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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

FORM 10-K - ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13

OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

(Mark One)

☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

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: 0-8952

     

SB Partners

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     

New York

 

13-6294787

     

(State or other Jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

 incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

     
     

1 New Haven Avenue, Suite 102A, Milford, Ct.

 

06460

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

  (Zip Code)

     
     

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 

(203) 283-9593

     
     

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     

Title of each Class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

NONE

   
     
     

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

     

Units of Limited Partnership Interests

(Title of Class)

 

 

2

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act from their obligations under those sections. ☐ Yes ☒ No

 

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 ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T(§232.405 of this chapter) during the proceeding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

         

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated file, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “non-accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

 

☐ Large Accelerated Filer      ☐ Accelerated Filer      ☒ Non-Accelerated Filer      ☐ Smaller Reporting Company

 

☐ Emerging Growth Company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

 

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

 

NOTE: If a determination as to whether a particular person or entity is an affiliate cannot be made without involving unreasonable effort and expense, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates may be calculated on the basis of assumptions reasonable under the circumstances, provided that the assumptions are set forth in this Form.

Not Applicable

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12,13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. ☐ Yes ☐ No

Not Applicable

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Not Applicable

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933. The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes (e.g. annual report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 24, 1980).

None

 

 

3

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Description of SB Partners (the Registrant)

 

The Registrant is a New York limited partnership formed to engage in acquiring, operating and holding for investment a varying portfolio of real estate interests. The Registrant's initial public offering was in 1971, the year it began operations. As of December 31, 2020, the Registrant owns an industrial flex property in Maple Grove, Minnesota. In addition, the Registrant has a thirty percent interest in Sentinel Omaha, LLC (“Omaha”). Omaha is a real estate investment company which as of December 31, 2020 owns five multifamily properties in three markets. Omaha is an affiliate of the Registrant’s general partner.

 

The principal objectives of the Registrant are, first, to obtain capital appreciation through equity investments in real estate; second, to generate cash available for distribution, a portion of which may not be currently taxable; and third, to the extent still permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to generate tax losses which may offset the limited partners' income from the Registrant and certain other sources.

 

The Registrant’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov and type in 0000087047 for the Registrant’s CIK.

 

COVID -19

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Registrant and Omaha may be operating in a challenging and uncertain economic environment. Financial and real estate companies may be affected by liquidity, disparity of real estate values and financing issues. Should market conditions deteriorate, there is no assurance that such conditions will not result in decreased cash flows or ability to repay, refinance or extend Omaha's debt when it comes due, which could result in the sale of investments at amounts less than the reported value at December 31, 2020.

 

Recent Developments and Real Estate Investment Factors

 

Omaha’s portfolio consists exclusively of older multi-family properties located in secondary and tertiary markets. During 2020 and 2019, physical and economic occupancy remained stable at most of Omaha’s properties. However rent collections were lower during the second half of 2020 due to delinquencies from residents negatively impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic economic downturn. Average net rental income increased at a slower rate of 0.72% for 2020 vs. 1.8% for 2019 and 1.7% for 2018 (see Item 2. Properties). All of Omaha’s current property mortgage loans pay interest based on floating interest rates tied to the SIFMA bond index rate. During March 2020 the SIFMA bond rate increased significantly for a three week period as the market reacted to the extreme uncertainty in the initial stages of the Covid 19 pandemic. However by mid-April the SIFMA bond rate had declined to .21% and has remained in a range of .08% to .21% during the rest of 2020.

 

During 2019, Omaha sold its garden apartment property located in Independence, Missouri. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. Also during 2019, Omaha sold its garden apartment property located in Columbus, Ohio. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses. Remaining net sales proceeds were used to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering its garden apartment property located in Charleston, South Carolina to further pay down Omaha’s overall debt.

 

On April 11, 2019, Sentinel Omaha paid a distribution to Registrant in the amount of $5,100,000. On April 16, 2019, the general partner declared a distribution of $400 per full unit for all partners holding units or participations on May 31, 2019. The distribution was paid on June 4, 2019. On May 31, 2019, Sentinel Omaha paid a distribution to Registrant in the amount of $3,300,000. The distribution was used to pay accrued investment management fees and accrued expenses, and to increase cash reserves of the Registrant.

 

 

4

 

During 2020, Omaha sold one of its garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. Remaining net sales proceeds were used to pay a distribution to its investors in January 2021 including $10,800,000 to Registrant, and to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering another garden apartment property located in Nashville, Tennessee to further pay down Omaha’s overall debt.  In January 2021, Registrant declared a distribution of $1,300 for a full unit for all partners holding units or participations on February 1, 2021.  The distribution was paid on February 28, 2021.

 

Omaha reports its investments in real estate properties on a fair value basis and for the year ended December 31, 2020 Omaha reported an increase of $6,900,000 (3.8%) in the value of its portfolio over the same properties as of the year ended December 31, 2019. The total real estate portfolio value of $190,600,000 as of December 31, 2020 consists of the same properties which made up Omaha’s portfolio as of December 31, 2019 with the exception of the property sold during 2020 as referred to above. Registrant as of the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 recognized a value in the Omaha investment equal to Registrant’s 30% portion of the equity reported on Omaha’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively less a 20% reserve for possible unforeseen disruptions in the property and capital markets. The investment in a 30% non-controlling interest would still be valued at a discount due to the lack of control and liquidity.

 

As noted above, all of Omaha’s property mortgage loans use floating rates based on the SIFMA bond index rate plus the credit spread. During March 2020 the SIFMA bond index rate increased significantly for a three week period as the market reacted to the extreme uncertainty in the initial stages of the Covid 19 pandemic. However by mid-April the SIFMA bond rate had declined to .21% and has remained in a range of .21% to .08% during the rest of 2020. During 2019 the floating rates on Omaha loans decreased as short term LIBOR rates and bond index rates decreased. Fixed mortgage loan interest rates decreased to an approximate range of 3.82% in early 2020 to 2.85% near the end of 2020. Although changes in fixed mortgage rates do not impact the operating cash flow of the Omaha properties directly, changes in fixed and floating rates on commercial mortgage debt can have an impact on capitalization rates and the sales prices Omaha may achieve in the future. Omaha anticipates the net operating income from its remaining portfolio to be flat during 2021 as compared to 2020.

 

Registrant has only one wholly owned property which is located in Maple Grove, Minnesota. It is 100% leased to a single tenant whose lease expires October 31, 2024. The tenant pays fixed base rent which increases approximately 3% each year. The tenant pays directly or reimburses Registrant for all utilities, real estate taxes, insurance and most of the property operating expenses and property management fees. If the tenant defaulted the Registrant would have no internal source of funds until the space is released to a new tenant or Registrant receives distributions from Omaha.

 

The Registrant has no other debt except normal trade accounts payable and a security deposit held for the tenant leasing the space at the Maple Grove property.

 

(Please refer to Item 7. – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

 

ITEM 1A. Risks Factors

 

This report on Form 10-K includes statements that constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27(A) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21(E) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. By their nature, all forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, those risks described below:

 

 

5

 

Covid-19

 

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Registrant and Omaha may be operating in a challenging and uncertain economic environment. Financial and real estate companies may be affected by liquidity, disparity of real estate values and financing issues. Should market conditions deteriorate, there is no assurance that such conditions will not result in decreased cash flows or ability to repay, refinance or extend Omaha's debt when it comes due, which could result in the sale of investments at amounts less than the reported value at December 31, 2020. 

 

General

 

The Registrant's investments consist of direct or indirect investments in real property and as such will be subject to varying degrees of risk generally incident to the ownership of real estate assets. The underlying value of the Registrant's direct real property and the Registrant's financial condition will be dependent upon its ability to operate the property in a manner sufficient to maintain or increase revenues and to generate sufficient income in excess of ownership and operating expenses. The underlying value of the Registrant's real estate investment will be dependent upon the investment’s managing partner’s ability to operate its properties in a manner sufficient to maintain or increase revenues and to generate sufficient income in excess of ownership and operating expenses. Income from the wholly owned property and the properties of the investments may be adversely affected by changes in national and local economic conditions such as oversupply of industrial flex space or apartments in the Registrant's markets, the attractiveness of the properties to tenants, changes in interest rates and in the availability, cost and terms of mortgage financing, the ongoing need for capital improvements, particularly in older structures, changes in real estate tax rates, adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies, adverse changes in zoning laws, civil unrest, acts of God, including natural disasters (which may result in uninsured losses), and other factors which are beyond the control of the Registrant. If the Registrant were unable to promptly renew the leases of a significant number of tenants, re-lease vacant spaces or, if the rental rates upon such renewal or re-letting were significantly lower than expected rates, the Registrant's results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to Unit holders may be adversely affected.

 

Risks of Liability and Loss

 

The development and ownership of real estate may result in liability to third parties due to conditions existing on a property which may result in injury. In addition, real estate may suffer a loss in value due to casualties such as fire or natural disaster. Such liability or loss may be uninsurable in some circumstances, such as a loss caused by the presence of mold or may exceed the limits of insurance maintained at typical amounts for the type and condition of the property. Real estate may also be taken, in whole or in part, by public authorities for public purposes in eminent domain proceedings. Awards resulting from such proceedings may not adequately compensate the Registrant for the value lost.

 

Value and Non-liquidity of Real Estate

 

Real estate investments are relatively non-liquid. The Registrant's ability to vary its portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions will therefore be limited. If the Registrant must sell an investment, there can be no assurance that it will be able to dispose of the investment in the time period it desires or that the sales price of the investment will recoup or exceed the amount of the Registrant's cost of the investment.

 

Potential Adverse Effect on Results of Operations Due to Operating Risks

 

The Registrant's real estate investments are subject to operating risks common to real estate in general, any and all of which may adversely affect occupancy or rental rates.

 

 

6

 

Environmental Issues

 

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on such property. These laws often impose environmental liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of such substances, or the failure to properly remediate their presence, may adversely affect the owner's or operator's ability to sell or rent the property or to borrow using the property as collateral. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at a disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is owned or operated by such person. Certain third parties may seek recovery from owners or operators of such properties or persons who arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances and, therefore, are potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other related costs, including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property.

 

Competition

 

The Registrant competes for tenants with many other real estate owners. The success of the Registrant in attracting tenants for its property will depend upon its ability to maintain its property and its attractiveness to tenants, new property developments, local conditions, and changing demographic trends. The Registrant's property is located in a developed area that includes other, similar properties. The number of competitive properties in a particular area could have a material effect on the Registrant's ability to lease industrial flex space and on the rents charged at such property.

 

General

 

Efforts required in complying with federal, state and local environmental regulations may have and may continue to have an adverse effect on the Registrant's operations in the future, although such costs have not historically been significant in amount.

 

The Registrant considers itself to be engaged in only one industry segment, real estate investment, and therefore information regarding industry segments is not applicable and has not been provided.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

 

7

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The property owned by the Registrant as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

     

Description

     

Percent

   

Occupancy

         

Property

Location

 

Sq. Ft.

   

Units

   

Acres

 

Acquisition

 

Ownership

   

12/31/2020

   

Mortgage

 
                                                     

Industrial Flex:

                                                   

Eagle Lake Business Center IV

Maple Grove, MN

    60,000       n/a       5.15  

Jun 02

    100 %     100 %   $ 0  

Eagle Lake Business Center IV is 100% leased to a single tenant whose lease expires October 31, 2024.

                 
                                                     
                                                     
Investment in Sentinel Omaha LLC:                                                    

5 garden apartment properties

3 U.S. markets

    n/a       1,514       n/a  

Sept. 07

    30 %     95 %     n/a  

 

Additional information regarding properties owned by the Registrant:

 

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

   

2016

 
                                         

Average Occupancy (a)

                                       

Eagle Lake Business Center IV (b)

    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %

Investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC (c)

    95.00 %     95.00 %     92.00 %     92.00 %     91.00 %
                                         
                                         

Effective Annual Rent (a)

                                       

Eagle Lake Business Center IV (b) (d)

  $ 20     $ 19     $ 18     $ 18     $ 18  

Investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC (c) (e)

  $ 11,684     $ 11,162     $ 10,968     $ 10,126     $ 10,012  

 

(a) For period of ownership.

(b) Property was purchased June 12, 2002.

(c) Investment was purchased September 2007.

(d) Average per square foot per annum. Base rent plus operating expense reimbursements from tenant, divided by the total number of square feet at the property. Expense reimbursements include only expenses paid by Registrant in accordance with the terms of each lease. Reimbursements by the tenant include real estate taxes, insurance and certain operating expenses. Amounts are annualized for periods of ownership of less than one year.

(e) Average per apartment unit per annum. Gross potential rent, less concessions and vacancies, divided by the total

number of apartment units at the property. Amounts are annualized for periods of ownership of less than one year.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

 

8

 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S UNITS OF PARTNERSHIP INTEREST AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS

 

The transfer of Units or Participations (equivalent to one-half Unit) is subject to certain limitations, including the consent of the General Partner. There is no public market for the Units and it is not anticipated that any such public market will develop. The number of Unit holders as of December 31, 2020 was 2,075.

 

At various times, the Registrant has generated and distributed cash to the Unit holders. Registrant paid a distribution during 2019 to Unit holders of record as of June 1, 2019 in the amount of $400 for each Unit owned. Registrant did not declare a distribution for 2020. Cumulative distributions since inception have totaled $114,849,350. However, there is no requirement to make such distributions nor can there be any assurance that future operations will generate cash available for distribution. In January 2021, Registrant declared a distribution of $1,300 for a full unit for all partners holding units or participations on February 1, 2021.  The distribution was paid on February 28, 2021.

 

 

9

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table sets forth selected financial data regarding the Registrant's financial condition and results of operations determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This data should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10‑K.

 

   

For the Years Ended December 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

   

2016

 
     

(In Thousands, Except Unit Data)

 
                                         

Income Statement Data:

                                       

Rental, Interest and Other Revenues

  $ 1,180     $ 1,131     $ 1,110     $ 1,081     $ 1,059  

Operating Expenses, Less Depreciation and Amortization

    (1,595 )     (1,559 )     (1,468 )     (1,418 )     (1,412 )

Depreciation and Amortization

    (165 )     (146 )     (171 )     (179 )     (179 )
                                         

Loss from Operations

    (580 )     (574 )     (529 )     (516 )     (532 )

Equity in Net Income of Investment

    7,637       6,829       5,842       11,320       9,895  

Reserve for Value of Investment

    (1,527 )     314       1,817       1,048       870  
                                         

Income from Continuing Operations

    5,530       6,569       7,130       11,852       10,233  
                                         

Gain on Extinguishment of Debt

    -       -       1,694       -       -  
                                         

Net Income

  $ 5,530     $ 6,569     $ 8,824     $ 11,852     $ 10,233  
                                         

Income from Continuing Operations per Unit of Partnership Interest:

  $ 713     $ 847     $ 920     $ 1,529     $ 1,320  
                                         

Gain on Extinguishment of Debt per Unit of Partnership Interest:

  $ -     $ -     $ 218     $ -     $ -  
                                         

Distributions paid per Unit of Partnership Interest

  $ -     $ 400     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                         

Weighted Average Number of Partnership Units Outstanding

    7,754       7,754       7,754       7,754       7,754  
                                         

Balance Sheet Data at Year End:

                                       
                                         

Real Estate, net

  $ 3,581     $ 3,746     $ 3,461     $ 3,467     $ 3,559  

Investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC, net

  $ 47,692     $ 41,582     $ 42,839     $ 37,580     $ 25,211  

Total Assets

  $ 51,834     $ 46,324     $ 46,646     $ 43,008     $ 30,606  

Loan Payable

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 5,719     $ 5,731  

Partners' Equity

  $ 51,569     $ 46,040     $ 42,571     $ 33,748     $ 21,895  

 

 

10

 

ITEM 7.          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

COMPANY OVERVIEW

 

The Registrant is a New York limited partnership formed to engage in acquiring, operating and holding for investment a varying portfolio of real estate interests. The Registrant's initial public offering was in 1971, the year it began operations. As of December 31, 2020, the Registrant owned an industrial flex property in Maple Grove, Minnesota and the Registrant has a thirty percent interest in Sentinel Omaha, LLC. Omaha is a real estate investment company which as of December 31, 2020 owns five multifamily properties in three markets. Omaha is an affiliate of the Registrant’s general partner.

 

The principal objectives of the Registrant are, first, to obtain capital appreciation through equity investments in real estate; second, to generate cash available for distribution, a portion of which may not be currently taxable; and third, to the extent still permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to generate tax losses which may offset the limited partners' income from the Registrant and certain other sources.

 

The consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 reflect the operations of one industrial flex property located in Maple Grove, Minnesota as well as a 30% interest in Omaha.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The summary should be read in conjunction with the more complete discussion of significant accounting policies included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Real Estate

 

Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation requires an estimate by management of the useful life of each property as well as an allocation of the costs associated with a property to its various components. If Registrant does not allocate these costs appropriately or incorrectly estimates the useful lives of its real estate, depreciation expense may be misstated.

 

Registrant’s wholly owned property located in Maple Grove, Minnesota is leased 100% to a single tenant whose lease expires October 31, 2024. The tenant pays fixed base rent which increases approximately 3% each year. The tenant pays directly or reimburses Registrant for all utilities, real estate taxes, insurance and most of the property operating expenses and property management fees.

 

Sentinel Omaha LLC’s portfolio consists of five garden apartment properties. Leases are generally one year or less. Tenants generally pay fixed rent plus utilities used by tenant.

 

Registrant's property is regularly evaluated for impairment. Impairment is determined by calculating the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows including the projected undiscounted future net proceeds from the sale of the property. In the event such sum is less than the net carrying value of the property, the property will be written down to estimated fair value. If the Partnership incorrectly estimates the value of the asset or the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charges may be different from those, if any, in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

11

 

Investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC

 

The Registrant has a 30% non-controlling interest in Omaha that is accounted for on a fair value basis. During 2019, Omaha sold its garden apartment property located in Independence, Missouri. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. Also during 2019, Omaha sold its garden apartment property located in Columbus, Ohio. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses. Remaining net sales proceeds were used to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering its garden apartment property located in Charleston, South Carolina to further pay down Omaha’s debt. During 2019, Omaha paid distributions totaling $28,000,000 to its members including $8,400,000 to Registrant.

 

During 2020, Omaha sold one of its garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. A portion of the remaining net sales proceeds were used in 2021 to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering one of its other garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee to further pay down Omaha’s debt. The rest of the remaining proceeds were used to pay a distribution to Omaha’s investors in 2021, including $10,800,000 to Registrant.  In January 2021, Registrant declared a distribution of $1,300 for a full unit for all partners holding units or participations on February 1, 2021.  The distribution was paid on February 28, 2021.

.

 

Omaha reports its investments in real estate properties on a fair value basis and for the year ended December 31, 2020 Omaha reported an increase of $6,900,000 (3.8%) in the value of its portfolio over the same properties as of the year ended December 31, 2019. The total real estate portfolio value of $190,600,000 as of December 31, 2020 consists of the same properties which made up Omaha’s portfolio as of December 31, 2019 with the exception of the property sold during 2020 as referred to above. Registrant as of the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 recognized a value in the Omaha investment equal to Registrant’s 30% portion of the equity reported on Omaha’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively less a 20% reserve for possible unforeseen disruptions in the property and capital markets. The investment in a 30% non-controlling interest would still be valued at a discount due to the lack of control and liquidity.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, Omaha reported net investment income of $10,586,967 of which the Registrant’s interest was $3,176,007. In addition, Omaha reported net unrealized depreciation of real estate properties and interest rate protection agreements of $8,286,294 of which Registrant’s interest was $2,485,888 for 2020. Also Omaha reported net realized gain on the sale of a real estate property of $23,157,727 of which the Registrant’s interest was $6,947,318.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, Omaha reported net investment income of $10,495,319 of which the Registrant’s interest was $3,148,596. In addition, Omaha reported net unrealized depreciation of real estate properties and interest rate protection agreements of $1,366,240 of which Registrant’s interest was $409,872 for 2019. Also Omaha reported net realized gain on the sale of two real estate properties of $13,634,547 of which the Registrant’s interest was $4,090,364.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, Omaha reported net investment income of $11,892,478 of which the Registrant’s interest was $3,567,718. In addition, Omaha reported net unrealized appreciation of real estate properties and interest rate protection agreements of $487,605 of which Registrant’s interest was $146,281 for 2018. Also Omaha reported net realized gain on the sale of three real estate properties of $7,093,942 of which the Registrant’s interest was $2,128,183.

 

Determination of the fair value of Omaha involves numerous estimates and subjective judgments that are subject to change in response to current and future economic and market conditions, including, among other things, demand for residential apartments, competition, and operating cost levels such as labor, energy costs, real estate taxes and market interest rates. Judgments regarding these factors are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may change from time to time as economic and market factors change.

 

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

 

12

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. The fair value is calculated based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity.

 

The three levels of fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2 - Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities or quoted prices in less active dealer or broker markets;

 

Level 3 - Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and are unobservable.

 

Estimated fair value of the underlying assets of Omaha was determined utilizing Level 3 inputs based upon independent appraisals or utilizing Level 2 inputs based upon sales contracts or bona fide sales offers.

 

Further, the investment in Omaha is not consolidated because other investors have substantive ownership and

participative rights regarding Omaha’s operations and therefore control does not vest in the Registrant. Were the Registrant deemed to control Omaha, it would have to be consolidated and therefore would impact the financial statements and related ratios.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Rental income is recognized when earned pursuant to the terms of the leases. Base rents and reimbursement of the tenants' share of certain operating expenses are generally recognized when due from tenants. Before Registrant can recognize revenue, it is required to assess, among other things, its collectability. Registrant continually analyzes the collectability of its revenue and will reserve against its revenue if conditions warrant such action.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2018-13). ASU 2018-13 is intended to improve fair value measurement disclosures by removing, modifying, and/or adding certain disclosures and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Partnership adopted ASU 2018-13 on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

Pursuant to the original investment agreement, the Partnership may be called upon to contribute, in cash, an additional $3,720,000 to the capital of Omaha, as and when required, as determined by the Manager.

 

 

13

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

As of December 31, 2020, Registrant had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $549,000 as compared to approximately $988,000 as of December 31, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents decreased during the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to partnership expenses paid partially offset by cash flow generated from operating activities at Registrant’s wholly owned property.

 

As of December 31, 2020, Registrant’s only consistent source of cash is rental income received from the tenant who leases 100% of the leasable space at Registrant’s wholly owned property in Maple Grove. The tenant reimburses Registrant for real estate taxes, insurance and most of the property’s operating expenses leaving a significant portion of the base rent received available to pay capital improvements and partnership administrative expenses.

 

Inflation and changing prices during the current period did not significantly affect the markets in which the Registrant conducts its business, or the Registrant’s business overall.

 

Omaha reports its investments in real estate properties on a fair value basis and for the year ended December 31, 2020 Omaha reported an increase of $6,900,000 in the value of its portfolio over the same properties as of the year ended December 31, 2019. The total real estate portfolio value of $190,600,000 as of December 31, 2020 consists of the same properties which made up Omaha’s portfolio as of December 31, 2019 with the exception of the property sold during 2020. Although the remaining commercial property owned by the Registrant is 100% occupied, it is occupied by a single tenant. According to a report by CBRE, the Minneapolis industrial market reported positive absorption, market rates remained steady and vacancy rates remained a low 4.7% in 2020. Registrant may still require a longer time period to replace the tenant at its property should a default occur and the space become vacant.

 

Registrant pays the General Partner and an affiliate of the General Partner fees for services performed. A portion of the fees during 2011 to 2018 were accrued while Registrant’s unsecured loan was outstanding. Since the unsecured loan had been retired in 2018, Registrant was allowed to pay the accrued fees and current fees. On April 11, 2019, Sentinel Omaha paid a distribution to Registrant in the amount of $5,100,000. On April 16, 2019, the general partner declared a distribution of $400 per full unit for all partners holding units or participations on May 31, 2019. The distribution was paid on June 4, 2019. On May 31, 2019, Sentinel Omaha paid a distribution to Registrant in the amount of $3,300,000. The distribution was used to pay accrued investment management fees and accrued expenses and to increase cash reserves of the Registrant. Registrant anticipates cash flow generated from the property located in Maple Grove and current cash reserves will be sufficient to pay ongoing operating and capital improvement costs, other working capital requirements of the Registrant and current fees due to the General Partner and its affiliate. The Registrant has no debt except normal trade accounts payable and a security deposit held for the tenant at Registrant’s wholly owned property.

 

During 2020, Omaha sold one of its garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. A portion of the remaining net sales proceeds were used in 2021 to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering one of its other garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee to further pay down Omaha’s debt. The rest of the remaining proceeds were used to pay a distribution to Omaha’s investors in 2021, including $10,800,000 to Registrant.  In January 2021, Registrant declared a distribution of $1,300 for a full unit for all partners holding units or participations on February 1, 2021.  The distribution was paid on February 28, 2021.

 

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

2020 VS. 2019

 

Total revenues from operations increased $49,000 to approximately $1,180,000 in 2020 from approximately $1,131,000 in 2019 primarily due to higher rental income. Rental income increased due to a scheduled increase in base rent for the tenant at the Maple Grove property. Other income increased due to an increase in real estate tax reimbursement while interest income decreased due to a decrease in cash reserves available for investment.

 

The Registrant reported a net loss from operations of approximately $580,000 in 2020, an increase of the loss of $6,000 as compared to a net loss from operations of approximately $574,000 in 2019. Net loss from operations consists of net income from the Maple Grove property combined with partnership income and expenses. The increase of loss from operations was due to higher operating expenses partially offset by higher total revenues. Total expenses from operations for 2020 increased $55,000 to approximately $1,760,000 from approximately $1,705,000 in 2019, due to increases in investment fees, real estate taxes, depreciation and administrative expenses partially offset by decreases in repairs and maintenance expense.

 

 

14

 

Omaha reports its investments in real estate properties on a fair value basis. During 2020, Omaha sold one of its garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. Remaining net sales proceeds were used in 2021 to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering another of its garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee to further pay down Omaha’s debt and make a distribution to Omaha’s investors. For the year ended December 31, 2020 Omaha reported an increase of $6,900,000 in the value of its portfolio over the same properties as of the year ended December 31, 2020. The total real estate portfolio value of $190,600,000 as of December 31, 2020 consists of the same properties which made up Omaha’s portfolio as of December 31, 2019 less the property sold during 2020.

 

Equity in net income of investment increased $808,000 to an income of approximately $7,637,000 for 2020 compared to income of approximately $6,829,000 for 2019. Omaha anticipates the net operating income from its remaining portfolio to be flat during 2020 as compared to 2019. All of Omaha’s property mortgage loans and banks loans use floating rates based on the SIFMA Bond Index rate plus the credit spread. During March 2020 the floating rates on Omaha loans increased significantly for approximately three weeks as the SIFMA bond index rate spiked upward in initial response to the extreme uncertainty in the Covid 19 pandemic. However by mid-April the SIFMA bond index rate had declined to .21% and has remained in a range of .08% to .21% during the rest of 2020

 

For additional analysis, please refer to the discussions of the individual properties below.

 

Eagle Lake Business Center IV (Maple Grove, Minnesota)

 

Total revenues increased $50,000, to approximately $1,177,000 in 2020 compared with approximately $1,127,000 in 2019. Net income, which includes deductions for depreciation, increased $22,000 to approximately $712,000 in 2020 from approximately $690,000 in 2019. The property has been 100% leased and occupied by the same single tenant for both years. The increase in total revenue was due to higher rental income combined with higher other income. Rental income increased due to a scheduled increase in base rent for the tenant. Other income increased from 2019 to 2020 due to an increase in real estate tax reimbursement. The increase in net income was due to the increase in revenues partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increases in real estate taxes of $12,000 and depreciation of $18,000.

 

According to a report by CBRE, the Minneapolis industrial market reported positive absorption, market rates remained steady and vacancy rates remained a low 4.7% in 2020.

 

Investments

 

During 2007, the Registrant made a total investment in the amount of $37,200,000 in Omaha representing a thirty percent ownership interest. The Registrant’s investment in Omaha is accounted for at fair value.

 

On September 18, 2007, Omaha acquired all the outstanding common shares of America First Apartment Investors, Inc., a publicly held real estate investment trust, in a transaction valued at approximately $532 million, including the assumption of outstanding debt and excluding transactions costs. Omaha consisted of 31 wholly owned multifamily residential properties, a wholly owned commercial property and a wholly owned multifamily property that was under development. During 2020, Omaha sold one of its garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. Remaining net sales proceeds were used in 2021 to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering another of its garden apartment properties located in Nashville, Tennessee to further pay down Omaha’s debt and make a distribution to Omaha’s investors. For the year ended December 31, 2020 Omaha reported an increase of $6,900,000 in the value of its portfolio over the same properties as of the year ended December 31, 2020. The total real estate portfolio value of $190,600,000 as of December 31, 2020 consists of the same properties which made up Omaha’s portfolio as of December 31, 2019 less the property sold during 2020.

 

Omaha reported total revenues for 2020 of approximately $24,239,000. Net investment income before net unrealized appreciation and realized gain was $10,587,000. Major expenses included $1,280,000 of interest expense, $1,999,000 for repairs and maintenance, $3,186,000 for payroll and $3,154,000 for real estate taxes. In addition, Omaha reported a net unrealized depreciation based on the valuation of the remaining real estate assets and interest rate protection agreements of $8,286,000. Also Omaha reported a realized gain on the sale of one real estate property of $23,158,000. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Registrant’s equity interest in the income of Omaha was approximately $7,637,000.

 

 

15

 

2019 VS. 2018

 

Total revenues from operations increased $21,000 to approximately $1,131,000 in 2019 from approximately $1,110,000 in 2018 primarily due to higher rental income. Rental income increased due to a scheduled increase in base rent for the tenant at the Maple Grove property. Other income increased slightly due to an increase in real estate tax reimbursement while interest income decreased due to a decrease in cash reserves available for investment.

 

The Registrant reported a net loss from operations of approximately $574,000 in 2019, an increase of the loss of $45,000 as compared to a net loss from operations of approximately $529,000 in 2018. Net loss from operations consists of net income from the Maple Grove property combined with partnership income and expenses. The increase of loss from operations was due to higher operating expenses partially offset by higher total revenues. Total expenses from operations for 2019 increased $65,000 to approximately $1,705,000 from approximately $1,640,000 in 2018, due to increases in investment fees, real estate taxes and administrative expenses partially offset by decreases in depreciation expense, repairs and maintenance expense and deferred financing costs.

 

Omaha reports its investments in real estate properties on a fair value basis. During 2019, Omaha sold its garden apartment property located in Independence, Missouri. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses and retire the property’s related secured mortgage loan. Also during 2019, Omaha sold its garden apartment property located in Columbus, Ohio. Net sales proceeds were used to first pay selling expenses. Remaining net sales proceeds were used to retire Omaha’s secured mortgage loan encumbering its garden apartment property located in Charleston, South Carolina to further pay down Omaha’s debt. During 2019, Omaha paid distributions totaling $28,000,000 to its members including $8,400,000 to Registrant. For the year ended December 31, 2019 Omaha reported an increase of $9,500,000 in the value of its portfolio over the same properties as of the year ended December 31, 2018. The total real estate portfolio value of $230,900,000 as of December 31, 2019 consists of the same properties which made up Omaha’s portfolio as of December 31, 2018 less the two properties sold during 2019.

 

Equity in net income of investment increased $987,000 to an income of approximately $6,829,000 for 2019 compared to income of approximately $5,842,000 for 2018. Omaha anticipates the net operating income from its remaining portfolio to be flat during 2020 as compared to 2019. All of Omaha’s property mortgage loans and banks loans use floating rates based on one month LIBOR rates plus the credit spread or based on bond index rates. During 2019 the floating rates on Omaha loans decreased as short term LIBOR rates and bond index rates decreased.

 

For additional analysis, please refer to the discussions of the individual properties below.

 

Eagle Lake Business Center IV (Maple Grove, Minnesota)

 

Total revenues increased $33,000, to approximately $1,127,000 in 2019 compared with approximately $1,094,000 in 2018. Net income, which includes deductions for depreciation, increased $58,000 to approximately $690,000 in 2019 from approximately $632,000 in 2018. The property has been 100% leased and occupied by the same single tenant for both years. The increase in total revenue was due to higher rental income combined with higher other income. Rental income increased due to a scheduled increase in base rent for the tenant. Other income increased from 2018 to 2019 due to an increase in real estate tax reimbursement. The increase in net income was due to the increase in revenues combined with the decrease in operating expenses. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to decreases in repairs and maintenance of $13,000 and depreciation of $18,000.

 

According to a report by CBRE, the Minneapolis industrial market reported positive absorption, market rates remained steady and vacancy rates remained a low 4.4% in 2019.

 

Investments

 

Omaha reported total revenues for 2019 of approximately $26,602,000. Net investment income before net unrealized appreciation was $10,495,000. Major expenses included $3,101,000 of interest expense, $2,443,000 for repairs and maintenance, $3,429,000 for payroll and $2,789,000 for real estate taxes. In addition, Omaha reported a net unrealized depreciation based on the valuation of the remaining real estate assets and interest rate protection agreements of $1,366,000. Also Omaha reported net realized gain on the sale of three real estate properties of $13,635,000. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Registrant’s equity interest in the income of Omaha was approximately $6,829,000.

 

 

16

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

NONE

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The Financial Statements required by this item, together with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, are contained herein on pages 23 through 36 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Supplementary financial information required by this item is contained herein on pages 37 through 38 of this report.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the general partner of Registrant have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures relating to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and have judged such controls and procedures to be effective.

 

(b)

There have been no changes in the Registrant’s internal controls during the year ended December 31, 2020 that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the date of evaluation.

 

 

(c)

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Registrant’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting includes using the COSO 2013 framework, an integrated framework for the evaluation of internal controls issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, to identify the risks and control objectives related to the evaluation of our control environment.

 

Based on our evaluation under the frameworks described above, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.

 

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Registrant’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Registrant’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit Registrant to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

NONE

 

 

17

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The Registrant has no executive officers or directors. All of its business affairs are handled by its General Partner, SB Partners Real Estate Corporation (the "General Partner").

 

The directors and executive officers of the General Partner are elected by Sentinel Holdings Corporation ("SHC") as its sole shareholder to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The limited partners of the Registrant are not entitled to vote in their election.

 

The directors and executive officers of the General Partner who are active in the Registrant's operations are:

 

Name

Age

Position

     

John H. Streicker

78

Director

     

Leland J. Roth

57

President & Director

     

George N. Tietjen III

60

Chief Executive Officer

     

John H. Zoeller

61

Chief Financial Officer and Director

     

Joseph Stein

50

Treasurer

     
Martin Cawley 64 Vice President

 

Mr. Streicker joined the General Partner in May 1976. He has been a Director since April 1984. He is Chairman of SHC and its parent company, The Sentinel Corporation.

 

Mr. Roth joined the General Partner in 1994 and serves as its President and Director. He is a certified public accountant with over 34 years of real estate related financial, accounting and reporting experience.

 

Mr. Tietjen joined the General Partner in 1990 and served as its Chief Accounting Officer until 2006 and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from 2004 to 2007. He is a certified public accountant with over 35 years of real estate related financial, management, accounting and reporting experience.

 

Mr. Zoeller joined the General Partner in 1994 and serves as its principal financial and accounting officer. He is a certified public accountant with over 38 years of real estate related financial, accounting and reporting experience.

 

Mr. Cawley joined the General Partner in 1994. He is the regional manager responsible for commercial property transactions and management.

 

Mr. Stein joined the General Partner in 2002 and had served as its assistant controller from 2002 to 2007.

 

 

18

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Registrant has no executive officers or directors.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

(a)

At December 31, 2020, an institutional investor of record owned 7.13% of the outstanding Units of Limited Partnership Interests. On January 13, 1993, a group of Unit holders of record, including the institutional investor referred to above, entered into a collective agreement with respect to their ownership interest in the Registrant. The aggregate number of Units beneficially owned by the group is 606 Units, representing 7.8% of the total number of outstanding Units of Limited Partnership Interest on that date. Each Unit holder has disclaimed beneficial ownership of all Units owned by the other Unit holders in this group. The foregoing information is based upon a 13-D filing made by the respective Unit holders.

 

 

(b)

As of December 31, 2020, none of the Directors of the General Partner owned any outstanding Units of Limited Partnership Interest. No Officers or Directors of SHC owned any outstanding Units of Limited Partnership Interest. SRE Clearing Services, Inc., an affiliate of the General Partner, owned 3,992.5 Units of Limited Partnership Interest, representing 51.5% of the outstanding number of Units on December 31, 2020. In accordance with SEC regulations, SRE Clearing Services, Inc. filed Form 13-D/A on March 10, 2020, when the total number of Units held reached 51% of the outstanding number of Units.

 

 

(c)

During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no changes in control of the Registrant or the General Partner.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The General Partner, among other things, furnishes services and advice to the Registrant and is paid a variable annual fee for such services based on calculations prescribed in the Registrant's Partnership Agreement. For these services, the General Partner receives a management fee equal to 2% of the average amount of capital invested in real estate plus cumulative mortgage amortization payments, and 0.5% of capital not invested in real estate, as defined in the Partnership Agreement. The management fee amounted to $1,018,617, $1,007,137and $911,615 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Of the amounts earned in 2018 $485,374 had been accrued while the obligations under the Loan agreement were outstanding. Since the Loan has been retired, Registrant was allowed to pay the accrued fees and current fees. In addition, the General Partner is entitled to 25% of cash distributions in excess of the annual distribution preference, as defined in the Partnership Agreement. No such amounts were due for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.

 

Certain affiliates of the General Partner oversee the management and operations of various real estate properties, including those owned by the Registrant. Services performed by these affiliates applicable to the Registrant's properties are billed at actual or allocated cost, or percentage of revenues. The costs of such services are believed to be competitive with charges for similar services provided by unrelated management companies. Fees charged by these affiliates totaled $58,587, $56,734 and $55,409 in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

 

 

19

 

In 2012 an affiliate of the General Partner commenced maintaining and updating the investor database and preparing the tax K-1 forms and related schedules which previously had been prepared by an unaffiliated company. The fee charged by the affiliate for the similar service is lower than the fee previously charged by the unaffiliated company. Fees charged for 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $54,000 each year.

 

During 2019 the Partnership had the roof of its wholly owned property located in Maple Grove, Minnesota replaced. In accordance with the management agreement, an affiliate of the General Partner was paid a construction supervision fee for the supervision of the capital project in the amount of $16,547.

 

In 2007 the Registrant made an investment of $37,200,000, representing a thirty percent ownership interest in Omaha. For the years 2020, 2018 and 2017, the Registrant’s equity interest in the net income of Omaha was approximately $7,637,000, $6,829,000 and $5,842,000, respectively.

 

Reference is made to Items 10 and 11, and Notes 3, 5, 6 and 9 in the consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

1.

Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Partnership’s Form 10-Q or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were approximately $104,000 and $99,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

 

2.

Audit-Related Fees. No fees were billed by the principal accountant during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of Registrant's financial statements that are not reported under subparagraph (1) of this section.

 

 

3.

Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were approximately $15,000 for each for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This work included reviewing year-end tax projections as well as the Registrant’s tax returns prepared by the Registrant for the respective years.

 

 

4.

All Other Fees. No other fees were billed in either of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in subparagraphs (1) through (3) of this section.

 

 

5.

(i)The selection of the independent auditors to audit the annual financial statements and perform review procedures on the quarterly reports filed with the SEC by the Registrant is made by the general partner of Registrant. Fees quoted by the independent auditors are approved by the general partner prior to their acceptance by the Registrant.

 

(ii) Not Applicable.

 

 

6.

Not Applicable.

 

 

20

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) (1) Financial statements - The Registrant's 2020 Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
     
  (2) Financial statement schedules - See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules on page 22. All other financial statement schedules are inapplicable or the required subject matter is contained in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(b)  Exhibits -

Exhibit

No.

Description 
3.1 Agreement of Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Registration Statement on form S-11 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 1985)
31.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
99.1 Audited Financial Statements of Sentinel Omaha, LLC December 31, 2020
   
101.INS ** XBRL Instance
101.SCH ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
101.LAB ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

 

**XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

21

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

SB PARTNERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

SB PARTNERS REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

 

 

 

General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

    Chief Executive Officer  
Dated: March 29, 2021 By: /s/ George N. Tietjen III  
    George N. Tietjen III  
       
    Principal Financial & Accounting Officer  
Dated: March 29, 2021 By: /s/ John H. Zoeller  
    John H. Zoeller  
    Chief Financial Officer  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

  Signature

   

Position

     

Date

               

  /s/ George N. Tietjen III

   

  Chief Executive Officer

   

March 29, 2021

  George N. Tietjen III

           
           
     

  Chief Financial Officer

   

  /s/ John H. Zoeller

 

  (Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)

 

March 29, 2021

  John H. Zoeller

           

 

 

22

 

 

SB PARTNERS

 

ITEMS 8 and 14 (a) (1) and (2)

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

23

   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019

24

   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

25

   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

26

   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

27

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

28-36

   

Supplemental Financial Statement schedule:

 
   

Schedule III – Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2020

37-38

 

 

23

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Partners

SB Partners

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SB Partners and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and the schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2020 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s general partner. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Partnership is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the general partner, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Critical Audit Matter

 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the general partner and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgements. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 

Valuation of Investment in Sentinel Omaha

 

As discussed in Notes 6 and 7 to the financial statements, the Partnership has estimated the fair value of its 30% Sentinel Omaha investment at $47.7 million at December 31, 2020. Determination of the fair value of the Sentinel Omaha investment involves estimates and subjective judgments that are subject to change in response to current and future economic and market conditions. Judgment regarding these factors are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may change from time to time as economic and market factors change.

 

Auditing the determination of the fair value of the investment in Sentinel Omaha including management’s marketability discount involves a high degree of judgment and estimation. The determination of fair value for the underlying properties were based upon independent appraisers and have been prepared giving consideration to the income and sales comparison approaches of estimating property value. The determination of the discounted cash flows using the income approach are sensitive to significant assumptions such as rental revenue and expense growth rates, and capitalization rates used to estimate a property’s value, all of which can be affected by expectations about future market conditions, demand and competition, as well as Sentinel Omaha’s intent to hold and operate the property over the term assumed in the analysis. The determination of the sales based approach uses comparable markets for recent sales of similar properties adjusted for common unit comparison factors including market conditions, location and quality.

 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the financial statements. These procedures included testing inputs used in the third party valuation reports and our assessment of marketability comparisons for non- controlling interests in real estate investments. Among other audit procedures performed, we evaluated the reasonableness of the inputs and assumptions used in the third party valuation reports and determining whether those inputs and assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained by our internal valuation team and by considering the consistency of inputs such as capitalization rates with external market and industry data. Our internal valuation team also compared the marketability discount to similar sales of partnerships that held investments in income producing properties. As part of our evaluation, we performed sensitivity analyses of certain assumptions to evaluate the changes in the value of the non-controlling interests in Sentinel Omaha that would result from changes in assumptions used by management. Furthermore, we assessed the appropriateness of the disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.

 

We have served as the Partnership’s auditor since 2006.

 

 

/s/ PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP

Shelton, Connecticut

March 26, 2021

 

 

24

 

 

SB PARTNERS

(A New York Limited Partnership)

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

December 31,

 
    

2020

   

2019

 

Assets:

               

Investments -

               

Real estate, at cost

               

Land

  $ 470,000     $ 470,000  

Buildings, furnishings and improvements

    5,671,101       5,671,101  

Less - accumulated depreciation

    (2,559,959 )     (2,395,451 )
       3,581,142       3,745,650  
                  

Investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC, net of reserve for fair value of $11,923,033 and $10,395,545 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively

    47,692,106       41,582,157  
       51,273,248       45,327,807  
                  

Other Assets -

               

Cash and cash equivalents

    549,195       987,624  

Other

    11,198       8,743  
Total assets   $ 51,833,641     $ 46,324,174  
                  

Liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 154,636     $ 177,596  

Tenant security deposit

    109,808       107,010  
                  
Total liabilities     264,444       284,606  
                  

Partners' Equity (Deficit):

               

Units of partnership interest without par value;

               

Limited partner - 7,753 units

    51,580,982       46,052,066  

General partner - 1 unit

    (11,785 )     (12,498 )
                  
Total partners' equity     51,569,197       46,039,568  
                  
Total liabilities and partners' equity   $ 51,833,641     $ 46,324,174  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

25

 

 

SB PARTNERS

(A New York Limited Partnership)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    

For the Years Ended December 31,

 
    

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 

Revenues:

                       

Rental income

  $ 1,177,488     $ 1,126,745     $ 1,094,278  

Interest income

    2,230       4,739       16,178  
                          

Total revenues

    1,179,718       1,131,484       1,110,456  
                          

Expenses:

                       

Real estate operating expenses

    312,558       304,542       304,672  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    -       -       7,280  

Depreciation

    164,508       146,261       164,344  

Real estate taxes

    141,572       129,556       121,868  

Management fees

    1,018,617       1,007,137       911,615  

Other

    122,783       117,545       129,967  
                          

Total expenses

    1,760,038       1,705,041       1,639,746  
                          

Loss from operations

    (580,320 )     (573,557 )     (529,290 )
                          

Equity in net income of investment

    7,637,437       6,829,088       5,842,182  
                          

(Increase) decrease in reserve for value of investment

    (1,527,488 )     314,179       1,816,884  
                          

Income from continuing operations

    5,529,629       6,569,710       7,129,776  
                          

Gain on extinguishment of debt

    -       -       1,693,876  
                          

Net income

    5,529,629       6,569,710       8,823,652  
                          

Income allocated to general partner

    713       847       1,138  
                          

Income allocated to limited partners

  $ 5,528,916     $ 6,568,863     $ 8,822,514  
                          

Income per unit of limited partnership interest (basic and diluted)

                       
                          

Income from continuing operations

  $ 713.22     $ 847.38     $ 919.62  
                          

Gain on extinguishment of debt

  $ -     $ -     $ 218.48  
                          

Net income

  $ 713.22     $ 847.38     $ 1,138.10  
                          

Weighted Average Number of Units of Limited Partnership Interest Outstanding

    7,753       7,753       7,753  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

26

 

 

SB PARTNERS

(A New York Limited Partnership)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

Limited Partners:

                                       
   

Units of Partnership Interest

                         
                                         
   

Number

   

Amount

   

Cumulative Cash

Distributions

   

Accumulated

Income

   

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2018

    7,753     $ 119,968,973     $ (111,721,586 )   $ 25,514,302     $ 33,761,689  

Net income for the year

    -       -       -       8,822,514       8,822,514  

Balance, December 31, 2018

    7,753       119,968,973       (111,721,586 )     34,336,816       42,584,203  

Net income for the year

    -       -       -       6,568,863       6,568,863  

Distribution paid

    -       -       (3,101,000 )     -       (3,101,000 )

Balance, December 31, 2019

    7,753       119,968,973       (114,822,586 )     40,905,679       46,052,066  

Net income for the year

    -       -       -       5,528,916       5,528,916  

Balance, December 31, 2020

    7,753     $ 119,968,973     $ (114,822,586 )   $ 46,434,595     $ 51,580,982  

 

General Partner:

                                       
   

Units of Partnership Interest

                         
                                         
   

Number

   

Amount

   

Cumulative Cash

Distributions

   

Accumulated

Income

   

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2018

    1     $ 10,000     $ (26,364 )   $ 2,281     $ (14,083 )

Net income for the year

    -       -       -       1,138       1,138  

Balance, December 31, 2018

    1       10,000       (26,364 )     3,419       (12,945 )

Net income for the year

    -       -       -       847       847  

Distribution paid

    -       -       (400 )     -       (400 )

Balance, December 31, 2019

    1       10,000       (26,764 )     4,266       (12,498 )

Net income for the year

    -       -       -       713       713  

Balance, December 31, 2020

    1     $ 10,000     $ (26,764 )   $ 4,979     $ (11,785 )

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

27

 

 

SB PARTNERS

(A New York Limited Partnership)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   

For the Years Ended December 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 
                         

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

                       

Net income

  $ 5,529,629     $ 6,569,710     $ 8,823,652  

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

                       

Gain on extinguishment of debt

    -       -       (1,693,876 )

Equity in net (income) of investment

    (7,637,437 )     (6,829,088 )     (5,842,182 )

Increase (decrease) in reserve for value of investment

    1,527,488       (314,179 )     (1,816,885 )

Depreciation and amortization

    164,508       146,261       171,624  

Net (increase) in other assets

    (2,455 )     (954 )     (770 )

Net (decrease) increase in accounts payable

    (22,960 )     (384,204 )     45,007  

Net increase in tenant security deposit

    2,798       2,798       2,798  

Net (decrease) increase in accrued expenses

    -       (3,408,317 )     485,374  

Distributions from investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC

    -       8,400,000       2,400,000  
                         

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    (438,429 )     4,182,027       2,574,742  
                         

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

                       

Capital additions to real estate owned

    -       (431,242 )     (158,494 )
                         

Net cash used in investing activities

    -       (431,242 )     (158,494 )
                         

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

                       

Distribution paid to partners

    -       (3,101,400 )     -  

Repayment of loan payable

    -       -       (4,032,714 )
                         

Net cash used in financing activities

    -       (3,101,400 )     (4,032,714 )
                         

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    (438,429 )     649,385       (1,616,466 )
                         

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    987,624       338,239       1,954,705  
                         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 549,195     $ 987,624     $ 338,239  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

28

 

SB PARTNERS

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

(1) ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

SB Partners, a New York limited partnership, and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Partnership"), have been engaged since April 1971 in acquiring, operating, and holding for investment a varying portfolio of real estate interests. SB Partners Real Estate Corporation (the "General Partner") serves as the general partner of the Partnership.

 

The significant accounting and financial reporting policies of the Partnership are as follows:

 

(a)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SB Partners and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with such principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(b)

In connection with the mortgage financing on certain of its properties, the Partnership placed the assets and liabilities of the properties into single asset limited partnerships, limited liability companies or land trusts which hold title to the properties. The Partnership has effective control over such entities and holds 100% of the beneficial interest. Accordingly, the financial statements of these subsidiaries are consolidated with those of the Partnership.

 

(c)

Depreciation of buildings, furnishings and improvements is computed using the straight-line method of depreciation, based upon the estimated useful lives of the related properties, as follows:

 

Buildings and Improvements (in years)     5 to 40  
Furnishings (in years)     5 to 7  

 

   

Investments in real estate are carried at historical cost and reviewed periodically for impairment. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for improvements, renewals and betterments, which increase the useful life of the real estate, are capitalized. Upon retirement or sale of property, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Amortization of deferred financing and refinancing costs is computed by amortizing the cost on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related mortgage notes.

 

(d)

Real estate properties are regularly evaluated on a property by property basis to determine if it is appropriate to write down carrying values to recognize an impairment of value. Impairment is determined by calculating the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows including the projected undiscounted future net proceeds from the sale of the property. In the event such sum is less than the net carrying value of the property, the property will be written down to estimated fair value. Based on the Partnership’s long-term hold strategy for its investments in real estate, the carrying value of its property at December 31, 2020 is estimated to be fully realizable.

 

(e)

Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less selling costs. Upon determination that a property is held for sale, depreciation of such property is no longer recorded.

 

(f)

For financial reporting purposes, the Partnership considers all highly liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. From time to time, the Partnership has on deposit at financial institutions amounts that exceed current federal deposit insurance limitations. The Partnership has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

 

(g)

The Partnership accounts for its investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC at fair value. Determination of the fair value of Omaha involves numerous estimates and subjective judgments that are subject to change in response to current and future economic and market conditions, including, among other things, demand for residential apartments, competition, and operating cost levels such as labor, energy costs and real estate taxes. Judgments regarding these factors are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may change from time to time as economic and market factors change. (see Notes 6 and 7)

 

 

29

 

 

(h)

The Partnership has elected to classify distributions received from equity method investees using the cumulative earnings approach. Accordingly, distributions received from equity method investees are classified as cash inflows from operating activities on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

(i)

Tenant leases at the multifamily properties owned by Omaha generally have terms of one year or less. Rental income at the multifamily properties is recognized when earned pursuant to the terms of the leases with tenants. The Partnership’s lease at the industrial flex property is comprised of both fixed and variable income. Fixed lease income includes base rent and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The industrial flex property lease also contains provisions for the reimbursement of the tenant’s share of real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance (CAM) costs (collectively, “Recoverable Costs”) incurred. This variable lease income is recognized in the period in which the related expenses are incurred and is included in rental income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. (See Note 3).

 

(j)

Sales of real estate owned are recognized in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Gains or losses on sales of real estate are recorded when a contract exists between buyer and seller, and whereby the entity transfers title.  Net realized gain or loss on investments in real estate, if any, is the Company’s share of cash proceeds from disposition of investments in real estate less the cost basis and transaction costs.

 

(k)

Each partner is individually responsible for reporting its share of the Partnership's taxable income or loss. Accordingly, no provision has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for Federal, state or local income taxes.

 

(l)

Net income per unit of partnership interest has been computed based on the weighted average number of units of partnership interest outstanding during each year. There were no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during each year.

 

(m)

The Partnership is engaged in only one industry segment, real estate investment, and therefore information regarding industry segments is not applicable and is not included in these consolidated financial statements.

  

 

(2) COVID-19

 

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Partnership and Omaha may be operating in a challenging and uncertain economic environment. Financial and real estate companies may be affected by liquidity, disparity of real estate values and financing issues. Should market conditions deteriorate, there is no assurance that such conditions will not result in decreased cash flows or ability to repay, refinance or extend Omaha's debt when it comes due, which could result in the sale of investments at amounts less than the reported value at December 31, 2020.

  

 

(3) COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE REIMBURSEMENTS

 

In connection with the adoption of ASC Topic 842, the Partnership elected the practical expedient concerning the treatment of CAM costs. CAM is a non-lease component of the lease contract under ASC 842, and therefore would be accounted for under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and presented separate from rental income based on an allocation of the overall contract price, which is not necessarily the amount that would be billable to the tenant for CAM reimbursements per the term of the lease contract. As the timing and pattern of providing the CAM service to the tenant is the same as the timing and pattern of the tenant’s use of the underlying lease asset, the Partnership elected, under the practical expedient, to combine CAM and other Recoverable Costs with the remaining lease components and recognize them together as rental income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

 

30

 

The following table provides a disaggregation of rental income recognized by the Partnership for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020:

 

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 

Operating lease income:

                       

Fixed lease income (Base Rent)

  $ 809,632     $ 772,617     $ 746,115  

Variable lease income (Recoverable Costs)

    367,856       354,128       348,163  
                         

Total Rental Income

  $ 1,177,488     $ 1,126,745     $ 1,094,278  

 

Because the standard for lessors remained largely unchanged from the previous guidance, the adoption of ASC Topic 842 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements.

  

 

(4) INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

The Partnership entered into a management agreement with the General Partner. Under the terms of this agreement, the General Partner is responsible for the acquisition, management and disposition of all investments, as well as performance of the day-to-day administrative operations and provision of office space for the Partnership.

 

For these services, the General Partner receives a management fee equal to 2% of the average amount of capital invested in real estate plus cumulative mortgage amortization payments, and 0.5% of capital not invested in real estate, as defined in the partnership agreement. The management fee amounted to $1,018,617, $1,007,137 and $911,615 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Of the amount earned in 2018, $485,375 had been accrued while the obligations under the Loan Agreement were outstanding. Since the Loan has been retired, the Partnership was allowed to pay the accrued fees and current fees. During 2019 the accrued fees were paid from cash flow from property operations and distributions from Omaha. In addition, the General Partner is entitled to 25% of cash distributions in excess of the annual distribution preference, as defined in the partnership agreement. No such amounts were due for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.

  

 

(5) INVESTMENTS IN REAL ESTATE

 

During 2020 and 2019 the Partnership owned an industrial flex property in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The following is the cost basis and accumulated depreciation of the real estate investment owned by the Partnership as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

                       

Real Estate at Cost

 
   

No. of

   

Year of

                       

Type

 

Prop.

   

Acquisition

   

Description

   

12/31/20

   

12/31/19

 
                                       

Industrial flex property

    1       2002    

60,345 sf

    $ 6,141,101     $ 6,141,101  
                                       

Less: accumulated depreciation

                          (2,559,959 )     (2,395,451 )
                                       

Net book value

                        $ 3,581,142     $ 3,745,650  

  

 

(6) ASSETS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

 

The accounting guidance for Fair Value Measurements establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

 

31

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. The fair value is calculated based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity.

 

The three levels of fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

 

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities;

 

 

Level 2 - Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities or quoted prices in less active dealer or broker markets;

 

 

Level 3 - Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and are unobservable.

 

The following major categories of assets were measured at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

   

Level 3:

        
   

Significant

        
   

Unobservable

   

2020

 
   

Inputs

   

Total

 
                 

Assets

               

Investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC

  $ 59,615,139     $ 59,615,139  

Reserve for fair value of investment

    (11,923,033 )     (11,923,033 )
                 

Total assets

  $ 47,692,106     $ 47,692,106  

 

   

Level 3:

         
   

Significant

         
   

Unobservable

   

2019

 
   

Inputs

   

Total

 
                 

Assets

               

Investment in Sentinel Omaha, LLC

  $ 51,977,702     $ 51,977,702  

Reserve for fair value of investment

    (10,395,545 )     (10,395,545 )
                 

Total assets

  $ 41,582,157     $ 41,582,157  

 

 

32

 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

   

Investment in

   

Reserve for

         
   

Sentinel

   

fair value

         
   

Omaha, LLC

   

of investment

   

Total

 
                         

Balance at January 1, 2019

  $ 53,548,614     $ (10,709,724 )   $ 42,838,890  

Equity in net income of investment

    6,829,088       -       6,829,088  

Distribution from investment

    (8,400,000 )             (8,400,000 )

Decrease in reserve

    -       314,179       314,179  

Balance at December 31, 2019

    51,977,702       (10,395,545 )     41,582,157  

Equity in net income of investment

    7,637,437       -       7,637,437  

Distribution from investment

    -       -       -  

Increase in reserve

    -       (1,527,488 )     (1,527,488 )

Balance at December 31, 2020

  $ 59,615,139     $ (11,923,033 )   $ 47,692,106  

 

As of December 31, 2018 the Partnership had recognized a value in the Omaha investment equal to the Partnership’s 30% portion of the equity reported on Omaha’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 less a 20% reserve. The investment in a 30% non-controlling interest would still be valued at a discount due to the lack of control and liquidity. The Partnership will continue to report a reserve on the value of Omaha on its books of 20% as of December 31, 2020.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020 Sentinel Omaha reported a 3.8% increase in real estate values. Omaha anticipates the net operating income from its remaining portfolio to be flat during 2020 as compared to 2019. As noted above, all of Omaha’s property mortgage loans use floating rates based on a bond index rate.

 

During 2020 the floating rates on Omaha loans remained low as bond index rates remained low. Mortgage interest rates may change in 2020 if the U.S. Federal Reserve makes changes to the Federal Funds Rate. Although changes in fixed mortgage rates do not impact the operating cash flow of the Omaha properties directly, changes in fixed and floating rates on commercial mortgage debt can have an impact on capitalization rates and the sales prices Sentinel Omaha may achieve in the future.

  

 

(7) INVESTMENT IN SENTINEL OMAHA, LLC

 

In 2007, the Partnership made an investment in the amount of $37,200,000 representing a thirty percent ownership interest in Sentinel Omaha, LLC (“Omaha”). Omaha is a real estate investment company which as of December 31, 2020 owns five multifamily properties in three markets. Omaha is an affiliate of the Partnership’s general partner. The Omaha annual audited financial statements are filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s annual Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

 

With respect to its investment in Omaha, the Partnership elected to adopt Accounting Standards Codification Topic 825. Accordingly, the investment is presented at fair value. Adoption was elected, in part, because the audited financial statements of Omaha are presented at fair value and it was believed that a similar presentation would best reflect the value of the Partnership’s investment from its inception.

 

 

33

 

The following are the audited condensed financial statements (000’s omitted) of Omaha as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020:

 

Balance Sheet

 

2020

   

2019

 
                 

Investment in real estate properties, at fair value

  $ 190,600     $ 230,900  

Other assets

    61,315       19,825  

Debt

    (49,880 )     (73,892 )

Other liabilities

    (3,318 )     (3,574 )

Members' equity

  $ 198,717     $ 173,259  

 

 

Statement of Operations

 

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 
                         

Rent and other income

  $ 24,239     $ 26,602     $ 33,786  

Real estate operating expenses

    (12,090 )     (12,618 )     (16,189 )

Other expenses

    (1,563 )     (3,489 )     (5,705 )

Net unrealized (losses) gains

    (8,286 )     (1,366 )     488  

Net realized gain (losses)

    23,158       13,635       7,094  
                         

Net increase in net assets

  $ 25,458     $ 22,764     $ 19,474  

 

Determination of the fair value of Omaha involves numerous estimates and subjective judgments that are subject to change in response to current and future economic and market conditions, including, among other things, demand for residential apartments, competition, and operating cost levels such as labor, energy costs, real estate taxes and market interest rates. Judgments regarding these factors are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may change from time to time as economic and market factors change.

 

Estimated fair value was determined utilizing Level 3 inputs based upon independent appraisals or utilizing Level 2 inputs based upon sales contracts or bona fide sales offers.

 

The investment in Omaha is not consolidated because other investors have substantive ownership and participative rights regarding Omaha’s operations and therefore control does not vest in the Partnership. Were the Partnership deemed to control Omaha, it would have to be consolidated and therefore would impact the financial statements and related ratios.

 

The values of real estate properties have been prepared giving consideration to the income and sales comparison approaches of estimating property value. The income approach estimates an income stream for a property and discounts this income plus a reversion (presumed sale) into a present value at a risk adjusted rate. Yield rates and growth assumptions utilized in this approach are derived from market transactions as well as other financial and industry data. The sales comparison approach compares recent transactions to the appraised property. Adjustments are made for dissimilarities which typically provide a range of value. Generally, the income approach carries the most weight in the value reconciliation. Substantially all of Omaha’s real estate properties are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

The mortgage notes payable are all variable rate loans at December 31, 2020; therefore they are reported at amortized cost.

 

 

34

 

The following table shows quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs related to Level 3 fair value measurement used at December 31, 2020 (000’s omitted):

 

   

Fair

 

Valuation

 

Unobservable

    Range   
   

Value

 

Techniques

 

Inputs

    (Weighted Average)   

Investment in real estate properties

  $ 190,600  

Discounted cash flows (DCF)

 

Discount rate

    7.12% - 7.75% (7.21%)  
             

Capitalization rate

    4.75% - 5.50% (5.00%)  
             

DCF Term (years)

      10      

  

 

(8) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

   

Revenues from

           

Net Income (Loss) per

   

Equity in Net

 
   

Continuing

           

Unit of Limited

   

Income (Loss)

 

Year ended December 31, 2020

 

Operations

   

Net Income (Loss)

   

Partnership Interest

   

of Investment

 
                                 

First Quarter

  $ 293,365     $ 250,359     $ 32.29     $ 484,477  

Second Quarter

    295,300       (491,128)       (63.35)       (442,722 )

Third Quarter

    293,529       92,443       11.92       315,222  

Fourth Quarter

    297,524       5,677,955       732.36       7,280,460  
                                 
                                 

Year ended December 31, 2019

                               
                                 

First Quarter

  $ 278,356     $ 189,419     $ 24.43     $ 408,908  

Second Quarter

    278,993       2,159,145       278.49       795,927  

Third Quarter

    279,769       1,009,983       130.27       1,439,584  

Fourth Quarter

    294,366       3,211,163       414.19       4,184,669  

 

 

35

  

 

(9) FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

A reconciliation of net income for financial reporting purposes to net income for Federal income tax reporting purposes is as follows:

 

   

For the Years Ended December 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 
                         

Net income for financial reporting purposes

  $ 5,529,629     $ 6,569,710     $ 8,823,652  
                         

Difference between tax and financial statement equity in net income/ loss of investment

    6,077,663       4,175,809       2,807,300  
                         

Difference between accrued investment management fees, mortgage interest and partnership administrative expenses recognized for tax purposes

    0       (3,734,253 )     525,375  
                         

Difference between tax and financial statement depreciation

    8,251       8,712       13,429  
                         

Net income for Federal income tax reporting purposes

  $ 11,615,543     $ 7,019,978     $ 12,169,756  
                         

Net ordinary income (loss) for Federal income tax reporting purposes

  $ 2,054,910     $ (1,173,621 )   $ 4,745,461  

Net capital (Sec. 1231) gain for Federal income tax reporting purposes

    9,560,633       8,193,599       7,424,295  
                         
    $ 11,615,543     $ 7,019,978     $ 12,169,756  
                         

Weighted average number of units of limited partnership interest outstanding

    7,753       7,753       7,753  

 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the tax bases of the Partnership's assets and liabilities were approximately $51,969,171 and $46,324,174 of assets, and $264,404, and $277,606 of liabilities, respectively.

  

 

(10) MANAGEMENT SERVICES

 

Certain affiliates of the General Partner oversee the management and operation of various real estate properties, including those owned by the Partnership. Services performed by affiliates are billed at actual or allocated cost, percentage of revenues or net equity. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 billings to the Partnership amounting to $58,587, $56,734 and $55,409, respectively, and are included in real estate operating expenses.

 

During 2012 an affiliate of the General Partner commenced maintaining and updating the investor database and preparing the tax K-1 forms and related schedules which previously had been prepared by an unaffiliated company. The fee charged by the affiliate for the similar service is lower than the fee previously charged by the unaffiliated company. Fees charged for 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $54,000 each year.

 

During 2019 the Partnership had the roof of its wholly owned property located in Maple Grove, Minnesota replaced. In accordance with the management agreement, an affiliate of the General Partner was paid a construction supervision fee for the supervision of the capital project in the amount of $16,547.

 

 

36

  

 

(11) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Partnership’s financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, other assets, accounts payable and other liabilities. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents are reasonable estimates of fair value.

  

 

(12) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Partnership is a party to certain actions directly arising from its normal business operations. While the ultimate outcome is not presently determinable with certainty, the Partnership believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial statements.

 

The Partnership leases its property to a tenant under an operating lease agreement, which requires the tenant to pay all or part of certain operating and other expenses of the property. The minimum future rentals to be received in respect of non-cancelable commercial operating leases with unexpired terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2020 are $833,922 for 2021, $858,940 for 2022, $884,709 for 2023 and $755,600 for 2024. These amounts include the minimum rents from the tenant leasing 100% of the space at Eagle Lake IV.

 

Pursuant to the original investment agreement, the Partnership may be called upon to contribute, in cash, an additional $3,720,000 to the capital of Omaha, as and when required, as determined by the Manager. In addition, the Partnership shall not have any liability to restore any negative balance in its capital account.

  

 

(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On February 1, 2021 the General Partner announced a distribution to all investors owning units as of February 1, 2021 in the amount of $1,300 per unit.

 

 

37

  

 

SB PARTNERS 

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

DECEMBER 31, 2020

 

Column A

 

Column B

   

Column C

   

Column D

 
          

Initial Cost to the Registrant

   

Costs

 
                               

Capitalized

 
                 

Buildings and

          

Subsequent

 

Description

 

Encumbrances

   

Land

   

Improvements

   

Total

   

to Acquisition

 
                                         

INDUSTRIAL FLEX

                                       

Minnesota -

                                       

Maple Grove (Eagle Lake Business Center IV)

  $ -     $ 470,000     $ 4,243,385     $ 4,713,385     $ 1,427,716  

 

 

Column A

 

Column E

   

Column F

 
                       
   

Gross amount at which Carried at End of Year

        
   

(Notes a & c)

        
                        

Accumulated

 
          

Buildings and

          

Depreciation

 

Description

 

Land

   

Improvements

   

Total

   

(Notes b & d)

 
                                 

INDUSTRIAL FLEX

                               

Minnesota -

                               

Maple Grove (Eagle Lake Business Center IV)

  $ 470,000     $ 5,671,101     $ 6,141,101     $ 2,559,959  

 

 

38

 

SB PARTNERS 

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION - CONTINUED

DECEMBER 31, 2020

 

Column A

 

Column G

 

Column H

 

Column I

 
                     
           

Life on which

 
           

Depreciation in

 
           

Latest Statement

 
   

Date of

 

Date

 

of Operations

 

Description

 

Construction

 

Acquired

 

is Computed (years)

 
                     

INDUSTRIAL FLEX

                   

Minnesota -

                   

Maple Grove (Eagle Lake Business Center IV)

  2000  

Jun 2002

    7 to 39  

 

NOTES TO SCHEDULE III:

 

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 
                         

(a)   Reconciliation of amounts shown in Column E:

                       

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 6,141,101     $ 5,709,859     $ 5,551,365  

Additions -

                       

Cost of improvements

    0       431,242       158,494  
                         

Deductions -

                       

Sales

    0       0       0  
                         

Balance at end of year

  $ 6,141,101     $ 6,141,101     $ 5,709,859  
                         
                         

(b)   Reconciliation of amounts shown in Column F:

                       

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 2,395,451     $ 2,249,190     $ 2,084,846  

Additions -

                       

Depreciation expense for the year

    164,508       146,261       164,344  
                         

Deductions -

                       

Sales

    0       0       0  
                         
    $ 2,559,959     $ 2,395,451     $ 2,249,190  
                         

(c)   Aggregate cost basis for Federal income tax reporting purposes

  $ 5,648,218     $ 5,648,218     $ 5,216,980  
                         

(d)   Accumulated depreciation for Federal income tax reporting purposes

  $ 2,424,429     $ 2,299,877     $ 2,184,074