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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) November 7, 1997 (November 6,
-----------------------------
1997)
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MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 1-9145 99-0248088
- ------------------------------- ------------ -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) File Number) Identification No.)
827 FORT STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
808-544-6112
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code
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Item 5. Other Events.
- ------- -------------
On November 6, 1997, Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. and C. Brewer Homes,
Inc. jointly announced that they have reached an agreement in principal to
merge the two companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of C. Brewer Homes, Inc. would
receive .667 shares of Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. for each share of C.
Brewer Homes, Inc. The merger is expected to result in the issuance of
approximately 5.56 million limited partner shares. The merger plan is subject
to approval by the limited partners of the Partnership and the shareholders of
C. Brewer Homes. The combined Company will be renamed "Hawaii Land and
Farming Company." and will continue as a master limited partnership, trading
on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Letter Agreement of the proposed merger, dated November 6, 1997, and the
Press Release, dated November 6, 1997, are included in this report as Exhibit
2.1 and Exhibit 99.1.
Item 7. Exhibits
- ------- --------
(c) Exhibits.
2.1 Letter Agreement and Term Sheet of
proposed merger dated November 6, 1997
99.1 Press Release dated November 6, 1997
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
(Registrant)
By MAUNA LOA RESOURCES INC.
Managing General Partner
By /s/ Gregory A. Sprecher
-------------------------
GREGORY A. SPRECHER
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Page
Number Description Number
------- ----------- ------
2.1 Letter Agreement and Term Sheet of
proposed merger dated November 6, 1997 4-10
99.1 Press Release dated November 6, 1997 11-15
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EXHIBIT 2.1
[LETTERHEAD OF MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.]
November 6, 1997
C. Brewer Homes, Inc.
255A East Waiko Road
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii 96793
Gentlemen:
This letter constitutes an agreement in principle between Mauna Loa
Macadamia Partners, L.P. ("MLMP") and C. Brewer Homes, Inc. ("Homes") concerning
a business combination between Partnership and Homes.
By executing this letter, MLMP and Homes represent, warrant and agree as
follows:
1. The respective boards of directors of Mauna Loa Resources, Inc. (in
that company's capacity as Managing General Partner of MLMP) and of Homes have
approved the business combination and the principal terms thereof set forth in
the Term Sheet attached to this letter subject to negotiation and execution of a
mutually acceptable definitive agreement, which shall embody the matters set
forth in the Term Sheet and such representations, warranties, terms, conditions
and other provisions as are customary in a transaction of this type or are
otherwise agreed to by the parties. MLMP and Homes each agree that they will
negotiate in good faith with the other and proceed with diligence towards
executing such definitive agreement.
2. MLMP and Homes each represents to the other that it has received from
its financial advisor an opinion (subject to review of the definitive agreement)
to the effect that the transactions contemplated by the attached Term Sheet are
fair from a financial point of view to such party's limited partners or
shareholders, as applicable.
3. MLMP and Homes each agree to provide the other party and its legal and
financial advisors with such information and documents as may reasonably be
requested in connection with completion of remaining due diligence and
negotiation of the definitive agreement.
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C. Brewer Homes, Inc.
November 6, 1997
Page 2
4. MLMP and Homes each agree that except as otherwise required by
judicial process, information concerning the negotiations and the transaction
contemplated hereby will remain confidential and will not be disclosed by MLMP
or Homes, or by their respective representatives, publicly or to any other
party, except as required by law or regulation upon the written advice of the
disclosing party's counsel or except with prior written consent of the other
party; provided that the parties contemplate public disclosure of this agreement
in principle promptly following its execution. In connection with any such
disclosure made without such consent by reason of judicial process or legal or
regulatory requirements, the disclosing party will use its best efforts to
afford the other a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon the text of
such disclosure prior to its release.
5. The existing confidentiality agreement between the parties is hereby
reaffirmed.
6. Homes agrees that so long as this paragraph remains in effect Homes
will not, and Homes will use its best efforts to cause its officers, directors,
employees, representatives and agents not to, directly or indirectly, knowingly
solicit or encourage submission of proposals with respect to, or furnish any
information relating to, or participate in any negotiations or discussions
concerning, any business combination with Homes, or any acquisition or purchase
of all or any substantial portion of the assets of, or a substantial equity
interest in, Homes, except that Homes may consider, recommend or accept an
alternative bona fide written offer if its Board of Directors determines, based
on a written legal opinion of outside counsel, that its fiduciary duties require
it to do so. If Homes recommends or accepts any alternative offer, MLMP shall
be entitled to terminate the transaction and receive from Homes a cash payment
of $1 million if Homes consummates another transaction within twelve (12) months
of such termination.
7. The agreements set forth in paragraphs 1, 3 and 6 above will expire
upon execution of the definitive agreement contemplated hereby, or upon mutual
agreement of MLMP and Homes. In addition, either party not in material default
of its obligations hereunder shall have the right to terminate the agreements
set hereto in paragraphs 1, 3 and 6 if a definitive agreement has not been
executed by December 15, 1997.
8. The agreements contained herein: (a) shall be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, each party hereto and its successors
and assigns, (b) shall be construed (both as to validity and performance) and
enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Hawaii
applicable to agreements made and to be performed wholly within such
jurisdiction; and (c) may be waived, amended, or modified only by an instrument
in writing signed by the party against which such waiver, amendment, or
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C. Brewer Homes, Inc.
November 6, 1997
Page 3
modification is sought to be enforced, and such written instrument shall set
forth specifically the provisions that are to be so waived, amended, or
modified.
9. The matters set forth in paragraphs 1 through 9 hereof constitute
legally binding obligations of the parties hereto (notwithstanding any contrary
provision in the confidentiality agreement, or any other prior agreement,
between the parties). Subject to the foregoing, this letter is an agreement in
principle and does not of itself obligate either of the parties to consummate
the business combination referred to herein. Neither party shall become
obligated to consummate such business combination except upon execution and
delivery of, and subject to the provisions contained in, the definite agreement
contemplated hereby.
If the foregoing correctly reflects our mutual understanding, please
execute a copy of this letter in the space provided below and return it to the
undersigned.
Very truly yours,
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
By Mauna Loa Resources, Inc.
Its Managing General Partner
By /s/ James H. Case
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Its CHAIRMAN, NEGOTIATING
COMMITTEE
APPROVED AND AGREED ON
November 6, 1997:
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C. BREWER HOMES, INC.
By /s/ Seth A. Bakes
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Its PRESIDENT & CEO
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TERM SHEET
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Transaction Objective: Acquisition by MLMP of Homes with shareholders of Homes
to receive MLMP units in exchange for their Homes
shares.
Consideration: Based on 8,331,665 Homes shares outstanding (and 4,335
shares held in treasury, which shares will be
cancelled), each outstanding share of Homes stock,
regardless of class, would be converted into 0.667
limited partner units of MLMP, and immediately after the
transaction, 13,057,221 limited partner units will be
outstanding (together with warrants to acquire 125,000
units at $5.00 per unit).
Structure: MLMP and Homes will select by agreement one of the
following alternative structures in order to maximize
value to their respective partners and shareholders:
A. Homes will merge into MLMP in accordance with
Delaware law. This transaction is expected to be
treated for tax purposes as a contribution of assets
by Homes to MLMP in exchange for partnership units,
followed by a distribution of such units by Homes to
its shareholders in liquidation of Homes. Such
acquisition is not expected to disqualify MLMP,
including the merged Homes operations, from electing
to continue to be taxed as a partnership under
Section 7704(g) of the Internal Revenue Code, but it
will be a taxable event for Homes and its
shareholders.
B. MLMP would acquire all outstanding shares of Homes
in exchange for partnership units through a reverse
triangular merger, in which a wholly owned corporate
subsidiary of MLMP would be merged into Homes, which
would be the surviving corporation. The latter
transaction is expected to be treated as tax free to
the shareholders of Homes and to Homes, but Homes
would remain a separate corporate entity, subject to
corporate taxation.
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Amendments to
Partnership Agreement: In connection with the transaction, MLMP partnership
agreement will be amended as necessary to accomplish
the transaction and to reflect broadened scope of
partnership business. Partnership agreement will
also be amended as follows: (1) existing provisions
concerning mandatory distribution of cash flow will
be eliminated, and replaced by provisions conferring
on the general partner discretion to determine
policy as to amount and timing of all distributions;
(2) Class "B" units will be cancelled; (3) Mauna Loa
Macadamia Nut Corporation will cease to serve as a
general partner. Mauna Loa Resources, Inc. will
continue as the sole general partner with a 1%
general partner interest in the Partnership, and its
corporate structure (including articles and bylaws)
will not be affected by the transaction.
Effect on Resources Board
of Directors/Officers: Mauna Loa Resources' board of directors and officers
will not be changed in connection with the
transaction unless its Board of Directors otherwise
determines.
Tax Ruling: Parties' obligations to consummate the transaction,
if structured as a merger of Homes into MLMP, will
be conditioned upon receipt of favorable ruling from
the Internal Revenue Service, or waiver of such
condition by the managing general partner of MLMP
and the board of directors of Homes.
Exclusivity: Homes shall not solicit nor respond to purchase or
other business combination offers, except that a
"fiduciary out" clause will permit Homes to
consider, recommend or accept an alternative bona
fide, unsolicited written offer if Homes' board
determines, based on a written opinion of outside
legal counsel, that its fiduciary duties require it
to do so. If Homes recommends or accepts any
alternative offer, MLMP shall be entitled to
terminate the transaction and receive from Homes a
cash payment of $1 million if Homes consummates
another transaction within twelve (12) months of
such termination.
Employee Matters: Subject to the employee requirements of the combined
entities MLMP will endeavor to provide employment to
current Homes employees, but MLMP will have
discretion as to retention of Homes employees
following transaction. MLMP to provide retained
employees with compensation and benefits that in the
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aggregate are substantially equivalent to those
presently provided to such individuals. The existing
401(k) plan will be assumed. The conversion,
assumption or other disposition of other specific
programs and plans will be determined by agreement
of MLMP and Homes.
Homes Options: Homes will issue no additional options. Presently
outstanding options to acquire Homes stock will
become exercisable, and if not exercised will be
cancelled at closing, in accordance with existing
terms of Homes option plans. Homes and MLMP will
endeavor to make arrangements with optionees in lieu
of their exercise of in-the-money options, including
the payment by Homes of amounts approximating the
option spread for-in-the-money options (but not more
than $50,000 for all optionees in the aggregate).
Exchange ratio will be adjusted, if necessary, to
reflect issuance of more than 10,000 additional
Homes shares upon any exercise of any Homes options.
MLMP will, if legally permissible, adopt after
closing a plan providing for partnership unit
options, partnership unit appreciation rights, or
similar equity-based compensation.
Accounting: The transaction is expected to be accounted for as a
purchase.
Stability Agreements: Homes' significant shareholders (to be identified in
the definitive agreement) are to execute agreements
precluding sale, for a period of six (6) months
following closing, of partnership units received in
the transaction.
Assumption of Contracts,
Leases, etc.: MLMP to assume, by operation of law or otherwise,
contractual and lease obligations of Homes with
third parties, including Brewer and related
entities.
Change of Names: The name of MLMP will be changed to Hawaii Land &
Farming Company. The name of Mauna Loa Resources,
Inc. will be changed to HLF Resources, Inc.
Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of MLMP (December 31) will continue.
Operations Prior to
Closing: MLMP and Homes to conduct business in the ordinary
course until consummation of the transaction.
Definitive agreement to include appropriate
affirmative and negative covenants concerning pre-
closing operations.
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Conditions of Closing: Obligation to consummate transaction to be
conditioned on:
. Receipt of requisite approvals of MLMP
partners and Homes shareholders.
. Receipt of any required regulatory approvals,
and all requisite third party consents,
without imposition of materially burdensome
conditions.
. Lack of material adverse changes prior to
closing.
. Satisfaction of other customary or mutually
acceptable closing conditions.
. Approval of listing of additional limited
partner units to be issued in connection with
the transaction by NYSE.
Confidentiality: Subject to applicable legal requirements, the terms
of the transaction are to remain confidential until
disclosed in a mutually agreed upon press release.
Expected Closing: Second quarter 1998 but not later than June 30, 1998
unless extended until not later than August 31, 1998
if necessary to obtain (1) a favorable tax ruling
from the IRS or (2) MLMP limited partner approvals
(if Homes consents to such extension) or shareholder
approvals (if MLMP consents to such extension).
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EXHIBIT 99.1
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P. P.O. Box 1826
Honolulu, Hawaii 96805
Telephone (808) 536-4461
For Immediate Release Contact: Kent T. Lucien, President
November 6, 1997 Tel. (808) 544-6130
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS
AND C. BREWER HOMES ANNOUNCE MERGER
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. and C. Brewer Homes, Inc. announced
today that they have reached an agreement, in principle, to merge the two
companies. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of C. Brewer Homes,
Inc. would receive .667 limited partnership units of Mauna Loa Macadamia
Partners, L.P. for each share of C. Brewer Homes, Inc. The combined Company
will be renamed "Hawaii Land and Farming Company" and will continue to be traded
as a New York Stock Exchange master limited partnership. The parties hope to
consummate the transaction in the second calendar quarter of 1998.
The merger plan is subject to execution of a formal merger agreement,
approval by the shareholders of both Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners and C. Brewer
Homes, and other normal closing conditions. Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners
President Kent T. Lucien stated, "I believe this merger is in the best interest
of the shareholders of both Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners and C. Brewer Homes.
For Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners the merger will provide the opportunity for
more rapid growth. Both companies should also benefit from lower administrative
costs as a result of combining."
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. is the world's largest grower of
macadamia nuts, owning or leasing 4,027 acres of orchards on the Island of
Hawaii, where macadamia yields are the highest in the world. It has earned a
profit and made a distribution to unitholders in every year since its formation
in 1986.
C. Brewer Homes, Inc. is a land developer and homebuilder in Hawaii with
operations on the islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii owning 2,689 acres of land
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with entitlements to construct 3,877 residential units or lots. C. Brewer
Homes' Class A Stock trades on the NASDAQ (symbol = CBHI).
Mauna Loa presently has 7,500,000 Class A units listed on the New York
Exchange (symbol = NUT). An additional 5,557,231 Class A units will be issued
to shareholders of C. Brewer Homes and also be listed on the exchange as a
result of the merger. Mauna Loa's Class B units will be terminated.
Earlier this year Congress passed the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 which
permits Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners to make an election to permanently extend
its partnership tax status. Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners will be subject to a
3.5% tax on gross income beginning in 1998 instead of the corporate tax it would
have had to pay if the tax law had not been amended. Lucien went on to say, "We
believe that the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 benefits both Mauna Loa Macadamia
Partners and C. Brewer Homes as it will result in substantially lower income
taxes for the Companies after the merger as compared to the alternative of being
taxed as a corporation." The Board of Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners elected
today to continue its favorable partnership tax status. As a result the Company
can eliminate most of its deferred tax liability account and will recognize a
gain of $13.8 million in the Company's third quarter.
The new organization, Hawaii Land and Farming Company, will develop,
improve, upgrade and market the significant real estate assets of the company,
rather than only building homes, and continue to farm the Company's 4,027 acres
of macadamia nut orchards.
Since Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners will continue to be treated as a
Partnership for income tax purposes, the shareholders of Mauna Loa Macadamia
Partners will continue to be taxed on their allocable share of the Company's
earnings. As such, the Company has stated that its initial policy after the
merger shall be to make cash distributions to shareholders in an amount
necessary to offset in whole or in part the shareholders allocable income tax
obligation. However, the declaration of any distribution and the amount
declared will be determined by the Board of Directors taking into account the
Company's earnings, financial condition, obligations and prospects.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners also today reported a 1997 third quarter net
profit of $14.1 million or $1.86 per Class A Unit. These figures include the
recognition of the $13.8 million reduction in the Company's deferred tax
liability. Last year's net profit in the third quarter was $527,000 or $.07 per
Class A Unit. For the first nine months of 1997, Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners
earned a net profit of $14.4 million or $1.90 per Class A Unit (which includes
the above mentioned $13.8 million gain). For the first nine months of 1996 the
Company
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reported net profit of $353,000 or $.05 per Class A Unit. Net profit
from operations improved for the 1997 nine-month period due mainly to higher nut
prices.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners currently estimates that the 1997 full year
nut price will be approximately $0.61 per pound compared to $0.58 per pound in
1996.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future
events and future performance of the Company that involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. We refer
you to documents that the Company files from time to time with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, such as Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports,
which contain a description of certain factors that could cause actual results
to differ from current expectations and the forward-looking statements contained
in this press release.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
September 30,
---------------------
1997 1996
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<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
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Current assets:
Cash and short term investments $ 2,798 9
Accounts receivable from related party 3,081 4,255
Annualized cost adjustment 1,475 1,089
Prepaid expenses and other assets 153 61
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Total current assets 7,507 5,414
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Land, orchards and equipment 73,214 73,214
Less accumulated depreciation
and amortization (16,121) (14,517)
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Land, orchards and equipment (net) 57,093 58,697
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Deferred charges (net) - 6
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Total assets $ 64,600 64,117
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
- ---------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Line of Credit payable $ - 430
Accounts payable to related parties 2,203 2,684
Distributions payable 568 379
Other current and accrued liabilities 278 287
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Total current liabilities 3,049 3,780
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Deferred income tax expense 1,232 14,982
Partners' capital:
General partners 603 454
Class A limited partners 59,716 44,901
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Total partners' capital 60,319 45,355
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Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 64,600 64,117
========= =========
================================================================================
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
Income Statements (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Per Unit Data)
Three months Nine months
ended Sept. 30, ended Sept. 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Macadamia nut sales to related party $ 3,081 4,255 5,320 6,316
Cost of goods sold:
Costs expensed under farming
contracts with related parties 1,987 2,888 3,264 4,286
Depreciation and amortization 477 557 701 843
Other 111 97 173 167
------- ------ ------ ------
2,575 3,542 4,138 5,296
------- ------ ------ ------
Gross profit margin 506 713 1,182 1,020
General and administrative expenses:
Costs expensed under management
contract with related party 133 115 372 345
Other 66 66 322 323
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199 181 694 668
------- ------ ------ ------
Operating income 307 532 488 352
Interest income (expense) 42 (5) 129 1
------- ------ ------ ------
Income before deferred tax credit 349 527 617 353
Deferred tax credit 13,750 - 13,750 -
------- ------ ------ ------
Net income $14,099 527 14,367 353
======= ====== ====== ======
====================================================================================================================================
Net cash flow (as defined in the
Partnership Agreement) $ 826 1,080 1,318 1,194
======= ====== ====== ======
Net income per Class A Unit $ 1.86 0.07 1.90 0.05
======= ====== ====== ======
Net cash flow per Class A Unit $ 0.11 0.14 0.17 0.16
======= ====== ====== ======
Cash distributions per Class A Unit $ 0.075 0.05 0.225 0.15
======= ====== ====== ======
Class A Units outstanding 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500
======= ====== ====== ======
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
(1) Production costs are annualized for interim reporting purposes, with the
difference between costs incurred and costs expensed reported on the balance
sheet as an annualized cost adjustment.
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