UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-------------------
FORM 10-K
[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
[ ] 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 0-14599
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PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985
Income Fund (Exact name of registrant as specified
in its charter)
California 94-2946248
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
One Market, Steuart Street Tower
Suite 800, San Francisco, CA 94105-1301
(Address of principal (Zip code)
executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (415) 974-1399
-----------------------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ______
Aggregate Market Value of Voting Stock: N/A
An index of exhibits filed with this Form 10-K is located at page 45.
Total number of pages: 51.
<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(A) Background
PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIB 1985 Income Fund (TEP VIIB or the
Partnership) and PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund
(TEP VIIC or the Partnership) (together, the Partnerships) are California
limited partnerships which were formed in October 1984, and began operations in
January 1985. The Partnerships operate under their respective Limited
Partnership Agreements (Partnership Agreement) for the purpose of acquiring,
owning and leasing transportation equipment. PLM Financial Services, Inc. (FSI),
a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLM International, Inc. (PLM International), serves
as the General Partner for both TEP VIIB and TEP VIIC.
The Partnerships were formed to engage in the business of owning and managing
diversified pools of transportation equipment. The primary objectives of each
Partnership were to invest in equipment which would:
(i) generate cash distributions to investors on a quarterly basis;
(ii) maintain substantial residual value for continued operation and
ultimate sale;
(iii) provide certain federal income tax benefits, including investment tax
credits, to the extent available, in 1986 and tax deductions in excess of
Partnership income during early years which investors may use to offset taxable
income from other sources.
(iv) to endeavor to reduce certain of the risks of equipment ownership by
acquiring a diversified portfolio of varying equipment types.
The 1986 Tax Reform Act (the Act) substantially altered some of the Partnership
objectives. Specifically, the ability of investors in the Partnership to use tax
deductions in excess of Partnership income to offset taxable income from other
sources was not only limited in duration by the Act (no offsets were allowed
after 1990), but also limited to a declining percentage that could be applied
against other income beginning in 1987. The Act also eliminated the investment
tax credit.
(B) Management of Partnership Equipment
The Partnerships have entered into equipment management agreements with PLM
Investment Management, Inc. (IMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of FSI, for the
management of the equipment. IMI has agreed to perform all services necessary to
manage transportation equipment on behalf of the Partnerships and to perform or
contract for the performance of all obligations of the lessor under the
Partnerships' leases. In consideration for its services and pursuant to the
Partnership Agreements, IMI is entitled to a monthly management fee. Monthly
management fees are calculated as the greater of 10% of the Partnership's
Operating Cash Flow, or 1/12 of 1/2% of the Partnership's Capital Contributions
as defined in the Limited Partnership Agreement (see Financial Statements, Notes
1 and 2). The Partnerships' management agreements with IMI are to co-terminate
with the dissolution of the Partnerships, unless the Partners vote to terminate
the agreement prior to that date or at the discretion of the General Partner.
TEP VIIB
The offering of limited partnership units (the Units) of TEP VIIB closed on
August 27, 1985 having sold 22,276 Units. FSI contributed $100 for its 1%
general partnership interest in TEP VIIB.
As of December 31, 1997, TEP VIIB owned 17 trailers which were in rental yards
owned and maintained by an affiliate of the General Partner as of December 31,
1997. Revenues collected under short-term rental agreements with the rental
yards' customers are credited to the owners of the related equipment as
received. Direct expenses associated with the equipment are charged directly to
the Partnership. An allocation of indirect expenses of the rental yard
operations is charged to the Partnership monthly.
<PAGE>
TEP VIIC
The offering of limited partnership units (the Units) of TEP VIIC closed on
December 6, 1985 having sold 33,727 Units. FSI contributed $100 for its 1%
general partnership interest in TEP VIIC.
As of December 31, 1997, TEP VIIC owned the following equipment: 66 trailers and
an interest in an entity which owns one commuter aircraft. The entity is jointly
owned by TEP VIIC (80%) and PLM International (20%). All of the Partnership's
trailer equipment operates in rental yards owned and maintained by an affiliate
of the General Partner. Revenues collected under short-term rental agreements
with the rental yards' customers are credited to the owners of the related
equipment as received. Direct expenses associated with the equipment are charged
directly to the Partnership. An allocation of indirect expenses of the rental
yard operations is charged to the Partnership monthly. All equipment owned by
TEP VIIC was either on lease or in rental yards owned and maintained by an
affiliate of the General Partner as of December 31, 1997.
(C) Competition
(1) Operating Leases vs. Full Payout Leases
Generally, the equipment owned by the Partnerships is leased out on an operating
lease basis wherein the rents owed during the initial non-cancelable term of the
lease are insufficient to recover the Partnerships purchase price of the
equipment. The short to mid-term nature of operating leases generally commands a
higher rental rate than longer term, full payout leases and offers lessees
relative flexibility in their equipment commitment. In addition, the rental
obligation under the operating lease need not be capitalized on the lessee's
balance sheet.
The Partnerships encounter considerable competition from lessors utilizing full
payout leases on new equipment, i.e., leases which have terms equal to the
expected economic life of the equipment. Full payout leases are written for
longer terms and for lower rates than the Partnerships offer. While some lessees
prefer the flexibility offered by a shorter term operating lease, other lessees
prefer the rate advantages possible with a full payout lease. Competitors of the
Partnerships may write full payout leases at considerably lower rates, or larger
competitors with a lower cost of capital may offer operating leases at lower
rates, and as a result, the Partnerships may be at a competitive disadvantage.
(2) Manufacturers and Equipment Lessors
The Partnerships also compete with equipment manufacturers who offer operating
leases and full payout leases. Manufacturers may provide ancillary services
which the Partnerships cannot offer, such as specialized maintenance services
(including possible substitution of equipment), training, warranty services and
trade-in privileges.
The Partnerships compete with many equipment lessors, including, among others,
Transport International Pool, Xtra Leasing, and other limited partnerships which
lease the same types of equipment.
(D) Demand
The Partnerships have investments in transportation-related capital equipment.
Types of capital equipment owned by the Partnerships include aircraft and
trailers. Except for the aircraft leased to a passenger air carrier, the
Partnerships' equipment is used to transport materials and commodities, rather
than people.
<PAGE>
(1) Commuter Aircraft/Regional Aircraft
The commuter aircraft market is experiencing a revolution with the successful
entry of small regional jets into this market. Major turboprop manufacturers are
re-evaluating their programs, and several successful but larger models are now
being considered for phase-out. The original concept for regional jets was for
them to take over the hub-and-spoke routes served by the larger turboprops in
North America, but they are also finding successful niches in point-to-point
routes. The introduction of this smaller aircraft has allowed major airlines to
shift the regional jets to marginal routes previously operated by narrowbody
aircraft, allowing the larger-capacity aircraft to be more efficiently employed
in an airline's route system.
At December 31, 1997, TEP VIIC had an interest in an entity which owns a
commuter aircraft that is in the 19 seat category operating in North America.
The Partnership expects to sell this investment in 1998.
Trailers
(a) Over-the-Road Dry Trailers
The United States over-the-road dry trailer market began to recover in mid-1997,
as an oversupply of equipment from 1996 subsided. The strong domestic economy, a
continuing focus on integrated logistics planning by American companies, and
numerous service problems on Class I railroads contributed to the recovery in
the dry van market. In addition, federal regulations requiring antilock brake
systems on all new trailers, effective in March 1998, have helped stimulate new
trailer production, and the market is anticipated to remain strong in the near
future. There continues to be much consolidation of the trailer leasing industry
in North America, as the two largest lessors of dry vans now control over 60% of
the market. The reduced level of competition, coupled with anticipated continued
strong utilization, may lead to an increase in rates.
Utilization of the Partnership's dry van fleet was up 8% over last year.
(b) Over-the-Road Refrigerated Trailers
The temperature-controlled over-the-road trailer market recovered in 1997;
freight levels improved and equipment oversupply was reduced as industry players
actively retired older trailers and consolidated fleets. Most refrigerated
carriers posted revenue growth of between 2% and 5% in 1997, and accordingly are
planning fleet upgrades. In addition, with refrigeration and trailer
technologies changing rapidly and industry regulations becoming tighter,
trucking companies are managing their refrigerated fleets more effectively.
As a result of these changes in the refrigerated trailer market, it is
anticipated that trucking companies will utilize short-term trailer leases more
frequently to supplement their fleets. Such a trend should benefit the
Partnerships, which generally leases its equipment on a short-term basis from
rental yards owned and operated by PLM subsidiaries. The Partnerships'
utilization, especially in the second half of 1997, was significantly higher
than 1996 levels.
(E) Government Regulations
The use, maintenance, and ownership of equipment is regulated by federal, state,
local and/or foreign governmental authorities. Such regulations which may impose
restrictions and financial burdens on the Partnerships' ownership and operation
of equipment, which may affect the Partnerships' liquidity. Changes in
government regulations, industry standards, or deregulation, may also affect the
ownership, operation and resale of the equipment. Certain of the Partnerships'
equipment is subject to extensive safety and operating regulations which may
require the removal from service or extensive modification, at considerable
cost, of such equipment to meet the regulations. Such regulations include (but
are not limited to):
(1) the U.S. Department of Transportation's Aircraft Capacity Act of 1990
(which limits or eliminates the operation of commercial aircraft in the U.S.
that do not meet certain noise, aging, and corrosion criteria);
(2) the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and
the U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 which call for the control of and
eventual replacement of substances that have been found to cause or contribute
significantly to harmful effects on the stratospheric ozone layer and which are
used extensively as refrigerants in refrigerated marine cargo containers,
over-the-road trailers, etc.
As of December 31, 1997, the Partnership is in compliance with the above
government regulations. Typically, costs related to extensive modifications are
passed on to the lessee of that equipment.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Partnerships neither own nor lease any properties other than the equipment
they have purchased for lease to others. As of December 31, 1997, each
Partnership owned a portfolio of transportation equipment as described in Part
I, Item 1. The Partnerships will not purchase any additional equipment but may
make capital repairs to the current portfolio of equipment which extend or
increase the economic life.
The Partnerships maintain their principal offices at One Market, Steuart Street
Tower, Suite 800, San Francisco, California 94105-1301. All office facilities
are provided by FSI without reimbursement by the Partnerships.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Partnerships' Limited Partners during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
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<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE PARTNERSHIPS' EQUITY AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS
Pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreements, the General Partner is
entitled to a 1% interest in the profits, losses and distributions of the
Partnerships. The General Partner also is entitled to a special allocation of
any net profit or gains from sale of each Partnership's assets during the
liquidation phase in an amount equal to the excess of the net losses previously
allocated to the General Partner over the capital contributions made by the
General Partner. FSI is the sole holder of such interests. Ownership of the
remaining 99% interest in the profits and losses and distributions of the
respective Partnerships is represented as follows:
TEP VIIB TEP VIIC
------------------------------
Holders of limited partnership units 836 1,230
as of December 31, 1997
TEP VIIB:
Effective January 1, 1998, the Partnership's remaining assets were transferred
into a liquidating trust. Under the terms of the trust agreement, no transfers
will be allowed except for those transfers relating to inheritance issues and
pension plan distributions.
TEP VIIC:
There are several secondary exchanges which may purchase limited partnership
units. Secondary markets are characterized as having few buyers for limited
partnership interests and, therefore, generally are viewed as inefficient
vehicles for the sale of partnership units. There is no public market for these
Limited Partnership Units and none is likely to develop. Moreover, the Limited
Partnership Units are subject to substantial restrictions on transferability.
(This space intentionally left blank.)
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Tables 1, below, lists selected financial data for the respective Partnerships.
TABLE 1
For the years ended December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TEP VIIB 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating results:
Total revenues $ 869,669 $ 487,226 $ 732,844 $ 813,152 $ 861,606
Loss on revaluation
Of equipment -- -- -- -- (65,475)
Net gain (loss) on disposition
of equipment 598,676 62,907 27,563 14,663 (15,985)
Equity in net income of
unconsolidated special-purpose
entity -- 265,108 -- -- --
Net income 588,347 238,083 29,306 88,689 139,613
At year-end:
Total assets $ 379,162 $ 523,019 $ 867,962 $ 1,269,667 $ 1,653,415
Total liabilities 22,952 37,477 26,193 61,017 58,033
Cash distributions $ 97,172 $ 394,310 $ 396,187 $ 475,421 $ 581,068
Special distributions $ 620,507 $ 200,000 $ -- $ -- $ --
Cash distributions and special distributions
which represent a return of capital to
limited partners
$ 222,526 $ 352,665 $ 363,212 $ 382,865 $ 437,040
Per weighted-average limited Partnership unit:
Net income $ 21.91 $ 10.58 $ 1.30 $ 3.94 $ 6.20
Cash distributions $ 4.32 $ 17.52 $ 17.61 $ 21.13 $ 25.82
Special distributions $ 27.58 $ 8.89 $ -- $ -- $ --
Cash distributions and special
distributions which represent a return
of capital to limited partners $ 9.99 $ 15.83 $ 16.31 $ 17.19 $ 19.62
</TABLE>
(This space intentionally left blank.)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended December 31,
TEP VIIC 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating results:
Total revenues $ 670,068 $ 565,080 $ 1,254,597 $ 1,712,474 $ 1,682,390
Loss on revaluation
of equipment -- -- -- -- (11,698 )
Net gain (loss) on disposition
of equipment 431,757 133,840 84,289 68,223 (131,532 )
Equity in net income of
Unconsolidated special-purpose
Entities 59,447 653,740 -- -- --
Net income 343,294 600,944 175,174 441,222 359,895
At year-end:
Total assets $ 221,295 $ 792,790 $ 1,648,364 $ 2,526,952 $ 3,199,276
Total liabilities 16,954 20,066 22,228 28,451 46,293
Cash distributions $ 75,660 $ 654,356 $ 847,539 $ 995,704 $ 1,049,476
Special distributions $ 836,017 $ 800,000 $ 200,000 $ 100,000 $ 170,338
Cash distributions and special
Distributions which represent a return
of capital to limited partners $ 709,159 $ 844,877 $ 863,642 $ 647,937 $ 851,320
Per weighted average limited partnership
unit:
Net income $ 5.73 $ 17.64 $ 5.14 $ 12.95 $ 10.56
Cash distributions $ 2.22 $ 19.21 $ 24.88 $ 29.23 $ 30.81
Special distributions $ 24.54 $ 23.48 $ 5.87 $ 2.94 $ 5.00
Cash distributions and special
distribution which represent a return
of capital to limited partners $ 21.03 $ 25.05 $ 25.61 $ 19.21 $ 25.24
</TABLE>
(This space intentionally left blank.)
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(A) Sources
The Partnerships' primary source of liquidity is operating cash flow. Proceeds
realized from the sale or disposal of equipment are generally distributed to the
partners. The Partnerships' original source of capital was proceeds from its
initial public offering of limited partnership units.
(B) Asset Sales
As discussed in Note 6 to each of the accompanying financial statements and (E)
below, the General Partner is actively marketing the remaining equipment
portfolio with the intent of maximizing sale proceeds.
(C) Market Values
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121). This standard is effective for years
beginning after December 15, 1995. The Partnership adopted SFAS 121 during 1995.
In accordance with SFAS 121, the General Partner reviews the carrying value of
its equipment portfolio at least annually in relation to expected future market
conditions for the purpose of assessing recoverability of the recorded amounts.
If projected future lease revenue plus residual values are less than the
carrying value of the equipment, a loss on revaluation is recorded. No
adjustments to reflect impairment of individual equipment carrying values were
required for the year ended December 31, 1997, 1996, or 1995.
As of December 31, 1997, the General Partner estimated the fair market value of
each Partnerships' equipment portfolio, including equipment owned by
unconsolidated special-purpose entities (USPEs), to be approximately: $0.1
million and $0.9 million for TEP VIIB and TEP VIIC respectively.
(D) Government Regulations
The General Partner operates the Partnership's equipment in accordance with
current regulations (see Item 1 (E) Government Regulations). However, the
continuing implementation of new or modified regulations by some of the
authorities mentioned previously, or others, may adversely affect the
Partnerships' ability to continue to own or operate equipment in its portfolio.
These on-going changes in the regulatory environment, both in the U.S. and
internationally, cannot be predicted with any certainty and thus preclude the
General Partner from accurately determining the impact of such changes on the
Partnerships' operations and sales of equipment.
(E) Future Outlook
With the majority of the equipment portfolio now liquidated, TEP VIIB's
remaining assets were transferred into a liquidating trust as of January 1, 1998
(see Note 6) to each of the accompanying financial statements. Any excess
proceeds over expected obligations will be distributed to the beneficiaries in
the liquidating trust. For TEP VIIC, the General Partner is actively pursuing
the sale of all of the Partnerships' equipment with the intention of winding up
the Partnership and distributing all available cash to the Partners.
<PAGE>
(F) Result of operations - Year To Year Summary
(1) Comparison of the Partnerships' Operating Results for the Years Ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996
TEP VIIB:
(a) Owned Equipment Operations
Lease revenues less direct expenses (defined as repairs and maintenance and
asset specific insurance expenses) on owned equipment decreased for the year
ended December 31, 1997 when compared to the same period in 1996. The following
table presents lease revenues less direct expenses by owned equipment type:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended
December 31,
1997 1996
-----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Trailers $ 184,578 $ 241,016
Marine containers 5,914 18,303
Railcar equipment 3,519 28,972
</TABLE>
Trailers: Trailer lease revenues and direct expenses were $248,193 and $63,615,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1997, compared to $362,500 and
$121,484, respectively, during the same period of 1996. The number of trailers
owned by the Partnership has been declining over the past twelve months due to
sales and dispositions. The result of this declining fleet has been a decrease
in trailer net contribution.
Marine containers: Marine container lease revenues and direct expenses were
$6,002 and $88, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1997, compared to
$18,417 and $114, respectively, during the same period of 1996. The decrease in
marine containers net contribution resulted from the sale of the Partnership's
remaining marine containers during 1997.
Railcar equipment: Railcar lease revenues and direct expenses were $3,750 and
$231, respectively, for year ended December 31, 1997, compared to $30,000 and
$1,028, respectively, during the same period of 1996. The decrease in railcars
net contribution resulted from the sale of the Partnership's remaining railcars
during the first quarter of 1997.
(b) Indirect Expenses Related to Owned Equipment Operations
Total indirect expenses of $217,388 for the year ended December 31, 1997,
decreased from $391,625 for the same period in 1996. Significant variances are
explained as follows:
(i) a $154,901 decrease in depreciation expenses from 1996 levels reflecting the
sale of certain assets during 1997 and 1996.
(ii) a $42,708 decrease in general and administrative expenses from 1996 levels
was due to decreased accounting and data processing costs, and lower
administrative costs associated with the short-term rental facilities due to
decreased volume of trailers operating in these facilities.
(iii) a $19,827 increase in bad debt expense was primarily due to the General
Partner's evaluation of the collectibility of trade receivables from trailer
rental yard lessees.
(c) Net Gain on Disposition of Equipment
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Partnership realized a gain of
$598,676 on disposition of railcars, marine containers, and trailers, compared
to the same period in 1996 when the Partnership realized a gain of $62,907 on
the sale or disposition of marine containers and trailers.
<PAGE>
(d) Equity in Net Income of the Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity
Equity in the net income of unconsolidated special-purpose entity was $265,108
for the year ended December 31, 1996, and represents the Partnership share of
income ($28,408) generated from the investment in an entity which owned an
aircraft, accounted for under the equity method and the gain ($236,700)
resulting from the sale by this entity of this aircraft during 1996 (see Note 4
to the financial statements).
(e) Net Income
As a result of the foregoing, the Partnership's net income of $588,347 for the
year ended December 31, 1997, increased from $238,083 for the year ended
December 31, 1996. The Partnership's ability to operate or liquidate assets,
secure leases, and re-lease those assets whose leases expire during the duration
of the Partnership is subject to many factors, and the Partnership's performance
in 1997 is not necessarily indicative of future periods. For the year ended
December 31, 1997, the Partnership distributed $710,502 to the limited partners,
or $31.90 per weighted-average limited partnership unit which included a special
distribution from asset sales of $27.58 per unit.
The Partnership's performance during 1997 is not necessarily indicative of
future periods.
TEP VIIC:
(a) Owned Equipment Operations
Lease revenues less direct expenses (defined as repairs and maintenance and
asset specific insurance expenses) on owned equipment decreased for the year
ended December 31, 1997 when compared to the same period in 1996. The following
table presents lease revenues less direct expenses by owned equipment type:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended
December 31,
1997 1996
-----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Trailers $ 152,424 $ 284,335
Marine containers 6,086 14,125
</TABLE>
Trailers: Trailer lease revenues and direct expenses were $214,395 and $61,971,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1997, compared to $392,542 and
$108,207, respectively, during the same period during 1996. The number of
trailers owned by the Partnership has been declining over the past twelve months
due to sales and dispositions. The result of this declining fleet has been a
decrease in trailer net contribution.
Marine containers: Marine container lease revenues and direct expenses were
$6,294 and $208, respectively, for the twelve months ended 1997, compared to
$14,332 and $207, respectively during the same period during 1996. The decrease
in marine containers net contribution resulted from the sale of the remaining
Partnership's marine containers during 1997.
(b) Indirect Expenses Related to Owned Equipment Operations
Total indirect expenses of $324,042 for the year ended December 31, 1997,
decreased from $509,462 for the same period in 1996. Significant variances are
explained as follows:
(i) a $110,177 decrease in depreciation expenses from 1996 levels reflecting the
sale of certain assets during 1997 and 1996.
(ii) a $67,702 decrease in the general and administrative expenses from 1996
levels due to decreased accounting and data processing costs, and lower
administrative costs associated with the short-term rental facilities due to
decreased volume of trailers operating in these facilities.
(iii) a $13,121 decrease in management fees due to lower levels of operating
cash flow during the comparable periods primarily due to equipment dispositions.
Monthly management fees are calculated as the greater of 10% of the
Partnership's Operating Cash Flow, or 1/12 of 1/2% of the Partnership's Capital
Contributions as defined in the Limited Partnership Agreement.
(iv) a $5,580 increase in bad debt expense due to the General Partner's
evaluation of the collectibility of trade receivables from trailer rental yard
lessees.
(c) Net Gain on Disposition of Equipment
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Partnership realized a gain of
$431,757 on disposition of trailers and marine containers, compared to the same
period in 1996, when the Partnership realized a gain of $133,840 on the sale or
disposition of trailers and marine containers.
(d) Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity
Equity in net income of unconsolidated special-purpose entity of $59,447 for the
year ended December 31, 1997, represents the Partnership's share of income
generated from the interest in an entity which owns an aircraft, accounted for
under the equity method (see Note 4 to the financial statements). In 1996, the
Partnership liquidated its 69% interest in an entity which owned an aircraft for
a gain of $535,821.
(e) Interest and Other Income
Interest and other income decreased to $17,622 for the year ended December 31,
1997, from $24,366 compared to the same period in 1996. This decrease was
primarily due to lower average cash balances in 1997.
(f) Net Income
As a result of the foregoing, the Partnership's net income decreased to $343,294
for the year ended December 31, 1997, from $600,944 in the same period in 1996.
The Partnership's ability to operate or liquidate assets, secure leases, and
re-lease those assets whose leases expire during the duration of the Partnership
is subject to many factors, and the Partnership's performance in 1997 is not
necessarily indicative of future periods. For the year ended December 31, 1997,
the Partnership distributed $902,560 to the Limited Partners, or $26.76 per
weighted average Limited Partnership Unit which included a special distribution
from asset sales of $24.54 per unit.
The Partnership's performance during 1997 is not necessarily indicative of
future periods.
(2) Comparison of the Partnerships' Operating Results for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995
TEP VIIB:
(a) Owned Equipment Operations
Lease revenues less direct expenses (defined as repairs and maintenance and
asset specific insurance expenses) on owned equipment decreased for the year
ended December 31, 1996 when compared to the same period in 1995. The following
table presents lease revenues less direct expenses by owned equipment type:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended
December 31,
1996 1995
-----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Trailers $ 241,016 $ 365,141
Railcar equipment 28,972 21,414
Marine containers 18,303 22,452
</TABLE>
Trailers: Trailer lease revenues and direct expenses were $362,500 and $121,484,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to $525,408 and
$160,267, respectively, during the same period of 1995. The decrease in net
contribution was due to lower utilization of trailers in the short-term rental
facilities for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996 when compared to the
same period of 1995, and the disposition of trailers in 1995 and 1996.
Railcar equipment: Railcar lease revenues and direct expenses were $30,000 and
$1,028, respectively, for year ended December 31, 1996, compared to $28,049 and
$6,635, respectively, during the same period of 1995. Although the railcar fleet
remained the same size for both years, the increase in railcar contribution
resulted from running repairs required on certain railcars in the fleet during
1995 which were not needed during 1996.
Marine containers: Marine container lease revenues and direct expenses were
$18,417 and $114, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared
to $22,703 and $251, respectively, during the same period of 1995. The number of
marine containers owned by the Partnership has been declining over the past
twelve months due to sales and dispositions. The result of this declining fleet
has been a decrease in marine container net contribution.
(b) Indirect Expenses Related to Owned Equipment Operations
Total indirect expenses of $391,625 for the year ended December 31, 1996,
decreased from $485,781 for the same period in 1995. Significant variances are
explained as follows:
(i) a $36,165 decrease in bad debt expense was due to the General Partner's
evaluation of the collectibility of trade receivables from trailer rental yard
lessees.
(ii) a $29,847 decrease in general and administrative expenses from 1995 levels
was due to decreased accounting costs and administrative costs associated with
the short-term rental facilities.
(iii) a $24,599 decrease in depreciation expenses from 1995 levels reflecting
the sale of certain assets during 1996 and 1995.
(iv) a $3,545 decrease in management fee from 1995 levels due to a lower level
of operating cash flow associated with lower lease revenue on trailers and lower
utilization and rates on marine containers. Management fees are calculated
monthly as the greater of 10% of the Partnership's operating cash flow, or 1/12
of 1/2% of the Partnership's Gross Proceeds as defined in the Limited
Partnership Agreement.
(c) Net Gain on Disposition of Equipment
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership realized a gain of $62,907
on the sale or disposition of marine containers and trailers, compared to the
same period in 1995 when the Partnership realized a gain of $27,563 on the sale
or disposition of trailers and marine containers.
(d) Interest and Other Income
Interest and other income decreased to $13,402 for the year ended December 31,
1996 from $32,119 for the same period of 1995. This decrease was primarily due
to income earned from an early lease termination penalty on four railcars in the
third quarter of 1995, and lower interest income earned due to lower cash
balances available for investments when compared to the same period of 1995.
(e) Equity in Net Income of the Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity
Equity in net income of unconsolidated special-purpose entity was $265,108 for
the year ended December 31, 1996, and represents the Partnership share of income
($28,408) generated from the partnership investment in an entity which owns an
aircraft, accounted for under the equity method and the gain ($236,700)
resulting from the sale by this entity of this aircraft during 1996 (see Note 4
to the financial statements).
(f) Net Income
As a result of the foregoing, the Partnership's net income of $238,083 for the
year ended December 31, 1996, increased from $29,306 for the year ended December
31, 1995. The Partnership's ability to operate or liquidate assets, secure
leases, and re-lease those assets whose leases expire during the duration of the
Partnership is subject to many factors, and the Partnership's performance in
1996 is not necessarily indicative of future periods. For the year ended
December 31, 1996, the Partnership distributed $588,367 to the Limited Partners,
or $26.41 per weighted average Limited Partnership Unit which included a special
distribution from asset sales of $8.89 per unit.
The Partnership's performance during 1996 is not necessarily indicative of
future periods.
TEP VIIC:
(a) Owned Equipment Operations
Lease revenues less direct expenses (defined as repairs and maintenance and
asset specific insurance expenses) on owned equipment decreased for the year
ended December 31, 1996 when compared to the same period in 1995. The following
table presents lease revenues less direct expenses by owned equipment type:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended
December 31,
1996 1995
-----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Trailers $ 284,335 $ 484,019
Marine containers 14,125 29,350
</TABLE>
Trailers: Trailer lease revenues and direct expenses were $392,542 and $108,207,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to $707,321 and
$223,302, respectively during the same period during 1995. The decrease in net
contribution was due to lower utilization of trailers in the short-term rental
facilities in 1996 when compared to 1995, and the disposition of 14 trailers in
1995 and 40 trailers during 1996.
Marine containers: Marine container lease revenues and direct expenses were
$14,332 and $207, respectively, for the twelve months ended 1996, compared to
$29,819 and $469, respectively during the same period during 1995. The number of
marine containers owned by the Partnership has been declining over the past
twelve months due to sales and dispositions. The result of this declining fleet
has been a decrease in marine container net contribution.
(b) Indirect Expenses Related to Owned Equipment Operations
Total indirect expenses of $509,462 for the year ended December 31, 1996,
decreased from $643,725 for the same period in 1995. Significant variances are
explained as follows:
(i) a $63,135 decrease in the general and administrative expenses from 1995
levels due to decreased accounting costs and administrative costs associated
with the short-term rental facilities due to decreased volume of trailers
operating in these facilities.
(ii) a $47,340 decrease in depreciation expenses from 1995 levels reflecting the
sale of certain assets during 1996 and 1995.
(iii) a $33,259 decrease in bad debt expense due to the General Partner's
evaluation of the collectibility of trade receivables from trailer rental yard
lessees.
(iv) a $9,471 increase in management fees due to higher levels of operating cash
flow during the comparable periods. Monthly management fees are calculated as
the greater of 10% of the Partnership's Operating Cash Flow, or 1/12 of 1/2% of
the Partnership's Capital Contributions as defined in the Limited Partnership
Agreement.
(c) Net Gain on Disposition of Equipment
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership realized a gain of
$133,840 on the sale or disposition of trailers and marine containers, compared
to the same period in 1995, when the Partnership realized a gain of $84,289 on
the sale or disposition of trailers and marine containers.
(d) Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entities
Equity in net income of unconsolidated special-purpose entities of $653,740 for
the year ended December 31, 1996, represents the Partnership share of income
($117,919) generated from the partnership investment in entities which own
aircraft, accounted for under the equity method and the gain ($535,821)
resulting from the sale by this entity of the aircraft during 1996 (see Note 4
to the financial statements).
(e) Interest and Other Income
Interest and other income decreased to $24,366 for the year ended December 31,
1996, from $35,376 compared to the same period of 1995. This decrease was
primarily due to lower interest rate earned on cash investments in 1996.
(f) Net Income
As a result of the foregoing the Partnership's net income increased to $600,944
for the year ended December 31, 1996, from $175,174 in the same period in 1995.
The Partnership's ability to operate or liquidate assets, secure leases, and
re-lease those assets whose leases expire during the duration of the Partnership
is subject to many factors, and the Partnership's performance in 1996 is not
necessarily indicative of future periods. For the year ended December 31, 1996,
the Partnership distributed $1,439,812 to the Limited Partners, or $42.69 per
weighted average Limited Partnership Unit which included a special distribution
from asset sales of $23.48 per unit.
All of the equipment owned by TEP VIIC was either operating in the trailer
rental facilities or on lease as of December 31, 1996. The Partnership's
performance during 1996 is not necessarily indicative of future periods.
Inflation
Inflation did not materially impact the Partnerships' revenues or net income
during the reported periods.
Forward Looking Information
Except for historical information contained herein, the discussion in this Form
10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties,
such as statements of the Partnership's plans, objectives, expectations, and
intentions. The cautionary statements made in this Form 10-K should be read as
being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear
in this Form 10-K. The Partnership's actual results could differ materially from
those discussed here.
Year 2000 Compliance
The General Partner is currently addressing the Year 2000 computer software
issue. The General Partner is creating a timetable for carrying out any program
modifications that may be required. The General Partner does not anticipate that
the cost of these modifications allocable to the Partnership will be material.
Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued two new
statements: SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which requires
enterprises to report, by major component and in total, all changes in equity
from nonowner sources; and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," which establishes annual and interim
reporting standards for a public Partnership's operating segments and related
disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas, and major customers.
Both statements are effective for the Partnership's fiscal year ended December
31, 1998, with earlier application permitted. The effect of adoption of these
statements will be limited to the form and content of the Partnership's
disclosures and will not impact the Partnership's results of operations, cash
flow, or financial position.
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and financial statement schedules for the Partnerships
are listed on the Index to Financial Statements included in Item 14(a) of this
Annual Report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
(This space intentionally left blank.)
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF PLM INTERNATIONAL
AND PLM FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
As of the date of this annual report, the directors and executive officers of
PLM International (and key executive officers of its subsidiaries) and of PLM
Financial Services, Inc. are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert N. Tidball 59 Chairman of the Board, Director, President,
and Chief Executive Officer, PLM International, Inc.;
Director, PLM Financial Services, Inc.;
Vice President, PLM Railcar Management Services, Inc.;
President, PLM Worldwide Management Services Ltd.
Randall L.-W. Caudill 50 Director, PLM International, Inc.
Douglas P. Goodrich 51 Director and Senior Vice President, PLM International;
Director and President, PLM Financial Services, Inc.;
President, PLM Transportation Equipment Corporation;
President, PLM Railcar Management Services, Inc.
Harold R. Somerset 63 Director, PLM International, Inc.
Robert L. Witt 57 Director, PLM International, Inc.
J. Michael Allgood 49 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
PLM International, Inc. and PLM Financial Services, Inc.
Stephen M. Bess 51 President, PLM Investment Management, Inc. and
PLM Securities Corp.; Vice President and Director,
PLM Financial Services, Inc.
Richard K Brock 35 Vice President and Corporate Controller,
PLM International, Inc. and PLM Financial Services, Inc.
Frank Diodati 43 President, PLM Railcar Management Services Canada Limited
Steven O. Layne 43 Vice President, PLM Transportation Equipment Corporation;
Vice President, PLM Worldwide Management Services Ltd.
Susan C. Santo 35 Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel,
PLM International, Inc. and PLM Financial Services, Inc.
Thomas L. Wilmore 55 Vice President, PLM Transportation Equipment Corporation;
Vice President, PLM Railcar Management Services, Inc.
</TABLE>
Robert N. Tidball was appointed Chairman of the Board in August 1997 and
President and Chief Executive Officer of PLM International in March 1989. At the
time of his appointment, he was Executive Vice President of PLM International.
Mr. Tidball became a director of PLM International in April 1989. Mr. Tidball
was appointed Director of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in July 1997 and was
elected President of PLM Worldwide Management Services Limited in February 1998.
He has served as an officer of PLM Railcar Management Services, Inc. since June
1987. Mr. Tidball was Executive Vice President of Hunter Keith, Inc., a
Minneapolis-based investment banking firm, from March 1984 to January 1986.
Prior to Hunter Keith, he was Vice President, General Manager, and Director of
North American Car Corporation and a director of the American Railcar Institute
and the Railway Supply Association.
Randall L.-W. Caudill was elected to the Board of Directors in September 1997.
He is President of Dunsford Hill Capital Partners, a San Francisco-based
financial consulting firm serving emerging growth companies in the United States
and abroad, as well as a senior advisor to the investment banking firm of
Prudential Securities, where he has been employed since 1987. Mr. Caudill also
serves as a director of VaxGen, Inc. and SBE, Inc.
Douglas P. Goodrich was elected to the Board of Directors in July 1996,
appointed Senior Vice President of PLM International in March 1994, and
appointed Director and President of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in June 1996.
Mr. Goodrich has also served as Senior Vice President of PLM Transportation
Equipment Corporation since July 1989 and as President of PLM Railcar Management
Services, Inc. since September 1992, having been a senior vice president since
June 1987. Mr. Goodrich was an executive vice president of G.I.C. Financial
Services Corporation, a subsidiary of Guardian Industries Corporation of
Chicago, Illinois, from December 1980 to September 1985.
Harold R. Somerset was elected to the Board of Directors of PLM International in
July 1994. From February 1988 to December 1993, Mr. Somerset was President and
Chief Executive Officer of California & Hawaiian Sugar Corporation (C&H Sugar),
a recently acquired subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Mr. Somerset joined
C&H Sugar in 1984 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer,
having served on its Board of Directors since 1978, a position in which he
continues to serve. Between 1972 and 1984, Mr. Somerset served in various
capacities with Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., a publicly held land and agriculture
company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, including Executive Vice President of
Agriculture and Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary. In addition to a
law degree from Harvard Law School, Mr. Somerset also holds degrees in civil
engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and in marine engineering
from the US Naval Academy. Mr. Somerset also serves on the boards of directors
for various other companies and organizations, including Longs Drug Stores,
Inc., a publicly held company.
Robert L. Witt was elected to the Board of Directors in June 1997. Since 1993,
Mr. Witt has been a principal with WWS Associates, a consulting and investment
group specializing in start-up situations and private organizations about to go
public. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
of Hexcel Corporation, an international advanced materials company with sales
primarily in the aerospace, transportation, and general industrial markets. Mr.
Witt also serves on the boards of directors for various other companies and
organizations.
J. Michael Allgood was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
PLM International in October 1992 and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in December 1992. Between July 1991 and October
1992, Mr. Allgood was a consultant to various private and public-sector
companies and institutions specializing in financial operations systems
development. In October 1987, Mr. Allgood co-founded Electra Aviation Limited
and its holding company, Aviation Holdings Plc of London, where he served as
Chief Financial Officer until July 1991. Between June 1981 and October 1987, Mr.
Allgood served as a first vice president with American Express Bank Ltd. In
February 1978, Mr. Allgood founded and until June 1981 served as a director of
Trade Projects International/Philadelphia Overseas Finance Company, a joint
venture with Philadelphia National Bank. From March 1975 to February 1978, Mr.
Allgood served in various capacities with Citibank, N.A.
Stephen M. Bess was appointed Director of PLM Financial Services, Inc. in July
1997. Mr. Bess was appointed President of PLM Securities Corporation in June
1996 and President of PLM Investment Management, Inc. in August 1989, having
served as Senior Vice President of PLM Investment Management, Inc. beginning in
February 1984 and as Corporate Controller of PLM Financial Services, Inc.
beginning in October 1983. Mr. Bess served as Corporate Controller of PLM, Inc.
beginning in December 1982. Mr. Bess was Vice President-Controller of Trans
Ocean Leasing Corporation, a container leasing company, from November 1978 to
November 1982, and Group Finance Manager with the Field Operations Group of
Memorex Corporation, a manufacturer of computer peripheral equipment, from
October 1975 to November 1978.
Richard K Brock was appointed Vice President and Corporate Controller of PLM
International and PLM Financial Services, Inc. in June 1997, having served as an
accounting manager beginning in September 1991 and as Director of Planning and
General Accounting beginning in February 1994. Mr. Brock was a division
controller of Learning Tree International, a technical education company, from
February 1988 through July 1991.
Frank Diodati was appointed President of PLM Railcar Management Services Canada
Limited in 1986. Previously, Mr. Diodati was Manager of Marketing and Sales for
G.E. Railcar Services Canada Limited.
Steven O. Layne was appointed Vice President of PLM Transportation Equipment
Corporation's Air Group in November 1992, and was appointed Vice President and
Director of PLM Worldwide Management Services Limited in September 1995. Mr.
Layne was its Vice President, Commuter and Corporate Aircraft beginning in July
1990. Prior to joining PLM, Mr. Layne was Director of Commercial Marketing for
Bromon Aircraft Corporation, a joint venture of General Electric Corporation and
the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico. Mr. Layne is a major in the
United States Air Force Reserves and a senior pilot with 13 years of accumulated
service.
Susan C. Santo became Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of PLM
International and PLM Financial Services, Inc. in November 1997. She has worked
as an attorney for PLM International since 1990 and served as its Senior
Attorney since 1994. Previously, Ms. Santo was engaged in the private practice
of law in San Francisco. Ms. Santo received her J.D. from the University of
California, Hastings College of the Law.
Thomas L. Wilmore was appointed Vice President, Rail of PLM Transportation
Equipment Corporation in March 1994, and has served as Vice President of
Marketing for PLM Railcar Management Services, Inc. since May 1988. Prior to
joining PLM, Mr. Wilmore was Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager for
MNC Leasing Corporation in Towson, Maryland from February 1987 to April 1988.
From July 1985 to February 1987, he was President and co-owner of Guardian
Industries Corporation, Chicago, and between December 1980 and July 1985, Mr.
Wilmore was an executive vice president for its subsidiary, G.I.C. Financial
Services Corporation. Mr. Wilmore also served as Vice President of Sales for
Gould Financial Services, located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, from June 1978
to December 1980.
The directors of PLM International, Inc. are elected for a three-year term and
the directors of PLM Financial Services, Inc. are elected for a one-year term or
until their successors are elected and qualified. No family relationships exist
between any director or executive officer of PLM International Inc. or PLM
Financial Services, Inc..
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Partnerships have no directors, officers, or employees. The Partnerships
have no pension, profit sharing, retirement, or similar benefit plan in effect
as of December 31, 1997.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
At December 31, 1997, no investor is known by the General Partner to
beneficially own more than 5% of the Units of either TEP VIIB or TEP VIIC.
(b) Security Ownership of Management
Neither the General Partner and its affiliates nor any officer or director of
the General Partner and its affiliates beneficially own any Units of either TEP
VIIB or TEP VIIC.
<PAGE>
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
(a) Transactions with Management and Others.
During 1997, management fees to IMI were incurred in the amounts of $55,690 and
$84,318 for TEP VIIB and TEP VIIC, respectively. During 1997, administrative
services performed on behalf of the Partnerships were reimbursed to FSI and its
affiliates in the amounts of $36,724 and $56,594 by TEP VIIB and TEP VIIC,
respectively.
During 1997, the unconsolidated special-purpose entities (USPE) in TEP VIIC
incurred management fees to IMI in the amount of $8,678 and administrative
services in the amount of $2,213.
(b) Certain Business Relationships
None.
(c) Indebtedness of Management
None.
(d) Transactions with Promoters
None.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Financial Statements
The financial statements listed in the accompanying Index to Financial
Statements are filed as part of this Annual Report.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
(c) Exhibits
4. Limited Partnership Agreement of each Partnership. Incorporated by
reference to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Reg. No. 2-93640) which became effective with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on January 7, 1985.
10. Equipment Management Agreement between each Partnership and PLM
Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 2-93640) which became
effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 7,
1985.
25. Powers of Attorney.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Partnership has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
The Partnership has no directors or officers. The General Partner has signed on
behalf of the Partnership by duly authorized officers.
Dated: March 27, 1998 PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIB
1985 Income Fund
Partnership
By: PLM Financial Services, Inc.
General Partner
By: /s/ Douglas P. Goodrich
---------------------------
Douglas P. Goodrich
President & Director
By: /s/ Richard K Brock
---------------------------
Richard K Brock
Vice President and
Corporate Controller
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Partnership has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
The Partnership has no directors or officers. The General Partner has signed on
behalf of the Partnership by duly authorized officers.
Dated: March 27, 1998 PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC
1985 Income Fund
Partnership
By: PLM Financial Services, Inc.
General Partner
By: /s/ Douglas P. Goodrich
----------------------------
Douglas P. Goodrich
President and Director
By: /s/ Richard K Brock
----------------------------
Richard K Brock
Vice President and
Corporate Controller
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report
has been signed below by the following directors of the Partnerships' Managing
General Partner on the dates indicated.
Name Capacity Date
*_____________________________
Robert N. Tidball Director-FSI March 27, 1998
*_____________________________
Douglas P. Goodrich Director-FSI March 27 1998
*_____________________________
Stephen M. Bess Director-FSI March 27, 1998
* Susan C. Santo, by signing her name hereto, does sign this document on behalf
of the persons indicated above pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by
such persons and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Susan C. Santo
- ----------------------------
Susan C. Santo
Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Item 14(a))
TEP VIIB Page
Report of Independent Auditors 25
Balance sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 26
Statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995 27
Statements of changes in partners' capital for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 28
Statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995 29
Notes to financial statements 30-34
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required
information is not pertinent to the Registrant or is not material, or because
the information required is included in the financial statements and notes
thereto.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Item 14(a))
TEP VIIC Page
Report of Independent Auditors 35
Balance sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 36
Statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995 37
Statements of changes in partners' capital for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 38
Statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995 39
Notes to financial statements 40-44
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required
information is not pertinent to the Registrant or is not material, or because
the information required is included in the financial statements and notes
thereto.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Partners
PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIB 1985 Income Fund:
We have audited the financial statements of PLM Transportation Equipment
Partners VIIB 1985 Income Fund as listed in the accompanying index. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The Partnership completed its tenth year of operations during 1995, and entered
the liquidation phase of the Partnership. The General Partner is actively
pursuing the sale of all of the Partnership's equipment with the intention of
winding up the Partnership and distributing all available cash to the Partners.
Management's plans in regard to this matter are more fully described in note 6.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of PLM Transportation Equipment
Partners VIIB 1985 Income Fund as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/S/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
- ------------------------------------
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
March 24, 1998
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Equipment held for operating leases, at cost $ 304,133 $ 3,550,990
Less accumulated depreciation (304,133) (3,427,418)
---------------------------------------
Net equipment -- 123,572
Cash and cash equivalents 358,630 269,628
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$3,965 in 1997 and $5,082 in 1996 20,038 127,105
Prepaid insurance 494 2,714
---------------------------------------
Total assets $ 379,162 $ 523,019
=======================================
Liabilities and partners' capital
Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 18,311 $ 32,221
Due to affiliates 4,641 4,641
Lessee deposits and engine reserves -- 615
---------------------------------------
Total liabilities 22,952 37,477
Partners' capital (deficit):
Limited partners (22,276 units) 356,210 578,736
General Partner -- (93,194)
---------------------------------------
Total partners' capital 356,210 485,542
---------------------------------------
Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 379,162 $ 523,019
=======================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the years ended December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue
Lease revenue $ 257,945 $ 410,917 $ 673,162
Interest and other income 13,048 13,402 32,119
Net gain on disposition of equipment 598,676 62,907 27,563
---------------------------------------------------
Total revenues 869,669 487,226 732,844
Expenses
Depreciation 49,217 204,118 278,129
Management fees to affiliate 55,690 52,145 55,690
Repairs and maintenance 59,752 120,060 159,069
Insurance expense 5,961 4,566 8,406
General and administrative expenses to affiliates 36,724 77,237 130,286
Other general and administrative expenses 55,234 57,208 36,876
Provision for (recovery of) bad debts 18,744 (1,083) 35,082
---------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 281,322 514,251 703,538
---------------------------------------------------
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
Special-purpose entity -- 265,108 --
Net income $ 588,347 $ 238,083 $ 29,306
===================================================
Partners' share of net income:
Limited partners $ 487,976 $ 235,702 $ 29,013
General Partner 100,371 2,381 293
Total $ 588,347 $ 238,083 $ 29,306
===================================================
Net income per limited partnership unit (22,276 units) $ 21.91 $ 10.58 $ 1.30
===================================================
Cash distributions $ 97,172 $ 394,310 $ 396,187
===================================================
Cash distributions per limited partnership unit $ 4.32 $ 17.52 $ 17.61
===================================================
Special cash distributions $ 620,507 $ 200,000 $ --
===================================================
Special cash distributions per limited partnership unit $ 27.58 $ 8.89 $ --
===================================================
Total cash distributions $ 717,679 $ 594,310 $ 396,187
===================================================
Total cash distributions per limited partnership unit $ 31.90 $ 26.41 $ 17.61
===================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership) STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL For the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Limited General
Partners Partner Total
----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' capital (deficit) at December 31, 1994 $ 1,294,613 $ (85,963 ) $ 1,208,650
Net income 29,013 293 29,306
Cash distribution (392,225) (3,962 ) (396,187)
----------------------------------------------------------
Partners' capital (deficit) at December 31, 1995 931,401 (89,632 ) 841,769
Net income 235,702 2,381 238,083
Cash distribution (390,367) (3,943 ) (394,310)
Special distribution (198,000) (2,000 ) (200,000)
----------------------------------------------------------
Partners' capital (deficit) at December 31, 1996 578,736 (93,194 ) 485,542
Net income 487,976 100,371 588,347
Cash distribution (96,200) (972 ) (97,172)
Special distribution (614,302) (6,205 ) (620,507)
----------------------------------------------------------
Partners' capital at December 31, 1997 $ 356,210 $ -- $ 356,210
==========================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Net income $ 588,347 $ 238,083 $ 29,306
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 49,217 204,118 278,129
Net gain from disposition of equipment (598,676) (62,907) (27,563)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
special-purpose entity -- (265,108) --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash -- -- (526)
Accounts receivable, net 107,067 8,215 (13,616)
Prepaid insurance 2,220 414 158
Accounts payable (13,910) 10,929 (11,186)
Due to affiliates -- -- 654
Lessee deposits and engine reserves (615) 355 (576)
----------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 133,650 134,099 254,780
Investing activities
Capitalized equipment repairs -- -- (45)
Proceeds from disposition of equipment 673,031 91,807 76,396
Liquidation distributions from unconsolidated
special-purpose entity -- 303,144 --
Distributions from unconsolidated
special-purpose entity -- 41,080 --
----------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 673,031 436,031 76,351
----------------------------------------------------
Financing activities
Cash distributions paid to limited partners (710,502) (588,367) (392,225)
Cash distributions paid to General Partner (7,177) (5,943) (3,962)
----------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities (717,679) (594,310) (396,187)
----------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 89,002 (24,180) (65,056)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 269,628 293,808 358,864
----------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 358,630 $ 269,628 $ 293,808
====================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
1. Basis of Presentation
Organization
PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIB 1985 Income Fund, a California
limited partnership (the Partnership) was formed on October 19, 1984. The
Partnership engages in the business of owning and leasing transportation
equipment. The Partnership commenced significant operations in August,
1985. PLM Financial Services, Inc. (FSI) is the General Partner. FSI is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of PLM International, Inc. (PLM or PLM
International) and manages the affairs of the Partnership.
The net income (loss) and distributions of the Partnership are generally
allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the General Partner. The
General Partner is entitled to an incentive fee equal to 15% of "Surplus
Distributions" as defined in the Partnership Agreement remaining after the
limited partners have received a certain minimum rate of return.
These financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of
accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 those estimates.
Operations
The equipment of the Partnership is managed, under a continuing Equipment
Management Agreement, by PLM Investment Management, Inc. (IMI), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FSI. IMI receives an annual management fee
payable monthly from the Partnership for managing the equipment (see Note
2). FSI, in conjunction with its subsidiaries, sells transportation
equipment to investor programs and third parties, manages pools of
transportation equipment under agreements with the investor programs, and
is a general partner of other affiliated limited partnerships.
Accounting for Leases
The Partnership's leasing operations generally consist of operating leases.
Under the operating lease method of accounting, the leased asset is
recorded at cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life. Rental
payments are recorded as revenue over the lease term. Lease origination
costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the lease.
Depreciation
Depreciation is computed on the double declining balance method based upon
estimated useful lives of 15 years for rail equipment, 12 years for
trailers and marine containers, and 8 years for tractors. The depreciation
method changes to straight line when annual depreciation expense using the
straight line method exceeds that calculated by the 200% declining balance
method. Major expenditures that are expected to extend the equipment's
useful life or reduce equipment operating expenses are amortized over the
estimated remaining life of the equipment.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
1. Basis of Presentation (continued):
Transportation Equipment
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121). This standard is effective
for years beginning after December 15, 1995. In accordance with SFAS 121,
the General Partner reviews the carrying value of its equipment portfolio
at least annually in relation to expected future market conditions for the
purpose of assessing recoverability of the recorded amounts. If projected
future lease revenue plus residual values are less than the carrying value
of the equipment, a loss on revaluation is recorded. No adjustments to
reflect impairment of individual equipment carrying values were required
for the year ended December 31, 1997, 1996, or 1995.
Investments in Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entities (USPE's)
Until the third quarter of 1996, the Partnership had an interest in an
unconsolidated special-purpose entity which owned transportation equipment.
This interest was accounted for using the equity method.
The Partnership's investment in unconsolidated special-purpose entity
included acquisition and lease negotiation fees paid by the Partnership to
TEC. The Partnership's equity interest in net income of unconsolidated
special-purpose entity is reflected net of management fees paid or payable
to IMI and the amortization of acquisition and lease negotiation fees paid
to TEC.
Repairs and Maintenance
Maintenance costs are usually the obligation of the lessee. If they are not
covered by the lessee they are charged against operations as incurred.
Net Income (Loss) and Distributions per Limited Partnership Unit
Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit is computed based on the
number of limited partnership units outstanding during the period (22,276
for 1997, 1996, and 1995). The General Partner is generally allocated a 1%
share of the net income (loss) and the limited partners are allocated a 99%
share of the net income (loss). The General Partner received a special
allocation of income in the amount of $94,488 in 1997. The Partnership
agreement provides for a special allocation to occur near the dissolution
of the Partnership. No special allocation was received in 1996 or 1995.
Cash distributions are recorded when paid. Cash distributions to investors
in excess of net income are considered to represent a return of capital.
Regular and special distributions to limited partners of $222,526,
$352,665, and $363,212 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, were deemed
to be a return of capital.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Partnership considers highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities of three
months or less as cash equivalents for the purposes of this presentation.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
2. Transactions with General Partner and Affiliates (continued)
An officer of FSI contributed $100 of the Partnership's initial capital.
Under the Equipment Management Agreement, IMI receives an annual management
fee monthly attributable to either owned equipment or interests in
equipment owned by the USPE's equal to the greater of 10% of the
Partnership's "operating cash flow", or 1/12 of 1/2% of the Partnership's
"gross proceeds" as defined in the Partnership Agreement. Management fees
of $4,641 were payable to IMI as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.
As of December 31, 1997, all of the Partnership's trailer equipment has
been transferred into rental facilities operated by an affiliate of the
General Partner. Revenues collected under short-term rental agreements with
the rental yards' customers are credited to the owners of the related
equipment as received. Direct expenses associated with the equipment are
charged directly to the Partnership. An allocation of indirect expenses of
the rental yard operations is charged to the Partnership monthly
The Partnership reimbursed FSI and its affiliates $36,724, $77,237, and
$130,286 for administrative and other services performed on behalf of the
Partnership in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1997 and
1996, $4,641 was due to FSI and its affiliates. . 3. Equipment
The components of owned equipment are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Trailers $ 304,133 $ 3,146,140
Marine containers -- 86,201
Rail equipment -- 318,649
-----------------------------------------
304,133 3,550,990
Less accumulated depreciation (304,133) (3,427,418 )
-----------------------------------------
Net equipment $ -- $ 123,572
=========================================
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1997 the Partnership owned 17 trailers. Revenues are earned
by placing the equipment under operating leases and are billed monthly or
quarterly. Rents for all equipment are based on a fixed operating lease
amount with the exception of marine containers and trailers, which earn
revenue based on utilization. The Partnership's marine containers were
leased to an operator of utilization-type pools which included equipment
owned by unaffiliated parties. In such instances revenues received by the
Partnership consisted of a specified percentage of lease revenues generated
by leasing the pooled equipment to sub-lessees, after deducting certain
direct operating expenses of the pooled equipment.
During 1997 and 1996, the Partnership sold trailers, railcars, and marine
containers.
All of the equipment owned by the Partnership is operating in
PLM-affiliated short-term rental facilities as of December 31, 1997.
All leases are being accounted for as operating leases with
utilization-based rentals. Contingent rentals based upon utilization amount
to $6,002 in 1997, $18,417 in 1996, and $22,703 in 1995.
The lessees accounting for 10% or more of the total lease revenues
including USPE's during 1997, 1996, and 1995 were Consolidated Rail (19% in
1997), CSXT (12% in 1997), Kanakakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad
(40% in 1996 and 18% in 1995), Union Pacific (15% in 1997) and British
Aerospace, Inc. (13% in 1996 and 14% in 1995).
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
4. Investment in Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity
Prior to 1996, the Partnership accounted for operating activities
associated with joint ownership of rental equipment as undivided interests,
including its proportionate share of each asset with similar wholly-owned
assets in its financial statements. Under generally accepted accounting
principles, the effects of such activities, if material, should be reported
using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, effective January 1,
1996, the Partnership adopted the equity method to account for its
investment in such jointly-held assets.
The principal differences between the previous accounting method and the
equity method relate to the presentation of activities relating to these
assets in the income statement. Whereas, under the equity method of
accounting the Partnership's proportionate share is presented as a single
net amount, "equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated special-purpose
entity", under the previous method, the Partnership's income statement
reflected its proportionate share of each individual item of revenue and
expense. Accordingly, the effect of adopting the equity method of
accounting has no cumulative effect on previously reported partner's
capital or on the Partnership's net income (loss) for the period of
adoption. Because the effects on previously issued financial statements of
applying the equity method of accounting to investments in jointly-owned
assets are not considered to be material to such financial statements taken
as a whole, previously issued financial statements have not been restated.
The following summarizes the financial information for the special-purpose
entity and the Partnership's interest therein as of and for the year ended
December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Interest of Partnership
Total USPE
----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net Investments $ -- $ --
Revenues 199,477 61,120
Net Income 862,235 265,108
</TABLE>
The Partnership liquidated its 31% investment in an entity which owned one
commuter aircraft in 1996.
5. Income Taxes
The Partnership is not subject to income taxes as any income or loss is
included in the tax returns of the individual Partners. Accordingly, no
provision for income taxes has been made in the accounts of the
Partnership.
As of December 31, 1997, there were temporary differences of approximately
$1.4 million between the financial statement carrying values of assets and
liabilities and the federal income tax bases of such assets and
liabilities. The differences were principally due to the differences in
depreciation methods and the tax treatment of underwriting commissions and
syndication costs.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIB 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
6. Subsequent Event
With the disposal of the majority of the equipment portfolio, the
Partnership's remaining assets were transferred into a liquidating trust as
of January 1, 1998. The sole Beneficiaries of the liquidating trust are the
limited partners and the General Partner. The Trustees, as designated by
the General Partner, are three officers of the General Partner. The amounts
reflected for assets and liabilities of the Partnership have not been
adjusted to reflect liquidation values. The equipment portfolio that is
actively being marketed for sale by the Trustees continues to be carried at
the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less cost of disposal. Although
the Trustees estimate that there will be distributions to the Beneficiaries
after final disposal of assets and settlement of liabilities, the amounts
cannot be accurately determined prior to actual disposal of the equipment.
Cash receipts (including proceeds from the sale of assets) in excess of
expected obligations and reasonable reserves will be distributed to the
Beneficiaries in the liquidating trust from time to time, but not less
often than annually. Upon final liquidation, the liquidating trust will be
dissolved.
For tax purposes, the liquidating trust will continue be treated as a
partnership under Internal Revenue Regulation Section 301.7701-3(b)(1)(i).
Partnership tax returns will be filed until all the liquidating trust
assets are distributed.
The Trustees have applied to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
to terminate the Trust's obligation to file Form 10-Q and Form 10-K. If
approved by the SEC, the Trustees will discontinue all future filings of
these reports.
7. Special Distributions
The General Partner paid special distributions of $27.58 and $8.89 per
weighted-average limited partnership unit during 1997 and 1996,
respectively. No special distributions were paid in 1995.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Partners
PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund:
We have audited the financial statements of PLM Transportation Equipment
Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund as listed in the accompanying index. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The Partnership completed its tenth year of operations during 1995, and entered
the liquidation phase of the Partnership. The General Partner is actively
pursuing the sale of all of the Partnership's equipment with the intention of
winding up the Partnership and distributing all available cash to the Partners.
Management's plans in regard to this matter are more fully described in note 6.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of PLM Transportation Equipment
Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year
period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/S/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK, LLP
- --------------------------------
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
March 24, 1998
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Equipment held for operating leases, at cost $ 1,295,164 $ 4,069,971
Less accumulated depreciation (1,291,640) (3,861,489 )
----------------------------------------
Net equipment 3,524 208,482
Cash and cash equivalents 191,228 416,360
Investments in unconsolidated special-purpose entities -- 99,974
Accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$3,227 in 1997 and $633 in 1996 25,630 64,261
Prepaid insurance 913 3,713
----------------------------------------
Total assets $ 221,295 $ 792,790
========================================
Liabilities and partners' capital
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 9,928 $ 13,040
Due to affiliates 7,026 7,026
Total liabilities 16,954 20,066
Partners' capital (deficit):
Limited partners (33,727 units) 204,341 913,500
General partner -- (140,776 )
----------------------------------------
Total partners' capital 204,341 772,724
----------------------------------------
Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 221,295 $ 792,790
========================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the years ended December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Lease revenue $ 220,689 $ 406,874 $ 1,134,932
Interest and other income 17,622 24,366 35,376
Net gain from disposition of equipment 431,757 133,840 84,289
-------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues 670,068 565,080 1,254,597
Expenses
Depreciation 131,511 241,688 511,267
Management fees to affiliate 84,318 97,439 87,968
Repairs and maintenance 58,344 104,666 216,498
Insurance expense 6,598 7,511 11,783
General and administrative expenses to affiliates 56,594 112,550 187,498
Other general and administrative expenses 43,154 53,900 47,209
Provision for bad debts 5,702 122 17,200
-------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 386,221 617,876 1,079,423
Equity in net income of unconsolidated special-
purpose entities 59,447 653,740 --
-------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 343,294 $ 600,944 $ 175,174
=======================================================
Partners' share of net income
Limited partners $ 193,401 $ 594,935 $ 173,422
General partner 149,893 6,009 1,752
Total $ 343,294 $ 600,944 $ 175,174
=======================================================
Net income per limited partnership unit (33,727 units) $ 5.73 $ 17.64 $ 5.14
=======================================================
Cash distributions $ 75,660 $ 654,356 $ 847,539
=======================================================
Cash distributions per limited partnership unit $ 2.22 $ 19.21 $ 24.88
=======================================================
Special cash distributions $ 836,017 $ 800,000 $ 200,000
=======================================================
Special cash distributions per limited partnership unit $ 24.54 $ 23.48 $ 5.87
=======================================================
Total cash distributions $ 911,677 $ 1,454,356 $ 1,047,539
=========================================================================================
Total cash distributions per limited partnership unit $ 26.76 $ 42.69 $ 30.75
=======================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership) STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL For the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Limited General
Partners Partner Total
-------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' capital (deficit) at December 31, 1994 $ 2,622,019 $ (123,518) $ 2,498,501
Net income 173,422 1,752 175,174
Cash distribution (839,064 ) (8,475) (847,539 )
Special distribution (198,000 ) (2,000) (200,000 )
-------------------------------------------------------------
Partners' capital (deficit) at December 31, 1995 1,758,377 (132,241) 1,626,136
Net income 594,935 6,009 600,944
Cash distribution (647,812 ) (6,544) (654,356 )
Special distribution (792,000 ) (8,000) (800,000 )
-------------------------------------------------------------
Partners' capital (deficit) at December 31, 1996 913,500 (140,776) 772,724
Net income 193,401 149,893 343,294
Cash distribution (74,903 ) (757) (75,660 )
Special distribution (827,657 ) (8,360) (836,017 )
-------------------------------------------------------------
Partners' capital at December 31, 1997 $ 204,341 $ -- $ 204,341
=============================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Net income $ 343,294 $ 600,944 $ 175,174
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 131,511 241,688 511,267
Net gain from disposition of equipment (431,757) (133,840 ) (84,289)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
special-purpose entity (59,447) (653,740 ) --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash -- -- (728)
Accounts receivable, net 41,631 78,964 9,115
Prepaid insurance 2,800 1,722 (516)
Due from affiliates -- -- 12,085
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (3,112) (2,162 ) 4,041
Due to affiliates -- -- 7,026
Lessee deposits and engine reserves -- -- 797
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 24,920 133,576 633,972
-----------------------------------------------------------
Investing activities
Capitalized equipment repairs (1,435) -- (191)
Proceeds from disposition of equipment 503,639 206,323 165,784
Liquidation distributions from unconsolidated
special-purpose entity -- 686,229 --
Distributions from unconsolidated special
special-purpose entities 159,421 293,494 --
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 661,625 1,186,046 165,593
-----------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities
Cash distributions paid to Limited Partners (902,560) (1,439,812 ) (1,037,064)
Cash distributions paid to General partner (9,117) (14,544 ) (10,475)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities (911,677) (1,454,356 ) (1,047,539)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (225,132) (134,734 ) (247,974)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 416,360 551,094 799,068
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 191,228 $ 416,360 $ 551,094
===========================================================
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing
activities:
Sales proceeds included in accounts receivable $ 3,000 $ -- $ --
===========================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
1. Basis of Presentation
Organization
PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund, a California
limited partnership (the Partnership) was formed on October 19, 1984 to
engage in the business of owning and leasing transportation equipment. The
Partnership commenced significant operations in May, 1985. PLM Financial
Services, Inc. (FSI) is the General Partner. FSI is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of PLM International, Inc. (PLM or PLM International) and
manages the affairs of the Partnership.
The net income (loss) and distributions of the Partnership are generally
allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the General Partner. The
General Partner is entitled to an incentive fee equal to 15% of "Surplus
Distributions" as defined in the Partnership Agreement remaining after the
limited partners have received a certain minimum rate of return.
These financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of
accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 those estimates.
Operations
The equipment of the Partnership is managed, under a continuing Equipment
Management Agreement, by PLM Investment Management, Inc. (IMI), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FSI. IMI receives an annual management fee
payable monthly from the Partnership for managing the equipment (see Note
2). FSI, in conjunction with its subsidiaries, sells transportation
equipment to investor programs and third parties, manages pools of
transportation equipment under agreements with the investor programs, and
is a general partner of other affiliated limited partnerships.
Accounting for Leases
The Partnership's leasing operations generally consist of operating leases.
Under the operating lease method of accounting, the leased asset is
recorded at cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life. Rental
payments are recorded as revenue over the lease term. Lease origination
costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the lease.
Depreciation
Depreciation is computed on the 200% declining balance method, converting
to the straight-line method during the second half of the equipments'
estimated useful lives, based upon estimated useful lives of 12 years for
marine containers, aircraft, and trailers. The depreciation method changes
to straight line when annual depreciation expense using the straight line
method exceeds that calculated by the 200% declining balance method. Major
expenditures that are expected to extend the equipment's useful life or
reduce equipment operating expenses are amortized over the estimated
remaining life of the equipment.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
1. Basis of Presentation (continued)
Transportation Equipment
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121). This standard is effective
for years beginning after December 15, 1995. In accordance with SFAS 121,
the General Partner reviews the carrying value of its equipment portfolio
at least annually in relation to expected future market conditions for the
purpose of assessing recoverability of the recorded amounts. If projected
future lease revenue plus residual values are less than the carrying value
of the equipment, a loss on revaluation is recorded. No adjustments to
reflect impairment of individual equipment carrying values were required
for the year ended December 31, 1997, 1996, or 1995.
Investments in Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entities
The Partnership has interests in an unconsolidated special-purpose entity
which own transportation equipment. These interests are accounted for using
the equity method.
The Partnership's investment in unconsolidated special-purpose entities
includes acquisition and lease negotiation fees paid by the Partnership to
TEC. The Partnership's equity interest in net income of unconsolidated
special-purpose entities is reflected net of management fees paid or
payable to IMI and the amortization of acquisition and lease negotiation
fees paid to TEC.
Repairs and Maintenance
Maintenance costs are usually the obligation of the lessee. If they are not
covered by the lessee they are charged against operations as incurred.
Net Income (Loss) and Distributions per Limited Partnership Unit
Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit is computed based on the
number of limited partnership units outstanding during the period (33,727
for 1997, 1996, and 1995). The General Partner is generally allocated a 1%
share of the net income (loss). The General Partner received a special
allocation of income in the amount of $146,460 in 1997 from the gain on
sale of equipment as provided for in the Partnership's agreement in the
event of the dissolution of the Partnership. No special allocation was
received in 1996 or 1995.
Cash distributions are recorded when paid. Cash distributions to investors
in excess of net income are considered to represent a return of capital.
Cash and special distributions to limited partners of $709,159, $844,877
and $863,642 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, were deemed to be a
return of capital.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Partnership considers highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities of three
months or less as cash equivalents for the purposes of this presentation.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
2. General Partner and Transactions with Affiliates
An officer of FSI contributed $100 of the Partnership's initial net
capital. Under the Equipment Management Agreement, IMI receives an annual
management fee monthly attributable to either owned equipment or interests
in equipment owned by the USPE's equal to the greater of 10% of the
Partnership's "operating cash flow", or 1/12 of 1/2% the Partnership's
"gross proceeds" as defined in the Partnership Agreement. Management fees
of $7,026 were payable to IMI as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. The
Partnership's proportional share of USPE's management fees expense during
1997 and 1996 was $8,678 and $15,596, respectively.
As of December 31, 1997, all of the Partnership's trailer equipment has
been transferred into rental facilities operated by an affiliate of the
General Partner. Revenues collected under short-term rental agreements with
the rental yards' customers are credited to the owners of the related
equipment as received. Direct expenses associated with the equipment are
charged directly to the Partnership. An allocation of indirect expenses of
the rental yard operations is charged to the Partnership monthly
The Partnership reimbursed FSI and its affiliates $56,594, $112,550, and
$187,498 for administrative and other services performed on behalf of the
Partnership in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. The Partnership's
proportional share of USPE's administrative and other services was $2,213
and $594 during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
3. Equipment
The components of owned equipment are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Trailers $ 1,295,164 $ 3,870,247
Marine containers -- 199,724
-----------------------------------------
1,295,164 4,069,971
Less accumulated depreciation (1,291,640) (3,861,489 )
-----------------------------------------
Net equipment $ 3,524 $ 208,482
=========================================
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1997 the Partnership owned 66 trailers. Revenues are earned
by placing the equipment under operating leases and are billed monthly or
quarterly. Rents for all equipment are based on a fixed operating lease
amount with the exception of marine containers. The Partnership's marine
containers were leased to the operator of utilization-type pools which
included equipment owned by unaffiliated parties. In such instances,
revenues received by the Partnership consisted of a specified percentage of
lease revenues generated by leasing the pooled equipment to sub-lessees,
after deducting certain direct operating expenses of the pooled equipment.
All of the equipment owned by the Partnership was either operating in the
PLM-affiliated short-term rental facilities or on lease as of December 31,
1997.
During 1997 and 1996, the Partnership sold trailers and marine containers.
All leases are being accounted for as operating leases with
utilization-based rentals. Future minimum rentals of owned and partially
owned equipment under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 1997 for 1998
are approximately $28,926. Contingent rentals based upon utilization
amounted to $6,294 in 1997, $14,332 in 1996, and $29,819 in 1995.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
3. Equipment (continued)
The lessees accounting for 10% or more of the total lease revenues
including USPE's during 1997, 1996, and 1995 were Horizon Air Industries,
Inc. (44% in 1997, 24% in 1996, and 15% in 1995), and British Aerospace,
Inc. (19% in 1996, and 20% in 1995).
4. Investments in Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entities
Prior to 1996, the Partnership accounted for operating activities
associated with joint ownership of rental equipment as undivided interests,
including its proportionate share of each asset with similar wholly-owned
assets in its financial statements. Under generally accepted accounting
principles, the effects of such activities, if material, should be reported
using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, effective January 1,
1996, the Partnership adopted the equity method to account for its
investment in such jointly-held assets.
The principal differences between the previous accounting method and the
equity method relate to the presentation of activities relating to these
assets in the income statement. Whereas, under the equity method of
accounting the Partnership's proportionate share is presented as a single
net amount, "equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated special-purpose
entities", under the previous method, the Partnership's income statement
reflected its proportionate share of each individual item of revenue and
expense. Accordingly, the effect of adopting the equity method of
accounting has no cumulative effect on previously reported partner's
capital or on the Partnership's net income (loss) for the period of
adoption. Because the effects on previously issued financial statements of
applying the equity method of accounting to investments in jointly-owned
assets are not considered to be material to such financial statements taken
as a whole, previously issued financial statements have not been restated.
The following summarizes the financial information for the special-purpose
entities and the Partnership's interest therein as of and for the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
--------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Net Interest Net Interest
Total of Partnership Total USPE of Partnership
USPE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Investments $ -- $ -- $ 124,423 $ 99,974
Revenues 216,000 173,556 415,477 311,913
Net Income 73,985 59,447 931,963 653,740
</TABLE>
The "Investments in Unconsolidated Special-Purpose Entity" included an 80%
interest in an entity which owns a commuter aircraft as of December 31,
1997. The Partnership liquidated its 69% interest in an entity which owned
a commuter aircraft in 1996.
5. Income Taxes
The Partnership is not subject to income taxes as any income or loss is
included in the tax returns of the individual Partners. Accordingly, no
provision for income taxes has been made in the financial statements of the
Partnership.
At December 31, 1997, there were temporary differences of approximately
$2.2 million between the financial statement carrying values of assets and
liabilities and the federal income tax bases of such assets and
liabilities. The differences were principally due to the differences in
depreciation methods and the tax treatment of underwriting commissions and
syndication costs.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VIIC 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
6. Liquidation and special distributions
During the first quarter of 1995, the Partnership completed its 10th year
of operations. Since that date, the General Partner has been actively
marketing the remaining equipment portfolio with the intent of maximizing
sale proceeds. As sale proceeds are received the General Partner intends to
periodically declare special distributions to distribute the sale proceeds
to the partners. During the liquidation phase of the Partnership the
equipment will continue to be leased under operating leases until sold.
Operating cash flows, to the extent they exceed Partnership expenses, will
continue to be distributed on a quarterly basis to partners. The amounts
reflected for assets and liabilities of the Partnership have not been
adjusted to reflect liquidation values. The equipment portfolio continues
to be carried at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less cost to
dispose. Although the General Partner estimates that there will be
distributions after liquidation of assets and liabilities, the amounts
cannot be accurately determined prior to actual liquidation of the
equipment. Any excess proceeds over expected Partnership obligations will
be distributed to the Partners throughout the liquidation period. Upon
final liquidation, the Partnership will be dissolved.
In 1997, 1996, and 1995, the General Partner paid special distributions of
$24.54, $23.48, and $5.87 per weighted-average limited partnership unit.
<PAGE>
PLM TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT PARTNERS VII 1985 INCOME FUND
(A Limited Partnership)
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit Page
4. Limited Partnership Agreement of each Partnership. *
10. Management Agreement between each Partnership and *
PLM Investment Management, Inc.
25. Powers of Attorney 46-51
- --------
* Incorporated by reference. See page 19 of this report.
-39-
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
That the undersigned does hereby constitute and appoint Robert N.
Tidball, Susan Santo, J. Michael Allgood and Richard Brock, jointly and
severally, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and
things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys, or any of
them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable PLM Financial Services, Inc., as
General Partner of PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund,
to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"), and
any rules and regulations thereunder, in connection with the preparation and
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of annual reports on Form
10-K on behalf of PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign the name of the undersigned, in any and all
capacities, to such annual reports, to any and all amendments thereto, and to
any and all documents or instruments filed as a part of or in connection
therewith; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that each of the
said attorneys, or his substitute or substitutes, shall do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney is limited in duration until May 1,
1998 and shall apply only to the annual reports and any amendments thereto filed
with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this
12th day of February, 1998.
/s/ Douglas P. Goodrich
- ------------------------------------
Douglas P. Goodrich
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
That the undersigned does hereby constitute and appoint Robert N.
Tidball, Susan Santo, J. Michael Allgood and Richard Brock, jointly and
severally, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and
things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys, or any of
them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable PLM Financial Services, Inc., as
General Partner of PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund,
to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"), and
any rules and regulations thereunder, in connection with the preparation and
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of annual reports on Form
10-K on behalf of PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign the name of the undersigned, in any and all
capacities, to such annual reports, to any and all amendments thereto, and to
any and all documents or instruments filed as a part of or in connection
therewith; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that each of the
said attorneys, or his substitute or substitutes, shall do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney is limited in duration until May 1,
1998 and shall apply only to the annual reports and any amendments thereto filed
with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this
17th day of February, 1998.
/s/ Robert N. Tidball
- -----------------------------------
Robert N. Tidball
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
That the undersigned does hereby constitute and appoint Robert N.
Tidball, Susan Santo, J. Michael Allgood and Richard Brock, jointly and
severally, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and
things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys, or any of
them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable PLM Financial Services, Inc., as
General Partner of PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund,
to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"), and
any rules and regulations thereunder, in connection with the preparation and
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of annual reports on Form
10-K on behalf of PLM Transportation Equipment Partners VIIC 1985 Income Fund,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign the name of the undersigned, in any and all
capacities, to such annual reports, to any and all amendments thereto, and to
any and all documents or instruments filed as a part of or in connection
therewith; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that each of the
said attorneys, or his substitute or substitutes, shall do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney is limited in duration until May 1,
1998 and shall apply only to the annual reports and any amendments thereto filed
with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this
13th day of February, 1998.
/s/ Stephen M. Bess
- ------------------------------------
Stephen M. Bess
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 191,228
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 28,857
<ALLOWANCES> (3,227)
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0
<PP&E> 1,295,164
<DEPRECIATION> (1,291,640)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 221,295
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 0
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 204,341
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 221,295
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 670,068
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 386,221
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 343,294
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 343,294
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 343,294
<EPS-PRIMARY> 5.73
<EPS-DILUTED> 5.73
</TABLE>
