the purpose of raising capital and originating equipment financing transactions and acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities. The Managing Member of the Company is ATEL Managing Member, LLC (the “Managing Member” or the “Manager”), a Nevada limited liability company. The Managing Member is controlled by ATEL Financial Services (“AFS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group. The Fund may continue until terminated as provided in the ATEL 15, LLC Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement dated October 28, 2011 (the “Operating Agreement”). Contributions in the amount of $500 were received as of May 3, 2011, which represented the initial Member’s capital investment. As a limited liability company, the liability of any individual member for the obligations of the Fund is limited to the extent of capital contributions to the Fund by the individual member. The offering of the Company was granted effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of October 28, 2011.

As of March 31, 2019, cumulative gross contributions, less rescissions and repurchases (net of distributions paid and allocated syndication costs, as applicable), totaling $66.0 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) have been received. As of the same date, 6,542,557 Units were issued and outstanding.

The Company is governed by its Operating Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Operating Agreement, the Managing Member and/or its affiliates receives compensation for services rendered and reimbursements for costs incurred on behalf of the Company (See Note 6). The Company is required to maintain reasonable cash reserves for working capital, the repurchase of Units and contingencies. The repurchase of Units is solely at the discretion of the Managing Member.

These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies:

Basis of presentation:

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10‑Q as mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of the Managing Member, necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no significant effect on the reported financial position or results of operations.

Footnote and tabular amounts are presented in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data.

In preparing the accompanying financial statements, the Company has reviewed, as determined necessary by the Managing Member, events that have occurred after March 31, 2019 until the issuance of the financial statements. No events were noted which would require additional disclosure in the footnotes to the financial statements or adjustments thereto.

7


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and cash equivalent investments such as U.S. Treasury instruments with original and/or purchased maturities of ninety days or less.

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from the estimates. Such estimates primarily relate to the determination of residual values at the end of the lease term and expected future cash flows used for impairment analysis purposes, and determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts and reserve for credit losses on notes receivable.

Segment reporting:

The Company is organized into one operating segment for the purpose of making operating decisions or assessing performance. Accordingly, the Company operates in one reportable operating segment in the United States.

The primary geographic region in which the Company seeks leasing and financing opportunities is North America. All of the Company’s current operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and long-lived tangible assets as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 relate to customers domiciled in the United States.

Accounts receivable:

Accounts receivable represent the amounts billed under operating and direct financing lease contracts, and notes receivable which are currently due to the Company.

Allowances for doubtful accounts are typically established based upon their aging and historical charge off and collection experience and the creditworthiness of specifically identified lessees and borrowers, and invoiced amounts. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are generally charged off against the allowance on a specific identification basis. Recoveries of amounts that were previously written-off are recorded as other income in the period received.

Accounts receivable are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management periodically reviews the creditworthiness of companies with lease or note payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, such leases or notes may be placed in non-accrual status. Leases or notes placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid receivable is probable. Until such time, revenues on operating leases are recognized on a cash basis. All payments received on amounts billed under direct financing leases and notes receivable are applied only against outstanding principal balances.

Financing receivables:

:In addition to the allowance established for delinquent accounts receivable, the total allowance related solely to financing receivables also includes anticipated impairment charges on notes receivable and direct financing leases.

8


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Notes are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and/or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest when due. If it is determined that a loan is impaired with regard to scheduled payments, the Company will perform an analysis of the note to determine if an impairment valuation reserve is necessary. This analysis considers the estimated cash flows from the note, or the collateral value of the property underlying the note when note repayment is collateral dependent. Any required valuation reserve is charged to earnings when determined; and notes are charged off to the allowance as they are deemed uncollectible.

The Fund’s investment in direct financing leases are included in other assets, with related revenues reflected on the income statement under other revenues. Direct financing lease amounts, and related disclosures, are immaterial as of  and for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

The asset underlying a direct financing lease contract is considered impaired if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset are less than its net book value. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows are the sum of the estimated residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s expected holding period and estimates of undiscounted future rents. The residual value assumes, among other things, that the asset is utilized normally in an open, unrestricted and stable market. Short-term fluctuations in the market place are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets, if held in quantity, simultaneously or to dispose of the asset quickly. Impairment is measured as the difference between the fair value (as determined by a valuation method using discounted estimated future cash flows, third party appraisals or comparable sales of similar assets as applicable based on asset type) of the asset and its carrying value on the measurement date.

Investment in securities:

From time to time, the Company may purchase securities of its borrowers in connection with its lending arrangements.

Purchased securities

The Company’s purchased securities registered for public sale with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value with any changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s purchased securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are measured at cost minus impairment, and adjusted for changes in observable prices. Factors considered by the Managing Member in determining fair value include, but are not limited to, available financial information, the issuer’s ability to meet its current obligations and indications of the issuer’s subsequent ability to raise capital. The Company had $315 thousand and $144 thousand of purchased securities at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Based upon the Company’s review of its portfolio, unrealized gains of $3 thousand and $139 thousand were recorded for the respective three months ended March 31, 2019 and  2018.

Warrants

Warrants owned by the Company are not registered for public sale, but are considered derivatives and are reflected at an estimated fair value on the balance sheet, as determined by the Managing Member. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of the Company’s portfolio of warrants was $208 thousand and $376 thousand, respectively. During the first quarter of 2019, there was a net exercise of warrants in exchange for securities. No exercises of any kind occurred during the comparative prior year period.

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Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Credit risk:

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, operating and direct financing lease receivables, notes receivable and accounts receivable. The Company places the majority of its cash deposits in non-interest bearing accounts with financial institutions that have no less than $10 billion in assets. Such deposits are insured up to $250 thousand. The remainder of the Fund’s cash is temporarily invested in U.S. Treasury denominated instruments. The concentration of such deposits and temporary cash investments is not deemed to create a significant risk to the Company. Accounts receivable represent amounts due from in various industries, related to equipment on operating leases.

Equipment under operating leases, net and related revenue recognition:

Equipment subject to operating leases is stated at cost. Depreciation is being recognized on a straight-line method over the terms of the related leases to the equipment’s estimated residual values. Off-lease equipment is generally not subject to depreciation. The Company depreciates all lease assets, in accordance with guidelines consistent with ASC 360‑10‑35‑3, over the periods of the lease terms contained in each asset’s respective lease contract to the estimated residual value at the end of the lease contract. All lease assets are purchased only concurrent with the execution of a lease commitment by the lessee. Thus, the original depreciation period corresponds with the term of the original lease. Once the term of an original lease contract is completed, the subject property is typically sold to the existing user, re-leased to the existing user, or, when off-lease, is held for sale. Assets which are re-leased continue to be depreciated using the terms of the new lease agreements and the estimated residual values at the end of the new lease terms, adjusted downward as necessary. Assets classified as held-for-sale are carried at the lower of carrying amount, or the fair value less cost to sell (ASC 360‑10‑35‑43).

The Company does not use the equipment held in its portfolio, but holds it solely for lease and ultimate sale. In the course of marketing equipment that has come off-lease, management may determine at some point that re-leasing the assets may provide a superior return for investors and would then execute another lease. Upon entering into a new lease contract, management will estimate the residual value once again and resume depreciation. If, and when, the Company, at any time, determines that depreciation in value may have occurred with respect to an asset held-for-sale, the Company would review the value to determine whether a material reduction in value had occurred and recognize any appropriate impairment. All lease assets, including off-lease assets, are subject to the Company’s quarterly impairment analysis, as described below. Maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s portfolio of leased assets are expensed as incurred. Major additions and betterments are capitalized.

Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying leases. The initial lease terms will vary as to the type of equipment subject to the leases, the needs of the lessees and the terms to be negotiated, but initial leases are generally on terms from 36 to 120 months. The difference between rent received and rental revenue cognized is recorded as unearned operating lease income on the balance sheet. Operating leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management considers the equipment underlying the lease contracts for impairment and periodically reviews the credit worthiness of all operating lessees with payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related operating leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, revenues are recognized on a cash basis.

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Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Initial direct costs:

With the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 certain costs associated with the execution of the Company’s leases, which were previously capitalized and amortized over the life of their respective leases, are expensed as incurred. In 2018 and prior, the Company capitalized initial direct costs (“IDC”) associated with the origination of lease assets. IDC includes both internal costs (e.g., the costs of employees’ activities in connection with successful lease originations) and external broker fees incurred with such originations. The costs are amortized on a lease by lease basis based on actual contract term using a straight-line method for operating leases. Upon disposal of the underlying lease assets, both the initial direct costs and the associated accumulated amortization are relieved. Costs related to leases that are not consummated are not eligible for capitalization as initial direct costs and are expensed as acquisition expense.

 

Per Unit data:

The Company issues only one class of Units, none of which are considered dilutive. Net income and distributions per Unit is based upon the weighted average number of Other Members Units outstanding during the period.

Fair Value:

Fair value measurements and disclosures are based on a fair value hierarchy as determined by significant inputs used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs within the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in the market.

Level 3 – Valuation is modeled using significant inputs that are unobservable in the market. These unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company’s valuation policy is determined by members of the Asset Management, Credit and Accounting departments. The Company’s purchased securities registered for public sale with readily determinable fair value are carried at fair value. The Company elected to record equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, and adjusted for changes in observable prices. Any changes in the basis of these equity investments are reported in current earnings. Whenever possible, the policy is to obtain quoted market prices in active markets to estimate fair values for recognition and disclosure purposes. Where quoted market prices in active markets are not available, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, broker quotes, information from third party remarketing agents, third party appraisals of collateral and/or other valuation techniques. These techniques are significantly affected by certain of the Company’s assumptions, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. Potential taxes and other transaction costs are not considered in estimating fair values. As the Company is responsible for determining fair value, an analysis is performed on prices obtained from third parties. Such analysis is performed by asset management and credit department personnel who are familiar with the Company’s investments in equipment, notes receivable and equity securities of venture companies. The analysis may include a periodic review of price fluctuations and validation of numbers obtained from a specific third party by reference to multiple representative sources.

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Recent accounting pronouncements:

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2016-02, Leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases and ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements.  In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842), Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-01, Leases: Codification Improvements. Collectively referred to hereafter as ASU No. 2016-02, these standards set out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract to control an asset (i.e., lessees and lessors). The Company does not have any non-cancelable leases where it is a lessee.

 

ASU No. 2016-02 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. These standards were effective as of January 1, 2019. Upon adoption, we applied the package of practical expedients that has allowed us to not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. Furthermore, we applied the optional transition method in ASU No. 2018-11, which has allowed us to initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the adoption period, although we did not have an adjustment. Additionally, our leases met the criteria in ASU No. 2018-11 to not separate non-lease components from the related lease component; therefore, the accounting for these leases remained largely unchanged from the previous standard. 

 

The adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 and the related improvements did not have a material impact in our financial statements. Upon adoption, (i) amounts previously recognized as lessee reimbursements and other income, for the three months ended March 31, 2019, have been classified as lease or financing income, (ii) allowances for bad debts are now recognized as a direct reduction of operating lease income, and (iii) certain costs associated with the execution of our leases, which were previously capitalized and amortized over the life of their respective leases, are expensed as incurred. Subsequent to January 1, 2019, provisions for credit losses relating to operating leases are now included in lease income in the Company’s financial statements.  Provisions for credit losses prior to January 1, 2019 were previously included in operating expenses in our financial statements and prior periods are not reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”). The main objective of this Update is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in this Update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendments affect entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the standard and expects the Update may potentially result in an increase in the allowance for credit losses given the change to estimated losses over the contractual life adjusted for expected prepayments.

 

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

In November 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (“ASU 2018-19”). The new standard clarifies certain aspects of the new current expected credit losses (CECL) impairment model in ASU 2016-13. The amendment clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are within the scope of ASC 842, rather than ASC 326; however, it will be applicable to our note receivables and direct financing leases, if any. The effective date and transition requirements in this Update are the same as the effective dates and transition requirements in Update 2016-13, as amended by this Update, which is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on the financial statements and related disclosure requirements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which amends the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this Update. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this Update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the financial statements and related disclosure requirements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 — Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 addresses specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This guidance was adopted beginning on January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on its financial statements and disclosures.

 

3. Notes receivable, net:

The Company has various notes receivables from borrowers who have financed the purchase of equipment through the Company. As of March 31, 2019, the original terms of the notes receivable are 84 to 90 months and bear interest at 18.00% per annum. The notes are secured by the equipment financed. The notes mature in 2020.

As of March 31, 2019, the future minimum payments receivable are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Nine months ending December 31, 2019

    

$

43

Less: portion representing unearned interest income

 

 

(43)

Notes receivable, net

 

$

 —

 

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Initial direct costs (“IDC”) amortization expense related to notes receivable and the Company’s operating leases for the three  months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

IDC amortization – notes receivable

 

$

 —

 

$

 3

 

IDC amortization – lease assets

 

 

 —

 

 

15

 

Total

 

$

 —

 

$

18

 

 

 

4. Allowance for credit losses:

The Company’s allowance for credit losses are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for

 

Adjustments 

 

 

 

 

 

Doubtful

 

on Financing

 

Total

 

 

 Accounts

 

Receivables

 

Allowance for

 

    

Operating Leases

    

Notes Receivable

    

Credit Losses

Balance December 31, 2017

 

$

44

 

$

12

 

$

56

(Reversal of) provision for credit losses

 

 

(44)

 

 

(12)

 

 

(56)

Balance March 31, 2018

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2018

 

$

 —

 

$

67

 

$

67

Provision for credit losses

 

 

 —

 

 

 7

 

 

 7

Balance March 31, 2019

 

$

 —

 

$

74

 

$

74

 

The Company’s allowance for credit losses (related solely to financing receivables) and its recorded investment in financing receivables as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

    

Notes 
Receivable

    

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

  

 

Ending balance

 

$

74

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

 

$

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing receivables:

 

 

  

 

Ending balance

 

$

 —

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

 

$

 —

 

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Notes

    

December 31, 2018

    

Receivable

    

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

  

 

Ending balance

 

$

67

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

 

$

67

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing receivables:

 

 

  

 

Ending balance

 

$

 —

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

 

$

 —

 

 

The Company evaluates the credit quality of its financing receivables on a scale equivalent to the following quality indicators related to corporate risk profiles:

Pass – Any account whose lessee/debtor, co-lessee/debtor or any guarantor has a credit rating on publicly traded or privately placed debt issues as rated by Moody’s or S&P for either Senior Unsecured debt, Long Term Issuer rating or Issuer rating that are in the tiers of ratings generally recognized by the investment community as constituting an Investment Grade credit rating; or, has been determined by the Manager to be an Investment Grade Equivalent or High Quality Corporate Credit per its Credit Policy or has a Not Rated internal rating by the Manager and the account is not considered by the Chief Credit Officer of the Manager to fall into one of the three risk profiles below.

Special Mention – Any traditional corporate type account with potential weaknesses (e.g. large net losses or major industry downturns) or, any growth capital account that has less than three months of cash as of the end of the calendar quarter to fund their continuing operations. These accounts deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, those potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the Fund’s receivable at some future date.

Substandard – Any account that is inadequately protected by the current worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Accounts that are so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Fund will sustain some loss as the likelihood of fully collecting all receivables may be questionable if the deficiencies are not corrected. Such accounts are on the Manager’s Credit Watch List.

Doubtful – Any account where the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Accordingly, an account that is so classified is on the Manager’s Credit Watch List, and has been declared in default and the Manager has repossessed, or is attempting to repossess, the equipment it financed. This category includes impaired notes and leases as applicable.

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s financing receivables and its related investments by credit quality indicator and by class of financing receivables are as follows (excludes initial direct costs) (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Receivable

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Pass

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

Special mention

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Substandard

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Doubtful

 

 

74

 

 

67

 

Total

 

$

74

 

$

67

 

 

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s impaired investment in financing receivables were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

    

 

 

    

Unpaid

    

 

 

    

Average

    

 

 

 

 

Recorded

 

Principal

 

Related

 

Recorded

 

Interest Income

 

    

Investment

    

Balance

    

Allowance

    

Investment

    

Recognized

With no related allowance recorded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable

 

$

 —

 

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

With an allowance recorded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable

 

 

74

 

 

74

 

 

74

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Total

 

$

74

 

$

74

 

$

74

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

    

 

 

    

Unpaid

    

 

 

    

Average

    

 

 

 

 

Recorded

 

Principal

 

Related

 

Recorded

 

Interest Income

 

    

Investment

    

Balance

    

Allowance

    

Investment

    

Recognized

With no related allowance recorded

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Notes receivable

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

With an allowance recorded

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Notes receivable

 

 

67

 

 

67

 

 

67

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Total

 

$

67

 

$

67

 

$

67

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

16


 

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, investment in financing receivables is aged as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Recorded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Investment>90

 

 

31‑60 Days

 

61‑90 Days

 

Greater Than

 

Total 

 

 

 

 

 Financing

 

Days and

March 31, 2019

    

Past Due

    

Past Due

    

90 Days

    

Past Due

    

Current

    

Receivables

    

Accruing

Notes receivable

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

74

 

$

74

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Recorded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Investment>90

 

 

31‑60 Days

 

61‑90 Days

 

Greater Than

 

Total 

 

 

 

 

 Financing

 

Days and

December 31, 2018

    

Past Due

    

Past Due

    

90 Days

    

Past Due

    

Current

    

Receivables

    

Accruing

Notes receivable

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

67

 

$

67

 

$

 —

 

 

5. Equipment under operating leases, net:

The Company’s equipment under operating leases, net consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Depreciation/

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

 

 

 

 

 

Balance

 

Reclassifications

 

Expense or

 

Balance

 

 

December 31, 

 

& Additions /

 

Amortization

 

March 31, 

 

    

2018

    

Dispositions

    

of Leases

    

2019

Equipment under operating leases, net

 

$

20,277

 

$

(765)

 

$

(882)

 

$

18,630

Assets held for sale or lease, net

 

 

2,463

 

 

581

 

 

 —

 

 

3,044

Initial direct costs, net of accumulated amortization of $182 at March 31, 2019 and $182 at December 31, 2018

 

 

32

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

32

Total

 

$

22,772

 

$

(184)

 

$

(882)

 

$

21,706

 

Impairment of equipment under operating leases, net:

Depreciation expense are the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

2019

 

2018

Depreciation of operating lease assets

 

$

882

 

$

1,115

 

For the respective three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not record any impairment losses to reduce the cost basis of certain-off lease construction equipment to its fair value.

Recorded values of the Company’s leased asset portfolio are reviewed each quarter to confirm the reasonableness of established residual values and to determine whether there is indication that an asset impairment might have taken place.

The Company uses a variety of sources and considers many factors in evaluating whether the respective book values of its assets are appropriate. In addition, the Company may direct a residual value review at any time if it becomes aware of issues regarding the ability of a lessee to continue to make payments on its lease contract. An impairment loss is measured and recognized only if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset are less than their net book value. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows are the sum of the residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s lease contract and undiscounted future rents from the existing lease contract, if any. The residual value assumes, among other things, that the asset is utilized normally in an open, unrestricted and stable market. Short-term fluctuations

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

in the marketplace are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets, if held in quantity, simultaneously or to dispose of the asset quickly. Impairment is measured as the difference between the fair value (as determined by a valuation method using discounted estimated future cash flows, third party appraisals or comparable sales of similar assets as applicable based on asset type) of the asset and its carrying value on the measurement date. Upward adjustments for impairments recognized in prior periods are not made in any circumstances.

The Company utilizes a straight-line depreciation method for equipment in all of the categories currently in its portfolio of lease transactions. Depreciation expense on the Company’s equipment was $882 thousand and $1.1 million for the respective three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. IDC amortization expense related to the Company’s operating leases totaled $0 and $18 thousand for the respective three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (see Note 3).

All of the Company’s leased property was acquired beginning in December 2011 through April 2015.

Operating leases:

Property on operating leases consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Balance

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

 

 

Reclassifications

 

March 31,

 

    

2018

    

Additions

    

or Dispositions

    

2019

Marine vessel

 

$

19,410

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

19,410

Manufacturing

 

 

7,836

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

7,836

Transportation, rail

 

 

7,686

 

 

 —

 

 

(975)

 

 

6,711

Facility – other

 

 

5,084

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5,084

Agriculture

 

 

2,112

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,112

Construction

 

 

2,009

 

 

 —

 

 

(234)

 

 

1,775

Other

 

 

1,983

 

 

 —

 

 

(534)

 

 

1,449

 

 

 

46,120

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,743)

 

 

44,377

Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(25,843)

 

 

(882)

 

 

978

 

 

(25,747)

Total

 

$

20,277

 

$

(882)

 

$

(765)

 

$

18,630

 

The average estimated residual value for assets on operating leases was 21% and 34% on the assets’ original cost on March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. There were no operating leases on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Direct financing leases:

Such amounts are included in other assets, with related revenues reflected on the income statement under other revenues. Direct financing lease amounts, and related disclosures, are immaterial as of and for both the quarter ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018.

There were no investments in direct financing leases in non-accrual status at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

At March 31, 2019, the aggregate amounts of future minimum operating lease payments receivable are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

    

Leases

Nine months ending December 31, 2019

 

$

2,247

Year ending  December 31, 2020

 

 

2,309

2021

 

 

2,004

2022

 

 

1,869

2023

 

 

1,142

2024

 

 

235

Thereafter

 

 

16

 

 

$

9,822

 

The useful lives for each category of leases is reviewed at a minimum of once per quarter. As of March 31, 2019, the respective useful lives of each category of lease assets in the Company’s portfolio are as follows (in years):

 

 

 

Equipment category

    

Useful Life

Transportation, rail

 

35 – 50

Marine vessel

 

20 – 30

Manufacturing

 

10 – 15

Agriculture

 

7 – 10

Construction

 

7 – 10

Facility - other

 

7 - 10

Other

 

7 - 10

 

 

6. Related party transactions:

The terms of the Operating Agreement provide that the Managing Member and/or affiliates are entitled to receive certain fees for equipment management and resale and for management of the Company.

The Operating Agreement allows for the reimbursement of costs incurred by the Managing Member and/or affiliates for providing administrative services to the Company. Administrative services provided include Company accounting, investor relations, legal counsel and equipment financing documentation. The Managing Member is not reimbursed for services whereby it is entitled to receive a separate fee as compensation for such services, such as management of investments.

Each of AFS and ATEL Leasing Corporation (“ALC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group and performs services for the Company. Acquisition services, equipment management, lease administration and asset disposition services are performed by ALC; investor relations, communications and general administrative services are performed by AFS.

Cost reimbursements to the Managing Member or its affiliates are based on its costs incurred in performing administrative services for the Company. These costs are allocated to each managed entity based on certain criteria such as total assets, number of investors or contributed capital based upon the type of cost incurred. The Managing Member believes that the costs reimbursed are the lower of (i) actual costs incurred on behalf of the Company or (ii) the amount the Company would be required to pay independent parties for comparable administrative services in the same geographic location.

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ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

During the respective three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Managing Member and/or affiliates earned fees and billed for reimbursements of costs and expenses pursuant to the Operating Agreement as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

    

Administrative costs reimbursed to Managing Member and/or affiliates

 

$

160

 

$

237

 

Asset management fees to Managing Member

 

 

70

 

 

211

 

 

 

$

230

 

$

448

 

 

 

7. Non-recourse debt:

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, non-recourse debt consists of notes payable to financial institutions. The note payments are due in monthly installments. Interest on the notes range from 2.80% to 3.66% per annum. The notes are secured by assignments of lease payments and pledges of assets. At March 31, 2019, gross operating lease rentals and future payments on direct financing leases totaled approximately $5.7 million over the remaining lease terms and the carrying value of the pledged assets is $11.5 million. The notes mature from 2019 through 2020.

The non-recourse debt does not contain any material financial covenants. The debt is secured by a lien granted by the Company to the non-recourse lenders on (and only on) the discounted lease transactions. The lenders have recourse only to the following collateral: the specific leased equipment; the related lease chattel paper; the lease receivables; and proceeds of the foregoing items. The non-recourse obligation is payable solely out of the respective specific security and the Company does not guarantee (nor is the Company otherwise contractually responsible for) the payment of the non-recourse debt as a general obligation or liability of the Company. Although the Company does not have any direct or general liability in connection with the non-recourse debt apart from the security granted, the Company is directly and generally liable and responsible for certain representations, warranties, and covenants made to the lenders, such as warranties as to genuineness of the transaction parties’ signatures, as to the genuineness of the respective lease chattel paper or the transaction as a whole, or as to the Company’s good title to or perfected interest in the secured collateral, as well as similar representations, warranties and covenants typically provided by non-recourse borrowers and customary in the equipment finance industry, and are viewed by such industry as being consistent with non-recourse discount financing obligations. Accordingly, as there are no financial covenants or ratios imposed on the Company in connection with the non-recourse debt, the Company has determined that there are no material covenants with respect to the non-recourse debt that warrant footnote disclosure.

Future minimum payments of non-recourse debt are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Principal

    

Interest

    

Total

Nine months ending December 31, 2019

 

$

524

 

$

 8

 

$

532

Year ending December 31, 2020

 

$

45

 

$

 —

 

$

45

 

 

$

569

 

$

 8

 

$

577

 

 

 

20


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

8. Long-term debt:

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the $2.1 million of long-term debt consists of a note payable to a lender. Such debt was utilized during the fourth quarter of 2013 to partially fund the marine vessel and related bareboat charter purchased by the Fund and its affiliate, ATEL 14, LLC. The note bears interest at a fixed-rate of 3.5% per annum, to accrue in arrears on a monthly basis. The full pro rata principal amount of $2.1 million plus all outstanding accrued and unpaid interest of $419 thousand shall be paid in one payment of $2.5 million due on May 25, 2019. The note is recourse to the residual value of the vessel which is expected to be well in excess of the note amount. In addition, the lender has recourse to the Fund’s general assets up to $2.5 million. The note does not contain any material financial covenants and is guaranteed as a senior obligation of the Fund.

9. Borrowing facilities:

Effective May 25, 2012, the Company participates with AFS and certain of its affiliates in a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders. The Credit Facility is comprised of a working capital facility to AFS, an acquisition facility (the “Acquisition Facility”), Institutional Leasing Sub Facility, and a warehouse facility (the “Warehouse Facility”) to AFS, the Company and affiliates, and a venture facility available to an affiliate. As of March 31, 2019, the Credit Facility is for an amount of $75.0 million and has been extended to June 30, 2019. The lending syndicate providing the Credit Facility has a blanket lien on all of the Company’s assets as collateral for any and all borrowings under the Acquisition Facility, and on a pro-rata basis under the Warehouse Facility. Such Credit Facility includes certain financial covenants.

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, borrowings under the Credit Facility were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

 

Total available under the financing arrangement

 

$

75,000

 

$

75,000

 

Amount borrowed by affiliated partnerships and limited liability companies under the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    working capital, acquisition and warehouse facilities

 

 

(1,495)

 

 

(2,110)

 

Total remaining available under the working capital, acquisition and warehouse facilities

 

$

73,505

 

$

72,890

 

 

The Company and its affiliates pay an annual commitment fee to have access to this line of credit. As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of the Credit Facility is potentially available to the Company, subject to certain sub-facility and borrowing-base limitations. However, as amounts are drawn on the Credit Facility by each of the Company and the affiliates who are borrowers under the Credit Facility, the amount remaining available to all borrowers to draw under the Credit Facility is reduced. As the Warehousing Facility is a short term bridge facility, any amounts borrowed under the Warehousing Facility, and then repaid by the affiliated borrowers (including the Company) upon allocation of an acquisition to a specific purchaser, become available under the Warehouse Facility for further short term borrowing.

As of March 31, 2019, the Company’s Tangible Net Worth requirement under the Credit Facility was $10.0 million, the permitted maximum leverage ratio was not to exceed 1.25 to 1, and the required minimum interest coverage ratio was not to be less than 2 to 1. The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants under the Credit Facility with a minimum Tangible Net Worth, leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, as calculated per the Credit Facility agreement of $21.3 million, 0.12 to 1, and 34.14 to 1, respectively, as of March 31, 2019. As such, as of March 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all material financial covenants, and with all other material conditions of the Credit Facility. The Company does not anticipate any covenant violations nor does it anticipate that any of these covenants will restrict its operations or its ability to procure additional financing.

21


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Fee and interest terms

The interest rate on the Credit Facility is based on either the LIBOR/Eurocurrency rate of 1‑, 2‑, 3‑ or 6‑month maturity plus a lender designated spread, or the bank’s Prime rate, which re-prices daily. Principal amounts of loans made under the Credit Facility that are prepaid may be re-borrowed on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth under the Credit Facility.

Warehouse facility

To hold the assets under the Warehousing Facility prior to allocation to specific investor programs, a Warehousing Trust has been entered into by the Company, AFS, ALC, and certain of the affiliated partnerships and limited liability companies. The Warehousing Trust is used by the Warehouse Facility borrowers to acquire and hold, on a short-term basis, certain lease transactions that meet the investment objectives of each of such entities. Each of the leasing programs sponsored by AFS and ALC is a pro rata participant in the Warehousing Trust, as described below. When a program no longer has a need for short term financing provided by the Warehousing Facility, it is removed from participation, and as new leasing investment entities are formed by AFS and ALC and commence their acquisition stages, these new entities are added.

As of March 31, 2019, the investment program participants were the Company, ATEL 14, LLC, ATEL 16, LLC and ATEL 17, LLC. Pursuant to the Warehousing Trust, the benefit of the lease transaction assets, and the corresponding liabilities under the Warehouse Facility, inure to each of such entities based upon each entity’s pro-rata share in the Warehousing Trust estate. The “pro-rata share” is calculated as a ratio of the net worth of each entity over the aggregate net worth of all entities benefiting from the Warehousing Trust estate, excepting that the trustees, AFS and ALC, are both jointly and severally liable for the pro rata portion of the obligations of each of the affiliated partnerships and limited liability companies participating under the Warehouse Facility. Transactions are financed through this Warehouse Facility only until the transactions are allocated to a specific program for purchase or are otherwise disposed by AFS and ALC. When a determination is made to allocate the transaction to a specific program for purchase by the program, the purchaser repays the debt associated with the asset, either with cash or by means of proceeds of a draw under the Acquisition Facility, and the asset is removed from the Warehouse Facility collateral, and ownership of the asset and any debt obligation associated with the asset are assumed solely by the purchasing entity.

There were no borrowings under the Warehouse Facility as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

10. Commitments:

At March 31, 2019, there were no commitments to fund investments in notes receivable and to purchase lease assets.

11. Members’ Capital:

A total of 6,542,557 Units were issued and outstanding at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, including the 50 Units issued to the initial Member (Managing Member). The Fund was authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 Units in addition to the Units issued to the initial Member.

22


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Distributions to the Other Members for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

 

Distributions declared

 

$

 7

 

$

1,303

 

Weighted average number of Units outstanding

 

 

6,542,557

 

 

6,548,640

 

Weighted average distributions per Unit

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.20

 

 

12. Fair value measurements:

Under applicable accounting standards, fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

At March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s investment in securities and warrants were measured on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2018, only the Company’s warrants were measured on a recurring basis. In addition, certain notes receivable deemed impaired were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The measurement methodology is as follows:

Warrants (recurring)

Warrants owned by the Company are not registered for public sale, but are considered derivatives and are carried on the balance sheet at an estimated fair value at the end of the period. The valuation of the warrants was determined using a Black-Scholes formulation of value based upon the stock price(s), the exercise price(s), the volatility of comparable venture companies, time to maturity and a risk free interest rate for the term(s) of the warrant exercise(s). The calculated fair value of the Fund’s warrant portfolio approximated at $208 thousand and $376 thousand at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Such valuations are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

The fair value of warrants that were accounted for on a recurring basis classified as Level 3 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

 

Fair value of warrants at beginning of year

 

$

376

 

$

387

 

Warrants converted to securities

 

 

(168)

 

 

 —

 

Fair value of warrants at end of year

 

$

208

 

$

387

 

 

Investment securities (recurring)

The Company’s investment securities registered for public sale with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value with any changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s results of operations. Factors considered by the Managing Member in determining fair value include, but are not limited to, available financial information, the issuer’s ability to meet its current obligations and indications of the issuer’s subsequent ability to raise capital.

23


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The fair value of investment securities that were accounted for on a recurring basis as of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and classified as Level 1 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

    

2019

     

 

2018

Fair value of securities at the beginning of period

$

101

 

$

101

Unrealized gains on fair valuation of securities

 

(10)

 

 

139

Fair value of investment securities at the end of period

$

91

 

$

240

 

Impaired off-lease equipment (non-recurring)

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no recorded fair value adjustments to reduce the cost basis of certain-off lease construction equipment (assets) deemed impaired.

Under the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, the fair value of the impaired lease assets were classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy as the data source utilized for the valuation of such assets reflect significant inputs that are unobservable in the market. Such valuation utilizes a market approach technique and uses inputs that reflect the sales price of similar assets sold by affiliates and/or information from third party remarketing agents not readily available in the market.

The following tables summarize the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used for the Company’s recurring and non-recurring fair value calculation categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

    

Valuation

    

Valuation

    

Unobservable

    

Range of

Name

    

 Frequency

    

 Technique

    

Inputs

    

 Input Values

Warrants

 

Recurring

 

Black-Scholes formulation

 

Stock price

 

$0.12- $12.92

 

 

  

 

  

 

Exercise price

 

$0.10 - $1,000.00

 

 

  

 

  

 

Time to maturity (in years)

 

1.37 - 6.83

 

 

  

 

  

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.21% - 2.36%

 

 

  

 

  

 

Annualized volatility

 

36.87% - 96.59%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

    

Valuation

    

Valuation

    

Unobservable

    

Range of

Name

    

 Frequency

    

 Technique

    

Inputs

    

 Input Values

Warrants

 

Recurring

 

Black-Scholes formulation

 

Stock price

 

$0.00 - $9.98

 

 

  

 

  

 

Exercise price

 

$0.10 - $1,000.00

 

 

  

 

  

 

Time to maturity (in years)

 

1.62 - 7.08

 

 

  

 

  

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.46% - 2.59%

 

 

  

 

  

 

Annualized volatility

 

35.36% - 91.94%

 

The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is made in accordance with the guidance provided by the Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments, are made solely to comply with the requirements of the Financial Instruments Topic and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and related notes.

24


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The Company has determined the estimated fair value amounts by using market information and valuation methodologies that it considers appropriate and consistent with the fair value accounting guidance. Considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize or has realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Cash and cash equivalents

The recorded amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value because of the liquidity and short-term maturity of these instruments.

Notes receivable

The fair value of the Company’s notes receivable is generally estimated based upon various methodologies deployed by financial and credit management including, but not limited to, credit analysis, third party appraisal and/or discounted cash flow analysis based upon current market valuation techniques and market rates for similar types of lending arrangements, which may consider adjustments for impaired loans as deemed necessary.

Investment in securities

The Company’s purchased securities registered for public sale with readily determinable fair value are carried at fair value. These investment securities are valued based on their quoted market prices.

Non-recourse and Senior long-term debt

The fair value of the Company’s non-recourse debt is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based upon current market borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Commitments and Contingencies

Management has determined that no recognition for the fair value of the Company’s loan commitments is necessary because their terms are made on a market rate basis and require borrowers to be in compliance with the Company’s credit requirements at the time of funding.

The fair value of contingent liabilities (or guarantees) is not considered material because management believes there has been no event that has occurred wherein a guarantee liability has been incurred or will likely be incurred.

25


 

Table of Contents

ATEL 15, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following tables present estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with the guidance provided by the Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2019

 

    

Carrying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Amount

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Financial assets:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

2,547

 

$

2,547

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2,547

Investment in securities

 

 

91

 

 

91

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

91

Warrants, fair value

 

 

208

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

208

 

 

208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Non-recourse debt

 

 

569

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

567

 

 

567

Senior long-term debt

 

 

2,068

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,482

 

 

2,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018

 

    

Carrying

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

    

Amount

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,716

 

$

1,716

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

1,716

Investment in securities

 

 

127

 

 

127

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

127

Warrants, fair value

 

 

376

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

376

 

 

376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Non-recourse debt

 

 

1,191

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,187

 

 

1,187

Senior long-term debt

 

 

2,068

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,456

 

 

2,456

 

 

 

26


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Statements contained in this Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (“MD&A”) and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, which are not historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. In particular, economic recession and changes in general economic conditions, including fluctuations in demand for equipment, lease rates, and interest rates, may result in delays in investment and reinvestment, delays in leasing, re-leasing, and disposition of equipment, and reduced returns on invested capital. The Company’s performance is subject to risks relating to lessee and borrower defaults and the creditworthiness of its lessees and borrowers. The Company’s performance is also subject to risks relating to the value of its equipment at the end of its leases, which may be affected by the condition of the equipment, technological obsolescence and the markets for new and used equipment at the end of lease terms. Investors are cautioned not to attribute undue certainty to these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by law.

Overview

ATEL 15, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on March 4, 2011 for the purpose of raising capital and originating equipment financing transactions and acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities. The offering of the Fund was granted effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of October 28, 2011.

As of March 31, 2019, cumulative gross contributions, less rescissions and repurchases (net of distributions paid and allocated syndication costs, as applicable), totaling $66.0 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) had been received. As of the same date, 6,542,557 Units were issued and outstanding.

Results of Operations

The three months ended March 31, 2019 versus the three months ended March 31, 2018

The Company had net income of $117 thousand and of $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The results for the first quarter of 2019 reflect decreases in both revenues and operating expenses when compared to the prior year period.

Revenues

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2019 decreased by $2.1 million, or 59%, as compared to the prior year period. Such decrease was largely due to a $1.7 million, decrease in gain on sale of operating lease assets, mainly the result of change in the volume and mix of assets sold; a $235 thousand, or 14%, reduction in net operating lease revenues, the result of portfolio run off and disposition of lease assets and an increase in the provision for credit losses; and a $136 thousand, or 98% decrease in unrealized gain on investment in securities.

Expenses

Total expenses for the first quarter of 2019 decreased by $526 thousand, or 28%, as compared to the prior year period. The net decrease in total expenses was primarily the result of a $233 thousand, or 21%, decrease in depreciation of equipment under operating leases, a result of portfolio run-off and sales of lease aseets; a $141 thousand, or 67%, decrease in asset management fees to Managing Member, due to a decrease in managed assets and related revenues; a $77 thousand, or 32%, decrease in cost reimbursements to Managing Member and/or affiliates, offset, in part, by a $63 thousand, or 113%, increase in provision for credit losses, a direct result of an increase in amounts reserved as uncollectible.

27


 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.5 million and $1.7 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The liquidity of the Company will vary in the future, increasing to the extent cash flows from leases and proceeds of asset sales exceed expenses and decreasing as lease assets are acquired, as distributions are made to the Members and to the extent expenses exceed cash flows from leases and proceeds from asset sales.

The Company currently believes it has available adequate reserves to meet its immediate cash requirements and those of the next twelve months, but in the event those reserves were found to be inadequate, the Company would likely be in a position to borrow against its current portfolio to meet such requirements. The Managing Member envisions no such requirements for operating purposes.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth summary cash flow data (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

1,271

 

$

129

 

Investing activities

 

 

190

 

 

4,012

 

Financing activities

 

  

(630)

 

  

(4,622)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

831

 

$

(481)

 

 

The three months ended March 31, 2019 versus the three months ended March 31, 2018

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s primary source of liquidity was cash flow from its portfolio of operating lease contracts and investments in notes receivable. The Company realized a total of $190  thousand and $4.0 million of proceeds from sales of lease assets during the first quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company received principal payments on notes receivable of  $0 and $35 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

During the same comparative periods, cash was primarily used to pay non-recourse debt, distribution and fund investments in notes receivable. Distributions paid to Other Members and the Managing Member totaled $8 thousand and $1.4 million for the respective three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Cash used to pay down non-recourse debt totaled $622 thousand and $905 thousand for the same respective periods. In addition, cash was used to pay invoices related to management fees and expenses, and other payables.

Revolving credit facility

Effective May 25, 2012, the Company participates with AFS and certain of its affiliates in a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders. The Credit Facility is comprised of a working capital facility to AFS, an acquisition facility (the “Acquisition Facility”), Institutional Leasing Sub Facility, and a warehouse facility (the “Warehouse Facility”) to AFS, the Company and affiliates, and a venture facility available to an affiliate. As of March 31, 2019, the Credit Facility is for an amount of $75.0 million and has been extended to June 30, 2019. The lending syndicate providing the Credit Facility has a blanket lien on all of the Company’s assets as collateral for any and all borrowings under the Acquisition Facility, and on a pro-rata basis under the Warehouse Facility. Such Credit Facility includes certain financial covenants.

28


 

Compliance with covenants

The Credit Facility includes certain financial and non-financial covenants applicable to each borrower, including the Company. Such covenants include covenants typically found in credit facilities of the size and nature of the Credit Facility, such as accuracy of representations, good standing, absence of liens and material litigation, etc. The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2019. The Company considers certain financial covenants to be material to its ongoing use of the Credit Facility and these covenants are described below.

Material financial covenants

Under Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain a specific tangible net worth, to comply with a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio, and to comply with other terms expressed in the Credit Facility, including limitation on the incurrence of additional debt and guaranties, defaults, and delinquencies.

As of March 31, 2019, the material financial covenants are summarized as follows:

Minimum Tangible Net Worth: $10.0 million

Leverage Ratio (leverage to Tangible Net Worth): Not to exceed 1.25 to 1

Collateral Value: Collateral value under the Warehouse Facility must be no less than the outstanding borrowings under that facility

EBITDA to Interest Ratio: Not to be less than 2 to 1 for the four fiscal quarters just ended

“EBITDA” is defined under the Credit Facility as, for the relevant period of time (1) gross revenues (all payments from leases and notes receivable) for such period minus (2) expenses deducted in determining net income for such period plus (3) to the extent deducted in determining net income for such period (a) provision for income taxes and (b) interest expense, and (c) depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges. Extraordinary items and gains or losses on (and proceeds from) sales or dispositions of assets outside of the ordinary course of business are excluded in the calculation of EBITDA. “Tangible Net Worth” is defined as, as of the date of determination, (i) the net worth of the Company, after deducting therefrom (without duplication of deductions) the net book amount of all assets of the Company, after deducting any reserves and other amounts for assets which would be treated as intangibles under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and after certain other adjustments permitted under the agreements.

The financial covenants referred to above are applicable to the Company only to the extent that the Company has borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants under the Credit Facility with a minimum Tangible Net Worth, leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, as calculated per the Credit Facility agreement of $21.3 million, 0.12 to 1, and 34.14 to 1, respectively, as of March 31, 2019. As such, as of March 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all such material financial covenants.

Reconciliation to GAAP of EBITDA

For purposes of compliance with the Credit Facility covenants, the Company uses a financial calculation of EBITDA, as defined therein, which is a non-GAAP financial performance measure. The EBITDA is utilized by the Company to calculate its debt covenant ratios.

29


 

The following is a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA, as defined in the loan agreement, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Net income

    

$

748

Interest expense

 

 

152

Depreciation of operating lease assets

 

 

3,973

Amort of IDC

 

 

39

Provision ( Reversal of provision ) for credit losses

 

 

74

Provision for loss on investment in securities

 

 

153

Unrealized gain on fair valuation of warrants

 

 

11

Principal payments received on direct financing leases

 

 

 4

Principal payments received on notes receivable

 

 

35

EBITDA (for Credit Facility financial covenant calculation only)

 

$

5,189

 

Distributions

The Unitholders of record are entitled to certain distributions as provided under the Operating Agreement. The Company commenced periodic distributions beginning with the month of January 2012. Additional distributions have been made consistently through March 31, 2019.

Cash distributions were made by the Fund to Unitholders of record as of December 31, 2018 and paid through March 31, 2019. Distributions may be characterized for tax, accounting and economic purposes as a return of capital, a return on capital (including escrow interest) or a portion of each. Generally, the portion of each cash distribution by a company which exceeds its net income for the fiscal period would constitute a return of capital.

The Fund is required by the terms of its Operating Agreement to distribute the net cash flow generated by its investments in certain minimum amounts during the Reinvestment Period before it can reinvest its operating cash flow in additional portfolio assets. See the discussion in the ATEL 15, LLC Prospectus dated October 28, 2011 (“Prospectus”) under “Income, Losses and Distributions — Reinvestment.” Accordingly, the amount of cash flow from Fund investments distributed to Unitholders will not be available for reinvestment in additional portfolio assets. The cash distributions were based on current and anticipated gross revenues from the leases and loans acquired. During the Fund’s acquisition and operating stages, the Fund may incur short term borrowing to fund regular distributions of such gross revenues to be generated by newly acquired transactions during their respective initial fixed terms. As such, all Fund periodic cash distributions made during these stages have been, and are expected in the future to be, based on the Fund’s actual and anticipated gross revenues to be generated from the binding initial terms of the leases and loans acquired.

As net cash flows from operations are anticipated to fluctuate during the remaining life of the Fund, distributions will only be paid on an annual basis beginning with March of 2018. A distribution equal to 2% of the total original capital contribution was paid in March 2018. The remaining amount to be distributed for 2018 will be determined in December 2018 and paid in January 2019. The amount of all future distributions is dependent upon the timing of lease payments, renewals and asset sales, which will vary during the year.

 

 

30


 

The following table summarizes distribution activity for the Fund from inception through March 31, 2019 (in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

Return of

 

 

 

Distribution

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Distribution

 

Average Units

Distribution Period (1)

    

Paid

    

Capital

    

 

    

of Income

    

 

    

Distribution

    

 

    

per Unit(2)

    

Outstanding(3)

Monthly and quarterly distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 2011 – Dec 2011 (Distribution of escrow interest)

 

Feb 2012 – Jun 2012

 

$

 —

 

 

 

$

 —

 

 

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

n/a

Jan 2012 – Nov 2012

 

Feb 2012 – Dec 2012

 

 

1,173

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

1,173

 

 

 

 

0.79

 

1,476,249

Dec 2012 – Nov 2013

 

Jan 2013 – Dec 2013

 

 

4,191

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

4,191

 

 

 

 

0.88

 

4,758,784

Dec 2013 – Nov 2014

 

Jan 2014 – Dec 2014

 

 

5,952

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

5,952

 

 

 

 

0.90

 

6,620,428

Dec 2014 – Nov 2015

 

Jan 2015 – Dec 2015

 

 

5,951

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

5,951

 

 

 

 

0.90

 

6,612,560

Dec 2015 – Nov 2016

 

Jan 2016 – Dec 2016

 

 

5,934

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

5,934

 

 

 

 

0.90

 

6,606,921

Dec 2016 – Nov 2017

 

Jan 2017 – Dec 2017

 

 

5,892

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

5,892

 

 

 

 

0.90

 

6,567,800

Dec 2017 – Feb 2019

 

Jan 2018 – Feb 2019

 

 

 7

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 7

 

 

 

 

 —

 

6,554,450

 

 

 

 

$

29,100

 

 

 

$

 —

 

 

 

$

29,100

 

 

 

$

5.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source of distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease and loan payments and sales proceeds received

 

 

 

$

29,100

 

100.00

%  

$

 —

 

0.00

%  

$

29,100

 

100.00

%  

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

 

 

 

 —

 

0.00

%  

 

 —

 

0.00

%  

 

 —

 

0.00

%  

 

 

 

 

Debt against non-cancellable firm term payments on leases and loans

 

 

 

 

 —

 

0.00

%

 

 —

 

0.00

%

 

 —

 

0.00

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

29,100

 

100.00

%  

$

 —

 

0.00

%  

$

29,100

 

100.00

%  

 

 

 

 


 

(1)

Investors may elect to receive their distributions either monthly or quarterly (See "Timing and Method of Distributions" on Page 67 of the Prospectus).

(2)

Total distributions per Unit represents the per Unit distribution rate for those units which were outstanding for all of the applicable period.

(3)

Balances shown represent weighted average units for the period from January 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012, December 1, 2012 to November 30, 2013, December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014, December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2015, December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016, December 1, 2016 to November 30, 2017 and December 1, 2017 to February 28, 2019, respectively.

 

Commitments and Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

Commitments and Contingencies

At March 31, 2019, there were no commitments to fund investments in notes receivable and to purchase lease assets.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

None.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information on recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, which are based upon historical experiences, market trends and financial forecasts, and upon various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances and at that certain point in time. Actual results may differ, significantly at times, from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies since December 31, 2018.

31


 

Item 4. Controls and procedures.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

The Company’s Managing Member’s Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operating Officer (“Management”), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operating Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

The Company does not control the financial reporting process, and is solely dependent on the Management of the Managing Member, who is responsible for providing the Company with financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The Managing Member’s disclosure controls and procedures, as they are applicable to the Company, means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in internal control

There were no changes in the Managing Member’s internal control over financial reporting, as it is applicable to the Company, during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Managing Member’s internal control over financial reporting, as it is applicable to the Company.

32


 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary course of conducting business, there may be certain claims, suits, and complaints filed against the Managing Member. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such matters, if any, will not have a material impact on the Managing Member’s financial position or results of operations.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

(a)    Documents filed as a part of this report

1.     Financial Statement Schedules

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

2.     Other Exhibits

 

 

31.1

Certification of Dean L. Cash

31.2

Certification of Paritosh K. Choksi

32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 of Dean L. Cash

32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 of Paritosh K. Choksi

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

33


 

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.

Date: May 10, 2019

ATEL 15, LLC

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

ATEL Financial Services, LLC

 

 

 

Managing Member of Registrant

By:

/s/ Dean L. Cash

 

 

 

Dean L. Cash

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Paritosh K. Choksi

 

 

 

Paritosh K. Choksi

 

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Samuel Schussler

 

 

 

Samuel Schussler

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)

 

 

 

 

 

34