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Table of Contents

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

 

x   Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004

 

OR

 

¨   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 0-20103

 


 

WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Georgia   58-1915128
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
6200 The Corners Pkwy.,
Norcross, Georgia
  30092
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code   (770) 449-7800

 


(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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 ¨

 


 


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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Fund IV, L.P. (the “Partnership”) other than historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, as well as known and unknown risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Therefore, such statements are not intended to be a guarantee of our performance in future periods. Such forward- looking statements can generally be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” or other similar words. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither the Partnership nor the general partners make any representations or warranties (expressed or implied) about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q, and we do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Any such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors and are based on a number of assumptions involving judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, and market conditions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately. To the extent that our assumptions differ from actual results, our ability to meet such forward-looking statements, including our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations; provide distributions to limited partners; and maintain the value of our real estate properties, may be significantly hindered. Following are some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in certain forward-looking statements:

 

General economic risks

 

    Adverse changes in general economic conditions or local conditions;

 

    Adverse economic conditions affecting the particular industry of one or more of our tenants;

 

Real estate risks

 

    Our ability to achieve appropriate occupancy levels resulting in sufficient rental amounts;

 

    Supply of or demand for similar or competing rentable space, which may adversely impact our ability to retain or obtain new tenants at lease expiration at acceptable rental amounts;

 

    Tenant ability or willingness to satisfy obligations relating to our existing lease agreements;

 

    Our potential need to fund tenant improvements, lease-up costs, or other capital expenditures out of operating cash flow;

 

    Increases in property operating expenses, including property taxes, insurance, and other costs at our properties;

 

    Our ability to secure adequate insurance at reasonable and appropriate rates to avoid uninsured losses or losses in excess of insured amounts;

 

    Discovery of previously undetected environmentally hazardous or other undetected adverse conditions at our properties;

 

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    Unexpected costs of capital expenditures related to tenant build-out projects or other unforeseen capital expenditures;

 

    Our ability to sell a property when desirable at an acceptable return, including the ability of the purchaser to satisfy any continuing obligations to us;

 

Other operational risks

 

    Our dependency on Wells Capital, Inc., the corporate general partner of one of our General Partners, its key personnel, and its affiliates for various administrative services;

 

    Wells Capital, Inc.’s ability to attract and retain high-quality personnel who can provide acceptable service levels to us and generate economies of scale for us over time;

 

    Increases in our administrative operating expenses, including increased expenses associated with operating as a public company;

 

    Changes in governmental, tax, real estate, environmental, and zoning laws and regulations and the related costs of compliance;

 

    Our ability to prove compliance with any governmental, tax, real estate, environmental, and zoning in the event that any such position is questioned by the respective authority; and

 

    Actions of our joint venture partners including potential bankruptcy, business interests differing from ours, or other actions that may adversely impact the operations of joint ventures.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

                     Page No.

PART I.

          FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
            Item 1.   

Financial Statements

   
                

Balance Sheets – March 31, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003

  5
                

Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 (unaudited) and 2003 (unaudited)

  6
                

Statements of Partners’ Capital for the Year Ended December 31, 2003 and the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 (unaudited)

  7
                

Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 (unaudited) and 2003 (unaudited)

  8
                

Condensed Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

  9
            Item 2.   

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

  13
            Item 3.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks

  20
            Item 4.   

Controls and Procedures

  20

PART II.

          OTHER INFORMATION   20

 

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

BALANCE SHEETS

 

ASSETS

 

    

(unaudited)

March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Investments in joint ventures

   $ 6,805,453    $ 6,898,318

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,996,256      2,007,826

Due from Joint Ventures

     204,628      102,117
    

  

Total assets

   $ 9,006,337    $ 9,008,261
    

  

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

Liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

   $ 9,483    $ 2,324
    

  

Total liabilities

     9,483      2,324
    

  

Partners’ capital:

             

Limited partners:

             

Class A—1,322,909 units outstanding

     8,996,854      9,005,937

Class B—38,551 units outstanding

     0      0

General partners

     0      0
    

  

Total partners’ capital

     8,996,854      9,005,937
    

  

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

   $ 9,006,337    $ 9,008,261
    

  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended

March 31,


     2004

    2003

REVENUES:

              

Equity in income of joint ventures (Note 2)

   $ 12,822     $ 136,558

Interest income

     740       347
    


 

       13,562       136,905
    


 

EXPENSES:

              

Partnership administration

     14,712       20,047

Legal and accounting

     7,668       8,832

Other general and administrative

     265       1,344
    


 

       22,645       30,223
    


 

NET (LOSS) INCOME

   $ (9,083 )   $ 106,682
    


 

NET (LOSS) INCOME ALLOCATED TO CLASS A LIMITED PARTNERS

   $ (9,083 )   $ 106,682
    


 

NET LOSS ALLOCATED TO CLASS B LIMITED PARTNERS

   $ 0     $ 0
    


 

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER CLASS A LIMITED PARTNER UNIT

   $ (0.01 )   $ 0.08
    


 

NET LOSS PER CLASS B LIMITED PARTNER UNIT

   $ 0.00     $ 0.00
    


 

CASH DISTRIBUTION PER CLASS A LIMITED PARTNER UNIT

   $ 0.00     $ 0.14
    


 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004 (unaudited)

 

     Limited Partners

  

General

Partners


  

Total

Partners’

Capital


 
     Class A

    Class B

     
     Units

   Amounts

    Units

   Amounts

     

BALANCE, December 31, 2002

   1,322,909    $ 8,714,932     38,551    $ 0    $ 0    $ 8,714,932  

Net income

   0      472,901     0      0      0      472,901  

Partnership distributions

   0      (181,896 )   0      0      0      (181,896 )
    
  


 
  

  

  


BALANCE, December 31, 2003

   1,322,909      9,005,937     38,551      0      0      9,005,937  

Net loss

   0      (9,083 )   0      0      0      (9,083 )
    
  


 
  

  

  


BALANCE, March 31, 2004

   1,322,909    $ 8,996,854     38,551    $ 0    $ 0    $ 8,996,854  
    
  


 
  

  

  


 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net (loss) income

   $ (9,083 )   $ 106,682  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Equity in income of joint ventures

     (12,822 )     (136,558 )

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

     7,159       (7,517 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (14,746 )     (37,393 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Distributions received from joint ventures

     3,176       275,364  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Partnership distributions paid

     0       (198,436 )
    


 


NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (11,570 )     39,535  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

     2,007,826       28,619  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

   $ 1,996,256     $ 68,154  
    


 


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH ACTIVITIES:

                

Due from joint ventures

   $ 105,687     $ 190,220  
    


 


Partnership distributions payable

   $ 0     $ 181,903  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

MARCH 31, 2004 (unaudited)

 

1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a)   Organization and Business

 

Wells Real Estate Fund IV, L.P. (the “Partnership”) is a Georgia public limited partnership with Leo F. Wells, III and Wells Partners, L.P. (“Wells Partners”), a Georgia nonpublic limited partnership, serving as its general partners (collectively, the “General Partners”). The Partnership was formed on October 25, 1990, for the purpose of acquiring, developing, constructing, owning, operating, improving, leasing, and managing income-producing commercial properties for investment purposes. The Partnership has two classes of limited partnership interests, Class A and Class B Units. Limited partners may vote to, among other things, (a) amend the partnership agreement, subject to certain limitations; (b) change the business purpose or investment objectives of the Partnership; and (c) add or remove a general partner. A majority vote on any of the above-described matters will bind the Partnership without the concurrence of the General Partners. Each limited partner unit has equal voting rights, regardless of class.

 

On March 4, 1991, the Partnership commenced an offering of up to $25,000,000 of Class A or Class B limited partnership units ($10.00 per unit) pursuant to a Registration Statement filed on Form S-11 under the Securities Act of 1933. The Partnership did not commence active operations until it received and accepted subscriptions for 125,000 units on May 13, 1991. The offering was terminated on February 29, 1992, at which time the Partnership had sold approximately 1,322,909 Class A Units and 38,551 Class B Units representing capital contributions of $13,614,652 from investors who were admitted to the Partnership as limited partners.

 

The Partnership owns interests in all of its real estate assets through joint ventures with other Wells Real Estate Funds. During the periods presented, the Partnership owned interests in the following four properties through the affiliated joint ventures listed below (the “Joint Ventures”):

 


Joint Venture   Joint Venture Partners   Properties

Fund III and Fund IV Associates

(“Fund III-IV Associates”)

 

•   Wells Real Estate Fund III, L.P.

•   Wells Real Estate Fund IV, L.P.

 

1. Stockbridge Village Shopping Center

A retail shopping center located in Stockbridge, Georgia

2. 4400 Cox Road (formerly known as the “Reciprocal Group Building”)

A two-story office building located in Richmond, Virginia


Fund IV and Fund V Associates

(“Fund IV-V Associates”)

 

•   Wells Real Estate Fund IV, L.P.

•   Wells Real Estate Fund V, L.P.

 

3. Village Overlook Property(1)

Two substantially identical two-story office buildings located in Clayton County, Georgia

4. 10407 Centurion Parkway North (formerly known as the “IBM Jacksonville Building”)

A four-story office building located in Jacksonville, Florida


 

(1)   This property was sold in September 2003.

 

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On September 29, 2003, Fund IV-V Associates sold the Village Overlook Property to an unrelated third party for a gross selling price of $5,300,000. As a result of this sale, net proceeds of approximately $1,882,000 and gain of approximately $689,000 were allocated to the Partnership during the third quarter of 2003.

 

Each of the aforementioned properties was acquired on an all-cash basis. The investment objectives of each of the joint venture partners listed in the above table are substantially identical to those of the Partnership. For further information regarding the foregoing Joint Ventures and properties, refer to the report filed for the Partnership on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

(b)   Basis of Presentation

 

The financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and in accordance with such rules and regulations, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the General Partners, the statements for the unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature and necessary to fairly present the results for those periods. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of full-year results. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in the Partnership’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

(c)   Allocations of Net Income, Net Loss, and Gain on Sale

 

For the purpose of determining allocations per the partnership agreement, net income is defined as net income recognized by the Partnership, excluding deductions for depreciation, amortization, and cost recovery and gain on the sale of assets. Net income, as defined, of the Partnership is generally allocated each year in the same proportions that net cash from operations is distributed to the limited partners holding Class A Units and the General Partners. To the extent the Partnership’s net income in any year exceeds net cash from operations, it will be allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the General Partners.

 

Net loss, depreciation, and amortization deductions for each fiscal year will be allocated as follows: (a) 99% to the limited partners holding Class B Units and 1% to the General Partners until their capital accounts are reduced to zero; (b) then to any partner having a positive balance in his capital account in an amount not to exceed such positive balance; and (c) thereafter to the General Partners.

 

Gains on the sale or exchange of the Partnership’s properties will be allocated generally in the same manner that the net proceeds from such sale are distributed to partners after the following allocations are made, if applicable: (a) allocations made pursuant to a qualified income offset provision in the partnership agreement; (b) allocations to partners having negative capital accounts until all negative capital accounts have been restored to zero; and (c) allocations to Class B limited partners in amounts equal to deductions for depreciation and amortization previously allocated to them with respect to the specific partnership property sold, but not in excess of the amount of gain on sale recognized by the Partnership with respect to the sale of such property.

 

(d)   Distributions of Net Cash From Operations

 

Cash available for distribution, if available, is generally distributed to limited partners quarterly. In accordance with the partnership agreement, distributions are paid first to each limited partner holding Class A Units until he has received a 10% per annum return on his adjusted capital contributions, as defined. Cash available for distribution is then paid to the General Partners until each has received an amount equal to 10% of distributions. Any remaining cash available for distribution is split between limited partners holding Class A Units and the General Partners on a basis of 90% and 10%, respectively. No cash distributions will be made to each limited partner holding Class B Units.

 

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(e)   Distributions of Sales Proceeds

 

Upon sales of properties, the net sales proceeds are distributed in the following order:

 

    In the event that the particular property sold is sold for a price less than the original property purchase price, to the limited partners holding Class A Units until each has received an amount equal to the excess of the original property purchase price over the price for which the property was sold, limited to the amount of depreciation, amortization, and cost recovery deductions taken by the limited partners holding Class B Units with respect to such property;

 

    To limited partners on a per-unit basis until each has received 100% of his adjusted capital contribution, as defined;

 

    To limited partners holding Class B Units on a per-unit basis until each has received an amount equal to the net cash available for distribution received by the limited partners holding Class A Units;

 

    To all limited partners on a per-unit basis until each has received a cumulative 10% per annum return on his adjusted capital contribution, as defined;

 

    To limited partners holding Class B Units on a per-unit basis until each has received a cumulative 15% per annum return on his adjusted capital contribution, as defined;

 

    To all limited partners until each has received an amount equal to has respective cumulative distributions, as defined;

 

    To the General Partners until each has received 100% of his capital contributions, as defined;

 

    Thereafter, 80% to the limited partners and 20% to the General Partners.

 

2.   INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES

 

(a)   Basis of Presentation

 

During the periods presented, the Partnership owned interests in four properties through its ownership in the Joint Ventures. The Partnership does not have control over the operations of the Joint Ventures; however, it does exercise significant influence. Accordingly, the Partnership’s investments in the Joint Ventures are recorded using the equity method of accounting, whereby original investments are recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for contributions, distributions, and net income (loss) attributable to the Partnership. For further information, refer to the report filed for the Partnership on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

(b)   Summary of Operations

 

The following information summarizes the operations of the Joint Ventures for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively:

 

     Total Revenues

   (Loss) From Continuing
Operations


    Income From
Discontinued Operations


   Net (Loss) Income

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


   Three Months Ended
March 31,


    Three Months Ended
March 31,


   Three Months Ended
March 31,


     2004

   2003

   2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

   2004

     2003

Fund III-IV Associates

   $ 0    $ 158,394    $ (87,833 )   $ 32,918     $ 298,473    $ 271,892    $ 210,640      $ 304,810

Fund IV-V Associates

     18,546      260,576      (206,315 )     (31,318 )     1,074      47,604      (205,241 )      16,286
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


  

     $ 18,546    $ 418,970    $ (294,148 )   $ 1,600     $ 299,547    $ 319,496    $ 5,399      $ 321,096
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


  

 

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3.   RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

(a)   Management and Leasing Fees

 

Wells Management Company, Inc. (“Wells Management”), an affiliate of the General Partners, receives compensation for supervising the management and leasing of the Partnership’s properties owned through Joint Ventures equal to (a) 3% of the gross revenues for management and 3% of the gross revenues for leasing (aggregate maximum of 6%) plus a separate fee for the one-time lease-up of newly constructed properties in an amount not to exceed the fee customarily charged in arm’s-length transactions by others rendering similar services in the same geographic area for similar properties or (b) in the case of commercial properties which are leased on a long-term net basis (ten or more years), 1% of the gross revenues except for initial leasing fees equal to 3% of the gross revenues over the first five years of the lease term. The properties in which the Partnership owns interests incurred management and leasing fees payable to Wells Management of $17,406 and $76,037 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

(b)   Administration Reimbursements

 

Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”), the general partner of Wells Partners, one of our General Partners, perform certain administrative services for the Partnership, such as accounting, property management, and other partnership administration, and incur the related expenses. Such expenses are allocated among the various Wells Real Estate Funds based on time spent on each fund by individual administrative personnel. In the opinion of management, this allocation is a reasonable estimation of such expenses. The Partnership reimbursed Wells Capital and its affiliates $12,613 and $15,022 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, for these services and expenses. In addition, the Joint Ventures reimbursed Wells Capital $18,850 and $31,881 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, for these services and expenses.

 

(c)   Conflicts of Interest

 

The General Partners are also general partners of other Wells Real Estate Funds. As such, there may exist conflicts of interest where the General Partners in their capacity as general partners of other Wells Real Estate Funds may be in competition with the Partnership for tenants in similar geographic markets.

 

4. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On April 29, 2004, four Wells affiliated Joint Ventures (collectively, the “Seller,” defined below) sold the five real properties (the “Sale Properties,” defined below) located in Stockbridge, Georgia to an unrelated third party (“the Purchaser”) for a gross sale price of $23,750,000. The Partnership holds an equity interest of approximately 42.8% in Fund III-IV Associates. As a result of the sale of Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million and a gain of approximately $2 million have been allocated to the Partnership.

 


(Collectively, the “Seller”)

The Joint Ventures

  Joint Venture Partners   Sale Properties

Fund III-IV Associates

 

•  Wells Real Estate Fund III, L.P.

•  Wells Real Estate Fund IV, L.P.

 

1. Stockbridge Village Shopping Center

A retail shopping center located in Stockbridge, Georgia


Fund V and Fund VI Associates

(“Fund V-VI Associates”)

 

•  Wells Real Estate Fund V, L.P.

•  Wells Real Estate Fund VI, L.P.

 

2. Stockbridge Village II

Two retail buildings located in Stockbridge, Georgia


 

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(Collectively, the “Seller”)

The Joint Ventures

  Joint Venture Partners   Sale Properties

Fund VI and Fund VII Associates

(“Fund VI-VII Associates”)

 

•   Wells Real Estate Fund VI, L.P.

•   Wells Real Estate Fund VII, L.P.

 

3. Stockbridge Village I Expansion

A retail shopping center expansion located in Stockbridge, Georgia

4. Stockbridge Village III

Two retail buildings located in Stockbridge, Georgia


Fund VII and Fund VIII Associates

(“Fund VII-VIII Associates”)

 

•   Wells Real Estate Fund VII, L.P.

•   Wells Real Estate Fund VIII, L.P.

 

5. Hannover Center

A retail center located in Stockbridge, Georgia


 

5.   CONTINGENCIES

 

On or about March 12, 2004, a putative class action complaint (the “complaint”) relating to Wells Real Estate Fund I, a public limited partnership that offered units from September 6, 1984 through September 5, 1986 (“Wells Fund I”), was filed by four individuals (the “plaintiffs”) against Leo F. Wells, III, Wells Capital, Wells Investment Securities, Inc., Wells Management, and Wells Fund I (collectively, the “Wells Defendants”) (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04-A-2791 2). The Wells Defendants received notice of the complaint on or about March 19, 2004. The plaintiffs filed the complaint purportedly on behalf of all limited partners holding B units of Wells Fund I as of January 15, 2003. The complaint alleges, among other things, that (a) during the offering period (September 6, 1984 through September 5, 1986), Mr. Wells, Wells Capital, Wells Investment Securities, Inc., and Wells Fund I negligently or fraudulently made false statements and made material omissions in connection with the initial sale of the B units to investors of Wells Fund I by making false statements and omissions in the Wells Fund I sales literature relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds to holders of B units; (b) Mr. Wells, Wells Capital and Wells Fund I negligently or fraudulently misrepresented and concealed disclosure of, among other things, alleged discrepancies between such statements and the provisions in the partnership agreement for a period of time in order to delay such investors from taking any legal, equitable or other action to protect their investments in Wells Fund I, among other reasons; and (c) Mr. Wells, Wells Capital and Wells Fund I breached their fiduciary duties to the limited partners. The plaintiffs seek, among other remedies, the following: rescission of all purported class members’ purchases of B units and an order for a full refund of all money paid for such units together with interest; judgment against the Wells Defendants, jointly and severally, in an amount to be proven at trial; punitive damages; judicial dissolution of Wells Fund I and the appointment of a receiver to wind up and terminate the partnership; and an award to plaintiffs of their attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses.

 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s accompanying financial statements and notes thereto.

 

(a) Overview

 

Management believes that the Partnership would ideally operate through the course of the following five key life cycle phases. The time spent in each phase is dependent upon various economic, industry, market, and other internal/external factors. Some overlap naturally exists in the transition from one phase to the next.

 

    Fund-raising phase

The period during which the Partnership is raising capital through the sale and issuance of limited partner units to the public

 

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    Investing phase

The period during which the Partnership invests the capital raised during the fund-raising phase, less upfront fees, into the acquisition of real estate assets

 

    Holding phase

The period during which real estate assets are owned and operated by the Partnership during the initial lease terms of the tenants

 

    Positioning-for-sale phase

The period during which the leases in place at the time of acquisition expire and, thus, the Partnership expends time, effort, and funds to re-lease such space to existing and/or new tenants. Following the holding phase, the Partnership continues to own and operate the real estate assets, evaluate various options for disposition, and market the real estate assets for sale.

 

    Disposition and Liquidation phase

The period during which the Partnership sells its real estate investments and distributes net sales proceeds to the partners

 

Currently, management believes that the Partnership straddles the positioning-for-sale phase and the disposition and liquidation phase. Upon investing all capital proceeds and exiting the investing phase, the Partnership owned interests in four properties through interests in affiliated joint ventures. As of March 31, 2004, two properties are substantially vacant, one property is under contract to be sold, and one property was sold in 2003. Management will actively pursue re-leasing strategies in 2004 for the two substantially vacant properties, 4400 Cox Road and 10407 Centurion Parkway North.

 

As the Partnership evolves through the life cycle detailed above, our most significant risks and challenges continue to evolve concurrently. During the positioning-for-sale phase, we will continue to focus on re-leasing vacant space and space that may become vacant upon the expiration of our current leases. In doing so, we seek to maximize returns to the limited partners by negotiating long-term leases at market rental rates while attempting to minimize down time, re-leasing expenditures, ongoing property level costs and portfolio costs. As we embark further into the disposition and liquidation phase, our attention will shift to locating suitable acquirers, negotiating purchase sale contracts that will attempt to maximize the total return to the limited partners, and minimize contingencies and our post-closing involvement with the acquirer.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, as compared to the first quarter of 2003, net income decreased primarily due to foregone operating cash flows from the sale of the Village Overlook Property in September 2003 and a decline in operating income generated by 10407 Centurion Parkway North and 4400 Cox Road due to significant declines in occupancy effective April 30, 2003 and July 31, 2003, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation expense for the Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, as this property was classified as held for sale effective March 18, 2003. Cash flows decreased during the first quarter of 2004 from the fourth quarter of 2003 primarily due to a decrease in distributions received from Joint Ventures.

 

During 2004, the Partnership anticipates continuing to focus on the positioning-for-sale phase. Substantially all of our operating revenues are generated from the operations of properties in the Partnership’s portfolio. On a quarterly basis, we deduct the expenses related to the recurring operations of the properties and the portfolio from such revenues and assess the amount of the remaining cash flows that will be required to fund known re-leasing costs and other capital improvements. Any residual operating cash flows are considered available for distribution to the limited partners and are generally paid quarterly. As further outlined in section (c) below, in the near-term, we anticipate utilizing current operating cash flows to fund the costs related to re-leasing 4400 Cox Road and 10407 Centurion Parkway North.

 

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Industry Factors

 

Our results continue to be impacted by a number of factors influencing the real estate industry.

 

General Economic and Real Estate Market Commentary

 

The U.S. economy appears to be recovering; however, thus far it has been a jobless recovery, and because of this, real estate office fundamentals may not improve until employment growth strengthens. The economy has shown signs of growth recently, as companies have recommenced making investments in new employees. Job growth is the most significant demand driver for office markets. The jobless recovery has resulted in a demand deficit for office space. In general, the real estate office market lags behind the overall economic recovery and, therefore, recovery is not expected until late 2004 or 2005 at the earliest, and then will vary by market.

 

Overall, real estate market fundamentals are weak; however, capital continues to flow into the asset class. This increased capital drives the prices of many properties upward and investor returns downward. There is a significant pricing differential in underwriting parameters between well-leased assets with credit tenants and those with either existing vacancies or substantial near-term tenant rollover. Properties with long-term leases to strong credit tenants have seen an increase in value.

 

The office market has significant excess space. Vacancy levels are believed to be at or near their peak. There is some encouraging news, new construction continues to taper off, coming to a complete halt in many markets. As a result of the slowdown in new construction and the modest decline in sublease space, net absorption has turned positive, although barely, at year-end. Many industry professionals believe office market fundamentals are bottoming-out; however, a recovery cannot be expected until job growth and corresponding demand for office space increases.

 

Wells Real Estate Funds with Current Vacancy or Near-term Rollover Exposure

 

Real estate funds, such as the Partnership, that contain properties with current vacancies or near-term tenant rollover may face a challenging leasing environment. The properties within these funds will face lower rents and higher concession packages to the tenants in order to re-lease vacant space.

 

From a valuation standpoint, it is generally preferable to either renew an existing tenant lease or re-lease the property prior to marketing it for sale. Generally, buyers will heavily discount their offering price to compensate for the existing or pending vacancies.

 

(b)   Results of Operations

 

Gross Revenues

 

Gross revenues of the Partnership were $13,562 and $136,905 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 2004 decrease from 2003 resulted primarily from the corresponding decrease in equity in income of Joint Ventures further described below.

 

Equity in Income of Joint Venture – Continuing Operations

 

Gross Revenues of Joint Ventures

 

Gross revenues of Joint Ventures decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, primarily due to (i) a significant decrease in occupancy of 10407 Centurion Parkway North beginning in the second quarter of 2003 and (ii) the termination of the 4400 Cox Road lease beginning in the third quarter of 2003.

 

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Expenses of Joint Ventures

 

Expenses of Joint Ventures decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, due to (i) a decline in property taxes at 10407 Centurion Parkway North due to a property tax refund, (ii) a decrease in management fees due to tenants vacating the buildings at 10407 Centurian Parkway North and 4400 Cox Road, (iii) a decrease in building repairs at 10407 Centurian Parkway North, and (iv) a decrease in depreciation expense due to the third quarter write-off of tenant improvements and leasing commissions at 4400 Cox Road, partially offset by operating expenses at 4400 Cox Road which were paid by the tenant in the first quarter of 2003.

 

Equity in Income of Joint Ventures – Discontinued Operations

 

Equity in income of Joint Ventures from discontinued operations decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to 2003, primarily as a result of foregone operating cash flows from the sale of the Village Overlook Property in the third quarter of 2003, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation expense for the Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, as this property was classified as held for sale effective March 18, 2003.

 

As a result of all of the aforementioned factors, equity in income of Joint Ventures decreased to $12,822 from $136,558 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Expenses of the Partnership

 

Expenses of the Partnership were $22,645 and $30,223 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Expenses decreased in 2004 primarily due to a decrease in legal fees and administrative salaries.

 

Net (Loss) Income of the Partnership

 

As a result of all of the aforementioned factors, net (loss) income of the Partnership decreased to $(9,083) for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to $106,682 for the three months ended March 31, 2003.

 

(c)   Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

Net cash flows from operating activities were $(14,746) and $(37,393) for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 2004 decrease in cash flows used, as compared to 2003, resulted primarily from the decrease in Partnership expenses as described above.

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

 

Net cash flows from investing activities were $3,176 and $275,364 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 2004 decrease, as compared to 2003, resulted primarily from a decline in operating cash flows received from Fund III-IV Associates due to the vacancy of 4400 Cox Road effective July 31, 2003 and Fund IV-V Associates due to the decline in occupancy of 10407 Centurion Parkway North effective April 30, 2003 and sale of the Village Overlook Property in September 2003.

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

 

Net cash flows from financing activities were $0 and $(198,436) for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and are solely comprised of distributions paid to limited partners. The 2004 decrease from 2003, is primarily a result of the corresponding changes in operating distributions received from the Joint Ventures, as discussed in the preceding section.

 

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Distributions

 

The Partnership made distributions to the limited partners holding Class A Units of $0.00 and $0.14 per unit for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such distributions have been made from net cash from operations and distributions received from investments in Joint Ventures. In accordance with the partnership agreement, no distributions have been made to the limited partners holding Class B Units or to the General Partners.

 

The General Partners have reserved distributions to Class A limited partners for the last three quarters of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004 and anticipate continuing to reserve such distributions until 10407 Centurion Parkway North and 4400 Cox Road are re-leased and the related re-leasing costs are funded.

 

Sales Proceeds

 

Rather than distributing the net proceeds from the sale of the Village Overlook Property to the limited partners, such proceeds will be held in reserve to fund the costs anticipated to increase the occupancy of 10407 Centurion Parkway North and re-leasing costs of the currently vacant 4400 Cox Road as the General Partners continue to evaluate the capital needs of the other properties in which it holds an interest in consideration of the best interests

of the limited partners. Upon completing this evaluation, the General Partners anticipate distributing the net sales proceeds not otherwise reserved to the limited partners in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement in 2004.

 

Capital Resources

 

The Partnership is an investment vehicle formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning, and operating income-producing real properties and has invested all of its funds available for investment. Accordingly, it is unlikely that the Partnership will acquire interests in any additional properties. In the near term, the General Partners anticipate utilizing capital resources to fund the following items: (i) re-leasing costs for 10407 Centurion Parkway North (effective June 2004, ADP, Inc. will take occupancy of 36.5% of the building for a term of five years and five months with rent abatements through the end of 2004), and (ii) re-leasing costs for 4400 Cox Road.

 

(d)   Related-Party Transactions

 

The Partnership and its Joint Ventures have entered into agreements with Wells Capital, the General Partner of Wells Partners, L.P., and its affiliates, whereby the Partnership or its Joint Ventures pay certain fees or reimbursements to Wells Capital or its affiliates (e.g., property management and leasing fees, administrative salary reimbursements, etc.). See Note 4 to the Partnership’s financial statements included in this report for a discussion of the various related-party transactions, agreements, and fees.

 

(e)   Inflation

 

The real estate market has not been affected significantly by inflation in the past three years due to the relatively low inflation rate. However, there are provisions in the majority of tenant leases, which would protect the Partnership from the impact of inflation. These provisions include reimbursement billings for operating expense pass-through charges, real estate tax and insurance reimbursements on a per-square-foot basis, or in some cases, annual reimbursement of operating expenses above a certain per-square-foot allowance. There is no assurance, however, that the Partnership would be able to replace existing leases with new leases at higher base rental rates.

 

 

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(f)   Application of Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Partnership’s accounting policies have been established to conform with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. These judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. If management’s judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different, it is possible that different accounting policies would have been applied, thus resulting in a different presentation of the financial statements. Additionally, other companies may utilize different estimates that may impact comparability of the Partnership’s results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses.

 

Below is a discussion of the accounting policies that management considers to be critical in that they may require complex judgment in their application or require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.

 

Investment in Real Estate Assets

 

Management is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of its depreciable assets. Management considers the period of future benefit of the asset to determine the appropriate useful lives. These assessments have a direct impact on net income. The estimated useful lives of the Joint Ventures’ assets by class are as follows:

 

Building

 

25 years

Building improvements

 

Remaining useful life of the building

Land improvements

 

20 years

Tenant improvements

 

Lease term

 

In the event that management uses inappropriate useful lives or methods for depreciation, the Partnership’s net income would be misstated.

 

Valuation of Real Estate Assets

 

Management continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the real estate assets in which the Partnership has an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in Joint Ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present which indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate assets may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the real estate assets by determining whether the carrying value of the real estate assets will be recovered through the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, management adjusts the real estate assets to the fair value and recognizes an impairment loss. Management has determined that there has been no impairment in the carrying value of real estate assets held by the Partnership as of March 31, 2004.

 

Projections of expected future cash flows require management to estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, discount rates, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property, and the number of years the property is held for investment. The use of inappropriate assumptions in the future cash flow analysis would result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s future cash flows and fair value, and could result in the overstatement of the carrying value of real estate assets held by the Joint Ventures and net income of the Partnership.

 

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(g)   Certain Litigation Involving our General Partners

 

On or about March 12, 2004, a putative class action complaint (the “complaint”) relating to Wells Real Estate Fund I, a public limited partnership that offered units from September 6, 1984 through September 5, 1986 (“Wells Fund I”), was filed by four individuals (the “plaintiffs”) against Leo F. Wells, III, Wells Capital, Wells Investment Securities, Inc., Wells Management, and Wells Fund I (collectively, the “Wells Defendants”) (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04-A-2791 2). The Wells Defendants received notice of the complaint on or about March 19, 2004. The plaintiffs filed the complaint purportedly on behalf of all limited partners holding B units of Wells Fund I as of January 15, 2003. The complaint alleges, among other things, that (a) during the offering period (September 6, 1984 through September 5, 1986), Mr. Wells, Wells Capital, Wells Investment Securities, Inc., and Wells Fund I negligently or fraudulently made false statements and made material omissions in connection with the initial sale of the B units to investors of Wells Fund I by making false statements and omissions in the Wells Fund I sales literature relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds to holders of B units; (b) Mr. Wells, Wells Capital and Wells Fund I negligently or fraudulently misrepresented and concealed disclosure of, among other things, alleged discrepancies between such statements and the provisions in the partnership agreement for a period of time in order to delay such investors from taking any legal, equitable or other action to protect their investments in Wells Fund I, among other reasons; and (c) Mr. Wells, Wells Capital and Wells Fund I breached their fiduciary duties to the limited partners. The plaintiffs seek, among other remedies, the following: rescission of all purported class members’ purchases of B units and an order for a full refund of all money paid for such units together with interest; judgment against the Wells Defendants, jointly and severally, in an amount to be proven at trial; punitive damages; judicial dissolution of Wells Fund I and the appointment of a receiver to wind up and terminate the partnership; and an award to plaintiffs of their attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses.

 

(h)   Subsequent Event

 

On April 29, 2004, four Wells affiliated Joint Ventures (collectively, the “Seller,” defined below) sold the five real properties (the “Sale Properties,” defined below) located in Stockbridge, Georgia to an unrelated third party (“the Purchaser”) for a gross sale price of $23,750,000. The Partnership holds an equity interest of approximately 42.8% in Fund III-IV Associates. As a result of the sale of Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million and a gain of approximately $2 million have been allocated to the Partnership.

 

 


(Collectively, the “Seller”)

The Joint Ventures

  Joint Venture Partners   Sale Properties

Fund III-IV Associates

 

•   Wells Real Estate Fund III, L.P.

•   Wells Real Estate Fund IV, L.P.

 

1. Stockbridge Village Shopping Center

A retail shopping center located in Stockbridge, Georgia


Fund V and Fund VI Associates

(“Fund V-VI Associates”)

 

•   Wells Real Estate Fund V, L.P.

•   Wells Real Estate Fund VI, L.P.

 

2. Stockbridge Village II

Two retail buildings located in Stockbridge, Georgia


Fund VI and Fund VII Associates

(“Fund VI-VII Associates”)

 

•   Wells Real Estate Fund VI, L.P.

•   Wells Real Estate Fund VII, L.P.

 

3. Stockbridge Village I Expansion

A retail shopping center expansion located in Stockbridge, Georgia

4. Stockbridge Village III

Two retail buildings located in Stockbridge, Georgia


 

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(Collectively, the “Seller”)

The Joint Ventures

  Joint Venture Partners   Sale Properties

Fund VII and Fund VIII Associates

(“Fund VII-VIII Associates”)

 

•  Wells Real Estate Fund VII, L.P.

•  Wells Real Estate Fund VIII, L.P.

 

5. Hannover Center

A retail center located in Stockbridge, Georgia

 

ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

Since the Partnership does not borrow any money, make any foreign investments, or invest in any market risk-sensitive instruments, it is not subject to risks relating to interest rates, foreign current exchange rate fluctuations, or the other market risks contemplated by Item 305 of Regulation S-K.

 

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management of Wells Capital, the corporate general partner of one of the General Partners of the Partnership, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There were no significant changes in the Partnership’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)   The Exhibits to this report are set forth on Exhibit Index to First Quarter Form 10-Q.

 

(b)   No reports on Form 8-K were filed with the Commission during the first quarter of 2004.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

       

WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

(Registrant)

       

By: WELLS PARTNERS, L.P.

 (General Partner)

 

By: WELLS CAPITAL

(Corporate General Partner)

May 10, 2004      

/s/    LEO F. WELLS, III


Leo F. Wells, III

President

 

May 10, 2004

     

 

/s/    DOUGLAS P. WILLIAMS


Douglas P. Williams

Principal Financial Officer

of Wells Capital, Inc.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

TO

FIRST QUARTER FORM 10-Q

OF

WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

Exhibit

No.


  

Description


31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002