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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 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 Parkway,
Norcross, Georgia
  30092-3365
(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  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes  ¨    No  x

 



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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. Specifically, among others, we consider statements concerning projections of future operating results and cash flows, our ability to meet future obligations, and the amount and timing of future distributions to limited partners to be forward-looking statements.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that 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. 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 follow:

 

General economic risks

 

    Adverse changes in general or local economic conditions;

 

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

 

Real estate risks inherent in properties owned through joint ventures

 

    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 retaining or obtaining new tenants upon lease expiration at acceptable rental amounts;

 

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

 

    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 not recoverable from tenants;

 

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    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;

 

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

 

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

 

Other operational risks

 

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

 

    Wells Capital’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 in the current regulatory environment;

 

    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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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page No.

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    
    Item 1.   

Financial Statements

    
        

Balance Sheets—June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003

   5
        

Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and 2003 (unaudited)

   6
        

Statements of Partners’ Capital for the Year Ended December 31, 2003 and the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 (unaudited)

   7
        

Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
(unaudited) and 2003 (unaudited)

   8
        

Condensed Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

   9
    Item 2.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions 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

   21

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

BALANCE SHEETS

 

ASSETS

 

    

June 30,

2004

(unaudited)


   December 31,
2003


Investments in joint ventures

   $ 4,149,327    $ 6,898,318

Cash and cash equivalents

     6,604,554      2,007,826

Due from joint ventures

     98,941      102,117
    

  

Total assets

   $ 10,852,822    $ 9,008,261
    

  

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

Liabilities:

             

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 9,726    $ 2,324

Partners’ capital:

             

Limited partners:

             

Class A—1,322,909 units outstanding

     10,716,299      9,005,937

Class B—38,551 units outstanding

     126,797      0

General partners

     0      0
    

  

Total partners’ capital

     10,843,096      9,005,937
    

  

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

   $ 10,852,822    $ 9,008,261
    

  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


  

Six Months Ended

June 30,


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

EQUITY IN INCOME OF JOINT VENTURES (Note 2)

   $ 1,891,837    $ 108,581    $ 1,904,659    $ 245,138

EXPENSES:

                           

Partnership administration

     38,938      21,513      53,651      41,559

Legal and accounting

     12,567      4,277      20,235      13,109

Computer costs

     689      2,029      954      3,373
    

  

  

  

Total expenses

     52,194      27,819      74,840      58,041

OTHER INCOME

     6,599      8      7,340      355
    

  

  

  

NET INCOME

   $ 1,846,242    $ 80,770    $ 1,837,159    $ 187,452
    

  

  

      

NET INCOME ALLOCATED TO CLASS A LIMITED PARTNERS

   $ 1,719,445    $ 80,770    $ 1,710,362    $ 187,452
    

  

  

  

NET INCOME ALLOCATED TO CLASS B LIMITED PARTNERS

   $ 126,797    $ 0    $ 126,797    $ 0
    

  

  

  

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT:

                           

CLASS A

   $ 1.30    $ 0.06    $ 1.29    $ 0.14
    

  

  

  

CLASS B

   $ 3.29    $ 0.00    $ 3.29    $ 0.00
    

  

  

  

DISTRIBUTION OF OPERATING CASH PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT:

                           

CLASS A

   $ 0.00    $ 0.00    $ 0.00    $ 0.14
    

  

  

  

CLASS B

   $ 0.00    $ 0.00    $ 0.00    $ 0.00
    

  

  

  

 

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 SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 (unaudited)

 

     Limited Partners

       

Total

Partners’

Capital


 
     Class A

    Class B

  

General

Partners


  
     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  

Distributions of operating cash flow

   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 income

   0      1,710,362     0      126,797      0      1,837,159  
    
  


 
  

  

  


BALANCE, June 30, 2004

   1,322,909    $ 10,716,299     38,551    $ 126,797    $ 0    $ 10,843,096  
    
  


 
  

  

  


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net income

   $ 1,837,159     $ 187,452  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Equity in income of joint ventures

     (1,904,659 )     (245,138 )

Operating distributions received from joint ventures

     108,861       465,585  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     7,402       (8,415 )
    


 


Total adjustments

     (1,788,396 )     212,032  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     48,763       399,484  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Investment in joint ventures

     (597,020 )     0  

Net sale proceeds received from joint ventures

     5,144,985       0  
    


 


Net cash provided by investing activities

     4,547,965       0  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Distributions paid to limited partners

     0       (380,335 )
    


 


NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     4,596,728       19,149  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

     2,007,826       28,619  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

   $ 6,604,554     $ 47,768  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

JUNE 30, 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 entities affiliated with the General Partners. 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 (1)

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 (2)

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 April 2004.
(2)   This property was sold in September 2003.

 

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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. Approval of the other joint venture partners is required for any major decision or any action that would materially affect the Joint Venture, or their real property investments. For further information regarding the Joint Ventures and foregoing properties, refer to the report filed for the Partnership on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

On September 29, 2003, Fund IV-V Associates sold the Village Overlook Property to an unrelated third party for a gross sales 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.

 

On April 29, 2004, four Wells affiliated Joint Ventures, including Fund III-IV Associates, sold five real properties, including Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, to an unrelated third party for a gross sales price of $23,750,000. As a result of the sale of Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, net proceeds of approximately $5,100,000, and a gain of approximately $2,000,000 were allocated to the Partnership.

 

(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.

 

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(d)   Distributions of Net Cash From Operations

 

Cash from operations, if available, is generally distributed to limited partners quarterly. In accordance with the partnership agreement, such 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 from operations 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.

 

(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.

 

(f)   Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year financial statement presentation.

 

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

 

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exercise significant influence. Approval of the Partnership as well as the other joint venture partners is required for any major decision or any action that would materially affect the Joint Ventures, or their real property investments. 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 financial statements and footnotes included in the Partnership’s 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 and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively:

 

     Total Revenues

   Income (Loss) From
Continuing Operations


    Income From
Discontinued Operations


   Net Income (Loss)

 
     Three Months Ended
June 30,


  

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Three Months Ended

June 30,


  

Three Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

   2003

   2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

   2004

     2003

 

Fund III-IV Associates

   $ 0    $ 155,719    $ (116,763 )   $ 41,512     $ 4,680,976    $ 267,074    $ 4,564,213      $ 308,586  

Fund IV-V Associates

     37,373      116,547      (170,237 )     (101,660 )     7,974      39,382      (162,263 )      (62,278 )
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


  


     $ 37,373    $ 272,266    $ (287,000 )   $ (60,148 )   $ 4,688,950    $ 306,456    $ 4,401,950      $ 246,308  
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


  


 

     Total Revenues

   Income (Loss) From
Continuing Operations


    Income From
Discontinued Operations


   Net Income (Loss)

 
     Six Months Ended
June 30,


  

Six Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


  

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

   2003

   2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

   2004

     2003

 

Fund III-IV Associates

   $ 0    $ 314,113    $ (204,597 )   $ 74,431     $ 4,979,450    $ 538,966    $ 4,774,853      $ 613,397  

Fund IV-V Associates

     55,919      377,123      (376,553 )     (132,978 )     9,048      86,986      (367,505 )      (45,992 )
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


  


     $ 55,919    $ 691,236    $ (581,150 )   $ (58,547 )   $ 4,988,498    $ 625,952    $ 4,407,348      $ 567,405  
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


  


 

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 the Joint Ventures equal to (a) of the gross monthly collections, 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 Partnership’s share of management and leasing fees and lease acquisition costs incurred through the Joint Ventures was $5,229 and $27,194 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $12,625 and $62,395 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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(b)   Administration Reimbursements

 

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 various other entities affiliated with the General Partners (the “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 $23,241 and $12,255 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $35,854 and $27,277 for the six months ended June 30, 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.   CONTINGENCIES

 

By Order dated June 3, 2004, the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, dismissed, without prejudice, the putative class action complaint filed on or about March 12, 2004 against Leo F. Wells, III, Wells Capital, and certain affiliates of Wells Capital relating to Wells Real Estate Fund I, an affiliate of the General Partners (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04-A-2791 2).

 

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 typically operates through 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.

 

    Fundraising phase

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

 

    Investing phase

The period during which the Partnership invests the capital raised during the fundraising 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.

 

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    Disposition and Liquidation phase

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

 

Portfolio Overview

 

The Partnership has moved from the positioning-for-sale phase into the disposition and liquidation phase of its life cycle. We have sold two assets, including the recent sale of Stockbridge Village Shopping Center. Our focus on the remaining assets involves re-leasing and marketing efforts that we believe will result in the best disposition pricing for our investors.

 

The recent sale of the Stockbridge Village Shopping Center on April 29, 2004, was a highlight for the Partnership, which held an interest of approximately 43% in Stockbridge Village Shopping Center. The sale capitalized on the current strong investor demand for grocery-anchored shopping centers in the market. We also have made good leasing progress at the 10407 Centurion Parkway North property, raising the occupancy level to approximately 63% with the recent lease with ADP. After the close of the quarter, we signed two new leases at 4400 Cox Road with Apex Systems and New York Life for a total of approximately 32,500 square feet, representing over 75% of the building. Lastly, we also have announced the first distribution of net sale proceeds to limited partners, scheduled for the fourth quarter 2004, totaling $4,627,000 from the sales of Village Overlook Property and Stockbridge Village Shopping Center.

 

With only two properties remaining in the Partnership, the General Partners are currently reserving operating cash and net sale proceeds to fund the re-leasing costs anticipated for the 4400 Cox Road property and the remaining vacancy at 10407 Centurion Parkway North. We anticipate that operating distributions will continue to be reserved in the near term, as re-leasing occurs at both properties, particularly given that operating cash flow will decrease with the recent sale of the Stockbridge Village Shopping Center property. As 2004 progresses and the outcome of the property re-leasing effort is known, the General Partners will evaluate if further distributions of net sale proceeds are appropriate.

 

As of June 30, 2004, current Class A unit holders have received cumulative net operating cash flows of approximately $8.8 million, as compared to approximately $13.2 million originally invested, or approximately 67% of the dollars invested since inception. No operating distributions have been made to investors holding Class B units or to the General Partners, in line with the partnership agreement.

 

Property Summary

 

    The leasing efforts at 10407 Centurion Parkway North continue. An 18,843-square-foot lease with Synovus Bank was signed in the first quarter 2004, with a lease term from June 1, 2004, through May 31, 2015. We have executed a lease with ADP for approximately 32,000 square feet for a lease term of July 1, 2004, through November 30, 2009. We also executed a 3,040-square-foot lease with Commercial Jacksonville, effective June 1, 2004, through November 30, 2009. These leases bring the building occupancy to approximately 63%.

 

    The 4400 Cox Road property was previously occupied by the Reciprocal Group. We are in the process of re-leasing the building, having signed two new leases after the close of the quarter. Apex Systems, Inc. leased approximately 17,500 square feet, and this lease will extend from September 2004 through June 2015. New York Life Insurance leased approximately 15,000 square feet, and this lease will extend from November 2004 through February 2015.

 

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    The Stockbridge Village Shopping Center was sold on April 29, 2004, and approximately $5,145,000 in net sales proceeds has been allocated to the Partnership. Approximately $109,000 of these proceeds was used to fund re-leasing capital at 10407 Centurion Parkway North. The General Partners have reviewed costs anticipated to re-lease 4400 Cox Road and determined that approximately $3,066,000 of these net sales proceeds can be distributed, which is scheduled for the fourth quarter 2004. The remaining proceeds of approximately $1,969,000 will be reserved to fund the pro rata share of re-leasing costs at 4400 Cox Road.

 

    Village Overlook Property was sold in 2003, and approximately $1,882,000 of the net sales proceeds was allocated to the Partnership. We have allocated approximately $321,000 to fund the Partnership’s pro rata share of leasing costs and capital expenditures at 10407 Centurion Parkway North. The remaining net sales proceeds of approximately $1,561,000 are planned to be distributed in the fourth quarter 2004.

 

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 move further into the disposition and liquidation phase, our attention will shift to locating suitable buyers, 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 buyer.

 

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 on the road to recovery. 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. Market fundamentals are improving, and new office jobs are slowly being created. 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 this asset class. The increase in capital drives the prices of many properties upward and investor returns downward. There is a significant pricing differential in the underwriting parameters of 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 have peaked and are expected to trend downward moderately through the end of 2004. There is some encouraging news, in that construction continues to taper off and has come 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. Many industry professionals believe office market fundamentals have bottomed-out; however, a recovery cannot be expected until job growth and corresponding demand for office space continue to increase.

 

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

 

Real estate funds, such as the Partnership, that invest in properties with current vacancies or near-term tenant rollover may face a challenging leasing environment. In connection with re-leasing vacant space, the properties within these funds will encounter lower market rental rates and higher concession packages to tenants.

 

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

 

Equity in Income of Joint Ventures

 

Equity in income of the Joint Ventures was $1,891,837 and $108,581 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $1,904,659 and $245,138 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 2004 increases are primarily attributable to (i) the gain recognized on the April 2004 sale of Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, (ii) a decrease in management fees due to tenants vacating 10407 Centurion Parkway North and 4400 Cox Road during 2003, (iii) a decline in property taxes for 10407 Centurion Parkway North due to a reassessment, partially offset by (iv) a significant decrease in occupancy and write-off of tenant improvements and leasing costs related to 10407 Centurion Parkway North in the second quarter of 2003, and (v) the termination of the 4400 Cox Road lease in the third quarter of 2003.

 

We expect future equity in income of Joint Ventures to increase as a result of entering into leases for approximately 61% of the 10407 Centurion Parkway North property and approximately 75% of the 4400 Cox Road property at current prevailing market rates.

 

Expenses of the Partnership

 

Total expenses of the Partnership were $52,194 and $27,819 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $74,840 and $58,041 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 2004 increases are primarily due to corresponding increases in administrative salaries, accounting fees, postage and delivery, and printing costs associated with increased reporting and regulatory requirements. We anticipate additional increases related to implementing and adhering to such reporting and regulatory requirements going forward.

 

(c)   Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our operating strategy entails funding expenses related to the recurring operations of the properties and the portfolio with operating cash flows, including distributions received from the Joint Ventures, and assessing the amount of 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 a result, the ongoing monitoring of the Partnership’s cash position is critical to ensuring that adequate liquidity and capital resources are available. Economic downturns in one or more of our core markets could adversely impact the ability of our tenants to honor lease payments and our ability to re-lease space on favorable terms as leases expire or space otherwise becomes vacant. In the event of either situation, cash flows and, consequently, our ability to provide funding for capital needs would be adversely affected.

 

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Short-Term Liquidity

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Partnership generated net operating cash flows, including distributions received from the Joint Ventures, of approximately $49,000 as compared to approximately $399,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The 2004 decline is primarily attributable to a corresponding decline in operating distributions received from the Joint Ventures due to funding re-leasing costs for 10407 Centurion Parkway North. Operating distributions from the Joint Ventures are generally representative of rental revenues and tenant reimbursements, less property operating expenses, management fees, general administrative expenses, and capital expenditures. The Partnership reserved operating distributions to limited partners for the first six months of 2004 in order to fund the Partnership’s pro rata portion of the costs anticipated in connection with re-leasing 10407 Centurion Parkway North and 4400 Cox Road and anticipate continuing to reserve distributions until such costs are funded.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Partnership invested approximately $430,000 of net proceeds generated from previous property sales and $167,000 generated from operations in Fund IV-V Associates in order to provide funding for building improvements, tenant improvements, and leasing commissions related to new leases for approximately 60% of 10407 Centurion Parkway North.

 

Operating distributions from the Joint Ventures have declined as a result of the sales of properties in previous and current periods and are expected to continue to decline as we sell additional properties in subsequent periods. Future operating distributions paid to limited partners will be largely dependent upon the amount of cash generated from the Joint Ventures, our expectations of future cash flows, and determination of near-term cash needs for tenant re-leasing costs and other capital improvements.

 

We believe that the cash on hand and distributions due from the Joint Ventures are sufficient to cover the Partnership’s working capital needs, including liabilities of approximately $10,000 as of June 30, 2004. During the remainder of 2004, the General Partners anticipate that the Partnership will fund its proportionate share of (i) the remaining capital expenditures for 10407 Centurion Parkway North, which are necessary to prepare the vacant space (approximately 40% of the building) for leasing, and (ii) costs anticipated in connection with re-leasing 4400 Cox Road, which is currently vacant (leases have been executed for approximately 75% of the building). These capital expenditures will be funded predominantly from net sale proceeds as further described in the Capital Resources section below.

 

Long-Term Liquidity

 

We expect that our future sources of capital will be primarily derived from net proceeds generated from the selective and strategic sale of properties in previous, current and future periods, as well as operating cash flows generated from the Joint Ventures. Our future long-term liquidity requirements will include, but not be limited to, tenant improvements, leasing commissions, renovations, and other significant capital improvements necessary for properties owned through the Joint Ventures. We expect to continue to use substantially all future net cash flows from operations, including distributions received from the Joint Ventures, less expenses related to the recurring operations of the properties and the portfolio and reserves for known capital expenditures, to pay operating distributions to the limited partners, if available.

 

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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 the partners’ original capital contributions. Thus, it is unlikely that we will acquire interests in any additional properties. Historically, our investment strategy has generally involved acquiring properties that are pre-leased to creditworthy tenants on an all cash basis through the Joint Ventures with affiliated partnerships.

 

We incur capital expenditures primarily in the form of building improvements for the purpose of maintaining the quality of our properties, and tenant improvements for the purpose of readying our properties for re-leasing. As leases expire, we typically attempt to re-lease space to an existing tenant or market the space to prospective new tenants. Generally, tenant improvements funded in connection with lease renewals require less capital than those funded in connection with new leases. However, external conditions, such as the supply of and demand for comparable space available within a given market, drive capital costs as well as rental rates.

 

Operating cash flows, if available, are generally distributed from the Joint Ventures to the Partnership during the second month following each calendar quarter-end. However, the Joint Ventures will reserve operating distributions, or a portion thereof, as needed in order to fund known capital and other expenditures. Our cash management policy typically includes first utilizing current period operating cash flow until depleted, at which point operating reserves are utilized to fund capital and other required expenditures. In the event that current and prior period accumulated operating cash flows are insufficient to fund such costs, net property sale proceeds reserves would then be utilized.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Partnership had received, used, and held net proceeds from the sale of properties as presented below:

 

Property Sold


  

Total Net

Proceeds


  

Partnership’s

Approximate

Ownership %


   

Net Proceeds

Attributable to
the

Partnership


   Net Proceeds Invested

  

Distributed to

Partners to date


    

Undistributed

Net Proceeds

as of

June 30, 2004


           Amount

   Purpose

       

Village Overlook
Property (2003)

   $ 4,995,305    37.7 %   $ 1,881,577    $ 320,836    Re-leasing the
10407 Centurion
Parkway building
(2004)
   $ 0      $ 1,560,741

Stockbridge Village Shopping Center (2004)

     12,024,223    42.8 %     5,144,985      109,234    Re-leasing the
10407 Centurion
Parkway building
(2004)
     0        5,035,751
                 

  

       

    

Total

                $ 7,026,562    $ 430,070         $ 0      $ 6,596,492
                 

  

       

    

 

Upon evaluating the capital needs of the properties in which the Partnership currently holds an interest, the General Partners determined that reserves of net sale proceeds of approximately $1,969,000 will be required to fund the costs anticipated in connection with re-leasing the 4400 Cox Road and 10407 Centurion Parkway North. The General Partners anticipate distributing residual net sales proceeds of approximately $4,627,000 in the fourth quarter of 2004 to the limited partners of record as of September 30, 2004, which under the terms of the partnership agreement does not include limited partners acquiring their units after June 30, 2004.

 

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(d)   Related-Party Transactions

 

The Partnership and the Joint Ventures have entered into agreements with Wells Capital, the General Partner of Wells Partners, L.P., and its affiliates, whereby the Partnership or the 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 3 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.

 

(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:

 

Buildings

   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.

 

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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 the 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 June 30, 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.

 

(g)   Certain Litigation Involving our General Partners

 

By Order dated June 3, 2004, the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, dismissed, without prejudice, the putative class action complaint filed on or about March 12, 2004 against Leo F. Wells, III, Wells Capital, and certain affiliates of Wells Capital relating to Wells Real Estate Fund I, an affiliate of the General Partners (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04-A-2791 2).

 

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.

 

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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 Second Quarter Form 10-Q attached hereto.

 

(b)   The Partnership filed the following Current Reports on Form 8-K during the second quarter of 2004:

 

  (i)   On May 10, 2004, the Partnership filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2004, reporting the sale of the Stockbridge Village Shopping Center; and

 

  (ii)   On June 24, 2004, the Partnership filed Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated April 29, 2004, providing the required financial statements relating to the sale of the Stockbridge Village Shopping Center.

 

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)

August 12, 2004  

/s/    LEO F. WELLS, III


   

Leo F. Wells, III

President

August 12, 2004

 

/s/    DOUGLAS P. WILLIAMS


   

Douglas P. Williams

Principal Financial Officer

of Wells Capital, Inc.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

TO

SECOND QUARTER FORM 10-Q

OF

WELLS REAL ESTATE FUND IV, L.P.

 

Exhibit
    No.


 

Description


10.1   Purchase and Sale Agreement for Stockbridge Village Shopping Center, Stockbridge Village II, Stockbridge Village III, Stockbridge Village I Expansion, and Hannover Center (previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Fund III, L.P. for the period ending June 30, 2004, Commission File No. 0-08407, and hereby incorporated by this reference)
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