UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
þ
|
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2005 |
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___TO ___ |
Commission file number 0-23886
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
California | 94-3186624 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
One Front Street, Suite 925, San Francisco, California 94111
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(415) 677-8990
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
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 þ. No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o. No þ.
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period
Ended March 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||||||
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3 | |||||||
3 | ||||||||
4 | ||||||||
5 | ||||||||
6 | ||||||||
7 | ||||||||
13 | ||||||||
18 | ||||||||
18 | ||||||||
PART II OTHER INFORMATION | 19 | |||||||
19 | ||||||||
19 | ||||||||
19 | ||||||||
19 | ||||||||
19 | ||||||||
19 | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 31.1 | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 31.2 | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 32 |
2
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Presented herein are Cronos Global Income Fund XV, L.P.s (the Partnership) condensed balance sheets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, condensed statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, and condensed statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, (collectively the Financial Statements) prepared by the Partnership without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Partnership believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information present not misleading. It is suggested that these Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Partnerships December 31, 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of the Partnership and Cronos Capital Corp. (CCC), the general partner, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods. The statements of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.
The information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect the current view of the Partnership with respect to future events and financial performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Partnerships control. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this report, including the statements under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, regarding the Partnerships strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of the Partnership are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words will, believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, expect, project, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. The Partnership does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although the Partnership believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements made in this report are reasonable, the Partnership can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenues and profitability are difficult to predict.
3
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Condensed Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, includes $4,962,180 at March 31, 2005 and
$5,473,320 at December 31, 2004 in interest-bearing accounts |
$ | 4,976,968 | $ | 5,488,320 | ||||
Net lease receivables due from Leasing Company
(notes 1 and 2) |
1,794,691 | 1,348,775 | ||||||
Total current assets |
6,771,659 | 6,837,095 | ||||||
Container rental equipment, at cost |
108,354,417 | 110,465,981 | ||||||
Less accumulated depreciation |
(64,290,453 | ) | (63,905,026 | ) | ||||
Net container rental equipment (note 1) |
44,063,964 | 46,560,955 | ||||||
Container rental equipment held for sale |
5,850 | 109,150 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 50,841,473 | $ | 53,507,200 | ||||
Partners Capital |
||||||||
Partners capital (deficit): |
||||||||
General partner |
$ | (794,626 | ) | $ | (916,725 | ) | ||
Limited partners |
51,636,099 | 54,423,925 | ||||||
Total partners capital |
$ | 50,841,473 | $ | 53,507,200 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Condensed Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Net lease revenue (notes 1 and 3) |
$ | 2,270,530 | $ | 1,765,224 | ||||
Other operating income (expenses): |
||||||||
Depreciation |
(1,668,266 | ) | (1,791,399 | ) | ||||
Other general and administrative expenses |
(54,657 | ) | (53,639 | ) | ||||
Net gain (loss) on disposal of equipment |
151,298 | (33,171 | ) | |||||
(1,571,625 | ) | (1,878,209 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) from operations |
698,905 | (112,985 | ) | |||||
Other income: |
||||||||
Interest income |
20,101 | 2,182 | ||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 719,006 | $ | (110,803 | ) | |||
Allocation of net income (loss): |
||||||||
General partner |
$ | 258,828 | $ | (1,108 | ) | |||
Limited partners |
460,178 | (109,695 | ) | |||||
$ | 719,006 | $ | (110,803 | ) | ||||
Limited partners per unit share of net income (loss) |
$ | 0.06 | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
5
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 1,925,286 | $ | 1,786,325 | ||||
Cash provided by investing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of equipment |
948,095 | 310,075 | ||||||
Cash used in financing activities: |
||||||||
Distributions to general partner |
(136,729 | ) | (87,700 | ) | ||||
Distributions to limited partners |
(3,248,004 | ) | (1,907,088 | ) | ||||
(3,384,733 | ) | (1,994,788 | ) | |||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(511,352 | ) | 101,612 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
5,488,320 | 3,637,938 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
$ | 4,976,968 | $ | 3,739,550 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
6
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
(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 November 26, 1993, for the purpose of owning and leasing marine cargo containers, special purpose containers and container related equipment worldwide to ocean carriers. The Partnerships operations are subject to the fluctuations of world economic and political conditions. 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 Partnerships 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. CCC and the Leasing Company also manage the container leasing business for other partnerships affiliated with CCC. | ||||
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 sold. | ||||
The decision to dispose of containers is influenced by various factors including age, condition, suitability for continued leasing as well as the geographical location when disposed. At that time whereby the Partnerships fleet size is reduced to approximately 20% of its original fleet size, the Partnership expects to enter the final phase of its liquidation and wind-up stage of operations, unless terminated sooner upon the occurrence of certain events. At March 31, 2005, the Partnerships fleet size was approximately 84% of its original fleet size. | ||||
(b) | Leasing Company and Leasing Agent Agreement | |||
A Leasing Agent Agreement exists between the Partnership and the Leasing Company, 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 Partnerships 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. |
(Continued)
7
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
(b) | Leasing Company and Leasing Agent Agreement (continued) | |||
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. | ||||
(c) | 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. | ||||
(d) | Use of Estimates | |||
The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which 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 reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. | ||||
The most significant estimates included within the financial statements are the container rental equipment estimated useful lives and residual values, and the estimate of future cash flows from container rental equipment operations, used to determine the carrying value of container rental equipment in accordance with SFAS No. 144. Considerable judgment is required in estimating future cash flows from container rental equipment operations. Accordingly, the estimates may not be indicative of the amounts that may be realized in future periods. As additional information becomes available in subsequent periods, recognition of an impairment of the container rental equipment carrying values may be necessary based upon changes in market and economic conditions. |
(Continued)
8
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
(e) | Container Rental Equipment | |||
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, 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. An analysis is prepared each quarter projecting future cash flows from container rental equipment operations. Current and projected utilization rates, per-diem rental rates, direct operating expenses, fleet size and container disposals are the primary variables utilized by the analysis. Additionally, the Partnership evaluates future cash flows and potential impairment by container type rather than for each individual container, and as a result, future losses could result for individual container dispositions due to various factors, including age, condition, suitability for continued leasing, as well as the geographical location of containers when disposed. | ||||
In December 2004 the Partnership recorded impairment charges related to 98 refrigerated containers totaling $785,685. The impairment charges were a result of CCCs and the Leasing Companys review of the Partnerships refrigerated containers, specifically those with machinery supplied by a particular manufacturer (the Sabroe Machinery). The purpose of the review was to consider the issues concerning the Sabroe Machinerys reliability for continued use within the lease market, the lack of sufficient quantities of spare parts within the market for required maintenance and repairs of the Sabroe Machinery, and the unwillingness of potential lessees to lease refrigerated containers utilizing the Sabroe Machinery, and to identify the consequences, if any, from an accounting perspective. CCC and the Leasing Company identified a number of issues that have had an impact on the carrying value of certain equipment at December 1, 2004. |
i. | The current lessees of these containers have communicated to the Leasing Company that due to very high operating costs incurred while leasing the containers, they intend to return all of the leased refrigerated containers utilizing the Sabroe Machinery within the next six months. | |||
ii. | The Leasing Company is unable to obtain sufficient quantities of spare parts within the market for required maintenance and repairs of the Sabroe Machinery, a direct result of the Sabroe Machinery manufacturer no longer conducting business. | |||
iii. | CCC and the Leasing Company has noted issues regarding the Sabroe Machinerys reliability for continued use within the lease market, and have deemed the containers to be beyond economical repair. |
CCC and the Leasing Company considered the impact of these factors in December 2004, and determined a change regarding the current marketing strategy for these containers was required. CCC and the Leasing Company concluded that effective December 1, 2004, off-hire inventories of the refrigerated containers utilizing the Sabroe Machinery would be targeted for immediate sale. CCC and the Leasing Company also conducted a review of the refrigerated containers utilizing the Sabroe Machinery that were on lease at December 1, 2004. |
Assets to be disposed of: In December 2004, the Leasing Company committed to a plan to dispose of 52 of the Partnerships refrigerated containers utilizing the Sabroe Machinery. It was concluded that the carrying value of these containers, $539,698, exceeded fair value and accordingly, an impairment charge of $430,548 was recorded to operations under impairment losses during December 2004. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, the Partnership sold 49 refrigerated containers targeted for sale as of December 1, 2004. The Partnership recognized a gain of $19,568 on the sale of these containers. It is expected that the remaining three refrigerated containers will be disposed of during 2005. |
(Continued)
9
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
(e) | Container Rental Equipment (continued) | |||
Assets to be held and used: CCC and the Leasing Company conducted a review of 46 of the Partnerships refrigerated containers utilizing the Sabroe Machinery that were on lease at December 1, 2004. It was concluded that the carrying value of these containers, $478,364, exceeded the future cash flows expected to result from the use of these containers and their eventual disposition, and therefore was not recoverable. Accordingly, a charge of $355,137 was recorded to operations under impairment losses during December 2004. | ||||
There were no impairment charges to the carrying value of container rental equipment for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. | ||||
Depreciation policies are also evaluated to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. Container rental equipment is depreciated using the straight-line basis. | ||||
(f) | Partners Capital Accounts | |||
Upon dissolution , the assets of the Partnership will be sold and the proceeds thereof distributed as follows: (i) all of the Partnerships debts and liabilities to persons other than CCC or the limited partners shall be paid and discharged; (ii) all of the Partnerships debts and liabilities to CCC and the limited partners shall be paid and discharged; and (iii) the balance of such proceeds shall be distributed to CCC and the limited partners in accordance with the positive balances of CCC and the limited partners capital accounts. CCC shall contribute to the Partnership an amount equal to the deficit balance in its capital account at the time of such liquidation, after giving effect to the allocation of income or loss arising from the liquidation of the Partnerships assets. | ||||
(g) | Financial Statement Presentation | |||
These financial statements have been prepared without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Partnership believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes in the Partnerships December 31, 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. | ||||
The interim financial statements presented herewith reflect in the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal recurring necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. |
(Continued)
10
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
(2) | 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 earned by the Leasing Company under operating leases to ocean carriers for the containers owned by the Partnership, as well as proceeds earned from container disposals. Net lease receivables at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were as follows: |
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Gross lease receivables |
$ | 2,894,466 | $ | 2,704,034 | ||||
Less: |
||||||||
Direct operating payables and accrued expenses |
542,155 | 736,263 | ||||||
Damage protection reserve |
241,330 | 278,829 | ||||||
Base management fees |
47,441 | 85,859 | ||||||
Reimbursed administrative expenses |
54,558 | 61,571 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
214,291 | 192,737 | ||||||
1,099,775 | 1,355,259 | |||||||
Net lease receivables |
$ | 1,794,691 | $ | 1,348,775 | ||||
(3) | 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 earned by the Leasing Company under operating leases to ocean carriers for the containers owned by the Partnership. Net lease revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows: |
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Rental revenue (note 4) |
$ | 3,116,563 | $ | 3,159,507 | ||||
Less: |
||||||||
Rental equipment operating expenses |
453,033 | 997,132 | ||||||
Base management fees |
214,147 | 221,206 | ||||||
Reimbursed administrative expenses |
||||||||
Salaries |
122,836 | 126,124 | ||||||
Other payroll related expenses |
24,007 | 11,221 | ||||||
General and administrative expenses |
32,010 | 38,600 | ||||||
846,033 | 1,394,283 | |||||||
Net lease revenue |
$ | 2,270,530 | $ | 1,765,224 | ||||
11
CRONOS GLOBAL INCOME FUND XV, L.P.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
(4) | Operating Segment | |||
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 enterprises 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. CCC and the Leasing Company operate the Partnerships container fleet as a homogenous unit and have determined that as such it has a single reportable operating segment. | ||||
The Partnership derives its revenues from dry cargo, refrigerated and tank containers used by its customers in global trade routes. As of March 31, 2005, the Partnership operated 21,607 twenty-foot, 7,855 forty-foot and 2,017 forty-foot high-cube marine dry cargo containers, as well as 388 twenty-foot and 90 forty-foot high-cube refrigerated cargo containers, and 213 twenty-four thousand-liter tanks. A summary of gross lease revenue, by product, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 follows: |
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Dry cargo containers |
$ | 2,691,367 | $ | 2,644,693 | ||||
Refrigerated containers |
269,766 | 337,377 | ||||||
Tank containers |
155,430 | 177,437 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 3,116,563 | $ | 3,159,507 | ||||
Due to the Partnerships lack of information regarding the physical location of its fleet of containers when on lease in the global shipping trade, the Partnership believes that it does not possess discernible geographic reporting segments as defined in SFAS No. 131 (SFAS 131), Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. |
(Continued)
12
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of the Partnerships historical financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Partnerships December 31, 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
Market Overview
The Partnerships operating results for the first quarter of 2005 improved over the corresponding period in 2004, as market conditions were favorable in comparison to those that existed during the three months ended March 31, 2004, and consistent with those that existed at the end of 2004. The first quarter 2005 results were contrary to historical trends, whereby container-leasing companies have traditionally experienced reductions in demand during the first quarter of the year, as shipping lines reduce their activity during the Lunar New Year holiday. As a result, the Partnerships dry cargo container utilization remained at a historically high level, measuring 92% at March 31, 2005, compared to 93% at December 31, 2004. Also contributing to the Partnerships high levels of utilization and favorable performance was the disposal of the Partnerships off-hire containers, in accordance with one of its original investment objectives, realizing the residual value of its containers after the expiration of their economic useful lives, estimated to be between 12 and 15 years after placement in lease service.
Although conditions for the container leasing market were favorable during the first quarter of 2005, global economic reports for this period indicate that, with the exception of China, consumer spending and economic growth rates have declined from the robust levels experienced in Europe, the US and many of the other developed countries during 2004. The decline in these economic growth rates are a direct result of rising fuel costs, combined with a generally weak US dollar, a soaring US trade deficit, higher interest rates and Europes languishing economies. Economists opinions vary as to whether the recent declines in these growth rates during the first quarter of 2005 are temporary or an indicator of slower global economic growth for the remainder of 2005. CCC and the Leasing Company do not expect a significant decline in the Partnerships utilization rates in the near future. However, further declines in these economic growth rates during 2005 may contribute to a weakening in container leasing market conditions and lower levels of demand for new and existing containers. In the long term, industry experts believe the future of the container shipping industry is favorable, as the level of outsourcing to China and other parts of Asia increase, previously restrictive trade agreements expire, new trade agreements are negotiated, and China enters global markets in which it previously played a small role.
The price of a new dry cargo container increased from $2,200 at the end of 2004 to approximately $2,250 at the end of March 2005, as the demand for new containers remained strong and the cost of container raw materials such as steel and wood flooring remained at high levels. Manufacturers indicate that there is unlikely to be a major reduction in the price of new containers in the near term due to the increase in raw material prices. Although container prices may fluctuate over the remainder of 2005, the long-term outlook for container prices continues to show an inflationary bias tied to energy costs, steel prices and interest rates. These higher prices have forced some shipping lines, as well as leasing companies, to reconsider capital expenditure levels for new container investment during the 2005 year. A reduction in new container capital expenditures by the shipping lines could result in the shipping lines leasing more containers from the leasing companies, including the Partnerships containers.
Ports, railroads and inland transportation systems, particularly in the US and Europe, continue to experience congestion arising from the higher trade volumes experienced in recent years, thereby, increasing the turnaround time for containerships and reducing the available supply of containers. Port congestion in many locations has been attributable to underestimating the growth in containerized cargo activity over the last few years, delays in expanding existing facilities and in planning new facilities due to environmental concerns, and the implementation of larger containerships. Expansion of the worlds ports and terminals is considered to be the key to relieving the congestion currently experienced, as further efficiency gains are not expected to create significant increases in port and terminal capacity.
During the three-month period ending March 31, 2005, inventory levels of off-hire containers remained at low levels, as shipping lines employed a larger quantity of leased containers to meet their containerized cargo requirements. The declines in inventory levels have resulted in substantial decreases in storage and other inventory related operating expenses.
13
A significant increase in container inventories in future periods may contribute to increases in storage expenses and expenditures to reposition containers from low demand locations to locations of higher demand. The Leasing Company has not undertaken any major repositioning of the Partnerships containers since the first quarter of 2004, due primarily to the shortage of containership capacity. If suitable carriers can be sourced, the Leasing Company will reposition off-hire containers from the US East Coast during 2005, thereby taking advantage of the strong demand for containers in the Asian trade routes. This repositioning may include the Partnerships containers. The objective of each repositioning is to improve future cash flows so that savings in storage expense, combined with an increase in future lease revenue, exceed the cost of repositioning the containers.
Sales proceeds realized on the sale of used containers remained favorable during the first quarter of 2005, as fewer containers were available to meet the demand of buyers. A significant increase in inventory levels in future periods could adversely impact sales proceeds realized on the sale of containers. The Leasing Company, on behalf of the Partnership, may consider the disposal of the Partnerships off-hire containers in locations whereby container sale prices equal or exceed targets established by both CCC and the Leasing Company.
The Partnerships average dry cargo container per-diem rate for the three-month period ending March 31, 2005 increased approximately 4% in comparison to the same period in the prior year. Per-diem rates for older containers are expected to maintain their current level for the remainder of 2005.
Although favorable market conditions currently exist for container lessors, recent declines in spending and economic growth rates may negatively impact the shipping lines in future periods. Sharply rising and volatile oil prices, combined with the increase in charter rates for ships, chronic port congestion, higher steel prices and the related increase in new container prices, have created a concern for both the shipping lines and, therefore, the leasing companies. Although the majority of the top 20 shipping lines have experienced strong profit growth during 2004, other shipping lines are facing increased financial pressures, especially those shipping lines that rely on operating their containerships via short-term charters. Current conditions appear to favor the larger more established shipping lines, which have witnessed increases in freight rates due to the strong demand experienced in their respective trade routes. However, some regional intra-Asian shipping lines have struggled to remain profitable, due primarily to the rising charter rates for ships, over capacity and lower freight rates, and have cut back services in certain routes in an attempt to reduce rising costs.
The increased trade volumes of recent years have contributed to shortages of both containerships and tonnage capacity. As a result, shipping lines have embarked on a major new shipbuilding program. Industry analysts are expressing concern that the current program of new shipbuilding may create over capacity within the shipping industry once the new container ships scheduled for delivery during 2006 and 2007 are placed in service. Based on current orders, industry analysts predict that the worlds containership fleet will exceed 10 million TEU by the end of 2007, compared to less than 7 million TEU at the beginning of 2004. Over capacity may contribute to lower charter and freight rates as shippers take advantage of the capacity surplus created by the additional container ships. These changes may result in a reduction in profitability for shipping lines, which in turn could have adverse implications for container lessors, including a decline in the demand for leased containers and a reduction in container per-diem rental rates. The financial impact of losses from shipping lines may eventually influence the demand for leased containers, as some shipping lines may experience additional financial difficulties, consolidate, or become insolvent. The Partnership, CCC and the Leasing Company continue to monitor the aging of lease receivables, collections and the credit exposure to various existing and new customers.
Results of Operations
Pursuant to the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, all authority to administer the business of the Partnership is vested in CCC. A Leasing Agent Agreement exists between CCC and the Leasing Company, 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 Partnerships 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.
14
The primary component of the Partnerships results of operations is net lease revenue. Net lease revenue is determined by deducting direct operating expenses, management fees and reimbursed administrative expenses from gross lease revenues billed by the Leasing Company from the leasing of the Partnerships containers. Net lease revenue is directly related to the size, utilization and per-diem rental rates of the Partnerships fleet. Direct operating expenses are direct costs associated with the Partnerships containers. Direct operating expenses may be categorized as follows:
| Activity-related expenses including agent and depot costs such as repairs, maintenance and handling. | |||
| Inventory-related expenses for off-hire containers, comprising storage and repositioning costs. These costs are sensitive to the quantity of off-hire containers as well as the frequency at which containers are re-delivered. | |||
| Legal and other expenses including legal costs related to the recovery of containers and doubtful accounts, insurance and provisions for doubtful accounts. |
At March 31, 2005, approximately 84% of the original equipment remained in the Partnerships fleet, as compared to approximately 86% at December 31, 2004. The following table summarizes the composition of the Partnerships fleet (based on container type) at March 31, 2005.
Dry Cargo | Refrigerated | Tank | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Containers | Containers | Containers | ||||||||||||||||||||||
40-Foot | 40-Foot | |||||||||||||||||||||||
20-Foot | 40-Foot | High-Cube | 20-Foot | High-Cube | 24,000-Liter | |||||||||||||||||||
Containers on lease: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Master lease |
13,593 | 4,102 | 1,468 | 290 | 38 | 131 | ||||||||||||||||||
Term lease |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short term1 |
3,300 | 1,387 | 292 | 52 | 32 | 62 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long term 2 |
3,706 | 1,193 | 123 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal |
20,599 | 6,682 | 1,883 | 342 | 70 | 193 | ||||||||||||||||||
Containers off lease |
1,008 | 1,173 | 134 | 46 | 20 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total container fleet |
21,607 | 7,855 | 2,017 | 388 | 90 | 213 | ||||||||||||||||||
Dry Cargo | Refrigerated | Tank | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Containers | Containers | Containers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40-Foot | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20-Foot | 40-Foot | High-Cube | 20-Foot | 40-Foot | 24,000-Liter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Units | % | Units | % | Units | % | Units | % | Units | % | Units | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total purchases |
26,446 | 100 | % | 8,751 | 100 | % | 2,179 | 100 | % | 463 | 100 | % | 100 | 100 | % | 229 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less disposals |
4,839 | 18 | % | 896 | 10 | % | 162 | 7 | % | 75 | 16 | % | 10 | 10 | % | 16 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining fleet at
March 31, 2005 |
21,607 | 82 | % | 7,855 | 90 | % | 2,017 | 93 | % | 388 | 84 | % | 90 | 90 | % | 213 | 93 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. | Short term leases represent term leases that are either scheduled for renegotiation or that may expire on or before March 2006. | |||
2. | Long term leases represent term leases, the majority of which will expire between April 2006 and December 2009. |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
Net lease revenue was $2,270,530 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 compared to $1,765,224 for the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to a $544,099 reduction in rental equipment expenses, partially offset by a $42,944 decline in gross rental revenue. The decrease in direct operating expenses was attributable to the Partnerships higher combined utilization rates in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year, and its impact on activity-based expenses such as handling, and repair and maintenance. The Partnership also experienced declines in repositioning, storage and the provision for doubtful accounts. Gross rental revenue was impacted by the Partnerships smaller fleet size, partially offset by a 4% increase in the average dry cargo per-diem rental rate and an increase in fleet utilization rates when compared to the same three month period in the prior year.
15
The Partnerships average fleet size and utilization rates for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Fleet size (measured in
twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU)) |
||||||||
Dry cargo containers |
41,871 | 44,209 | ||||||
Refrigerated containers |
588 | 655 | ||||||
Tank containers |
214 | 221 | ||||||
Average utilization rates |
||||||||
Dry cargo containers |
92 | % | 85 | % | ||||
Refrigerated containers |
83 | % | 90 | % | ||||
Tank containers |
90 | % | 89 | % |
Other components of net lease revenue, including management fees and reimbursed administrative expenses, were lower by a combined $4,151 when compared to the same period in 2004.
Depreciation expense of $1,668,266 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 declined by $123,133 when compared to the corresponding period in 2004, a direct result of the Partnerships aging and declining fleet size.
Other general and administrative expenses amounted to $54,657 for the three month period ended March 31, 2005, an increase of $1,018 or 2% when compared to the same period in 2004.
Net gain on disposal of equipment for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $151,298, as compared to a net loss of $33,171 for the corresponding period in 2004. The Partnership disposed of 750 containers, as compared to 319 containers during the same three-month period in 2004. Included within 750 containers disposed during the first quarter of 2005 were 49 refrigerated containers impaired and targeted for sale as of December 1, 2004. A gain of $19,568 was attributable to the sale of these 49 impaired refrigerated containers. The Partnership believes that the net gain on container disposals in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, was a result of various factors, including the volume of disposed containers, the age, condition, suitability for continued leasing, as well as the geographical location of the containers when disposed. These factors will continue to influence the amount of sales proceeds received and the related gain or loss on container disposals.
The level of the Partnerships container disposals in subsequent periods, as well as the price of steel, new container prices and the current leasing markets impact on sales prices for existing older containers such as those owned by the Partnership, will also contribute to fluctuations in the net gain or loss on disposals. There were no reductions to the carrying value of container rental equipment due to impairment during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004.
16
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Partnerships primary objective is to generate cash flow from operations for distribution to its limited partners. Aside from the initial working capital reserve retained from gross subscription proceeds (equal to approximately 1% of such proceeds), the Partnership relies primarily on container rental receipts to meet this objective, as well as to finance operating needs. Cash generated from container sales proceeds are distributed to its limited partners. No credit lines are maintained to finance working capital. Commencing in 2004, the Partnerships 11th year of operations, the Partnership began focusing its attention on the disposition of its fleet in accordance with another of its original investment objectives, realizing the residual value of its containers after the expiration of their economic useful lives, estimated to be between 12 to 15 years after placement in leased service. During 2005, the Partnership will begin to actively dispose of its fleet, with cash proceeds from equipment disposals, in addition to cash from operations, providing the cash flow for distributions to the limited partners. The decision to dispose of containers is influenced by various factors including age, condition, suitability for continued leasing as well as the geographical location when disposed. At that time whereby the Partnerships fleet size is reduced to approximately 20% of its original fleet size, the Partnership expects to enter the final phase of its liquidation and wind-up stage of operations, unless terminated sooner upon the occurrence of certain events. At March 31, 2005, the Partnerships fleet size measured approximately 84% of its original fleet size. Upon the liquidation of CCCs interest in the Partnership, CCC shall contribute to the Partnership an aggregate amount equal to the deficit balance in its capital account at the time of such liquidation, after giving effect to the allocation of income or loss arising from the liquidation of the Partnerships assets.
Distributions are paid monthly, based primarily on each quarters 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. Sales proceeds distributed to its partners may fluctuate in subsequent periods, reflecting the level of container disposals.
At March 31, 2005, the Partnership had $4,976,968 in cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $511,352 from the cash balances at December 31, 2004. The Partnership invests its working capital, as well as cash flows from operations and the sale of containers that have not yet been distributed to CCC or its limited partners, in money market funds.
Cash from Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities, primarily generated from the billing and collection of net lease revenue, was $1,925,286 during the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $1,786,325 for the same three month period in 2004.
Cash from Investing Activities: Net cash provided by investing activities was $948,095 during the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $310,075 in the corresponding period of 2004. These amounts represent sales proceeds generated from the sale of container equipment and payment received on the sales-type lease for the sale of rental equipment.
Cash from Financing Activities: Net cash used in financing activities was $3,384,733 during the three months ended March 31, 2005 compared to $1,994,788 during the three months ended March 31, 2004. These amounts represent distributions to the Partnerships general and limited partners. The Partnerships continuing container disposals should produce lower operating results, and consequently, lower distributions to its partners in subsequent periods.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Partnerships accounting policies are fundamental to understanding managements discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition. The Partnership has identified three policies as being significant because they require the Partnership to make subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. These policies include the following:
| Container equipment depreciable lives | |||
| Container equipment valuation | |||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts |
17
The Partnership, in consultation with its audit committee, has reviewed and approved these significant accounting policies which are further described in the Partnerships 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Inflation
The Partnership believes inflation has not had a material adverse effect on the results of its operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Exchange rate risk: Substantially all of the Partnerships revenues are billed and paid in US dollars and a significant portion of costs are billed and paid in US dollars. The Leasing Company believes that the proportion of US dollar revenues may decrease in future years, reflecting a more diversified customer base and lease portfolio. Of the non-US dollar direct operating expenses, the majority are individually small, unpredictable and incurred in various denominations. Thus, the Leasing Company determined such amounts are not suitable for cost effective hedging. As exchange rates are outside of the control of the Partnership and Leasing Company, there can be no assurance that such fluctuations will not adversely affect the Partnerships results of operations and financial condition.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The principal executive and principal financial officers of CCC have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of the Partnership as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. As used herein, the term disclosure controls and procedures has the meaning given to the term by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), and includes the controls and other procedures of the Partnership that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports that it files with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms. Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive and principal financial officers of CCC have concluded that the Partnerships disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in this quarterly report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms applicable to the preparation of this report and is accumulated and communicated to CCCs management, including CCCs principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There have been no significant changes in the Partnerships internal controls or in other factors
that could significantly affect the Partnerships internal controls subsequent to the evaluation
described above conducted by CCCs principal executive and financial officers.
18
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Not applicable.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit | ||||
No | Description | Method of Filing | ||
3(a)
|
Limited Partnership Agreement, amended and restated as of December 15, 1993 | * | ||
3(b)
|
Certificate of Limited Partnership | ** | ||
10
|
Form of Leasing Agent Agreement with Cronos Containers Limited | *** | ||
31.1
|
Rule 13a-14 Certification | Filed with this document | ||
31.2
|
Rule 13a-14 Certification | Filed with this document | ||
32
|
Section 1350 Certification | Filed with this document | ||
**** |
* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Prospectus of the Partnership 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) | |
**** | This certification, required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, other than as required by Section 906, is not to be deemed filed with the Commission or subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of said Act. |
19
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Partnership has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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 | ||||
By | /s/ John Kallas | |||
John Kallas | ||||
Chief Financial Officer and |
||||
Director of Cronos Capital Corp. (CCC) |
||||
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of CCC |
Date: May 13, 2005
20
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit | ||||
No | Description | Method of Filing | ||
3(a)
|
Limited Partnership Agreement, amended and restated as of December 15, 1993 | * | ||
3(b)
|
Certificate of Limited Partnership | ** | ||
10
|
Form of Leasing Agent Agreement with Cronos Containers Limited | *** | ||
31.1
|
Rule 13a-14 Certification | Filed with this document | ||
31.2
|
Rule 13a-14 Certification | Filed with this document | ||
32
|
Section 1350 Certification | Filed with this document | ||
**** |
* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Prospectus of the Partnership 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) | |
**** | This certification, required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, other than as required by Section 906, is not to be deemed filed with the Commission or subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of said Act. |