<PAGE> 1
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 [NO FEE REQUIRED, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 7, 1996].
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from __________ to __________.
Commission file number 0-23886
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 94-3186624
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
444 Market Street, 15th Floor, San Francisco, California 94111
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (415) 677-8990
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name of each exchange on
Title of each class which registered
------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C>
Not Applicable
</TABLE>
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
UNITS OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
------------------------------------------------------------
(Title of Class)
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 [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant is not applicable.
Documents incorporated by Reference
PART I
Item 1 - Business Prospectus of Cronos Global Income Fund
XV, L.P., dated December 17, 1993
included as part of Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
Certificate of Limited Partnership of
Cronos Global Income Fund XV, L.P.,
filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
Form of Leasing Agent Agreement with
Cronos Containers Limited, filed as
Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
PART II
Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements Current Report on Form 8-K of Cronos
with Accountants on Global Income Fund XV, L.P., filed
Accounting and Financial February 7, 1997 and April 14, 1997,
Disclosure respectively, and Amendment No. 1 to
Current Report on Form 8-K filed
February 26, 1997.
<PAGE> 2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Business
(a) General Development of Business
The Registrant is a limited partnership organized under the laws of the State
of California on August 26, 1993, for the purpose of owning and leasing marine
cargo containers, special purpose containers and container-related equipment.
The Registrant was initially capitalized with $100 and commenced offering its
limited partnership interests to the public subsequent to December 17, 1993,
pursuant to its Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-69356). On
October 12, 1994, the Registrant filed a Post-Effective Amendment to its
Registration Statement on Form S-1. The offering terminated on December 15,
1995.
The Registrant raised $143,031,380 in subscription proceeds. The following
table sets forth the use of said subscription proceeds:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
Amount Gross Proceeds
------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gross Subscription Proceeds $143,031,380 100.0%
Public Offering Expenses:
Underwriting Commissions $ 14,303,138 10.0%
Offering and Organization Expenses $ 2,977,551 2.1%
------------ --------
Total Public Offering Expenses $ 17,280,689 12.1%
------------ --------
Net Proceeds $125,750,691 87.9%
Acquisition Fees $ 5,918,588 4.1%
Working Capital Reserve $ 1,460,334 1.0%
------------ --------
Gross Proceeds Invested in Equipment $118,371,769 82.8%
============ ========
</TABLE>
On July 22, 1994, the Registrant secured a $25 million bridge loan from a
bank. The loan allowed the Registrant to take advantage of equipment purchasing
opportunities pending the raising of sufficient net proceeds that would
otherwise be available to purchase such equipment. The bridge loan had the
characteristics of a revolving credit facility, permitting the Registrant the
flexibility to borrow amounts thereunder (up to a maximum of $25 million), repay
from net proceeds the amounts borrowed, to borrow additional amounts prior to
the termination of the offering. At December 15, 1995, the termination date of
the offering, the bridge loan expired and was repaid in full from net proceeds
raised by the Registrant.
The general partner of the Registrant is Cronos Capital Corp. ("CCC"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Cronos Holdings/Investments (U.S.), Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which is in turn a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Cronos Group, a
Luxembourg company. These and other affiliated companies are ultimately
wholly-owned by The Cronos Group, a holding company registered in Luxembourg
("the Parent Company") and are collectively referred to as the "Group". The
activities of the container division of the Group are managed through the
Group's subsidiary in the United Kingdom, Cronos Containers Limited ("the
Leasing Company"). The Leasing Company manages the leasing operations of all
equipment owned or managed by the Group on its own behalf or on behalf of other
third-party container owners, including all other programs organized by CCC.
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On December 1, 1993, the Leasing Company entered into a Leasing Agent
Agreement with the Registrant assuming the responsibility for all container
leasing activities.
For a discussion of recent developments in the Registrant's business, see
Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result
of Operations."
For information concerning the containers acquired by the Registrant, see
Item 2, "Properties."
(b) Financial Information About Industry Segments
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information", which changes the way public business
enterprises report financial and descriptive information about reportable
operating segments. An operating segment is a component of an enterprise that
engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur
expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's
chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated
to the segment and assess its performance, and about which separate financial
information is available. Management operates the Registrant's container fleet
as a homogenous unit and has determined, after considering the requirements of
SFAS No. 131, that as such it has a single reportable operating segment.
The Registrant derives revenues from dry cargo containers, refrigerated
containers and tank containers. As of December 31, 1998, the Registrant operated
25,641 twenty-foot, 8,661 forty-foot and 1,775 forty-foot high-cube marine dry
cargo containers, 461 twenty-foot and 99 forty-foot high-cube refrigerated cargo
containers, and 226 twenty-four thousand-liter tanks. A summary of gross lease
revenue, by product, for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dry cargo containers $16,856,861 $18,031,241 $18,706,615
Refrigerated containers 2,020,429 2,078,564 1,958,740
Tank containers 957,237 936,951 931,527
----------- ----------- -----------
Total $19,834,527 $21,046,756 $21,596,882
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
Due to the Registrant's lack of information regarding the physical location
of its fleet of containers when on lease in the global shipping trade, it is
impracticable to provide the geographic area information required by SFAS No.
131. Any attempt to separate "foreign" operations from "domestic" operations
would be dependent on definitions and assumptions that are so subjective as to
render the information meaningless and potentially misleading.
No single lessee contributed more than 10% of the rental revenue earned
during 1998, 1997 and 1996.
(c) Narrative Description of Business
(c)(1)(i)A marine cargo container is a reusable metal container designed for
the efficient carriage of cargo with a minimum of exposure to loss from damage
or theft. Containers are manufactured to conform to worldwide standards of
container dimensions and container ship fittings adopted by the International
Standards Organization ("ISO") in 1968. The standard container is either 20'
long x 8' wide x 8'6" high (one twenty-foot equivalent unit ("TEU")), the
standard unit of physical measurement in the container industry) or 40' long x
8' wide x 8'6" high (two TEU). Standardization of the construction, maintenance
and handling of containers allows containers to be picked up, dropped off,
stored and repaired efficiently throughout the world. This standardization is
the foundation on which the container industry has developed.
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Standard dry cargo containers are rectangular boxes with no moving parts,
other than doors, and are typically made of steel or aluminum. They are
constructed to carry a wide variety of cargos ranging from heavy industrial raw
materials to light-weight finished goods. Specialized containers include, among
others, refrigerated containers for the transport of temperature-sensitive goods
and tank containers for the carriage of liquid cargo. Dry cargo containers
currently constitute approximately 83% (in TEU) of the worldwide container
fleet. Refrigerated and tank containers currently constitute approximately 7%
(in TEU) of the worldwide container fleet, with other specialized containers
constituting the remainder.
One of the primary benefits of containerization has been the ability of the
shipping industry to effectively lower freight rates due to the efficiencies
created by standardized intermodal containers. Containers can be handled much
more efficiently than loose cargo and are typically shipped via several modes of
transportation, including truck, railway and ship. Containers require loading
and unloading only once and remain sealed until arrival at the final
destination, significantly reducing transport time, labor and handling costs and
losses due to damage and theft. Efficient movement of containerized cargo
between ship and shore reduces the amount of time that a ship must spend in port
and reduces the transit time of freight moves.
The logistical advantages and reduced freight rates brought about by
containerization have been major catalysts for world trade growth during the
last twenty-five years, resulting in increased demand for containerization. The
world's container fleet has grown from an estimated 270,000 TEU in 1969 to
approximately 12.2 million TEU by mid-1998.
BENEFITS OF LEASING
Leasing companies own approximately 47% of the world's container fleet with the
balance owned predominantly by shipping lines. Shipping lines, which
traditionally operate on tight profit margins, often supplement their owned
fleet of containers by leasing a portion of their equipment from container
leasing companies and, in doing so, achieve the following financial and
operational benefits:
- Leasing allows the shipping lines to utilize the equipment they need
without having to make large capital expenditures;
- Leasing offers a shipping line an alternative source of financing in a
traditionally capital-intensive industry;
- Leasing enables shipping lines to expand their routes and market shares at
a relatively inexpensive cost without making a permanent commitment to
support their new structure;
- Leasing allows shipping lines to respond to changing seasonal and trade
route demands, thereby optimizing their capital investment and storage
costs.
TYPES OF LEASES
The Registrant's containers are leased primarily to shipping lines operating
in major trade routes (see Item 1(d)). Most if not all of the Registrant's
marine dry cargo containers are leased pursuant to operating leases, primarily
master leases, where the containers are leased to the ocean carrier on a daily
basis for any desired length of time, with the flexibility of picking up and
dropping off containers at various agreed upon locations around the world. Some
of the Registrant's containers may be leased pursuant to term leases, which may
have durations of less than one year to five years. The Registrant's specialized
containers are generally leased on longer-term leases because the higher cost,
value and complexity of this equipment makes it more expensive to redeliver and
on-hire frequently.
- Master lease. Most short-term leases are "master leases," under which a
customer reserves the right to lease a certain number of containers, as
needed, under a general agreement between the lessor and the lessee. Such
leases provide customers with greater flexibility by allowing them to pick
up and drop off containers where and when needed, subject to restrictions
and availability, as specified in each lease. The commercial terms of
master leases are negotiated annually. Master leases also define the
number of containers that may be returned within each calendar month, the
return locations and applicable drop-off charges. Due to the increased
flexibility they offer, master leases usually command higher per-diem
rates and generate more ancillary fees (including pick-up, drop-off,
handling and off-hire fees) than term leases.
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<PAGE> 5
- Term lease. Term leases are for a fixed period of time and include both
long and short-term commitments, with most extending from three to five
years. Term lease agreements may contain early termination penalties that
apply in the event of early redelivery. In most cases, however, equipment
is not returned prior to the expiration of the lease. Term leases provide
greater revenue stability to the lessor, but at lower rates than master
leases. Ocean carriers use long-term leases when they have a need for
identified containers for a specified term. Short-term lease agreements
have a duration of less than one year and include one-way, repositioning
and round-trip leases. They differ from master leases in that they define
the number and the term of the containers to be leased. Ocean carriers
generally use one-way leases to manage trade imbalances (where more
containerized cargo moves in one direction than another) by picking up a
container in one port and dropping it off at another location after one or
more legs of a voyage.
The terms and conditions of the Registrant's leases provide that customers
are responsible for paying all taxes and service charges arising from container
use, maintaining the containers in good and safe operating condition while on
lease and paying for repairs, excluding ordinary wear and tear, upon redelivery.
Some leases provide for a "damage protection plan" whereby lessees, for an
additional payment (which may be in the form of a higher per-diem rate), are
relieved of the responsibility of paying some of the repair costs upon
redelivery of the containers. The Leasing Company has historically provided this
service on a limited basis to selected customers. Repairs provided under such
plans are carried out by the same depots, under the same procedures, as are
repairs to containers not covered by such plans. Customers also are required to
insure leased containers against physical damage and loss, and against third
party liability for loss, damage, bodily injury or death.
Lease rates depend on several factors including the type of lease, length of
term, maintenance provided, type and age of the equipment, location and
availability, and market conditions.
CUSTOMERS
The Leasing Company, on behalf of the Registrant, leases the Registrant's
containers primarily to shipping lines operating in major trade routes. The
Leasing Company currently serves over 400 customers including the 20 largest
ocean carriers worldwide on behalf of the Group, the Registrant, and other third
party container owners. The Registrant is not dependent upon any particular
customer or group of customers and none of its customers accounts for more than
10% of its revenue. The Registrant's customers are billed and pay in United
States dollars. The Leasing Company sets maximum credit limits for the
Registrant's customers, limiting the number of containers leased to each
according to established credit criteria. The Leasing Company continually tracks
its credit exposure to each customer. The Leasing Company's credit committee
meets quarterly to analyze the performance of the Registrant's customers and to
recommend actions to be taken in order to minimize credit risks. The Leasing
Company uses specialist third party credit information services and reports
prepared by local staff to assess credit applications.
FLEET PROFILE
The Registrant acquired high-quality dry cargo containers manufactured to
specifications that exceed International Standards Organization (ISO) standards
and designed to minimize repair and operating costs.
Dry cargo containers are the most commonly used type of container in the
shipping industry. The Registrant's dry cargo container fleet is constructed of
all Corten(R) steel (i.e., Corten(R) roofs, walls, doors and undercarriage),
which is a high-tensile steel yielding greater damage and corrosion resistance
than mild steel.
Refrigerated containers are used to transport temperature-sensitive products,
such as meat, fruit, vegetables and photographic film. All of the Registrant's
refrigerated containers have high-grade stainless steel interiors. The majority
of the Registrant's 20-foot refrigerated containers have high-grade stainless
steel walls, while most of the Registrant's 40-foot refrigerated containers are
steel framed with aluminum outer walls to reduce weight. As with the dry cargo
containers, all refrigerated containers are designed to minimize repair and
maintenance and maximize damage resistance.
Tank containers are constructed in compliance with International Maritime
Organization ("IMO") standards and recommendations. The tanks purchased by the
Registrant have all been IMO-1 type tanks constructed to comply with IMO
recommendations which require specific pressure ratings and shell thicknesses.
These containers are designed to carry highly inflammable materials, corrosives,
toxics and oxidizing substances, but are also capable of carrying non-hazardous
materials and foodstuffs. They have a capacity of 21,000-24,000 liters and are
generally insulated and equipped with steam or electrical heating.
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<PAGE> 6
The Registrant purchased its dry cargo containers from manufacturers in
China, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Turkey, Italy, Hong Kong and the
United Kingdom as part of a policy of sourcing container production in locations
where it can meet customer demands most effectively.
The Registrant's refrigerated containers were purchased mainly from Korean
manufacturers. The majority of its refrigeration units were purchased from
Carrier Transicold, the primary container refrigeration unit supplier in the
United States.
The Registrant's tank containers were purchased mainly from United Kingdom
manufacturers.
As of December 31, 1998, the Registrant owned 25,641 twenty-foot, 8,661
forty-foot and 1,775 forty-foot high-cube marine dry cargo containers, as well
as 461 twenty-foot and 99 forty-foot refrigerated cargo containers, and 226
twenty-four thousand-liter tanks. The following table sets forth the number of
containers on lease, by container type and lease term:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Containers on
Lease
-------------
<S> <C>
20-Foot Dry Cargo Containers:
Term Leases 2,521
Master Leases 15,606
------
Total on lease 18,127
======
40-Foot Dry Cargo Containers:
Term Leases 1,074
Master Leases 5,137
------
Total on lease 6,211
======
40-Foot High-Cube Dry Cargo Containers:
Term Leases 177
Master Leases 1,344
------
Total on lease 1,521
======
20-Foot Refrigerated Cargo Containers:
Term Leases 263
Master Leases 173
------
Total on lease 436
======
40-Foot Refrigerated Cargo Containers:
Term Leases 99
Master Leases --
------
Total on lease 99
======
24,000-Liter Tank Containers:
Term Leases 165
Master Leases 8
------
Total on lease 173
======
</TABLE>
The Leasing Company makes payments to the Registrant based upon rentals
collected from ocean carriers after deducting certain operating expenses
associated with the containers, such as the base management fee payable to CCC,
certain expense reimbursements and incentive fees payable to CCC, the costs of
maintenance and repairs not performed by lessees, independent agent fees and
expenses, depot expenses for handling, inspection and storage, and additional
insurance.
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REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
All containers are inspected and repaired when redelivered by a customer, and
customers are obligated to pay for all damage repair, excluding wear and tear,
according to standardized industry guidelines. Depots in major port areas
perform repair and maintenance that is verified by independent surveyors or the
Leasing Company's technical and operations staff. Before any repair or
refurbishment is authorized on older containers in the Registrant's fleet, the
Leasing Company's technical and operations staff reviews the age, condition and
type of container, and its suitability for continued leasing. The Leasing
Company compares the cost of such repair or refurbishment with the prevailing
market resale price that might be obtained for that container and makes the
appropriate decision whether to repair or sell the container.
MARKET FOR USED CONTAINERS
The Registrant estimates that the period for which a dry cargo or
refrigerated container may be used as a leased marine cargo container ranges
from 10 to 15 years. Tank containers generally may be used for 12 to 18 years.
The Leasing Company, on behalf of the Registrant, disposes of used containers in
a worldwide market in which buyers include wholesalers, mini-storage operations,
construction companies and others. As the Registrant's fleet ages, a larger
proportion of its revenue will be derived from selling its containers.
OPERATIONS
The Registrant's container leasing and marketing operations are conducted
through the Leasing Company in the United Kingdom, with support provided by area
offices and dedicated agents located in San Francisco, California; Iselin, New
Jersey; Windsor, England; Hamburg; Antwerp; Auckland; Genoa; Gothenburg, Sweden;
Singapore; Hong Kong; Sydney; Tokyo; Taipei; Seoul; Rio de Janeiro; and
Shanghai.
The Leasing Company also maintains agency relationships with over 20
independent agents around the world, to whom it pays commissions based upon the
amount of revenues they generate in the region or the number of containers that
are leased from their area on behalf of the Registrant. The agents are located
in jurisdictions where the volume of the Leasing Company's business necessitates
a presence in the area but is not sufficient to justify a fully-functioning
Leasing Company office or dedicated agent. These agents provide marketing
support to the area offices covering the region, together with limited
operational support.
In addition, the Leasing Company relies on the services of over 300
independently-owned and operated depots around the world to inspect, repair,
maintain and store containers while off-hire. The Leasing Company's area offices
authorize all container movements into and out of the depot and supervise all
repair and maintenance performed by the depot. The Leasing Company's technical
staff sets the standards for repair of its owned and managed fleet throughout
the world and monitors the quality of depot repair work. The depots provide a
vital link to the Leasing Company's operations, as the redelivery of a container
into a depot is the point at which the container is off-hired from one customer
and repaired in preparation for re-leasing to the next.
The Leasing Company's global network is integrated with its computer system
and provides 24-hour communication between offices and agents. The system allows
the Leasing Company to manage and control the Registrant's fleet on a global
basis, providing it with the responsiveness and flexibility necessary to service
the master lease market effectively. This system is an integral part of the
Leasing Company's service, as it processes information received from the various
offices, generates billings to the Registrant's lessees and produces a wide
range of reports on all aspects of the Registrant's leasing activities. The
system records the life history of each container, including the length of time
on and off lease and repair costs. It also traces port activity trends, leasing
activity and equipment data per customer. The operations and marketing data is
fully interfaced with the finance and accounting system to provide revenue, cost
and asset information to management and staff around the world.
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INSURANCE
The Registrant's lease agreements typically require lessees to obtain
insurance to cover all risks of physical damage and loss of the equipment under
lease, as well as public liability and property damage insurance. However, the
precise nature and amount of the insurance carried by each ocean carrier varies
from lessee to lessee. In addition, the Registrant has purchased secondary
insurance effective in the event that a lessee fails to have adequate primary
coverage. This insurance covers liability arising out of bodily injury and/or
property damage as a result of the ownership and operation of the containers, as
well as insurance against loss or damage to the containers, loss of lease
revenues in certain cases and costs of container recovery and repair in the
event that a customer goes into bankruptcy. The Registrant believes that the
nature and the amounts of its insurance are customary in the container leasing
industry and subject to standard industry deductions and exclusions.
(c)(1)(ii) Inapplicable.
(c)(1)(iii) Inapplicable.
(c)(1)(iv) Inapplicable.
(c)(1)(v)The Registrant's containers are leased globally; therefore, seasonal
fluctuations are minimal. Other economic and business factors to which the
transportation industry in general and the container leasing industry in
particular are subject, include inflation, fluctuations in general business
conditions and fluctuations in supply and demand for equipment resulting from,
among other things, obsolescence, changes in the methods or economics of a
particular mode of transportation or changes in governmental regulations or
safety standards.
(c)(1)(vi) The Registrant established a working capital reserve of
approximately 1% of subscription proceeds raised. In addition, the Registrant
may reserve additional amounts from anticipated cash distributions to the
partners to meet working capital requirements.
Amounts due under master leases are calculated at the end of each month and
billed approximately six to eight days thereafter. Amounts due under short-term
and long-term leases are set forth in the respective lease agreements and are
generally payable monthly. However, payment is normally received within 45-100
days of billing. Past due penalties are not customarily collected from lessees,
and accordingly are not generally levied by the Leasing Company against lessees
of the Registrant's containers.
(c)(1)(vii) For the year ended December 31, 1998, no single lessee accounted
for 10% or more of the Registrant's rental income. The Registrant does not
believe that its ongoing business is dependent upon a single customer, although
the loss of one or more of its largest customers could have an adverse effect
upon its business.
(c)(1)(viii) Inapplicable.
(c)(1)(ix) Inapplicable.
(c)(1)(x)Competition among container leasing companies is based upon several
factors, including the location and availability of inventory, lease rates, the
type, quality and condition of the containers, the quality and flexibility of
the service offered and the confidence in and professional relationship with the
lessor. Other factors include the speed with which a leasing company can prepare
its containers for lease and the ease with which a lessee believes it can do
business with a lessor or its local area office. Not all container leasing
companies compete in the same market, as some supply only dry cargo containers
and not specialized containers, while others offer only long-term leases.
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<PAGE> 9
The Leasing Company, on behalf of the Registrant, competes with various
container leasing companies in the markets in which it conducts business,
including Transamerica Leasing, GE-Seaco, Textainer Group, Triton Container
International Ltd. and others. In a series of recent consolidations, several
major leasing companies, as well as numerous smaller ones, have been acquired by
competitors. The Leasing Company believes that the current trend toward
consolidation in the container leasing industry will continue, making economies
of scale, worldwide operations, diversity, size of fleet and financial strength
increasingly important to the successful operation of a container leasing
business. Additionally, as containerization grows, customers may demand more
flexibility from leasing companies regarding per-diem rates, pick-up and
drop-off locations, availability of containers and other terms. Some of the
Leasing Company's competitors may have greater financial resources than the
Leasing Company and may be more capable of offering lower per-diem rates. In the
Leasing Company's experience, however, ocean carriers will generally lease
containers from more than one leasing company in order to minimize dependence on
a single supplier.
(c)(1)(xi) Inapplicable.
(c)(1)(xii) Environmental Matters
A portion of the Registrant's equipment portfolio consists of special purpose
containers, primarily refrigerated containers. Historically, refrigerated
containers have utilized a refrigerant gas which is a chlorofluorocarbon ("CFC")
compound. It is generally assumed that CFCs are harmful to the Earth's ozone
layer when released into the atmosphere. Many nations, including the United
States, have taken action, both collectively and individually, to regulate CFCs.
These nations set various targets for the reduction in production and use of
CFCs starting as early as 1993, and their eventual elimination. There has been
substantial progress recently to determine a viable substitute for the
refrigerant used in containers, such that both the Leasing Company and the
container leasing industry association have selected a replacement refrigerant.
Production of new container refrigeration units operating with the replacement
refrigerant became generally available in 1993. All refrigerated containers
purchased by the Registrant contain the new refrigerant compound and comply with
all current environmental regulations.
Under the state and Federal laws of the United States, and possibly under the
laws of other nations, the owner of a container may be liable for environmental
damage and/or cleanup and/or other sums in the event of actual or threatened
discharge or other contamination by material in a container. This liability may
be imposed on a container owner, such as the Registrant, even if the owner is
not at fault. The Leasing Company intends, subject to availability and
prevailing market conditions, to obtain insurance on behalf of the Registrant
against these risks on such terms and in such amounts as the Leasing Company
deems reasonable. In addition, subject to availability and applicable insurance
and container industry market conditions, the Leasing Company intends to require
lessees of containers to obtain insurance which protects against these risks and
further to compel lessees to indemnify and defend the Registrant in the case of
an occurrence giving rise to possible liability under applicable environmental
laws.
(c)(1)(xiii) The Registrant, as a limited partnership, is managed by CCC, the
general partner, and accordingly does not itself have any employees. CCC has 15
employees, consisting of 3 officers, 5 other managers and 7 clerical and staff
personnel.
(d) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export
Sales
The Registrant's business is not divided between foreign or domestic
operations. The Registrant's business is the leasing of containers worldwide to
ocean carriers. To this extent, the Registrant's operations are subject to the
fluctuations of world economic and political conditions. Such factors may affect
the pattern and levels of world trade.
The Registrant believes that the profitability of, and risks associated with,
leases to foreign customers is generally the same as those of leases to domestic
customers. The Leasing Company's leases generally require all payments to be
made in United States currency.
9
<PAGE> 10
Item 2. Properties
As of December 31, 1998, the Registrant owned 25,641 twenty-foot, 8,661
forty-foot and 1,775 forty-foot high-cube marine dry cargo containers, as well
as 461 twenty-foot and 99 forty-foot refrigerated cargo containers, and 226
twenty-four thousand-liter tanks, suitable for transporting cargo by rail, sea
or highway. The average useful life and manufacturers' invoice cost of the
Registrant's fleet as of December 31, 1998 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated
Useful Life Average Age Average Cost
----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
20-Foot Dry Cargo Containers 10-15 years 4 years $2,484
40-Foot Dry Cargo Containers 10-15 years 4 years $3,970
40-Foot High-Cube Dry Cargo Containers 10-15 years 4 years $4,302
20-Foot Refrigerated Cargo Containers 10-15 years 4 years $21,200
40-Foot Refrigerated Cargo Containers 10-15 years 5 years $24,245
24,000-Liter Tanks 10-15 years 4 years $25,388
</TABLE>
Utilization by lessees of the Registrant's containers fluctuates over time
depending on the supply of and demand for containers in the Registrant's
inventory locations. During 1998, utilization of the dry cargo and refrigerated
container fleet averaged 78% and 93% respectively.
During 1998, the Registrant disposed of 126 twenty-foot, 36 forty-foot and
five forty-foot high-cube marine dry cargo containers, and two twenty-foot and
one forty-foot high-cube refrigerated containers, as well as one twenty-four
thousand-liter tank at an average book gain of $778 per container.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
As reported in the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K and Amendment No.
1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 7, 1997
and February 26, 1997, respectively, Arthur Andersen, London, England, resigned
as auditors of The Cronos Group, the Parent Company, on February 3, 1997. See
Item 9, "Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure."
In connection with its resignation, Arthur Andersen also prepared a report
pursuant to the provisions of Section 10A(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, for filing by the Parent Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Following the report of Arthur Andersen, the
SEC, on February 10, 1997, commenced a private investigation of the Parent
Company for the purpose of investigating the matters discussed in such report
and related matters. The Registrant does not believe that the focus of the SEC's
investigation is upon the Registrant or CCC. CCC is unable to predict the
outcome of the SEC's ongoing private investigation of the Parent Company.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Inapplicable.
10
<PAGE> 11
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters
(a) Market Information
(a)(1)(i) The Registrant's outstanding units of limited partnership interests
are not traded on any market nor does an established public trading market exist
for such purposes.
(a)(1)(ii) Inapplicable.
(a)(1)(iii) Inapplicable.
(a)(1)(iv) Inapplicable.
(a)(1)(v) Inapplicable.
(a)(2) Inapplicable.
(b) Holders
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Unit
Holders
as of December 31,
(b)(1) Title of Class 1998
-------------- ------------------
<S> <C>
Units of limited partnership interests 8,159
</TABLE>
(c) Dividends
Inapplicable. For the distributions made by the Registrant to its limited
partners, see Item 6 below, "Selected Financial Data."
11
<PAGE> 12
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996(2) 1995(2) 1994(1),(2)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net lease revenue
as previously reported $ 12,551,660 $ 13,784,688 $ 14,160,889 $ 12,596,190 $ 3,862,148
Net lease revenue
as restated $ 12,551,660 $ 13,784,688 $ 14,160,889 $ 12,596,190 $ 3,862,148
Net earnings
as previously reported $ 5,470,220 $ 6,578,035 $ 7,262,658 $ 6,534,636 $ 1,871,609
Net earnings
as restated $ 5,470,220 $ 6,578,035 $ 7,791,340 $ 6,891,093 $ 1,960,967
Net earnings per unit of
limited partnership interest
as previously reported $ 0.68 $ 0.83 $ 0.90 $ 1.54 $ 1.56
Net earnings per unit of
limited partnership interest
as restated $ 0.68 $ 0.83 $ 0.98 $ 1.61 $ 1.63
Cash distributions per unit of
limited partnership interest
as previously reported $ 1.65 $ 1.78 $ 2.10 $ 1.71 $ 1.11
Cash distributions per unit of
limited partnership interest
as restated $ 1.65 $ 1.78 $ 2.10 $ 1.71 $ 1.11
At year-end:
Total assets
as previously reported $104,568,280 $111,519,209 $120,636,573 $132,869,334 $ 61,495,788
Total assets
as restated $104,568,280 $111,519,209 $118,967,968 $130,680,952 $ 60,435,268
Partners' capital
as previously reported $104,568,280 $111,519,209 $119,971,923 $128,489,808 $ 41,947,565
Partners' capital
as restated $104,568,280 $111,519,209 $118,303,318 $126,301,426 $ 40,887,045
</TABLE>
(1) For the period February 22, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1994.
(2) The Partnership's financial statements for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, have been restated to reflect offering costs incurred
in connection with the offering of the Partnership's limited partnership
units, as reductions in net limited partnership contributions of the
investors, in accordance with the guidance of the Securities and Exchange
Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin, SAB Topic 5:A. These offering costs
were previously capitalized and amortized over sixty months. The effect was
to reduce partners' capital and to increase net earnings for all periods
presented.
12
<PAGE> 13
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Registrant's primary objective is to generate cash flow from operations
for distribution to its limited partners and during the initial years of its
operation, reinvest excess cash flow in additional equipment. Aside from the
initial working capital reserve retained from gross subscription proceeds (equal
to approximately 1% of such proceeds), the Registrant relies primarily on
container rental receipts to meet this objective, as well as to finance
operating needs. No credit lines are maintained to finance working capital.
The Registrant initiated its offering of limited partnership interests to the
public subsequent to December 17, 1993. The Registrant commenced operations on
February 22, 1994 when the minimum subscription proceeds of $2,000,000 was
obtained from at least 100 investors (excluding from such count, Pennsylvania
residents, the general partner, and affiliates of the general partner). At
December 15, 1995, the termination date of the offering, the Registrant had
raised $143,031,380 through the offering of limited partnership interests, from
which it had paid brokerage commissions, reimbursed CCC for public offering
expenses, and purchased equipment.
At December 31, 1998, the Registrant had $6,212,541 in cash and cash
equivalents, an increase of $1,423,040 and $703,973, respectively, from the cash
balances at December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996. Throughout the remainder of
1999, the Registrant may use cash generated from equipment sales to purchase and
replace additional containers which had been lost or damaged beyond repair.
Amounts not used to purchase and replace containers may be distributed to its
partners.
The Registrant's allowance for doubtful accounts increased from $370,548 at
December 31, 1997 to $812,601 at December 31, 1998. This increase was
attributable to the delinquent account receivable balances of approximately 22
lessees. The Leasing Company has either negotiated specific payment terms with
these lessees or is pursuing other alternatives to collect the outstanding
balances. In each instance, the Registrant believes it has provided sufficient
reserves for all doubtful accounts.
Cash distributions from operations are allocated 5% to the general partner
and 95% to the limited partners. Distributions of sales proceeds are allocated
1% to the general partner and 99% to the limited partners. This sharing
arrangement will remain in place until the limited partners have received
aggregate distributions in an amount equal to their capital contributions plus
an 8% cumulative, compounded (daily) annual return on their adjusted capital
contributions. Thereafter, all distributions will be allocated 15% to the
general partner and 85% to the limited partners, pursuant to Section 6.1(b) of
the Partnership Agreement. Cash distributions from operations to the general
partner in excess of 5% of distributable cash will be considered an incentive
fee and compensation to the general partner.
From inception through February 28, 1999, the Registrant has distributed
$49,665,723 in cash from operations to its limited partners, or 35% of the
limited partners' original invested capital. Distributions are paid monthly
based primarily on each quarter's cash flow from operations. Monthly
distributions are also affected by periodic increases or decreases to working
capital reserves, as deemed appropriate by the general partner.
The year ended December 31, 1998 was a volatile period for the container
leasing market. Opinions on the outlook for the market ranged from optimism that
the fallout from the Asian crisis could be contained to concern that it would
more seriously affect the global economy. As worries about the global economy
intensified, expectations for world economic growth shifted downward. The
effects of global financial concerns also slowed the growth of world
containerized trade to 5%-6% during 1998 compared to 7%-8% in recent past years,
and limited the demand for leased containers by the ocean carriers. At the same
time, significant trade imbalances developed between Asia and the rest of the
world. The devalued currencies of many Asian countries gave rise to booming
exports while, together with restricted credit, curtailing the demand for
imports from the West. These trade imbalances prompted renewed requirements for
leased containers in many parts of Asia where equipment shortages developed amid
declining inventories. But, the increased demand resulting from the shortage of
containers in many areas of Asia must be viewed against the continuing large
surplus of off-hire units in Europe and the Americas resulting from the shifting
trade patterns. These leasing market conditions may impact the Registrant's
financial condition and operating performance during 1999. Additionally, see the
discussion regarding The Cronos Group under Item 7., Management Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations hereof.
13
<PAGE> 14
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1998 - 1997
Amid this environment of global economic uncertainty, other key trends that
have been in evidence over the past few years continued to affect the container
leasing industry and the Registrant's operations during 1998. They include
consolidation both within the shipping industry and the container leasing
industry; greater efficiencies achieved by our customers through the use of
mega-size containerships and the pooling of owned equipment; and, the erosion of
per-diem rental rates.
As the leasing industry's equipment remained in surplus, ocean carriers and
transport companies continued to be selective about the age and condition of
containers taken on-hire. Many have adopted a policy of only leasing containers
of a certain age or less. It has been the Registrant's experience that in
periods of weak demand, many lessees insist on equipment between three to five
years of age. Such criteria currently serves as a barrier to leasing older
containers but did not materially impact the leasing opportunities of the
Registrant's fleet, which averaged four years of age at December 31, 1998, or
its results of operations. The primary component of the Registrant's results of
operations is net lease revenue. Net lease revenue is determined by deducting
direct operating expenses, management fees and reimbursed administrative
expenses, from rental revenues billed by the Leasing Company from the leasing of
the Registrant's containers.
Gross rental revenue, a component of net lease revenue, decreased from
$21,046,756 in 1997 to $19,834,527 in 1998, a decrease of 6% from the prior
year. Average dry cargo container per-diem rental rates declined approximately
5% when compared to the prior year. Average refrigerated and tank container
per-diem rental rates each decreased 3% when compared to the prior year,
respectively.
The Registrant's fleet size, as measured in twenty-foot equivalent units
("TEU"), and average utilization rates at December 31, 1998 and December 31,
1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Fleet size (measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU))
Dry cargo containers 46,608 46,721
Refrigerated containers 662 663
Tank containers 227 227
Average utilization rates for the year
Dry cargo containers 78.4% 83.8%
Refrigerated containers 92.5% 89.8%
Tank containers 86.4% 86.8%
</TABLE>
Net lease revenue is directly related to the size, utilization and per-diem
rental rates of the Registrant's fleet. Net lease revenue declined by
approximately 9% when compared to 1997, and is expected to decline in subsequent
periods as container leasing market conditions continue.
Rental equipment operating expenses were approximately 24% of rental revenue
during 1998 as compared to 23% during 1997. This increase was due to higher
repair and maintenance costs, as well as a charge of approximately $661,000 to
further provide for and replenish the reserve for doubtful accounts. In 1997,
approximately $347,000 was provided for doubtful accounts. Base management fees,
dependent on the operating performance of the fleet, declined $112,771 or
approximately 8% during 1998 when compared with 1997.
The Registrant disposed of 126 twenty-foot, 36 forty-foot and five forty-foot
high-cube marine dry cargo containers, and two twenty-foot and one forty-foot
high-cube refrigerated containers, as well as one twenty-four thousand-liter
tank during 1998, as compared to 88 twenty-foot and 24 forty-foot and eight
forty-foot high-cube marine dry cargo containers as well as two twenty-four
thousand-liter tanks during 1997. The decision to repair or dispose of a
container is made when it is returned by a lessee. This decision is influenced
by various factors including the age, condition, suitability for continued
leasing, as well as the geographical location of the container when disposed.
These factors also influence the amount of sales proceeds received and the
related gain on container disposals.
14
<PAGE> 15
1997 - 1996
The primary component of the Registrant's results of operations is net lease
revenue. Net lease revenue is directly related to the size, utilization and
per-diem rental rates of the Registrant's fleet. Net lease revenue declined by
approximately 3% during 1997 when compared to 1996.
Gross rental revenue, a component of net lease revenue, decreased from
$21,596,882 in 1996 to $21,046,756 in 1997, a decrease of 3% from the prior
year. Average dry cargo container per-diem rental rates declined approximately
9% when compared to the prior year. Average refrigerated and tank container
per-diem rental rates decreased 6% and 2%, respectively, when compared to the
prior year.
The Registrant's fleet size, as measured in twenty-foot equivalent units
("TEU"), and average utilization rates at December 31, 1997 and December 31,
1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Fleet size (measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU))
Dry cargo containers 46,721 46,510
Refrigerated containers 663 663
Tank containers 227 229
Average utilization rates for the year
Dry cargo containers 83.8% 80.6%
Refrigerated containers 89.8% 90.8%
Tank containers 86.8% 87.3%
</TABLE>
Rental equipment operating expenses were approximately 23% of rental revenue
during 1997 as compared to 22% during 1996. This increase was due to higher
repair and maintenance costs, as well as a charge of approximately $347,000 to
further provide for and replenish the reserve for doubtful accounts. In 1996,
approximately $34,000 was provided for doubtful accounts. These increases offset
declines in storage, handling and repositioning expenses. Base management fees,
dependent on the operating performance of the fleet, declined $42,247 or
approximately 3% during 1997 when compared to 1996.
Other general and administrative expenses increased $42,220, or approximately
25% during 1997 when compared to 1996. This was due to an increase in the cost
of the Registrant's annual audit, as well as an increase in the cost of
preparing and processing the Registrant's regulatory filings.
The Registrant disposed of 88 twenty-foot, 24 forty-foot and eight forty-foot
high-cube marine dry cargo containers as well as two twenty-four thousand-liter
tanks during 1997, as compared to 115 twenty-foot and 19 forty-foot and ten
forty-foot high-cube marine dry cargo containers during 1996. The decision to
repair or dispose of a container is made when it is returned by a lessee. This
decision is influenced by various factors including the age, condition,
suitability for continued leasing, as well as the geographical location of the
container when disposed. These factors also influence the amount of sales
proceeds received and the related gain on container disposals.
THE CRONOS GROUP'S CREDIT FACILITY
In 1993, the Parent Company negotiated a credit facility (hereinafter, the
"Credit Facility") with several banks for the use by the Parent Company and its
subsidiaries, including CCC. At December 31, 1996, approximately $73,500,000 in
principal indebtedness was outstanding under the Credit Facility. As a party to
the Credit Facility, CCC is jointly and severally liable for the repayment of
all principal and interest owed under the Credit Facility. The obligations of
CCC, and the five other subsidiaries of the Parent Company that are borrowers
under the Credit Facility, are guaranteed by the Parent Company.
15
<PAGE> 16
Following negotiations in 1997 with the banks providing the Credit Facility,
an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was executed in June 1997, subject to
various actions being taken by the Parent Company and its subsidiaries,
primarily relating to the provision of additional collateral. This Agreement was
further amended in July 1997 and the provisions of the Agreement and its
Amendment converted the facility to a term loan, payable in installments, with a
final maturity date of May 31, 1998. The terms of the Agreement and its
Amendment also provided for additional security over shares in the subsidiary of
the Parent Company that owns the head office of the Parent Company's container
leasing operations. They also provided for the loans to the former Chairman of
$5,900,000 and $3,700,000 to be restructured as obligations of the former
Chairman to another subsidiary of the Parent Company (not CCC), together with
the pledge to this subsidiary company of 2,030,303 Common Shares beneficially
owned by him in the Parent Company as security for these loans. They further
provided for the assignment of these loans to the lending banks, together with
the pledge of 1,000,000 shares and the assignment of the rights of the Parent
Company in respect of the other 1,030,303 shares. Additionally, CCC granted the
lending banks a security interest in the fees to which it is entitled for the
services it renders to the container leasing partnerships of which it acts as
general partner, including its fee income payable by the Registrant. The Parent
Company did not repay the Credit Facility at the amended maturity date of May
31, 1998.
On June 30, 1998, the Parent Company entered into a third amendment (the
"Third Amendment") to the Credit Facility. Under the Third Amendment, the
remaining principal amount of $36,800,000 was to be amortized in varying monthly
amounts commencing on July 31, 1998 with $26,950,000 due on September 30, 1998
and a final maturity date of January 8, 1999. The Parent Company did not repay
the amounts due on September 30, 1998 and January 8, 1999. The balance
outstanding on the Credit Facility at December 31, 1998 was $33,110,000.
In March 1999, the Parent Company agreed to a proposal to extend the Credit
Facility until September 30, 1999 and expects that a fourth amendment (the
"Fourth Amendment"), with a final maturity date of September 30, 1999, will be
signed in April 1999.
The directors of the Parent Company also are pursuing alternative sources of
financing to meet the amended repayment obligations anticipated under the Fourth
Amendment. Failure to meet revised lending terms would constitute an event of
default with the lenders. The declaration of an event of default would result in
further defaults with other lenders under loan agreement cross-default
provisions. Should a default of the term loans be enforced, the Parent Company
and CCC may be unable to continue as going concerns.
The Registrant is not a borrower under the Credit Facility, and neither the
containers nor the other assets of the Registrant have been pledged as
collateral under the Credit Facility.
CCC is unable to determine the impact, if any, these issues may have on the
future operating results, financial condition and cash flows of the Registrant
or CCC and on the Leasing Company's ability to manage the Registrant's fleet in
subsequent periods.
YEAR 2000
The Registrant relies upon the financial and operational systems provided by
the Leasing Company and its affiliates, as well as the systems provided by other
independent third parties to service the three primary areas of its business:
investor processing/maintenance; container leasing/asset tracking; and
accounting finance. The Registrant has received confirmation from its
third-party investor processing/maintenance vendor that their system is Year
2000 compliant. The Registrant does not expect a material increase in its vendor
servicing fee to reimburse Year 2000 costs. Container leasing/asset tracking and
accounting/finance services are provided to the Registrant by CCC and its
affiliate, the Leasing Company, pursuant to the respective Limited Partnership
Agreement and Leasing Agent Agreement. CCC and the Leasing Company have
initiated a program to prepare their systems and applications for the Year 2000.
Preliminary studies indicate that testing, conversion and upgrading of system
applications is expected to cost CCC and the Leasing Company less than $500,000.
Pursuant to the Limited Partnership Agreement, CCC or the Leasing Company, may
not seek reimbursement of data processing costs associated with the Year 2000
program. The financial impact of making these required system changes is not
expected to be material to the Registrant's financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
16
<PAGE> 17
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements relating to future
results of the Registrant, including certain projections and business trends,
that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not
limited to changes in: economic conditions; trade policies; demand for and
market acceptance of leased marine cargo containers; competitive utilization and
per-diem rental rate pressures; as well as other risks and uncertainties,
including but not limited to those described above in the discussion of the
marine container leasing business under Item 7., Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; and those detailed
from time to time in the filings of the Registrant with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Inapplicable
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
17
<PAGE> 18
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Partners
Cronos Global Income Fund XV, L.P.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Cronos Global Income Fund XV,
L.P., as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of
operations, partners' capital, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1998. 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.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Cronos Global Income Fund XV,
L.P., as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
As further discussed in Note 11 to the financial statements, The Cronos Group,
which is the indirect corporate parent of Cronos Capital Corp., the general
partner of the Partnership, is subject to an investigation, commenced on
February 10, 1997, by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Furthermore, Cronos Capital Corp. and five other subsidiaries of The Cronos
Group are borrowers under a credit facility with several banks. The credit
facility is guaranteed by The Cronos Group. A substantial payment was due on
September 30, 1998, and the entire loan balance was due on January 8, 1999. The
Cronos Group did not repay the amount due on September 30, 1998 and January 8,
1999. As of the date of our report, The Cronos Group had not yet secured an
extension of the credit facility or obtained a source for repayment of the
balance due.
Since the commencement of operations in 1994, the Partnership's policy has been
to capitalize the underwriting commissions and other offering costs incurred in
connection with the offering of the Partnership's limited partnership units and
to amortize such costs over sixty months. This policy was not in accordance with
the guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting
Bulletin, SAB Topic 5:A. Accordingly, as further discussed in Note 4 to the
financial statements, the Partnership has restated its financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 1996 to reflect the offering costs as reductions of
capital contributions from the limited partners.
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The supplementary information included in
Schedule 1 is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a
required part of the basic financial statements. Such information has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic
financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material
respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
Moore Stephens, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
New York, New York
March 5, 1999
18
<PAGE> 19
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents, includes $6,212,441 in 1998 and
$4,789,301 in 1997 in interest-bearing accounts (note 3) $ 6,212,541 $ 4,789,501
Net lease receivables due from Leasing Company
(notes 1 and 5) 2,267,032 2,909,486
------------ ------------
Total current assets 8,479,573 7,698,987
------------ ------------
Container rental equipment, at cost 123,593,353 124,148,108
Less accumulated depreciation 27,539,807 20,429,936
------------ ------------
Net container rental equipment 96,053,546 103,718,172
------------ ------------
Organizational costs, net (note 1) 35,161 102,050
------------ ------------
$104,568,280 $111,519,209
============ ============
Partners' Capital
Partners' capital:
General partner $ 622 $ 190
Limited partners (note 9) 104,567,658 111,519,019
------------ ------------
Total partners' capital 104,568,280 111,519,209
------------ ------------
$104,568,280 $111,519,209
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
19
<PAGE> 20
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996 (As Restated)
----------- ----------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net lease revenue (notes 1 and 7) $12,551,660 $13,784,688 $14,160,889
Other operating expenses:
Depreciation and amortization (notes 1 and 4) 7,298,038 7,301,920 6,997,635
Other general and administrative expenses 215,674 210,367 168,146
----------- ----------- -----------
7,513,712 7,512,287 7,165,781
----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings from operations 5,037,948 6,272,401 6,995,108
Other income (expense):
Interest income 299,313 218,140 687,741
Net gain on disposal of equipment 132,959 87,494 108,491
----------- ----------- -----------
432,272 305,634 796,232
----------- ----------- -----------
Net earnings $ 5,470,220 $ 6,578,035 $ 7,791,340
=========== =========== ===========
Allocation of net earnings:
General partner (note 4) $ 621,489 $ 667,991 $ 786,280
Limited partners (note 4) 4,848,731 5,910,044 7,005,060
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 5,470,220 $ 6,578,035 $ 7,791,340
=========== =========== ===========
Limited partners' per unit share of net earnings $ 0.68 $ 0.83 $ 0.98
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20
<PAGE> 21
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Limited
Partners General
(Note 9) Partner Total
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balances at December 31, 1995 $ 126,298,373 $ 3,053 $ 126,301,426
Less offering costs on sale of limited partnership units (8,905) -- (8,905)
Net earnings 7,005,059 786,281 7,791,340
Cash distributions (14,991,516) (789,027) (15,780,543)
------------- ------------- -------------
Balances at December 31, 1996, as restated 118,303,011 307 118,303,318
Net earnings 5,910,044 667,991 6,578,035
Cash distributions (12,694,036) (668,108) (13,362,144)
------------- ------------- -------------
Balances at December 31, 1997 111,519,019 190 111,519,209
Net earnings 4,848,731 621,489 5,470,220
Cash distributions (11,800,092) (621,057) (12,421,149)
------------- ------------- -------------
Balances at December 31, 1998 $ 104,567,658 $ 622 $ 104,568,280
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
21
<PAGE> 22
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996(as restated)
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 5,470,220 $ 6,578,035 $ 7,791,340
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 7,298,038 7,301,920 6,997,635
Net gain on disposal of equipment (132,959) (87,494) (108,491)
Decrease (increase) in net lease
receivables due from Leasing Company 661,230 (20,048) (704,878)
Increase in interest payable -- -- (10,967)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total adjustments 7,826,309 7,194,378 6,173,299
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 13,296,529 13,772,413 13,964,639
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of container rental equipment 547,660 366,593 429,306
Purchases of container rental equipment -- (1,424,714) (25,854,324)
Acquisition fees paid to general partner -- (71,215) (1,292,716)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 547,660 (1,129,336) (26,717,734)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows by (used in) financing activities:
Offering and organizational expenses -- -- (9,011)
Distributions to partners (12,421,149) (13,362,144) (15,780,543)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in financing activities (12,421,149) (13,362,144) (15,789,554)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,423,040 (719,067) (28,542,649)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,789,501 5,508,568 34,051,217
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 6,212,541 $ 4,789,501 $ 5,508,568
============ ============ ============
Supplemental disclosures for cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ -- $ -- $ 10,967
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22
<PAGE> 23
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Nature of Operations
Cronos Global Income Fund XV, L.P. (the "Partnership") is a limited
partnership organized under the laws of the State of California on
August 26, 1993, for the purpose of owning and leasing marine cargo
containers, special purpose containers and container related equipment
worldwide to ocean carriers. To this extent, the Partnership's
operations are subject to the fluctuations of world economic and
political conditions. Such factors may affect the pattern and levels of
world trade. The Partnership believes that the profitability of, and
risks associated with, leases to foreign customers is generally the
same as those of leases to domestic customers. The Partnership's leases
generally require all payments to be made in United States currency.
Cronos Capital Corp. ("CCC") is the general partner and, with its
affiliate Cronos Containers Limited (the "Leasing Company"), manages
the business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall continue until
December 31, 2012, unless sooner terminated upon the occurrence of
certain events.
The Partnership commenced operations on February 22, 1994, when the
minimum subscription proceeds of $2,000,000 were received from over 100
subscribers (excluding from such count Pennsylvania residents, the
general partner, and all affiliates of the general partner). The
Partnership offered 7,500,000 units of limited partnership interest at
$20 per unit or $150,000,000. The offering terminated on December 15,
1995, at which time 7,151,569 limited partnership units had been
purchased.
(b) Leasing Company and Leasing Agent Agreement
The Partnership has entered into a Leasing Agent Agreement whereby the
Leasing Company has the responsibility to manage the leasing
operations of all equipment owned by the Partnership. Pursuant to the
Agreement, the Leasing Company is responsible for leasing, managing
and re-leasing the Partnership's containers to ocean carriers and has
full discretion over which ocean carriers and suppliers of goods and
services it may deal with. The Leasing Agent Agreement permits the
Leasing Company to use the containers owned by the Partnership,
together with other containers owned or managed by the Leasing Company
and its affiliates, as part of a single fleet operated without regard
to ownership. Since the Leasing Agent Agreement meets the definition
of an operating lease in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 13, it is accounted for as a lease under which the
Partnership is lessor and the Leasing Company is lessee.
The Leasing Agent Agreement generally provides that the Leasing Company
will make payments to the Partnership based upon rentals collected
from ocean carriers after deducting direct operating expenses and
management fees to CCC and the Leasing Company. The Leasing Company
leases containers to ocean carriers, generally under operating leases
which are either master leases or term leases (mostly one to five
years). Master leases do not specify the exact number of containers to
be leased or the term that each container will remain on hire but
allow the ocean carrier to pick up and drop off containers at various
locations, and rentals are based upon the number of containers used
and the applicable per-diem rate. Accordingly, rentals under master
leases are all variable and contingent upon the number of containers
used. Most containers are leased to ocean carriers under master
leases; leasing agreements with fixed payment terms are not material
to the financial statements. Since there are no material minimum lease
rentals, no disclosure of minimum lease rentals is provided in these
financial statements.
See note 11 for further discussion regarding CCC and the Leasing
Company.
23
<PAGE> 24
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(c) Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Partnership's financial instruments that are exposed to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash
equivalents and net lease receivables due from the Leasing Company. See
note 3 for further discussion regarding the credit risk associated with
cash and cash equivalents.
Net lease receivables due from the Leasing Company (see notes 1(b) and
5 for discussion regarding net lease receivables) subject the
Partnership to a significant concentration of credit risk. These net
lease receivables, representing rentals collected from ocean carriers
after deducting direct operating expenses and management fees to CCC
and the Leasing Company, are remitted by the Leasing Company to the
Partnership three to four times per month. The Partnership has
historically never incurred a loss associated with the collectability
of unremitted net lease receivables due from the Leasing Company.
However, CCC and the Partnership are unable to predict the outcome of
the events discussed in note 11 and their potential impact on the
credit risk associated with these net lease receivables.
(d) Basis of Accounting
The Partnership utilizes the accrual method of accounting. Net lease
revenue is recorded by the Partnership in each period based upon its
leasing agent agreement with the Leasing Company. Net lease revenue is
generally dependent upon operating lease rentals from operating lease
agreements between the Leasing Company and its various lessees, less
direct operating expenses and management fees due in respect of the
containers specified in each operating lease agreement.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires the Partnership to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
(e) Allocation of Net Earnings and Partnership Distributions
Net earnings have been allocated between general and limited partners
in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.
Actual cash distributions differ from the allocations of net earnings
between the general and limited partners as presented in these
financial statements. Partnership distributions are paid to its
partners (general and limited) from distributable cash from
operations, allocated 95% to the limited partners and 5% to the
general partner. Distributions of sales proceeds are allocated 99% to
the limited partners and 1% to the general partner. The allocations
remain in effect until such time as the limited partners have received
from the Partnership aggregate distributions in an amount equal to
their capital contributions plus an 8% cumulative, compounded (daily),
annual return on their adjusted capital contributions. Thereafter, all
Partnership distributions will be allocated 85% to the limited
partners and 15% to the general partner.
(f) Acquisition Fees
Pursuant to Article IV Section 4.2 of the Partnership Agreement,
acquisition fees paid to CCC are based on 5% of the equipment purchase
price. These fees are capitalized and included in the cost of the
container rental equipment. The fees are payable in two or more
installments commencing in the year of purchase.
24
<PAGE> 25
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(g) Container Rental Equipment
In accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of",
container rental equipment is considered to be impaired if the carrying
value of the asset exceeds the expected future cash flows from related
operations (undiscounted and without interest charges). If impairment
is deemed to exist, the assets are written down to fair value.
Depreciation policies are also evaluated to determine whether
subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful
lives. There were no reductions to the carrying value of container
rental equipment during 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Container rental equipment is depreciated over a twelve-year life on a
straight line basis to its salvage value, estimated to be 30%.
(h) Amortization
The Partnership's organization costs are amortized over 60 months on a
straight-line basis.
(i) Income Taxes
The Partnership is not subject to income taxes, consequently no
provision for income taxes has been made. The Partnership files federal
and state annual information tax returns, prepared on the accrual basis
of accounting. Taxable income or loss is reportable by the partners
individually.
(j) Financial Statement Presentation
The Partnership has determined that, for accounting purposes, the
Leasing Agent Agreement is a lease, and the receivables, payables,
gross revenues and operating expenses attributable to the containers
managed by the Leasing Company are, for accounting purposes, those of
the Leasing Company and not of the Partnership. Consequently, the
Partnership's balance sheets and statements of operations display the
payments to be received by the Partnership from the Leasing Company as
the Partnership's receivables and revenues.
(2) Operating Segment
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information",
which changes the way public business enterprises report financial and
descriptive information about reportable operating segments. An operating
segment is a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities
from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results
are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker
to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess
its performance, and about which separate financial information is
available. Management operates the Partnership's container fleet as a
homogenous unit and has determined, after considering the requirements of
SFAS No. 131, that as such it has a single reportable operating segment.
25
<PAGE> 26
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(2) Operating Segment - (continued)
The Partnership derives revenues from dry cargo containers, refrigerated
containers and tank containers. As of December 31, 1998, the Partnership
operated 25,641 twenty-foot, 8,661 forty-foot and 1,775 forty-foot
high-cube marine dry cargo containers, 461 twenty-foot and 99 forty-foot
high-cube refrigerated cargo containers, and 226 twenty-four thousand-liter
tanks. A summary of gross lease revenue, by product, for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dry cargo containers $16,856,861 $18,031,241 $18,706,615
Refrigerated containers 2,020,429 2,078,564 1,958,740
Tank containers 957,237 936,951 931,527
----------- ----------- -----------
Total $19,834,527 $21,046,756 $21,596,882
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
Due to the Partnership's lack of information regarding the physical
location of its fleet of containers when on lease in the global shipping
trade, it is impracticable to provide the geographic area information
required by SFAS No. 131. Any attempt to separate "foreign" operations from
"domestic" operations would be dependent on definitions and assumptions
that are so subjective as to render the information meaningless and
potentially misleading.
No single lessee contributed more than 10% of the rental revenue earned
during 1998, 1997 and 1996.
(3) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less on their acquisition date. Cash equivalents are carried at
cost which approximates fair value. The Partnership maintains its cash and
cash equivalents in accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured
limits. The Partnership has not experienced any losses in such accounts and
believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk. The Partnership
places its cash equivalents in investment grade, short-term debt
instruments and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one
commercial issuer.
26
<PAGE> 27
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(4) Organization and Offering Costs
The Partnership's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1996
have been restated to reflect underwriting commissions and other offering
costs incurred in connection with the offering of the Partnership's limited
partnership units as reductions of capital contributions from the limited
partners, in accordance with the guidelines of the Securities and Exchange
Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin, SAB Topic 5:A. These offering costs
were previously capitalized and amortized over sixty months since
commencement of operations in 1994. The effect of this restatement on the
presented financial statements is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
December 31, 1996
---------------------------------
As Previously
Reported As Restated
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet
Organization and offering costs, net $ 1,837,545 $ 168,940
General Partner's capital (19,059) 307
Limited Partners' capital 119,990,982 118,303,011
Statement of Operations
Depreciation and amortization 7,526,317 6,997,635
Net earnings 7,262,658 7,791,340
General Partner's net earnings 811,254 786,280
Limited Partners' net earnings 6,451,404 7,005,060
Limited Partners' per unit
share of net earnings 0.90 0.98
</TABLE>
(5) Net Lease Receivables Due from Leasing Company
Net lease receivables due from the Leasing Company are determined by
deducting direct operating payables and accrued expenses, base management
fees payable, and reimbursed administrative expenses payable to CCC and its
affiliates from the rental billings payable by the Leasing Company to the
Partnership under operating leases to ocean carriers for the containers
owned by the Partnership. Net lease receivables at December 31, 1998 and
December 31, 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Lease receivables, net of doubtful accounts of $812,601
in 1998 and $370,548 in 1997 $4,152,599 $4,883,934
Less:
Direct operating payables and accrued expenses 1,125,832 1,137,321
Damage protection reserve (note 6) 352,089 366,343
Base management fees 326,781 371,926
Reimbursed administrative expenses 80,865 98,858
---------- ----------
$2,267,032 $2,909,486
========== ==========
</TABLE>
27
<PAGE> 28
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(6) Damage Protection Plan
The Leasing Company offers a repair service to several lessees of the
Partnership's containers, whereby the lessee pays an additional rental fee
for the convenience of having the Partnership incur the repair expense for
containers damaged while on lease. This fee is recorded as revenue when
earned according to the terms of the rental contract. A reserve has been
established to provide for the estimated costs incurred by this service.
This reserve is a component of net lease receivables due from the Leasing
Company (see note 5). The Partnership is not responsible in the event
repair costs exceed predetermined limits, or for repairs that are required
for damages not defined by the damage protection plan agreement.
(7) Net Lease Revenue
Net lease revenue is determined by deducting direct operating expenses,
base management fees and reimbursed administrative expenses to CCC and its
affiliates from the rental revenue billed by the Leasing Company under
operating leases to ocean carriers for the containers owned by the
Partnership. Net lease revenue for the years ended December 31, 1998 and
1997 and 1996 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Rental revenue (note 2) $19,834,527 $21,046,756 $21,596,882
Less:
Rental equipment operating expenses 4,784,036 4,742,722 4,719,176
Base management fees (note 8) 1,344,851 1,457,622 1,499,869
Reimbursed administrative expenses (note 8) 1,153,980 1,061,724 1,216,948
----------- ----------- -----------
$12,551,660 $13,784,688 $14,160,889
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(8) Compensation to General Partner and its Affiliates
Base management fees are equal to 7% of gross lease revenues attributable
to operating leases pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Partnership Agreement.
Reimbursed administrative expenses are equal to the costs expended by CCC
and its affiliates for services necessary to the prudent operation of the
Partnership pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Partnership Agreement. The
following compensation was paid or will be paid by the Partnership to CCC
or its affiliates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Base management fees $1,344,851 $1,457,622 $1,499,869
Reimbursed administrative expenses 1,153,980 1,061,724 1,216,948
Acquisition fees -- 39,565 1,168,316
---------- ---------- ----------
$2,498,831 $2,558,911 $3,885,133
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
(9) Limited Partners' Capital
The limited partners' per unit share of capital at December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 was $14.62, $15.59 and $16.84, respectively. This is calculated by
dividing the limited partners' capital at the end of 1998, 1997 and 1996 by
7,151,569, the total number of limited partnership units.
28
<PAGE> 29
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(10) Income Taxes
The reconciliation of net earnings as reported in the statement of
operations and as would be reported for federal tax purposes for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings per statement of operations $ 5,470,220 $ 6,578,035 $ 7,791,340
Depreciation for income tax purposes in
excess of depreciation for financial
statement purposes (13,366,190) (13,382,649) (11,733,622)
Gain on disposition of assets for tax
purposes in excess of gain on
disposition for financial statement purposes 136,761 86,814 48,798
Amortization expense for tax purposes less than
amortization for financial statement purposes 22 21 21
Bad debt expense for tax purposes less than
(in excess of) bad debt expense for
financial statement purposes 442,053 266,906 (98,316)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss for federal tax purposes $ (7,317,134) $ (6,450,873) $ (3,991,779)
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1998, the tax basis of total partners' capital was
$72,317,936.
(11) The Cronos Group
As reported in the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K and Amendment
No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February
7, 1997 and February 26, 1997, respectively, Arthur Andersen, London,
England, resigned as auditors of The Cronos Group, (the "Parent Company"),
on February 3, 1997.
The Parent Company is the indirect corporate parent of CCC, the general
partner of the Partnership. In its letter of resignation to the Parent
Company, Arthur Andersen stated that it resigned as auditors of the Parent
Company and all other entities affiliated with the Parent Company. While
its letter of resignation was not addressed to CCC, Arthur Andersen
confirmed to CCC that its resignation as auditors of the entities referred
to in its letter of resignation included its resignation as auditors of CCC
and the Partnership.
CCC does not believe, based upon the information currently available to it,
that Arthur Andersen's resignation was triggered by any concern over the
accounting policies and procedures followed by the Partnership.
Arthur Andersen's reports on the financial statements of CCC and the
Partnership, for years preceding 1996, had not contained an adverse opinion
or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were any such reports qualified or modified
as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
During the Partnership's fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and the
subsequent interim period preceding Arthur Andersen's resignation, there
were no disagreements between CCC or the Partnership and Arthur Andersen on
any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.
29
<PAGE> 30
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(11) The Cronos Group - (continued)
In connection with its resignation, Arthur Andersen also prepared a report
pursuant to the provisions of Section 10A(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, for filing by the Parent Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Following the report of
Arthur Andersen, the SEC, on February 10, 1997, commenced a private
investigation of the Parent Company for the purpose of investigating the
matters discussed in such report and related matters. The Partnership does
not believe that the focus of the SEC's investigation is upon the
Partnership or CCC. CCC is unable to predict the outcome of the SEC's
ongoing private investigation of the Parent Company.
In 1993, the Parent Company negotiated a credit facility (hereinafter, the
"Credit Facility") with several banks for the use by the Parent Company and
its subsidiaries, including CCC. At December 31, 1996, approximately
$73,500,000 in principal indebtedness was outstanding under the Credit
Facility. As a party to the Credit Facility, CCC is jointly and severally
liable for the repayment of all principal and interest owed under the
Credit Facility. The obligations of CCC, and the five other subsidiaries of
the Parent Company that are borrowers under the Credit Facility, are
guaranteed by the Parent Company.
Following negotiations in 1997 with the banks providing the Credit
Facility, an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was executed in June
1997, subject to various actions being taken by the Parent Company and its
subsidiaries, primarily relating to the provision of additional collateral.
This Agreement was further amended in July 1997 and the provisions of the
Agreement and its Amendment converted the facility to a term loan, payable
in installments, with a final maturity date of May 31, 1998. The terms of
the Agreement and its Amendment also provided for additional security over
shares in the subsidiary of the Parent Company that owns the head office of
the Parent Company's container leasing operations. They also provided for
the loans to the former Chairman of $5,900,000 and $3,700,000 to be
restructured as obligations of the former Chairman to another subsidiary of
the Parent Company (not CCC), together with the pledge to this subsidiary
company of 2,030,303 Common Shares beneficially owned by him in the Parent
Company as security for these loans. They further provided for the
assignment of these loans to the lending banks, together with the pledge of
1,000,000 shares and the assignment of the rights of the Parent Company in
respect of the other 1,030,303 shares. Additionally, CCC granted the
lending banks a security interest in the fees to which it is entitled for
the services it renders to the container leasing partnerships of which it
acts as general partner, including its fee income payable by the
Registrant. The Parent Company did not repay the Credit Facility at the
amended maturity date of May 31, 1998.
On June 30, 1998, the Parent Company entered into a third amendment (the
"Third Amendment") to the Credit Facility. Under the Third Amendment, the
remaining principal amount of $36,800,000 was to be amortized in varying
monthly amounts commencing on July 31, 1998 with $26,950,000 due on
September 30, 1998 and a final maturity date of January 8, 1999. The Parent
Company did not repay the amounts due on September 30, 1998 and January 8,
1999. The balance outstanding on the Credit Facility at December 31, 1998
was $33,110,000.
In March 1999, the Parent Company agreed to a proposal to extend the Credit
Facility until September 30, 1999 and expects that a fourth amendment (the
"Fourth Amendment"), with a final maturity date of September 30, 1999, will
be signed in April 1999.
The directors of the Parent Company also are pursuing alternative sources
of financing to meet the amended repayment obligations anticipated under
the Fourth Amendment. Failure to meet revised lending terms would
constitute an event of default with the lenders. The declaration of an
event of default would result in further defaults with other lenders under
loan agreement cross-default provisions. Should a default of the term loans
be enforced, the Parent Company and CCC may be unable to continue as going
concerns.
30
<PAGE> 31
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(12) The Cronos Group - (continued)
The Partnership is not a borrower under the Credit Facility, and neither
the containers nor the other assets of the Partnership have been pledged as
collateral under the Credit Facility.
CCC is unable to determine the impact, if any, these issues may have on the
future operating results, financial condition and cash flows of the
Partnership or CCC and on the Leasing Company's ability to manage the
Partnership's fleet in subsequent periods.
31
<PAGE> 32
Schedule 1
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
SCHEDULE OF REIMBURSED ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE IV SECTION 4.4
OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Salaries $ 549,781 $ 489,555 $ 578,853
Other payroll related expenses 94,997 90,301 101,002
General and administrative expenses 509,202 481,868 537,094
---------- ---------- ----------
Total reimbursed administrative expenses $1,153,980 $1,061,724 $1,216,949
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See report of independent public accountants
32
<PAGE> 33
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
As reported in the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K and Amendment No.
1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 7, 1997
and February 26, 1997, respectively, Arthur Andersen, London, England, resigned
as auditors of The Cronos Group, the Parent Company, on February 3, 1997.
The Parent Company is the indirect corporate parent of CCC, the general
partner of the Registrant. In its letter of resignation to the Parent Company,
Arthur Andersen stated that it resigned as auditors of the Parent Company and
all other entities affiliated with the Parent Company. While its letter of
resignation was not addressed to CCC, Arthur Andersen confirmed to CCC that its
resignation as auditors of the entities referred to in its letter of resignation
included its resignation as auditors of CCC and the Registrant.
CCC does not believe, based upon the information currently available to it,
that Arthur Andersen's resignation was triggered by any concern over the
accounting policies and procedures followed by the Registrant.
Arthur Andersen's reports on the financial statements of CCC and the
Registrant, for years preceding 1996, had not contained an adverse opinion or a
disclaimer of opinion, nor were any such reports qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
During the Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and the
subsequent interim period preceding Arthur Andersen's resignation, there were no
disagreements between CCC or the Registrant and Arthur Andersen on any matter of
accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing
scope or procedure.
The Registrant retained a new auditor, Moore Stephens, P.C., on April 10,
1997, as reported in its Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 14, 1997.
In connection with its resignation, Arthur Andersen also prepared a report
pursuant to the provisions of Section 10A(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, for filing by the Parent Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Following the report of Arthur Andersen, the
SEC, on February 10, 1997, commenced a private investigation of the Parent
Company for the purpose of investigating the matters discussed in such report
and related matters. The Registrant does not believe that the focus of the SEC's
investigation is upon the Registrant or CCC. CCC is unable to predict the
outcome of the SEC's ongoing private investigation of the Parent Company.
33
<PAGE> 34
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The Registrant, as such, has no officers or directors, but is managed by CCC,
the general partner. The officers and directors of CCC at March 31, 1999, are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Office
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Dennis J. Tietz President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Peter J. Younger Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Director
Elinor A. Wexler Vice President/Administration and Secretary, and Director
John P. McDonald Vice President/Sales, and Director
</TABLE>
DENNIS J. TIETZ Mr. Tietz, 46, as President and Chief Executive Officer, is
responsible for the general management of CCC. Mr. Tietz was elected Chief
Executive Officer of The Cronos Group, parent company of CCC, in December 1998.
Mr. Tietz is also President and a director of Cronos Securities Corp. From 1986
until August 1992, Mr. Tietz was responsible for the organization, marketing and
after-market support of CCC's investment programs. Mr. Tietz was a regional
manager for CCC, responsible for various container leasing activities in the
U.S. and Europe from 1981 to 1986. Prior to joining CCC in December 1981, Mr.
Tietz was employed by Trans Ocean Leasing Corporation as Regional Manager based
in Houston, with responsibility for all leasing and operational activities in
the U.S. Gulf.
Mr. Tietz holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from San Jose State
University and is a Registered Securities Principal with the NASD.
PETER J. YOUNGER Mr. Younger, 42, was elected Treasurer and Principal
Accounting Officer in 1998. Mr. Younger joined the Board of Directors of CCC in
June 1997. See key management personnel of the Leasing Company for further
information.
ELINOR A. WEXLER Ms. Wexler, 50, was elected Vice President - Administration
and Secretary of CCC in August 1992. Ms. Wexler joined the Board of Directors of
CCC in June 1997. Ms. Wexler has been employed by the General Partner since
1987, and is responsible for investor services, compliance and securities
registration. From 1983 to 1987, Ms. Wexler was Manager of Investor Services for
The Robert A. McNeil Corporation, a real estate syndication company, in San
Mateo, California. From 1971 to 1983, Ms. Wexler held various positions,
including securities trader and international research editor, with Nikko
Securities Co., International, based in San Francisco.
Ms. Wexler attended the University of Oregon, Portland State University and
the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Ms. Wexler is also Vice President
and Secretary of Cronos Securities Corp. and a Registered Principal with the
NASD.
JOHN P. MCDONALD Mr. McDonald, 38, was elected Vice President - National
Sales Manager of CCC in August 1992, with responsibility for marketing CCC's
investment programs. Mr. McDonald joined the Board of Directors of CCC in
October 1997. Since 1988, Mr. McDonald had been Regional Marketing Manager for
the Southwestern U.S. From 1983 to 1988, Mr. McDonald held a number of container
leasing positions with CCC, the most recent of which was as Area Manager for
Belgium and the Netherlands, based in Antwerp.
Mr. McDonald holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Bryant
College, Rhode Island. Mr. McDonald is also a Vice President of Cronos
Securities Corp.
34
<PAGE> 35
The key management personnel of the Leasing Company at March 31, 1999, were
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Title
------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Steve Brocato President
Peter J. Younger Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
John M. Foy Vice President/Americas
Nico Sciacovelli Vice President/Europe, Middle East and Africa
Harris H. T. Ho Vice President/Asia Pacific
David Heather Vice President/Technical Services
John C. Kirby Vice President/Operations
J. Gordon Steel Vice President/Tank Container Division
</TABLE>
STEVE BROCATO Mr. Brocato, 46, was elected President of the Leasing Company's
container division in June 1997, and is based in the United Kingdom. Mr. Brocato
has held various positions since joining Cronos including, Vice President -
Corporate Affairs and Director of Marketing - Refrigerated Containers for Cronos
in North and South America. Prior to joining Cronos, Mr. Brocato was a Vice
President for ICCU Containers from 1983 to 1985 and was responsible for dry
cargo container marketing and operations for the Americas. From 1981 to 1983, he
was Regional Manager for Trans Ocean Leasing Ltd.
PETER J. YOUNGER Mr. Younger, 42, was elected Chief Financial Officer of The
Cronos Group in March, 1997, and is based in the United Kingdom. Mr. Younger was
appointed Vice President and Controller of Cronos in 1991. He joined IEA in 1987
and served as Director of Accounting and the Vice President and Controller,
based in San Francisco. Prior to 1987, Mr. Younger was a certified public
accountant and a principal with the accounting firm of Johnson, Glaze and Co. in
Salem, Oregon. Mr. Younger holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from
Western Baptist College.
JOHN M. FOY Mr. Foy, 53, is directly responsible for the Leasing Company's
lease marketing and operations in North America, Central America, and South
America, and is based in San Francisco. From 1985 to 1993, Mr. Foy was Vice
President/Pacific with responsibility for dry cargo container lease marketing
and operations in the Pacific Basin. From 1977 to 1985 Mr. Foy was Vice
President of Marketing for Nautilus Leasing Services in San Francisco with
responsibility for worldwide leasing activities. From 1974 to 1977, Mr. Foy was
Regional Manager for Flexi-Van Leasing, a container lessor, with responsibility
for container leasing activities in the Western United States. Mr. Foy holds a
B.A. degree in Political Science from University of the Pacific, and a Bachelor
of Foreign Trade from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management.
NICO SCIACOVELLI Mr. Sciacovelli, 49, was elected Vice President - Europe,
Middle East and Africa in June 1997. Mr. Sciacovelli is directly responsible for
the Leasing Company's lease marketing and operations in Europe, the Middle East
and Africa and is based in Italy. Since joining Cronos in 1983, Mr. Sciacovelli
served as Area Director and Area Manager for Southern Europe. Prior to joining
Cronos, Mr. Sciacovelli was a Sales Manager at Interpool Ltd.
HARRIS H. T. HO Mr. Ho, 41, was elected Vice President - Asia Pacific in June
1997. Mr. Ho is directly responsible for the Leasing Company's lease marketing
and operations in Asia, Australia and the Indian sub-continent and is based in
Hong Kong. Since joining Cronos in 1990, Mr. Ho served as Area Director, Hong
Kong and China. Prior to joining Cronos, Mr. Ho was a Manager at Sea Containers
Pacific Ltd and Sea Containers Hong Kong Limited from 1981 to 1990, responsible
for container marketing within Asia. From 1978 to 1981, Mr. Ho was Senior
Equipment Controller for Hong Kong Container Line. Mr. Ho holds a Diploma of
Management Studies in Marketing from The Hong Kong Polytechnic and The Hong Kong
Management Association.
35
<PAGE> 36
DAVID HEATHER Mr. Heather, 51, is responsible for all technical and
engineering activities of the fleet managed by the Leasing Company. Mr. Heather
was Technical Director for LPI, based in the United Kingdom, from 1986 to 1991.
From 1980 to 1986, Mr. Heather was employed by ABC Containerline NV as Technical
Manager with technical responsibility for the shipping line's fleet of dry
cargo, refrigerated and other specialized container equipment. From 1974 to
1980, Mr. Heather was Technical Supervisor for ACT Services Ltd., a shipping
line, with responsibility for technical activities related to refrigerated
containers. Mr. Heather holds a Marine Engineering Certificate from Riversdale
Marine Technical College in England.
JOHN C. KIRBY Mr. Kirby, 45, is responsible for container purchasing,
contract and billing administration, container repairs and leasing-related
systems, and is based in the United Kingdom. Mr. Kirby joined CCC in 1985 as
European Technical Manager and advanced to Director of European Operations in
1986, a position he held with CCC, and later the Leasing Company, until his
promotion to Vice President/Operations of the Leasing Company in 1992. From 1982
to 1985, Mr. Kirby was employed by CLOU Containers, a container leasing company,
as Technical Manager based in Hamburg, Germany. Mr. Kirby acquired a
professional engineering qualification from the Mid-Essex Technical College in
England.
J. GORDON STEEL Mr. Steel, 66, is directly responsible for the overall lease
marketing activity for the Leasing Company's Tank Container Division. From 1990
to 1992, Mr. Steel held the position of Director/General Manager for Tiphook
Container's Tank Division. From 1977 to 1990, Mr. Steel held various managerial
positions, involving manufacturing and transportation of hazardous materials,
with Laporte Industries and ICI, major chemical distribution companies. Mr.
Steel is a qualified Chemical Engineer and attended the Associate Royal
Technical College in Scotland.
36
<PAGE> 37
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The Registrant commenced monthly distributions to its partners (general and
limited) from distributable cash from operations beginning in the second quarter
of 1994. Such distributions are allocated 95% to the limited partners and 5% to
the general partner. Sales proceeds will be allocated 99% to the limited
partners and 1% to the general partner. The allocations will remain in effect
until such time as the limited partners have received from the Registrant
aggregate distributions in an amount equal to their capital contributions plus
an 8% cumulative, compounded (daily), annual return on their adjusted capital
contributions. Thereafter, all Partnership distributions will be allocated 85%
to the limited partners and 15% to the general partner.
The Registrant will not pay or reimburse CCC or the Leasing Company for any
remuneration payable by them to their executive officers, directors or any other
controlling persons. However, the Registrant will reimburse the general partner
and the Leasing Company for certain services pursuant to Section 4.4 of the
Partnership Agreement. These services include but are not limited to (i)
salaries and related salary expenses for services which could be performed
directly for the Registrant by independent parties, such as legal, accounting,
transfer agent, data processing, operations, communications, duplicating and
other such services; (ii) performing administrative services necessary to the
prudent operations of the Registrant.
The following table sets forth the fees the Registrant paid (on a cash basis)
to CCC or the Leasing Company ("CCL") for the year ended December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cash Fees and
Name Description Distributions
------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
1) Base management fees - equal to 7% of gross
lease revenues attributable to operating leases
pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Limited
Partnership Agreement
CCL $ 1,389,996
2) Reimbursed administrative expenses - equal to
the costs expended by CCC and its affiliates
for services necessary to the prudent operation
of the Registrant pursuant to Section 4.4 of
the Limited Partnership Agreement
CCC $ 84,787
CCL
$ 1,087,190
3) Interest in Fund - 5% of distributions of
distributable cash for any quarter pursuant to
Section 6.1 of the Limited Partnership Agreement
CCC $ 621,057
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE> 38
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management -
(Continued)
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
There is no person or "group" of persons known to the management of CCC to be
the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding units of
limited partnership interests of the Registrant.
(b) Security Ownership of Management
The Registrant has no directors or officers. It is managed by CCC. CCC owns
five units, representing 0.00007% of the total amount of units outstanding.
(c) Changes in Control
Inapplicable.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
(a) Transactions with Management and Others
The Registrant's only transactions with management and other related parties
during 1998 were limited to those fees paid or amounts committed to be paid (on
an annual basis) to CCC, the general partner, and its affiliates. See Item 11,
"Executive Compensation," herein.
(b) Certain Business Relationships
Inapplicable.
(c) Indebtedness of Management
Inapplicable.
(d) Transactions with Promoters
Inapplicable.
38
<PAGE> 39
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)1. Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
The following financial statements of the Registrant are included in Part II,
Item 8:
Report of Independent Public Accountants........................................................18
Balance Sheets - December 31, 1998 and 1997.....................................................19
Statements of Operations - for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.................20
Statements of Partners' Capital - for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..........21
Statements of Cash Flows - for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.................22
Notes to Financial Statements...................................................................23
Schedule of Reimbursed Administrative Expenses - for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996 .................................................................................32
</TABLE>
All other schedules are omitted as the information is not required or the
information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
39
<PAGE> 40
(a)3. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description Method of Filing
--------- ------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
3(a) Limited Partnership Agreement of the Registrant, *
amended and restated as of December 15, 1993
3(b) Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Registrant **
10 Form of Leasing Agent Agreement with Cronos Containers ***
Limited
27 Financial Data Schedule Filed with this document
</TABLE>
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Registrant during the quarter
ended December 31, 1998.
* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit "A" to the Prospectus of the
Registrant dated December 17, 1993, included as part of Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
*** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
<PAGE> 41
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.
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
By Cronos Capital Corp.
The General Partner
By /s/ Dennis J. Tietz
--------------------------------------
Dennis J. Tietz
President and Director of Cronos
Capital Corp. ("CCC") Principal
Executive Officer of CCC
Date: March 31, 1999
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Cronos
Capital Corp., the managing general partner of the Registrant, in the capacities
and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
President and Director of
/s/ Dennis J. Tietz Cronos Capital Corp. March 31, 1999
- -------------------------- ("CCC") (Principal
Dennis J. Tietz Executive
Officer of CCC)
Treasurer and Director of
/s/ Peter Younger Cronos Capital Corp. March 31, 1999
- -------------------------- ("CCC") (Principal
Peter Younger Financial and Accounting
Officer of CCC)
National Sales Manager
/s/ John McDonald and Director of March 31, 1999
- -------------------------- Cronos Capital Corp.
John McDonald
</TABLE>
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The Registrant's annual report will be furnished to its limited partners on
or about April 30, 1999. Copies of the annual report will be concurrently
furnished to the Commission for information purposes only, and shall not be
deemed to be filed with the Commission.
40
<PAGE> 42
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description Method of Filing
--------- ------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
3(a) Limited Partnership Agreement of the Registrant, *
amended and restated as of December 15, 1993
3(b) Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Registrant **
10 Form of Leasing Agent Agreement with Cronos Containers ***
Limited
27 Financial Data Schedule Filed with this document
</TABLE>
- -------------
* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit "A" to the Prospectus of the
Registrant dated December 17, 1993, included as part of Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
*** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (No. 33-69356)
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND THE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE
MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR
THE PERIOD DECEMBER 31, 1998.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 6,212,541
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,267,032
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 8,479,573
<PP&E> 123,593,353
<DEPRECIATION> 27,539,807
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 104,568,280
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 104,568,280
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 104,568,280
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 12,551,660
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 7,513,712
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 0
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 5,470,220
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
[ARTICLE] 5
[LEGEND]
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEET AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND THE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE
QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 30, 1998.
[/LEGEND]
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 9-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1998
[PERIOD-START] JAN-01-1998
[PERIOD-END] SEP-30-1998
[CASH] 5,897,422
[SECURITIES] 0
[RECEIVABLES] 2,638,095
[ALLOWANCES] 0
[INVENTORY] 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 8,535,517
[PP&E] 123,749,970
[DEPRECIATION] 25,769,570
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 106,567,800
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 0
[BONDS] 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0
[PREFERRED] 0
[COMMON] 0
[OTHER-SE] 106,567,800
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 106,567,800
[SALES] 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 9,665,063
[CGS] 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 5,615,602
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 0
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[INCOME-PRETAX] 0
[INCOME-TAX] 0
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 0
[DISCONTINUED] 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0
[CHANGES] 0
[NET-INCOME] 4,364,453
[EPS-PRIMARY] 0
[EPS-DILUTED] 0
[ARTICLE] 5
[LEGEND]
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEET AT JUNE 30, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND THE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE
QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 30, 1998.
[/LEGEND]
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 6-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1998
[PERIOD-START] JAN-01-1998
[PERIOD-END] JUN-30-1998
[CASH] 5,782,869
[SECURITIES] 0
[RECEIVABLES] 2,687,411
[ALLOWANCES] 0
[INVENTORY] 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 8,470,280
[PP&E] 123,894,498
[DEPRECIATION] 23,994,294
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 108,439,090
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 0
[BONDS] 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0
[PREFERRED] 0
[COMMON] 0
[OTHER-SE] 108,439,090
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 108,439,090
[SALES] 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 6,660,401
[CGS] 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 3,738,695
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 0
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[INCOME-PRETAX] 0
[INCOME-TAX] 0
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 0
[DISCONTINUED] 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0
[CHANGES] 0
[NET-INCOME] 3,130,456
[EPS-PRIMARY] 0
[EPS-DILUTED] 0
[ARTICLE] 5
[LEGEND]
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEET AT MARCH 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND THE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE
QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD MARCH 31, 1998.
[/LEGEND]
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 3-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1998
[PERIOD-START] JAN-01-1998
[PERIOD-END] MAR-31-1998
[CASH] 5,181,198
[SECURITIES] 0
[RECEIVABLES] 2,897,705
[ALLOWANCES] 0
[INVENTORY] 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 8,078,903
[PP&E] 123,987,058
[DEPRECIATION] 22,207,546
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 109,943,743
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 0
[BONDS] 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0
[PREFERRED] 0
[COMMON] 0
[OTHER-SE] 109,943,743
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 109,943,743
[SALES] 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 3,306,704
[CGS] 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 1,871,684
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 0
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[INCOME-PRETAX] 0
[INCOME-TAX] 0
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 0
[DISCONTINUED] 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0
[CHANGES] 0
[NET-INCOME] 1,529,822
[EPS-PRIMARY] 0
[EPS-DILUTED] 0
[ARTICLE] 5
[LEGEND]
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND THE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE
MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR
THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997.
[/LEGEND]
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 12-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1997
[PERIOD-START] JAN-01-1997
[PERIOD-END] DEC-31-1997
[CASH] 4,789,501
[SECURITIES] 0
[RECEIVABLES] 2,909,486
[ALLOWANCES] 0
[INVENTORY] 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 7,698,987
[PP&E] 124,148,108
[DEPRECIATION] 20,429,936
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 111,519,209
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 0
[BONDS] 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0
[PREFERRED] 0
[COMMON] 0
[OTHER-SE] 111,519,209
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 111,519,209
[SALES] 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 13,784,688
[CGS] 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 7,512,287
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 0
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[INCOME-PRETAX] 0
[INCOME-TAX] 0
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 0
[DISCONTINUED] 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0
[CHANGES] 0
[NET-INCOME] 6,578,035
[EPS-PRIMARY] 0
[EPS-DILUTED] 0
[ARTICLE] 5
[LEGEND]
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEET AT MARCH 31, 1997, JUNE 30, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) AND
THE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, JUNE
30, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS QUARTERLY REPORT
ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE RESPECTIVE PERIODS THEN ENDED.
[/LEGEND]
<S> <C> <C> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 3-MOS 6-MOS 9-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997
[PERIOD-START] JAN-01-1997 JAN-01-1997 JAN-01-1997
[PERIOD-END] MAR-31-1997 JUN-30-1997 SEP-30-1997
[CASH] 3,756,930 3,700,981 3,965,649
[SECURITIES] 0 0 0
[RECEIVABLES] 2,718,929 2,768,091 3,127,523
[ALLOWANCES] 0 0 0
[INVENTORY] 0 0 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 6,475,859 6,469,172 7,093,172
[PP&E] 124,283,349 124,153,386 124,252,743
[DEPRECIATION] 15,060,037 16,852,011 18,640,518
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 117,387,823 115,310,206 114,096,263
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 0 0 0
[BONDS] 0 0 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0 0 0
[PREFERRED] 0 0 0
[COMMON] 0 0 0
[OTHER-SE] 117,387,823 115,310,206 114,096,263
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 117,387,823 115,310,206 114,096,263
[SALES] 0 0 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 3,141,734 6,381,050 10,163,705
[CGS] 0 0 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 1,985,768 4,005,652 6,003,098
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 0 0 0
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0 0 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0 0 0
[INCOME-PRETAX] 0 0 0
[INCOME-TAX] 0 0 0
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 0 0 0
[DISCONTINUED] 0 0 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0 0 0
[CHANGES] 0 0 0
[NET-INCOME] 1,242,623 2,489,858 4,381,203
[EPS-PRIMARY] 0 0 0
[EPS-DILUTED] 0 0 0
[ARTICLE] 5
[LEGEND]
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND THE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE
MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR
THE PERIOD DECEMBER 31, 1996.
[/LEGEND]
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 12-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1996
[PERIOD-START] JAN-01-1996
[PERIOD-END] DEC-31-1996
[CASH] 5,508,568
[SECURITIES] 0
[RECEIVABLES] 2,835,397
[ALLOWANCES] 0
[INVENTORY] 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 8,343,965
[PP&E] 123,720,710
[DEPRECIATION] 13,265,647
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 120,636,573
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 664,650
[BONDS] 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0
[PREFERRED] 0
[COMMON] 0
[OTHER-SE] 119,971,923
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 120,636,573
[SALES] 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 14,160,889
[CGS] 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 7,694,463
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 0
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[INCOME-PRETAX] 0
[INCOME-TAX] 0
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 0
[DISCONTINUED] 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0
[CHANGES] 0
[NET-INCOME] 7,262,658
[EPS-PRIMARY] 0
[EPS-DILUTED] 0
[ARTICLE] 5
[LEGEND]
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEET AT MARCH 31, 1996, JUNE 30, 1996 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED) AND
THE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1996,
JUNE 30, 1996 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED) AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF ITS
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE RESPECTIVE PERIODS THEN ENDED.
[/LEGEND]
<S> <C> <C> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 3-MOS 6-MOS 9-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996
[PERIOD-START] JAN-01-1996 JAN-01-1996 JAN-01-1996
[PERIOD-END] MAR-31-1996 JUN-30-1996 SEP-30-1996
[CASH] 16,602,892 8,324,605 6,086,305
[SECURITIES] 0 0 0
[RECEIVABLES] 2,221,462 2,562,497 2,467,010
[ALLOWANCES] 0 0 0
[INVENTORY] 0 0 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 18,824,354 10,887,102 8,553,315
[PP&E] 117,353,650 122,976,730 123,802,605
[DEPRECIATION] 7,940,989 9,689,891 11,472,195
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 130,521,544 126,309,271 122,870,163
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 3,970,365 2,095,107 1,040,550
[BONDS] 0 0 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0 0 0
[PREFERRED] 0 0 0
[COMMON] 0 0 0
[OTHER-SE] 126,551,179 124,214,164 121,829,613
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 130,521,544 126,309,271 122,870,163
[SALES] 0 0 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 0 6,701,290 10,177,679
[CGS] 0 0 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 1,768,039 3,720,689 5,706,737
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 0 0 0
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0 0 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0 0 0
[INCOME-PRETAX] 0 0 0
[INCOME-TAX] 0 0 0
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 0 0 0
[DISCONTINUED] 0 0 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0 0 0
[CHANGES] 0 0 0
[NET-INCOME] 1,734,431 3,537,797 5,168,162
[EPS-PRIMARY] 0 0 0
[EPS-DILUTED] 0 0 0
</TABLE>
