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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII LLCv303087_ex31x1.htm
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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII LLCv303087_ex32x1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII LLCv303087_ex32x2.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII LLCv303087_ex31x2.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII LLCFinancial_Report.xls

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 
x   Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     For the year ended December 31, 2011
o   Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     For the transition period from          to         

Commission File number 000-33103

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
California   94-3307404
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I. R. S. Employer
Identification No.)

600 California Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, California 94108-2733

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (415) 989-8800

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: Limited Liability Company Units

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934. Yes o No x

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

     
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company x

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

State the aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant: Not applicable

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 sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of a specified date within the past 60 days. (See definition of affiliate in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Not applicable

The number of Limited Liability Company Units outstanding as of February 29, 2012 was 13,560,188.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

 


 
 

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

General Development of Business

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the State of California on July 31, 1998. The Company was formed for the purpose of acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing, lending and sales activities. The Managing Member of the Company is ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a California limited liability company. The Company may continue until December 31, 2019. Each Member’s personal liability for obligations of the Company generally will be limited to the amount of their respective contributions and rights to undistributed profits and assets of the Company.

The Company conducted a public offering of 15,000,000 Limited Liability Company Units (“Units”), at a price of $10 per Unit. On January 13, 1999, subscriptions for the minimum number of Units (120,000, representing $1.2 million) had been received (excluding subscriptions from Pennsylvania investors) and AFS requested that the subscriptions be released to the Company. On that date, the Company commenced operations in its primary business (acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing, lending and sales activities). Gross contributions in the amount of $135.7 million (13,570,188 units) were received as of November 30, 2000, inclusive of $500 of initial Member’s capital investment and $100 of AFS’ capital investment. The offering was terminated on November 30, 2000. As of December 31, 2011, 13,560,188 Units remain issued and outstanding.

The Company’s principal objectives have been to invest in a diversified portfolio of equipment that (i) preserves, protects and returns the Company’s invested capital; (ii) generates regular distributions to the Members of cash from operations and cash from sales or refinancing, with any balance remaining after certain minimum distributions to be used to purchase additional equipment during the reinvestment period (“Reinvestment Period”) (defined as six full years following the year the offering was terminated), which ended December 31, 2006 and (iii) provides additional distributions following the Reinvestment Period and until all equipment has been sold. The Company is governed by its Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement (“Operating Agreement”), as amended.

Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, AFS and/or its affiliates receive compensation and reimbursements for services rendered on behalf of the Company (see Note 6 to the financial statements included in Item 8 of this report). The Company is required to maintain reasonable cash reserves for working capital, the repurchase of Units and contingencies. The repurchase of Units is solely at the discretion of AFS.

The Company has incurred debt to finance the purchase of a portion of its equipment portfolio. The amount of borrowings in connection with any equipment acquisition transaction is determined by, among other things, the credit of the leases, the terms of the lease, the nature of the equipment and the condition of the money market. There is no limit on the amount of debt that may be incurred in connection with any single acquisition of equipment. However the Company may not incur aggregate outstanding indebtedness in excess of 50% of the total cost of all equipment as of the date of the final commitment of the offering proceeds and, thereafter, as of the date of any subsequent indebtedness is incurred. The Company has borrowed amounts within such maximum debt level in order to fund a portion of its equipment acquisitions. All such equipment acquisition debt had been repaid during 2007.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company continues in the liquidation phase of its life cycle as defined in the Operating Agreement.

Narrative Description of Business

The Company had acquired various types of equipment to lease pursuant to “Operating” leases and “High Payout” leases, whereby “Operating” leases are defined as being leases in which the minimum lease payments during the initial lease term do not recover the full cost of the equipment and “High Payout” leases recover at least 90% of such cost. Guidelines provided by the offering indicated that a majority of the aggregate purchase price of equipment would represent equipment leased under “High Payout” leases upon final investment of the Net Proceeds of the Offering and that no more than 20% of the aggregate purchase price of equipment would be invested in equipment acquired from a single manufacturer.

The Company had purchased equipment under pre-existing leases or for which a lease would be concurrently entered into at the time of the purchase. From inception through December 31, 2011, the Company had purchased and/or capitalized improvements pursuant to lease assets totaling $248.5 million.

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The Company’s objective was to lease a minimum of 75% of the equipment acquired with the net proceeds of the offering to lessees that (i) have an average credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service of Baa or better, or the credit equivalent as determined by AFS, with the average rating weighted to account for the original equipment cost for each item leased or (ii) are established hospitals with histories of profitability or municipalities. The balance of the original equipment portfolio may include equipment leased to lessees which, although deemed creditworthy by AFS, would not satisfy the general credit rating criteria for the portfolio. In excess of 75% of the equipment acquired with the net proceeds of the offering (based on original purchase cost) was originally leased to lessees with an average credit rating of Baa or better or to such hospitals or municipalities, as described in (ii) above.

During 2011 and 2010, certain lessees generated significant portions (defined as 10% or more) of the Company’s total lease revenues as follows:

     
Lessee   Type of Equipment   Percentage of Total
Lease Revenues
  2011   2010
Exsif Worldwide Inc.     Transportation, other       36 %      35 % 
Bee Mar, LLC (Formerly Gulfmark Management, Inc.)     Marine vessel       19 %      20 % 
Bartlett Grain Company, L.P.     Railcars       11 %      14 % 

These percentages are not expected to be comparable in future periods.

The equipment leasing industry is highly competitive. Equipment manufacturers, corporations, partnerships and others offer users an alternative to the purchase of most types of equipment with payment terms that vary widely depending on the lease term, type of equipment and creditworthiness of the lessee. The ability of the Company to keep the equipment leased and/or operating and the terms of the reinvestments, leases and dispositions of equipment depends on various factors (many of which are not in the control of AFS or the Company), such as raw material costs to manufacture equipment as well as general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation or recession, and fluctuations in supply and demand for various types of equipment resulting from, among other things, technological and economic obsolescence.

The business of the Company is not seasonal.

The Company has no full time employees. AFS’ employees and affiliates provide the services the Company requires to effectively operate. The cost of these services is reimbursed by the Company to AFS and affiliates per the Operating Agreement.

Equipment Leasing Activities — The Company had acquired a diversified portfolio of equipment. The equipment had been leased to lessees in various industries. The following tables set forth the types of equipment acquired and/or improved by the Company through December 31, 2011 and the industries to which the assets were leased (dollars in thousands):

   
Asset Types   Purchase Price
Excluding
Acquisition Fees
  Percentage of
Total
Acquisitions
Transportation, rail   $ 57,510       23.14 % 
Manufacturing     47,781       19.23 % 
Transportation, other     47,614       19.16 % 
Aircraft     38,535       15.51 % 
Point of sale/office automation     12,162       4.89 % 
Photo processing equipment     10,782       4.34 % 
Storage tanks     7,774       3.13 % 
Materials handling     7,019       2.82 % 
Marine vessel     4,793       1.93 % 
Gas compressors     2,522       1.01 % 
Other     12,021       4.84 % 
     $     248,513       100.00 % 

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Industry of Lessee   Purchase Price
Excluding
Acquisition Fees
  Percentage of
Total
Acquisitions
Transportation, rail   $ 60,327       24.28 % 
Transportation, air     38,535       15.51 % 
Manufacturing, other     35,204       14.17 % 
Transportation, other     28,378       11.42 % 
Transportation, containers     21,229       8.54 % 
Manufacturing, electronics     20,901       8.41 % 
Retail     18,056       7.27 % 
Natural gas     13,848       5.57 % 
Other     12,035       4.83 % 
     $     248,513       100.00 % 

Through December 31, 2011, the Company had disposed of certain leased assets as set forth below (in thousands):

     
Asset Types   Original
Equipment Cost
Excluding
Acquisition Fees
  Sale Price   Excess of
Rents Over
Expense*
Manufacturing   $ 46,288     $ 19,970     $ 47,061  
Transportation, rail     42,227       31,566       19,868  
Aircraft     38,535       8,667       16,856  
Transportation, other     27,575       9,705       26,473  
Point of sale/office automation     12,162       2,393       1,309  
Photo processing equipment     10,782       6,555       9,618  
Storage tanks     8,135       7,361       2,702  
Materials handling     7,019       2,017       6,776  
Gas compressors     2,522       506       2,794  
Other     10,514       3,679       12,287  
     $     205,759     $   92,419     $   145,744  
* Includes only those expenses directly related to the production of the related rents.

Proceeds from sales of lease assets are not expected to be consistent from one period to another. The Company is a finite life equipment leasing fund, which had acquired leasing transactions during the period ended six years after completion of its public offering. On the termination of leases, assets may be re-leased or sold. Sales of assets are not scheduled and are created by opportunities within the marketplace. The Company sought to acquire and lease a wide variety of assets and to enter into leases on a variety of terms. Some assets will be expected to have little or no value for re-lease or sale upon termination of the initial leases, and the anticipated residual values are a key factor in pricing and terms structured for each lease. The Company’s goal is to seek maximum return on its leased assets and will determine when and under what terms to dispose of such assets during the course of its term.

For further information regarding the Company’s equipment lease portfolio as of December 31, 2011, see Note 5 to the financial statements, Investments in equipment and leases, net, as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Certain of the Company’s lessee customers have international operations. In these instances, the Company is aware that certain equipment, primarily rail and transportation, may periodically exit the country. However, these lessee customers are US-based, and it is impractical for the Company to track, on an asset-by-asset, day-by-day basis, where these assets are deployed. For further information regarding the Company’s geographic revenues and assets, and major customers, see Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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Item 2. PROPERTIES

The Company does not own or lease any real property, plant or material physical properties other than the equipment held for lease as set forth in Item 1, Business.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of conducting business, there may be certain claims, suits, and complaints filed against the Company. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such matters, if any, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. No material legal proceedings are currently pending against the Company or against any of its assets.

Item 4. [REMOVED AND RESERVED]

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PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

There are certain material conditions and restrictions on the transfer of Units imposed by the terms of the Operating Agreement. Consequently, there is no public market for Units and it is not anticipated that a public market for Units will develop. In the absence of a public market for the Units, there is no currently ascertainable fair market value for the Units.

Holders

As of December 31, 2011, a total of 3,362 investors were Unitholders of record in the Company.

ERISA Valuation

In order to permit ERISA fiduciaries who hold Units to satisfy their annual reporting requirements, AFS estimated the value per Unit of the Company’s assets as of December 31, 2011. AFS calculated the estimated liquidation proceeds that would be realized by the Company, assuming an orderly disposition of all of the Company’s assets as of December 31, 2011. The estimates were based on the amount of remaining lease payments on existing Company leases, and the estimated residual values of the equipment held by the Company upon the termination of those leases. This valuation was based solely on AFS’s perception of market conditions and the types and amounts of the Company’s assets. No independent valuation was sought.

After calculating the aggregate estimated disposition proceeds, AFS then calculated the portion of the aggregate estimated value of the Company assets that would be distributed to Unitholders on liquidation of the Company, and divided the total so distributable by the number of outstanding Units. As of December 31, 2011, the value of the Company’s assets, calculated on this basis, was approximately $1.46 per Unit. The foregoing valuation was performed solely for the ERISA purposes described above. There is no market for the Units, and, accordingly, this value does not represent an estimate of the amount a Unitholder would receive if he were to seek to sell his Units. Furthermore, there can be no assurance as to the amount the Company may actually receive if and when it seeks to liquidate its assets or the amount of lease payments and equipment disposition proceeds it will actually receive over the remaining term of the Company.

Distributions

The Unitholders of record are entitled to certain distributions as provided under the Operating Agreement. AFS has sole discretion in determining the amount of distributions; provided, however, that AFS will not reinvest in equipment, but will distribute, subject to payment of any obligations of the Company. The Company commenced periodic distributions, based on cash flows from operations, beginning with the month of January 1999.

The monthly distributions were discontinued in 2007 as the Company entered its liquidation phase. Periodic distributions were paid in December 2011, and March and December 2010. The annualized rate for distributions from 2011 and 2010 operations was $0.27 and $0.24 per Unit, respectively. The rates and frequency of periodic distributions paid by the Fund during its liquidation phase are solely at the discretion of the Managing Member.

The following table presents summarized per Unit information regarding distributions to Other Members:

   
  2011   2010
Net income per Unit, based on weighted average Units outstanding   $ 0.14     $ 0.13  
Return of investment     0.13       0.11  
Distributions declared per Unit, based on weighted average Other Member Units outstanding     0.27       0.24  
Differences due to timing of distributions            
Actual distributions paid per Unit   $    0.27     $     0.24  

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

A smaller reporting company is not required to present selected financial data in accordance with item 301(c) of Regulation S-K.

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Statements contained in this Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (“MD&A”) and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, which are not historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. In particular, the economic recession and changes in general economic conditions, including fluctuations in demand for equipment, lease rates, and interest rates, may result in delays in leasing, re-leasing, and disposition of equipment, and reduced returns on invested capital. The Company’s performance is subject to risks relating to lessee defaults and the creditworthiness of its lessees. The Company’s performance is also subject to risks relating to the value of its equipment at the end of its leases, which may be affected by the condition of the equipment, technological obsolescence and the markets for new and used equipment at the end of lease terms. Investors are cautioned not to attribute undue certainty to these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by law.

Overview

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC (the “Company”) is a California limited liability company that was formed in July 1998 for the purpose of engaging in the sale of limited liability investment units and acquiring equipment to generate revenues from equipment leasing and sales activities, primarily in the United States.

The Company conducted a public offering of 15,000,000 Limited Liability Company Units (“Units”), at a price of $10 per Unit. The offering was terminated in November 2000. Total proceeds of the offering were $135.7 million. During early 2001, the Company completed its initial acquisition stage with the investment of the net proceeds from the public offering of Units. Subsequently, throughout the reinvestment period (“Reinvestment Period”) (defined as six full years following the year the offering was terminated), the Company reinvested cash flow in excess of certain amounts required to be distributed to the Other Members and/or utilized its credit facilities to acquire additional equipment.

The Company may continue until December 31, 2019. However, pursuant to the guidelines of the Operating Agreement, the Company began to liquidate its assets and distribute the proceeds thereof after the end of the Reinvestment Period which ended in December 2006.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company continues in its liquidation phase. Accordingly, assets that mature will be returned to inventory and most likely subsequently sold, which will result in decreasing revenue as earning assets decrease. Periodic distributions are paid at the discretion of the Managing Member.

Results of Operations

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were concentrations (defined as greater than 10%) of equipment leased to lessees in certain industries (as a percentage of total equipment cost) as follows:

   
  2011   2010
Transportation, containers     46 %      46 % 
Transportation, rail     42 %      43 % 
Transportation, other     11 %      *  
* Less than 10%

As previously indicated, certain lessees generated significant portions (defined as 10% or more) of the Company’s total lease revenues during 2011 and 2010 as follows:

     
Lessee   Type of Equipment   Percentage of Total
Lease Revenues
  2011   2010
Exsif Worldwide Inc.     Transportation, other       36 %      35 % 
Bee Mar, LLC (Formerly Gulfmark Management, Inc.)     Marine vessel       19 %      20 % 
Bartlett Grain Company, L.P.     Railcars       11 %      14 % 

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These percentages are not expected to be comparable in future periods due to the expiration of lessee contracts during the Fund’s liquidation period.

It has been the Company’s objective to maintain a 100% utilization rate for all equipment purchased in any given year. All equipment transactions were acquired subject to binding lease commitments, so equipment utilization remained high throughout the reinvestment stage. Initial lease terms of these leases were generally from 24 to 120 months, and as they expired, the Company attempted to re-lease or sell the equipment; as such, utilization rates may tend to decrease during the liquidation stage of the Company. All of the Company’s equipment on lease was acquired in the years 1999 through 2002. The utilization percentage of existing assets under lease was 96% and 94% as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Cost reimbursements to the Managing Member are based on its costs incurred in performing administrative services for the Company. These costs are allocated to each managed entity based on certain criteria such as total assets, number of investors or contributed capital based upon the type of cost incurred.

The Operating Agreement places an annual limit and a cumulative limit for cost reimbursements to AFS and/or affiliates. Any reimbursable costs incurred by AFS and/or affiliates during the year exceeding the annual and/or cumulative limits cannot be reimbursed in the current year, though such costs may be reimbursable in future years to the extent such amounts may be payable if within the annual and cumulative limits in such future years. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had exceeded such limitations by approximately $992 thousand and $1.3 million, respectively (see Note 6 to the financial statements, Related party transactions, as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data).

2011 versus 2010

The Company had net income of $2.2 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The results for 2011 reflect increases in both total revenues and total operating expenses when compared to the prior year.

Revenues

Total revenues for 2011 increased by $308 thousand, or 5%, as compared to the prior year. The growth in total revenues was largely due to increases in gain on sales of assets and in other revenue.

The year over year increase in gain recognized on sales of lease assets totaled $218 thousand and was attributable to the higher volume and the change in the mix of assets sold. An approximate $180 thousand of gains realized in 2011 was derived from the sale of 20 railcars. There were no such railcar sales in 2010. Other revenue increased by $79 thousand primarily due to the resolution of certain items held in suspense. Such items represent deferred maintenance costs relative to excess wear and tear on returned equipment, and collection costs and late fees assessed on certain terminated leases.

Expenses

Total operating expenses for 2011 increased by $184 thousand, or 4%, as compared to the prior year. The net increase in total operating expenses was primarily due to increases in railcar maintenance costs, depreciation expense and other expenses offset, in part, by decreases in storage fees, professional fees and vessel maintenance costs.

The increase in railcar maintenance costs totaled $289 thousand and was largely due to an increase in the number of railcars in service. Depreciation expense increased by $29 thousand largely due to capitalized drydock costs associated with the Fund’s marine vessel offset, in part, by continued run-off and sales of lease assets. Moreover, other expense increased by $24 thousand primarily due to increases in remarketing fees, freight and shipping costs, and property taxes.

Partially offsetting the aforementioned increases in expenses were reductions in storage fees, professional fees and vessel maintenance costs totaling $68 thousand, $54 thousand and $35 thousand, respectively. Storage fees decreased as certain off-lease railcars were re-leased during 2011. Professional fees decreased primarily as a result of decreases in audit, legal and tax preparation fees; and, vessel maintenance costs declined due to the drydock status of the Fund’s marine vessel during the first quarter of 2011.

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Capital Resources and Liquidity

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $925 thousand and $1.8 million, respectively. The liquidity of the Company varies, increasing to the extent that cash flows from leases and proceeds of asset sales exceed expenses and decreasing as lease assets are acquired, as distributions are made to the Other Members and to the extent expenses exceed cash flows from leases and proceeds from asset sales.

The primary source of liquidity for the Company is its cash flow from leasing activities. As initial lease terms expire, the Company re-leases or sells the equipment. The future liquidity beyond the contractual minimum rentals will depend on the Company’s success in remarketing or selling the equipment as it comes off-rental.

If inflation in the general economy becomes significant, it may affect the Company in as much as the residual (resale) values and rates on re-leases of the Company’s leased assets may increase as the costs of similar assets increase. However, the Company’s revenues from existing leases would not increase; as such rates are generally fixed for the terms of the leases without adjustment for inflation. In addition, if interest rates increase significantly under such circumstances, the lease rates that the Company can obtain on future leases will be expected to increase as the cost of capital is a significant factor in the pricing of lease financing. Leases already in place, for the most part, would not be affected by changes in interest rates.

The Company currently believes it has available adequate reserves to meet its immediate cash requirements and those of the next twelve months, but in the event those reserves were found to be inadequate, the Company would likely be in a position to borrow against its current portfolio to meet such requirements. AFS envisions no such requirements for operating purposes.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth summary cash flow data (in thousands):

   
  2011   2010
Net cash provided by (used in):
                 
Operating activities   $ 3,083     $ 3,143  
Investing activities     55       285  
Financing activities     (4,031 )      (3,916 ) 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   $      (893 )    $       (488 ) 

2011 versus 2010

During 2011 and 2010, the Company’s primary source of liquidity were cash flows from its portfolio of operating and direct financing lease contracts, and proceeds from sales or dispositions of lease equipment. Proceeds from sales or dispositions of lease equipment totaled $392 thousand and $191 thousand for the respective years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

During the same comparative years, cash was primarily used to pay distributions to both the Other Members and the Managing Member, totaling a combined $4.0 million and $3.5 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively. Moreover, during 2011, cash totaling $460 thousand was used to pay for improvements on the Company’s marine vessel. During the prior year, cash totaling $398 thousand was used to fully pay outstanding non-recourse debt.

As the Fund is in its liquidation phase, any future financing activity is anticipated to only include distributions to Members.

Distributions

The Company commenced periodic distributions, based on cash flows from operations, beginning with the month of January 1999. See Item 5 and Note 9 to the financial statements, Members’ capital, as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional information regarding distributions.

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Commitments and Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

Commitments and Contingencies

At December 31, 2011, the Company had no commitments to purchase lease assets or fund investments in notes receivable. Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, the Company will no longer purchase any new lease assets.

Gain Contingency

ATEL filed a claim on behalf of certain of its Funds for the under-reporting of revenue by a fleet manager of three marine vessels, seeking to recover an approximate $2.8 million for the years 2005 – 2007 (of which the Company’s portion is an approximate $350 thousand). Such amounts are not considered material to any of the Funds in any given year. While the Funds’ recovery with respect to this matter may be substantial, there is no assurance that judgment will be rendered in favor of the Funds. The trial date for this matter has been rescheduled several times, and the suit has recently been assigned to a newly-appointed Federal Judge and a new trial date has been set for June of 2012. The outcome of this claim remains uncertain.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

None.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 to the financial statements, Summary of significant accounting policies, as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The policies discussed below are considered by management of the Company to be critical to an understanding of the Company’s financial statements because their application requires significantly complex or subjective judgments, decisions, or assessments, with financial reporting results relying on estimation about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs. The Company also states these accounting policies in the notes to the financial statements and in relevant sections in this discussion and analysis. For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment.

Use of estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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. Such estimates relate primarily to the determination of residual values at the end of the lease term and expected future cash flows used for impairment analysis purposes and determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Equipment on operating leases and related revenue recognition:

Equipment subject to operating leases is stated at cost. Depreciation is being recognized on a straight-line method over the terms of the related leases to the equipment’s estimated residual values. Maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s leased assets are expensed as incurred. Major additions and betterments are capitalized.

Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying leases. The initial lease terms vary as to the type of equipment subject to the leases; the needs of the lessees and the terms to be negotiated, but initial leases were generally from 24 to 120 months. The difference between rent received and rental revenue recognized is recorded as unearned operating lease income on the balance sheet.

Operating leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management considers the equipment underlying the lease contracts for impairment and periodically reviews the credit worthiness of all operating lessees with payments outstanding less than

9


 
 

90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related operating leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, revenues are recognized on a cash basis.

The Company earns revenues from its containers, marine vessel and certain other assets based on utilization of such assets or through fixed term leases. Contingent rentals and the associated expenses are recorded when earned and/or incurred. From time to time, the Company incurs “drydocking” costs on its vessel. Drydocking costs include labor and material costs related to refurbishing, overhauling and/or replacing engine and other major mechanical components of the vessel, hull maintenance and other repairs that bring the vessel into seaworthy compliance with U.S. marine codes in order to have it certified as available for charter. Such drydocking costs are capitalized and depreciated over the period between scheduled drydockings, which generally occur every 24 to 30 months. The Company’s marine vessel was drydocked in January 2011 and was returned to service during the first quarter of 2011. The next scheduled drydock maintenance will occur during the latter half of 2013.

Direct financing leases and related revenue recognition:

Income from direct financing lease transactions is reported using the financing method of accounting, in which the Company’s investment in the leased property is reported as a receivable from the lessee to be recovered through future rentals. The interest income portion of each rental payment is calculated so as to generate a constant rate of return on the net receivable outstanding.

Allowances for losses on direct financing leases are typically established based on historical charge off and collection experience and the collectability of specifically identified lessees and billed and unbilled receivables. Direct financing leases are charged off to the allowance as they are deemed uncollectible.

Direct financing leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) and deemed impaired when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management periodically reviews the creditworthiness of all direct finance lessees with payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related direct financing leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, all payments received are applied only against outstanding principal balances.

Asset valuation:

Recorded values of the Company’s asset portfolio are periodically reviewed for impairment. An impairment loss is measured and recognized only if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset are less than their net book value. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows are the sum of the estimated residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s expected holding period and estimates of undiscounted future rents. The residual value assumes, among other things, that the asset is utilized normally in an open, unrestricted and stable market. Short-term fluctuations in the market place are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets, if held in quantity, simultaneously or to dispose of the asset quickly. Impairment is measured as the difference between the fair value (as determined by a valuation method using discounted estimated future cash flows, third party appraisals or comparable sales of similar assets as applicable based on asset type) of the assets and its carrying value on the measurement date.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements attached hereto at pages 11 through 26.

10


 
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Members
ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of income, changes in members’ capital, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Managing Member. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Moss Adams LLP

San Francisco, California
March 15, 2012

11


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
BALANCE SHEETS
  
DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010
(In Thousands)

   
  2011   2010
ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents   $     925     $     1,818  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $22 as of December 31, 2011 and $8 as of December 31, 2010     831       745  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     14       7  
Investments in equipment and leases, net of accumulated depreciation of $35,098 as of December 31, 2011 and $34,471 as of December 31, 2010     8,276       9,405  
Total assets   $ 10,046     $ 11,975  
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
                 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
                 
Managing Member   $ 990     $ 902  
Affiliates           2  
Other     108       301  
Unearned operating lease income     98       105  
Total liabilities     1,196       1,310  
Commitments and contingencies
                 
Members’ capital:
                 
Managing Member            
Other Members     8,850       10,665  
Total Members’ capital     8,850       10,665  
Total liabilities and Members’ capital   $ 10,046     $ 11,975  

  
  
  
  
  
See accompanying notes.

12


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010
(In Thousands Except for Units and Per Unit Data)

   
  2011   2010
Revenues:
                 
Leasing activities:
                 
Operating leases   $     6,075     $     6,047  
Direct financing leases     114       131  
Gain on sales of assets     258       40  
Other revenue     97       18  
Total revenues     6,544       6,236  
Expenses:
                 
Depreciation of operating lease assets     1,332       1,303  
Interest expense           7  
Asset management fees to Managing Member     302       289  
Vessel maintenance     737       772  
Railcar maintenance     765       476  
Cost reimbursements to Managing Member     679       679  
Other management fees     146       148  
Storage fees     11       79  
Professional fees     117       171  
Insurance     48       70  
Provision for doubtful accounts     14       4  
Taxes on income and franchise fees     2       (5 ) 
Other     175       151  
Total operating expenses     4,328       4,144  
Net income   $ 2,216     $ 2,092  
Net income:
                 
Managing Member   $ 302     $ 264  
Other Members     1,914       1,828  
     $ 2,216     $ 2,092  
Net income per Limited Liability Company Unit (Other Members)   $ 0.14     $ 0.13  
Weighted average number of Units outstanding     13,560,188       13,560,188  

  
  
  
  
  
See accompanying notes.

13


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
  
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010
(In Thousands Except for Units and Per Unit Data)

       
  Other Members   Managing
Member
  Total
  Units   Amount
Balance December 31, 2009     13,560,188     $    12,091     $     —     $    12,091  
Distributions to Other Members ($0.24 per Unit)           (3,254 )            (3,254 ) 
Distributions to Managing Member                 (264 )      (264 ) 
Net income           1,828       264       2,092  
Balance December 31, 2010     13,560,188       10,665             10,665  
Distributions to Other Members ($0.27 per Unit)           (3,729 )            (3,729 ) 
Distributions to Managing Member                 (302 )      (302 ) 
Net income           1,914       302       2,216  
Balance December 31, 2011     13,560,188     $ 8,850     $     $ 8,850  

  
  
  
  
  
See accompanying notes.

14


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010
(In Thousands)

   
  2011   2010
Operating activities:
                 
Net income   $   2,216     $   2,092  
Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
                 
Gain on sales of assets     (258 )      (40 ) 
Depreciation of operating lease assets     1,332       1,303  
Provision for doubtful accounts     14       4  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                 
Accounts receivable     (100 )      (10 ) 
Prepaid expenses     (7 )      2  
Accounts payable, Managing Member     88       46  
Accounts payable, affiliates     (2 )      2  
Accounts payable, other     (193 )      (190 ) 
Accrued interest payable           (1 ) 
Unearned operating lease income     (7 )      (65 ) 
Net cash provided by operating activities     3,083       3,143  
Investing activities:
                 
Proceeds from sales of lease assets     392       191  
Principal payments received on direct financing leases     123       94  
Improvements to equipment on operating leases     (460 )       
Net cash provided by investing activities     55       285  
Financing activities:
                 
Repayments of non-recourse debt           (398 ) 
Distributions to Other Members     (3,729 )      (3,254 ) 
Distributions to Managing Member     (302 )      (264 ) 
Net cash used in financing activities     (4,031 )      (3,916 ) 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (893 )      (488 ) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     1,818       2,306  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 925     $ 1,818  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                 
Cash paid during the year for taxes   $ 52     $ 30  
Cash paid during the year for interest   $     $ 8  

  
  
  
  
  
See accompanying notes.

15


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Organization and Limited Liability Company matters:

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the State of California on July 31, 1998. The Company was formed for the purpose of acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing, lending and sales activities. The Managing Member of the Company is ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a California limited liability company. The Company may continue until December 31, 2019. Each Member’s personal liability for obligations of the Company generally will be limited to the amount of their respective contributions and rights to undistributed profits and assets of the Company.

The Company conducted a public offering of 15,000,000 Limited Liability Company Units (“Units”), at a price of $10 per Unit. On January 13, 1999, subscriptions for the minimum number of Units (120,000, representing $1.2 million) had been received (excluding subscriptions from Pennsylvania investors) and AFS requested that the subscriptions be released to the Company. On that date, the Company commenced operations in its primary business (acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing, lending and sales activities). Gross contributions in the amount of $135.7 million (13,570,188 units) were received as of November 30, 2000, inclusive of $500 of initial Member’s capital investment and $100 of AFS’ capital investment. The offering was terminated on November 30, 2000. As of December 31, 2011, 13,560,188 Units were issued and outstanding.

The Company’s principal objectives have been to invest in a diversified portfolio of equipment that (i) preserves, protects and returns the Company’s invested capital; (ii) generates regular distributions to the Members of cash from operations and cash from sales or refinancing, with any balance remaining after certain minimum distributions to be used to purchase additional equipment during the reinvestment period (“Reinvestment Period”) (defined as six full years following the year the offering was terminated), which ended December 31, 2006, and (iii) provides additional distributions following the Reinvestment Period and until all equipment has been sold. The Company is governed by its Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement (“Operating Agreement”), as amended.

Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, AFS and/or its affiliates receive compensation and reimbursements for services rendered on behalf of the Company (see Note 6). The Company is required to maintain reasonable cash reserves for working capital, the repurchase of Units and contingencies. The repurchase of Units is solely at the discretion of AFS.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company continues in the liquidation phase of its life cycle as defined in the Operating Agreement.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies:

Basis of presentation:

The accompanying balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of income, changes in members’ capital, and cash flows for the years then ended, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no significant effect on the reported financial position or results from operations.

Footnote and tabular amounts are presented in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data.

In preparing the accompanying financial statements, the Company has reviewed, as determined necessary by the Managing Member, events that have occurred after December 31, 2011, up until the issuance of the financial statements. No events were noted which would require disclosure in the footnotes to the financial statements.

Use of estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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.

16


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued)

Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates relate primarily to the determination of residual values at the end of the lease term and expected future cash flows used for impairment analysis purposes and for determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and cash equivalent investments such as U.S. Treasury instruments with original and/or purchased maturities of ninety days or less.

Credit risk:

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places the majority of its cash deposits in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts which are fully insured, without limit, through December 31, 2012 under the Dodd-Frank amendment to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. This unlimited coverage is separate from, and in addition to, the coverage provided to depositors with other accounts held at a depository institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The remainder of the Funds’ cash is temporarily invested in U.S. Treasury denominated instruments. The concentration of such deposits and temporary cash investments is not deemed to create a significant risk to the Company. Accounts receivable represent amounts due from lessees in various industries related to equipment on operating and direct financing leases.

Accounts receivable:

Accounts receivable represent the amounts billed under operating and direct financing lease contracts which are currently due to the Company. Allowances for doubtful accounts are typically established based on historical charge off and collection experience and the collectability of specifically identified lessees and invoiced amounts. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are charged off to the allowance on a specific identification basis. Amounts recovered that were previously written-off are recorded as other income in the period received.

Equipment on operating leases and related revenue recognition:

Equipment subject to operating leases is stated at cost. Depreciation is being recognized on a straight-line method over the terms of the related leases to the equipment’s estimated residual values. Maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s leased assets are expensed as incurred. Major additions and betterments are capitalized.

Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying leases. The initial lease terms will vary as to the type of equipment subject to the leases, the needs of the lessees and the terms to be negotiated, but initial leases were generally from 24 to 120 months. The difference between rent received and rental revenue recognized is recorded as unearned operating lease income on the balance sheet.

Operating leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management considers the equipment underlying the lease contracts for impairment and periodically reviews the credit worthiness of all operating lessees with payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related operating leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, revenues are recognized on a cash basis.

The Company earns revenues from its containers, marine vessel and certain other assets based on utilization of such assets or through fixed term leases. Contingent rentals and the associated expenses are recorded when earned and/or incurred. From time to time, the Company incurs “drydocking” costs on its vessel. Drydocking costs include labor and material costs related to refurbishing, overhauling and/or replacing engine and other major mechanical components of the vessel, hull maintenance and other repairs that bring the vessel into seaworthy compliance with U.S. marine codes in order to have it certified as available for charter. Such drydocking costs are capitalized and depreciated over the period between scheduled drydockings, which generally occur every 24 to 30 months.

17


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued)

Direct financing leases and related revenue recognition:

Income from direct financing lease transactions is reported using the financing method of accounting, in which the Company’s investment in the leased property is reported as a receivable from the lessee to be recovered through future rentals. The interest income portion of each rental payment is calculated so as to generate a constant rate of return on the net receivable outstanding.

Allowances for losses on direct financing leases are typically established based on historical charge off and collection experience and the collectability of specifically identified lessees and billed and unbilled receivables. Direct financing leases are charged off to the allowance as they are deemed uncollectible.

Direct financing leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) and deemed impaired when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management periodically reviews the creditworthiness of all direct finance lessees with payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related direct financing leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, all payments received are applied only against outstanding principal balances.

Asset valuation:

Recorded values of the Company’s asset portfolio are periodically reviewed for impairment. An impairment loss is measured and recognized only if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset are less than their net book value. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows are the sum of the estimated residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s expected holding period and estimates of undiscounted future rents. The residual value assumes, among other things, that the asset is utilized normally in an open, unrestricted and stable market. Short-term fluctuations in the market place are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets, if held in quantity, simultaneously or to dispose of the asset quickly. Impairment is measured as the difference between the fair value (as determined by a valuation method using discounted estimated future cash flows, third party appraisals or comparable sales of similar assets as applicable based on asset type) of the asset and its carrying value on the measurement date.

Segment reporting:

The Company is not organized by multiple operating segments for the purpose of making operating decisions or assessing performance. Accordingly, the Company operates in one reportable operating segment in the United States.

The Company’s principal decision makers are the Managing Member’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. The Company believes that its equipment leasing business operates as one reportable segment because: a) the Company measures profit and loss at the equipment portfolio level as a whole; b) the principal decision makers do not review information based on any operating segment other than the equipment leasing transaction portfolio; c) the Company does not maintain discrete financial information on any specific segment other than its equipment financing operations; d) the Company has not chosen to organize its business around different products and services other than equipment lease financing; and e) the Company has not chosen to organize its business around geographic areas.

Certain of the Company’s lessee customers have international operations. In these instances, the Company is aware that certain equipment, primarily rail and transportation, may periodically exit the country. However, these lessee customers are US-based, and it is impractical for the Company to track, on an asset-by-asset, day-by-day basis, where these assets are deployed.

The primary geographic regions in which the Company sought leasing opportunities were North America and Europe. Currently, 100% of the Company’s operating revenues are from customers domiciled in North America.

18


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued)

Unearned operating lease income:

The Company records prepayments on operating leases as a liability, unearned operating lease income. The liability is recorded when the prepayments are received and recognized as operating lease revenue ratably over the period to which the prepayments relate.

Income taxes:

The Company is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 701 of the Internal Revenue Code, a partnership is not subject to federal income taxes. Accordingly, the Company has provided current income taxes for only those states, which levy income taxes on partnerships. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded an income and franchise tax benefit of $5 thousand. Such benefit was utilized during 2011 to offset related income and franchise taxes. The net tax expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $2 thousand. The Company does not have any entity level uncertain tax positions. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions and is generally subject to examination by U.S. federal (or state and local) income tax authorities for three years from the filing of a tax return.

The tax bases of the Company’s net assets and liabilities vary from the amounts presented in these financial statements at December 31, 2011 and 2010 as follows (in thousands):

   
  2011   2010
Financial statement basis of net assets   $ 8,850     $ 10,665  
Tax basis of net assets (unaudited)     8,626       9,135  
Difference   $      224     $      1,530  

The primary differences between the tax bases of net assets and the amounts recorded in the financial statements are the result of differences in accounting for syndication costs and differences between the depreciation methods used in the financial statements and the Company’s tax returns.

The following reconciles the net income reported in these financial statements to the income reported on the Company’s federal tax returns (unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
  2011   2010
Net income per financial statements   $ 2,216     $ 2,092  
Tax adjustments (unaudited):
                 
Adjustment to depreciation expense     1,041       1,087  
Provision for losses and doubtful accounts     14       4  
Adjustments to revenues/other expenses     118       30  
Adjustments to gain on sales of assets     133       151  
Income per federal tax return (unaudited)   $     3,522     $      3,364  

Per unit data:

Net income and distributions per Unit are based upon the weighted average number of Other Members’ Units outstanding during the year.

Recent accounting pronouncements:

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, “A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.” ASU 2011-02 clarifies guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession to a borrower and a creditor’s evaluation of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. As a result of applying these amendments, an entity may identify receivables that are newly considered impaired. For purposes of measuring impairment of those receivables, an entity should apply the amendments prospectively for the first interim or annual

19


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued)

period beginning on or after June 15, 2011. In addition, an entity should disclose the information required by Accounting Standards Codification paragraphs 310-10-50-33 through 50-34, which was deferred by ASU 2011-01, for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011. The amendments in this update were adopted by the Company on July 1, 2011, and for purposes of measuring impairment, were applied retrospectively to January 1, 2011. The Company evaluated the guidance included in 2011-02 and has determined that it does not result in any new troubled debt restructurings that should be reported.

In January 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-01, “Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20.” ASU 2011-01 temporarily delays the effective date of the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings in Update 2010-20 for public entities. The delay is intended to allow the Board time to complete its deliberations on what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The effective date of the new disclosures about troubled debt restructurings for public entities and the guidance for determining what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring will then be coordinated. The guidance became effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and was applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

3. Concentration of credit risk and major customers:

The Company leases equipment to lessees in diversified industries. Leases are subject to AFS’s credit committee review. The leases provide for the return of the equipment to the Company upon default.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were concentrations (defined as greater than 10%) of equipment leased to lessees in certain industries (as a percentage of total equipment cost) as follows:

   
  2011   2010
Transportation, containers     46 %      46 % 
Transportation, rail     42 %      43 % 
Transportation, other     11 %      *  
* Less than 10%

During 2011 and 2010, certain lessees generated significant portions (defined as 10% or more) of the Company’s total lease revenues as follows:

     
Lessee   Type of Equipment   Percentage of Total
Lease Revenues
  2011   2010
Exsif Worldwide Inc.     Transportation, other       36 %      35 % 
Bee Mar, LLC (Formerly Gulfmark Management, Inc.)     Marine vessel       19 %      20 % 
Bartlett Grain Company, L.P.     Railcars       11 %      14 % 

4. Allowance for credit losses:

The Company’s provision for credit losses are as follows (in thousands):

       
  Accounts Receivable Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts
  Valuation
Adjustments
on Financing
Receivables
  Total
Allowance for
Credit Losses
     Finance
Leases
  Operating
Leases
  Finance
Leases
 
Balance December 31, 2009   $     $ 4     $     $ 4  
Provision           4             4  
Balance December 31, 2010           8             8  
Provision           14             14  
Balance December 31, 2011   $        —     $        22     $        —     $        22  

20


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Allowance for credit losses: - (continued)

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable represent the amounts billed under operating and direct financing lease contracts, and notes receivable which are currently due to the Company.

Allowances for doubtful accounts are typically established based upon their aging and historical charge off and collection experience and the creditworthiness of specifically identified lessees and borrowers, and invoiced amounts. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are generally charged off against the allowance on a specific identification basis. Recoveries of amounts that were previously written-off are recorded as other income in the period received.

Accounts receivable are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management periodically reviews the creditworthiness of companies with lease or note payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, such leases or notes may be placed in non-accrual status. Leases or notes placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid receivable is probable. Until such time, revenues on operating leases are recognized on a cash basis. Until such time, revenues on operating leases are recognized on a cash basis. All payments received on amounts billed under direct financing leases contracts are applied only against outstanding principal balances.

Financing Receivables

In addition to the allowance established for delinquent accounts receivable, the total allowance related solely to financing receivables also includes anticipated impairment charges on notes receivable and direct financing leases.

Notes are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and/or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest when due. If it is determined that a loan is impaired with regard to scheduled payments, the Company will perform an analysis of the note to determine if an impairment valuation reserve is necessary. This analysis considers the estimated cash flows from the note, or the collateral value of the property underlying the note when note repayment is collateral dependent. Any required valuation reserve is charged to earnings when determined; and notes are charged off to the allowance as they are deemed uncollectible.

The asset underlying a direct financing lease contract is considered impaired if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset are less than its net book value. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows are the sum of the estimated residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s expected holding period and estimates of undiscounted future rents. The residual value assumes, among other things, that the asset is utilized normally in an open, unrestricted and stable market. Short-term fluctuations in the market place are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets, if held in quantity, simultaneously or to dispose of the asset quickly.

21


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Allowance for credit losses: - (continued)

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s allowance for credit losses (related solely to financing receivables) and its recorded investment in financing receivables were as follows (in thousands):

   
December 31, 2011   Finance
Leases
  Total
Allowance for credit losses:
                 
Ending balance   $     $  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment   $     $  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment   $     $  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   $     $  
Financing receivables:
                 
Ending balance   $ 256     $ 256  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment   $ 256     $ 256  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment   $     $  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   $       —     $        —  

   
December 31, 2010   Finance
Leases
  Total
Allowance for credit losses:
                 
Ending balance   $     $  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment   $     $  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment   $     $  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   $     $  
Financing receivables:
                 
Ending balance   $ 381     $ 381  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment   $ 381     $ 381  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment   $     $  
Ending balance: loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   $       —     $        —  

The Company evaluates the credit quality of its financing receivables on a scale equivalent to the following quality indicators related to corporate risk profiles:

Pass – Any account whose lessee/debtor, co-lessee/debtor or any guarantor has a credit rating on publicly traded or privately placed debt issues as rated by Moody’s or S&P for either Senior Unsecured debt, Long Term Issuer rating or Issuer rating that are in the tiers of ratings generally recognized by the investment community as constituting an Investment Grade credit rating; or, has been determined by the Manager to be an Investment Grade Equivalent or High Quality Corporate Credit per its Credit Policy or has a Not Rated internal rating by the Manager and the account is not considered by the Chief Credit Officer of the manager to fall into one of the three risk profiles below.

Special Mention – Any traditional corporate type account with potential weaknesses (e.g. large net losses or major industry downturns) or, any growth capital account that has less than three months of cash as of the end of the calendar quarter to fund their continuing operations. These accounts deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, those potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the Fund’s receivable at some future date.

Substandard – Any account that is inadequately protected by the current worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Accounts that are so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Fund will sustain some loss as the likelihood of fully collecting all receivables may be questionable if the deficiencies are not corrected. Such accounts are on the Manager’s Credit Watch List.

22


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Allowance for credit losses: - (continued)

Doubtful – Any account where the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Accordingly, an account that is so classified is on the Manager’s Credit Watch List, and has been declared in default and the Manager has repossessed, or is attempting to repossess, the equipment it financed. This category includes impaired leases as applicable.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s financing receivables by credit quality indicator and by class of financing receivables are as follows (in thousands):

   
  Finance Leases
     2011   2010
Pass   $ 256     $ 381  
Special mention            
Substandard            
Doubtful            
Total   $       256     $        381  

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, investment in financing receivables is aged as follows (in thousands):

             
December 31, 2011   30 – 59 Days
Past Due
  60 – 89 Days
Past Due
  Greater
Than
90 Days
  Total
Past Due
  Current   Total
Financing
Receivables
  Recorded
Investment
> 90 Days
and Accruing
Finance leases   $       84     $       —     $       —     $       84     $      172     $      256     $        —  

             
December 31, 2010   30 – 59 Days
Past Due
  60 – 89 Days
Past Due
  Greater
Than
90 Days
  Total
Past Due
  Current   Total
Financing
Receivables
  Recorded
Investment
> 90 Days
and Accruing
Finance leases   $       94     $       —     $       —     $       94     $      287     $      381     $        —  

There were no impaired financing receivables at both December 31, 2011 and 2010. Likewise, there were no accounts receivable related to net investments in financing receivables placed in non-accrual status as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

5. Investments in equipment and leases, net:

The Company’s investment in leases consists of the following (in thousands):

       
  Balance
December 31,
2010
  Reclassifications
& Additions/
Dispositions
  Depreciation/
Amortization
Expense or
Amortization
of Leases
  Balance
December 31,
2011
Net investment in operating leases   $ 8,820     $ 379     $ (1,332 )    $ 7,867  
Net investment in direct financing leases     381             (125 )      256  
Assets held for sale or lease, net     204       (51 )            153  
Total   $     9,405     $         328     $      (1,457 )    $     8,276  

Impairment of investments in leases and assets held for sale or lease:

Management periodically reviews the carrying values of its assets on leases and assets held for lease or sale. Impairment losses are recorded as an adjustment to the net investment in operating leases. No impairment losses were recorded during 2011 and 2010.

The Company utilizes a straight line depreciation method over the term of the equipment lease for equipment on operating leases currently in its portfolio. Depreciation expense on the Company’s equipment totaled $1.3 million each for the respective years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

23


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments in equipment and leases, net: - (continued)

All of the property on lease was acquired during the period 1999 through 2002.

Operating leases:

Property on operating leases consists of the following (in thousands):

       
  Balance
December 31,
2010
  Additions   Reclassifications
or Dispositions
  Balance
December 31,
2011
Containers   $ 20,038     $     $ (360 )    $ 19,678  
Transportation, rail     16,098             218       16,316  
Marine vessel     4,333       460             4,793  
Other     640                   640  
       41,109       460       (142 )      41,427  
Less accumulated depreciation     (32,289 )      (1,332 )      61       (33,560 ) 
Total   $      8,820     $       (872 )    $         (81 )    $       7,867  

The average estimated residual value for assets on operating leases was 10% of the assets’ original cost at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.

The Company earns revenues from its containers, marine vessel and certain other assets based on utilization of such assets or through fixed term leases. Contingent rentals (i.e., short-term, operating charter hire payments) and the associated expenses are recorded when earned and/or incurred. The revenues associated with these rentals are included as a component of Operating Lease Revenues, and totaled $2.5 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had no operating leases in non-accrual status.

Direct financing leases:

As of December 31, 2011, investment in direct financing leases primarily consists of railcars as well as construction and manufacturing equipment. At December 31, 2010, such investment primarily consists of manufacturing equipment.

The components of the Company’s investment in direct financing leases as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

   
  2011   2010
Total minimum lease payments receivable   $ 248     $ 487  
Estimated residual values of leased equipment (unguaranteed)     54       54  
Investment in direct financing leases     302       541  
Less unearned income     (46 )      (160 ) 
Net investment in direct financing leases   $      256     $       381  

There were no net investments in direct financing leases in nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

At December 31, 2011, the aggregate amount of future lease payments is as follows (in thousands):

     
  Operating
Leases
  Direct
Financing
Leases
  Total
Year ending December 31, 2012   $ 1,679     $ 200     $ 1,879  
2013     544       48       592  
2014     287             287  
2015     179             179  
2016     179             179  
Thereafter     254             254  
     $     3,122     $       248     $      3,370  

24


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Related party transactions:

The terms of the Operating Agreement provide that AFS and/or affiliates are entitled to receive certain fees for equipment management and resale and for management of the Company.

The Operating Agreement allows for the reimbursement of costs incurred by AFS in providing administrative services to the Company. Administrative services provided include Company accounting, finance/treasury, investor relations, legal counsel and lease and equipment documentation. AFS is not reimbursed for services whereby it is entitled to receive a separate fee as compensation for such services, such as management of equipment.

Each of ATEL Leasing Corporation (“ALC”) and AFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group and performs services for the Company. Acquisition services, equipment management, lease administration and asset disposition services are performed by ALC; investor relations, communications services and general administrative services are performed by AFS.

Cost reimbursements to the Managing Member are based on its costs incurred in performing administrative services for the Company. These costs are allocated to each managed entity based on certain criteria such as total assets, number of investors or contributed capital based upon the type of cost incurred.

AFS and/or affiliates earned fees, commissions and reimbursements, pursuant to the Operating Agreement as follows during each of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
  2011   2010
Asset management fees to Managing Member   $ 302     $ 289  
Cost reimbursements to Managing Member     679       679  
     $      981     $       968  

The Fund’s Operating Agreement places an annual and cumulative limit for cost reimbursements to AFS and/or its affiliates. Any reimbursable costs incurred by AFS and/or affiliates during the year exceeding the annual and/or cumulative limits cannot be reimbursed in the current year, though such costs may be reimbursable in future years to the extent such amounts may be payable if within the annual and cumulative limits in such future years. The Fund is a finite life and self liquidating entity, and AFS and its affiliates have no recourse against the Fund for the amount of any unpaid excess reimbursable administrative expenses. The Fund will continue to require administrative services from AFS and its affiliates through the end of its term, and will therefore continue to incur reimbursable administrative expenses in each year. The Fund has determined that payment of any amounts in excess of the annual and cumulative limits is not probable, and the date any portion of such amount may be paid, if ever, is uncertain. When the Fund completes its liquidation stage and terminates, any unpaid amount will expire unpaid, with no claim by AFS or its affiliates against any liquidation proceeds or any party for the unpaid balance. Accordingly, the Company has recorded neither an obligation nor an expense for such contingent reimbursement of the approximate $992 thousand and $1.3 million excess reimbursable administrative expenses at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

7. Guarantees:

The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

The Managing Member knows of no facts or circumstances that would make the Company’s contractual commitments outside standard mutual covenants applicable to commercial transactions between businesses. Accordingly, the Company believes that these indemnification obligations are made in the ordinary course of business as part of standard commercial and industry practice, and that any potential liability under the Company’s similar commitments is remote. Should any such indemnification obligation become payable, the Company would separately record and/or disclose such liability in accordance with GAAP.

25


 
 

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VIII, LLC
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. Gain contingencies:

ATEL filed a claim on behalf of certain of its Funds for the under-reporting of revenue by a fleet manager of three marine vessels, seeking to recover an approximate $2.8 million for the years 2005 – 2007 (of which the Company’s portion is an approximate $350 thousand). Such amounts are not considered material to any of the Funds in any given year. While the Funds’ recovery with respect to this matter may be substantial, there is no assurance that judgment will be rendered in favor of the Funds. The trial date for this matter has been rescheduled several times, and the suit has recently been assigned to a newly-appointed Federal Judge and a new trial date has been set for June of 2012. The outcome of this claim remains uncertain.

9. Members’ capital:

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, 13,560,188 Units were issued and outstanding. The Company was authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 Units in addition to the Units issued to the initial members (50 Units).

The Company has the right, exercisable at the Managing Member’s discretion, but not the obligation, to repurchase Units of a Unitholder who ceases to be a U.S. Citizen, for a price equal to 100% of the holder’s capital account. The Company is otherwise permitted, but not required, to repurchase Units upon a holder’s request. The repurchase of Fund units is made in accordance with Section 13 of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Liability Company. The repurchase would be at the discretion of the Managing Member on terms it determines to be appropriate under given circumstances, in the event that the Managing Member deems such repurchase to be in the best interest of the Company; provided, the Company is never required to repurchase any Units. Upon the repurchase of any Units by the Fund, the tendered Units are cancelled. Units repurchased in prior periods were repurchased at amounts representing the original investment less cumulative distributions made to the Unitholder with respect to the Units. All Units repurchased during a quarter are deemed to be repurchased effective the last day of the preceding quarter, and are not deemed to be outstanding during, or entitled to allocations of net income, net loss or distributions for the quarter in which such repurchase occurs.

As defined in the Operating Agreement, the Company’s Net Income, Net Losses, and Distributions are to be allocated 92.5% to the Other Members and 7.5% to AFS. In accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement, additional allocations of income were made to AFS in 2011 and 2010. The amounts allocated were determined so as to bring AFS’s ending capital account balance to zero at the end of the year.

Distributions to the Other Members were as follows (in thousands, except per Unit data):

   
  2011   2010
Distributions declared   $ 3,729     $ 3,254  
Weighted average number of Units outstanding     13,560,188       13,560,188  
Weighted average distributions per Unit   $       0.27     $        0.24  

26


 
 

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

The Company’s Managing Member’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (“Management”), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, Management concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

The Company does not control the financial reporting process, and is solely dependent on the Management of the Managing Member, who is responsible for providing the Company with financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The Managing Member’s disclosure controls and procedures, as they are applicable to the Company, means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Management of the Managing Member is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as that term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) for the Company, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. The internal control process of the Managing Member, as it is applicable to the Company, was designed to provide reasonable assurance to Management regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements, and includes those policies and procedures that:

(1) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of the Management of the Managing Member; and
(2) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

All internal control processes, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those processes determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the reliability of financial statement preparation and presentation. Further, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management of the Managing Member assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, as it is applicable to the Company, as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its assessment, Management of the Managing Member concluded that the Managing Member’s internal control over financial reporting, as it is applicable to the Company, was effective as of December 31, 2011.

27


 
 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 989G of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which exempts non-accelerated filers from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Changes in internal control

There were no changes in the Managing Member’s internal control over financial reporting, as it is applicable to the Company, during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Managing Member’s internal control over financial reporting, as it is applicable to the Company.

28


 
 

PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

The registrant is a Limited Liability Company and has no officers or directors.

ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”) is the Company’s Managing Member or Manager. AFS is controlled by ATEL Capital Group (“ACG” or “ATEL”), a holding company formed to control AFS and affiliated companies. The outstanding voting capital stock of ACG is owned 100% by Dean L. Cash.

Each of ATEL Leasing Corporation (“ALC”) and AFS is a subsidiary under the control of ACG and performs services for the Company. Acquisition services, equipment management, lease administration and asset disposition services are performed by ALC; investor relations, communications services and general administrative services are performed by AFS.

The officers and directors of ACG and its affiliates are as follows:

 
Dean L. Cash   President and Chief Executive Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)
Paritosh K. Choksi   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)
Vasco H. Morais   Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)

Dean L. Cash, age 61, became chairman, president and chief executive officer of ATEL in April 2001. Mr. Cash joined ATEL as director of marketing in 1980 and served as a vice president since 1981, executive vice president since 1983 and a director since 1984. Prior to joining ATEL, Mr. Cash was a senior marketing representative for Martin Marietta Corporation, data systems division, from 1979 to 1980. From 1977 to 1979, he was employed by General Electric Corporation, where he was an applications specialist in the medical systems division and a marketing representative in the information services division. Mr. Cash was a systems engineer with Electronic Data Systems from 1975 to 1977, and was involved in maintaining and developing software for commercial applications. Mr. Cash received a B.S. degree in psychology and mathematics in 1972 and an M.B.A. degree with a concentration in finance in 1975 from Florida State University. Mr. Cash is an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and is qualified as a registered principal with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Paritosh K. Choksi, age 58, joined ATEL in 1999 as a director, senior vice president and its chief financial officer. He became its executive vice president and CFO/COO in April 2001. Prior to joining ATEL, Mr. Choksi was chief financial officer at Wink Communications, Inc. from 1997 to 1999. From 1977 to 1997, Mr. Choksi was with Phoenix American Incorporated, a financial services and management company, where he held various positions during his tenure, and was senior vice president, chief financial officer and director when he left the company. Mr. Choksi was involved in all corporate matters at Phoenix and was responsible for Phoenix’s capital market needs. He also served on the credit committee overseeing all corporate investments, including its venture lease portfolio. Mr. Choksi was a part of the executive management team which caused Phoenix’s portfolio to increase from $50 million in assets to over $2 billion. Mr. Choksi is a member of the board of directors of Syntel, Inc. Mr. Choksi received a bachelor of technology degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay; and an M.B.A. degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Vasco H. Morais, age 53, joined ATEL in 1989 as general counsel. Mr. Morais manages ATEL’s legal department, which provides legal and contractual support in the negotiating, documenting, drafting, reviewing and funding of lease transactions. In addition, Mr. Morais advises on general corporate law matters, and assists on securities law issues. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Morais was employed by the BankAmeriLease Companies, Bank of America’s equipment leasing subsidiaries, providing in-house legal support on the documentation of tax-oriented and non-tax oriented direct and leveraged lease transactions, vendor leasing programs and general corporate matters. Prior to the BankAmeriLease Companies, Mr. Morais was with the Consolidated Capital Companies in the Corporate and Securities Legal Department involved in drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on corporate law matters and securities law issues. Mr. Morais received a B.A. degree in 1982 from the University of California in Berkeley, a J.D. degree in 1986 from Golden Gate University Law School; and an M.B.A. (Finance) degree from Golden Gate University in 1997.

29


 
 

Mr. Morais, an active member of the State Bar of California since 1986, served as co-chair of the Uniform Business Law Section of the State Bar of California and was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers in 2010.

Audit Committee

The board of directors of the Managing Member acts as the audit committee of the Company. Dean L. Cash and Paritosh K. Choksi are members of the board of directors of the Managing Member and are deemed to be financial experts. They are not independent of the Company.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based solely on a review of Forms 3, 4, and 5, the Company is not aware of any failures to file reports of beneficial ownership required to be filed during or for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Code of Ethics

A Code of Ethics that is applicable to the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of its Managing Member, AFS, or persons acting in such capacity on behalf of the Company, is included as Exhibit 14.1 to this report.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The registrant has no officers or directors.

Set forth hereinafter is a description of the nature of remuneration paid and to be paid to ATEL and its Affiliates. The amount of such remuneration paid in 2011 and 2010 is set forth in Item 8 of this report under the caption “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to Financial Statements — Related party transactions,” at Note 6 thereof, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.

Asset Management Fee

The Company pays AFS an Asset Management Fee in an amount equal to 4.5% of Operating Revenues, which includes Gross Lease Revenues and Cash From Sales or Refinancing. The Asset Management Fee is paid on a monthly basis. The amount of the Asset Management Fee payable in any year is reduced for that year to the extent it would otherwise exceed the Asset Management Fee Limit, as described below. The Asset Management Fee is paid for services rendered by AFS and its affiliates in determining portfolio and investment strategies (i.e., establishing and maintaining the composition of the Equipment portfolio as a whole and the Company’s overall debt structure) and generally managing or supervising the management of the Equipment.

AFS supervises performance of among others activities, collection of lease revenues, monitoring compliance by lessees with the lease terms, assuring that Equipment is being used in accordance with all operative contractual arrangements, paying operating expenses and arranging for necessary maintenance and repair of Equipment in the event a lessee fails to do so, monitoring property, sales and use tax compliance and preparation of operating financial data. AFS intends to delegate all or a portion of its duties and the Asset Management Fee to one or more of its affiliates who are in the business of providing such services.

Asset Management Fee Limit:

The Asset Management Fee is subject to the Asset Management Fee Limit. The Asset Management Fee Limit is calculated each year during the Company’s term by calculating the total fees that would be paid to AFS if AFS were to be compensated on the basis of an alternative fee schedule, to include an Equipment Management Fee, Incentive Management Fee, and Equipment Resale/Re-Leasing Fee, plus AFS’s Carried Interest, as described below. To the extent that the amount paid to AFS as the Asset Management Fee plus its Carried Interest for any year would exceed the aggregate amount of fees calculated under this alternative fee schedule for the year, the Asset Management Fee and/or Carried Interest for that year is reduced to equal the maximum aggregate fees under the alternative fee schedule.

To the extent any such fees are reduced, the amount of such reduction will be accrued and deferred, and such accrued and deferred compensation would be paid to AFS in a subsequent period, but only if and to the extent that such

30


 
 

deferred compensation would be payable within the Asset Management Fee Limit for the subsequent period. Any deferred fees which cannot be paid under the applicable limitations in any subsequent period through the date of liquidation would be forfeited by AFS upon liquidation.

Alternative Fee Schedule:

For purposes of the Asset Management Fee Limit, the Company will calculate an alternative schedule of fees, including a hypothetical Equipment Management Fee, Incentive Management Fee, Equipment Resale/Re-Leasing Fee, and Carried Interest as follows:

An Equipment Management Fee will be calculated to equal the lesser of (i) 3.5% of annual Gross Revenues from Operating Leases and 2% of annual Gross Revenues from Full Payout Leases which contain Net Lease Provisions), or (ii) the fees customarily charged by others rendering similar services as an ongoing public activity in the same geographic location and for similar types of equipment. If services with respect to certain Operating Leases are performed by nonaffiliated persons under the active supervision of AFS or its Affiliate, then the amount so calculated shall be 1% of Gross Revenues from such Operating Leases.

An Incentive Management Fee will be calculated to equal 4% of Distributions of Cash from Operations until Holders have received a return of their Original Invested Capital plus a Priority Distribution, and, thereafter, to equal a total of 7.5% of Distributions from all sources, including Sale or Refinancing Proceeds. In subordinating the increase in the Incentive Management Fee to a cumulative return of a Holder’s Original Invested Capital plus a Priority Distribution, a Holder would be deemed to have received Distributions of Original Invested Capital only to the extent that Distributions to the Holder exceed the amount of the Priority Distribution.

An Equipment Resale Fee will be calculated in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 3% of the sale price of the Equipment, or (ii) one-half the normal competitive equipment sale commission charged by unaffiliated parties for resale services. Such fee would apply only after the Holders have received a return of their Original Invested Capital plus a Priority Distribution.

An Equipment Re-Leasing Fee, in connection with the releasing of Equipment to lessees other than previous lessees or their affiliates, will be calculated in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the competitive rate for comparable services for similar equipment, or (ii) 2% of the gross rental payments derived from the re-lease of such Equipment, payable out of each rental payment received by the Company from such re-lease.

Managing Member’s Interest in Operating Proceeds

As defined in the Operating Agreement, the Company’s Net Income, Net Losses, and Distributions are to be allocated 92.5% to the Members and 7.5% to AFS. In accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement, additional allocations of income were made to AFS in 2011 and 2010. The amounts allocated were determined to bring AFS’s ending capital account balance to zero at the end of each year. See financial statements as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this report for amounts allocated to AFS in 2011 and 2010.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

At December 31, 2011, no investor is known to hold beneficially more than 5% of the issued and outstanding Units.

Security Ownership of Management

The parent of AFS is the beneficial owner of Limited Liability Company Units as follows:

     
(1)
Title of Class
  (2)
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
  (3)
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
  (4)
Percent of
Class
Limited Liability Company Units   ATEL Capital Group
600 California Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
  Initial Limited Liability
Company Units
25 Units ($250)
(owned by wife)
  0.0002%

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Changes in Control

The Members have the right, by vote of the Members owning more than 50% of the outstanding Limited Liability Company Units, to remove the Managing Member.

AFS may at any time call a meeting of the Members or a vote of the Members without a meeting, on matters on which they are entitled to vote, and shall call such meeting or for vote without a meeting following receipt of a written request therefore of Members holding 10% or more of the total outstanding Limited Liability Company Units.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The responses to Item 1 of this report under the caption “Equipment Leasing Activities,” Item 8 of this report under the caption “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to Financial Statements — Related party transactions” at Note 6 thereof, and Item 11 of this report under the caption “Executive Compensation,” are hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

During the most recent two years, the Company incurred audit and other fees with its principal auditors as follows (in thousands):

   
  2011   2010
Audit fees   $       45     $       65  
Other     1       1  
     $ 46     $ 66  

Audit fees consist of the aggregate fees and expenses billed in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and the review of the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Other fees represent costs incurred in connection with various Agreed-Upon Procedures engagements.

The board of directors of the Managing Member acts as the audit committee of the Company. Engagements for audit services, audit related services and tax services are approved in advance by the Chief Financial Officer of the Managing Member acting on behalf of the board of directors of the Managing Member in its role as the audit committee of the Company.

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PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Financial Statements and Schedules
1. Financial Statements

2. Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

(b) Exhibits

(3) and (4) Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement, included as exhibit B to the Prospectus filed as exhibit 28.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 333-62477), is hereby incorporated herein by reference

(14.1)  Code of Ethics
(31.1)  Certification of Dean L. Cash pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(31.2)  Certification of Paritosh K. Choksi pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(32.1)  Certification of Dean L. Cash pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350
(32.2)  Certification of Paritosh K. Choksi pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350

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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.

Date: March 15, 2012

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VIII, LLC
(Registrant)

 

By:

ATEL Financial Services, LLC,
Managing Member of Registrant

    

 
 

By:

/s/ Dean L. Cash
Dean L. Cash,
President and Chief Executive Officer of
ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)

    

By:

/s/ Paritosh K. Choksi
Paritosh K. Choksi,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Operating Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC
(Managing Member)

    

By:

/s/ Samuel Schussler
Samuel Schussler,
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)

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

   
SIGNATURE   CAPACITIES   DATE
/s/ Dean L. Cash
Dean L. Cash
  President and Chief Executive Officer of
ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)
  March 15, 2012
/s/ Paritosh K. Choksi
Paritosh K. Choksi
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)   March 15, 2012
/s/ Samuel Schussler
Samuel Schussler
  Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)   March 15, 2012

No proxy materials have been or will be sent to security holders. An annual report will be furnished to security holders subsequent to the filing of this report on Form 10-K, and copies thereof will be furnished supplementally to the Commission when forwarded to the security holders.

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