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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX LLCv477284_exh32x2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX LLCv477284_exh32x1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX LLCv477284_exh31x1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX LLCv477284_exh31x2.htm

  

  

 

  

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 
x   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

 
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 000-50210

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund IX, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
California   94-3375584
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
  (I. R. S. Employer
Identification No.)

The Transamerica Pyramid, 600 Montgomery Street, 9th Floor, San Francisco, California 94111
(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 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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer o     Smaller reporting company x
Emerging growth company o

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

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

The number of Limited Liability Company Units outstanding as of October 31, 2017 was 12,055,016.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

 


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC

Index

 

Part I.

Financial Information

    3  

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

    3  
Balance Sheets, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016     3  
Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016     4  
Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital for the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017     5  
Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017
and 2016
    6  
Notes to the Financial Statements     7  

Item 2.

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

    16  

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

    19  

Part II.

Other Information

    20  

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

    20  

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

    20  

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

    20  

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

    20  

Item 5.

Other Information

    20  

Item 6.

Exhibits

    20  

2


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND DECEMBER 31, 2016
(in thousands)

   
  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
     (Unaudited)     
ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 734     $ 3,421  
Accounts receivable, net     102       105  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     77       69  
Investment in securities     5       5  
Investments in equipment and leases, net     3,818       4,198  
Total assets   $ 4,736     $ 7,798  
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
                 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
                 
Managing Member   $ 43     $ 24  
Other     114       297  
Deposits due lessees     6       4  
Unearned operating lease income     50       112  
Total liabilities     213       437  
Commitments and contingencies
                 
Members’ capital:
                 
Managing Member            
Other Members     4,523       7,361  
Total Members’ capital     4,523       7,361  
Total liabilities and Members’ capital   $    4,736     $    7,798  

See accompanying notes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands, except for units and per unit data)
(Unaudited)

       
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2017   2016   2017   2016
Revenues:
                                   
Leasing and lending activities:
                                   
Operating leases   $ 573     $ 644     $ 1,858     $ 1,998  
Direct financing leases           224             892  
Gain on sales of lease assets     71       600       113       800  
Gain on sales or dispositions of investment in securities                 4       1  
Other revenue           3       4       22  
Total revenues     644       1,471       1,979       3,713  
Expenses:
                                   
Depreciation of operating lease assets     102       107       328       332  
Asset management fees to Managing Member and/or affiliates     26       49       80       180  
Cost reimbursements to Managing Member and/or affiliates     96       104       322       290  
Provision for credit losses     9             7       2  
Amortization of initial direct costs                 1       1  
Other management fees     7       7       21       22  
Interest expense           17             106  
Professional fees     16       19       110       101  
Outside services     20       10       82       53  
Insurance     14       14       37       36  
Marine vessel maintenance and other operating costs     1             1       21  
Railcar and equipment maintenance     28       28       102       108  
Franchise fees and state taxes     29       12       31       31  
Printing and photocopying     9       6       25       13  
Storage fees     10       13       36       36  
Other     8       13       57       56  
Total operating expenses     375       399       1,240       1,388  
Other income (loss), net     3       (1 )      7       (4 ) 
Net income   $ 272     $ 1,071     $ 746     $ 2,321  
Net income:
                                   
Managing Member   $ 43     $ 49     $ 269     $ 232  
Other Members     229       1,022       477       2,089  
     $ 272     $ 1,071     $ 746     $ 2,321  
Net income per Limited Liability Company Unit (Other Members)   $ 0.02     $ 0.08     $ 0.04     $ 0.17  
Weighted average number of Units outstanding     12,055,016       12,055,016       12,055,016       12,055,016  

See accompanying notes.

4


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
(in thousands, except for units and per unit data)

       
    Amount  
     Units   Other
Members
  Managing
Member
  Total
Balance December 31, 2015     12,055,016     $   9,730     $   —     $   9,730  
Distributions to Other Members ($0.42 per Unit)           (5,123 )            (5,123 ) 
Distributions to Managing Member                 (415 )      (415 ) 
Net income           2,754       415       3,169  
Balance December 31, 2016     12,055,016       7,361             7,361  
Distributions to Other Members ($0.27 per Unit)           (3,315 )            (3,315 ) 
Distributions to Managing Member                 (269 )      (269 ) 
Net income           477       269       746  
Balance September 30, 2017 (Unaudited)     12,055,016     $ 4,523     $     $ 4,523  

See accompanying notes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

       
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2017   2016   2017   2016
Operating activities:
                                   
Net income   $   272     $   1,071     $   746     $   2,321  
Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
                                   
Gain on sales of lease assets     (71 )      (600 )      (113 )      (800 ) 
Gain on sales or dispositions of investment in
securities
                (4 )      (1 ) 
Depreciation of operating lease assets     102       107       328       332  
Amortization of initial direct costs                 1       1  
Provision for credit losses     9             7       2  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                                   
Accounts receivable     (1 )      187       (4 )      247  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     (20 )      (17 )      (8 )      (7 ) 
Accounts payable, Managing Member     3       61       19       35  
Accounts payable, other     10       19       (183 )      (64 ) 
Deposits due lessees           4       2       4  
Unearned operating lease income     4       (4 )      (62 )      8  
Net cash provided by operating activities     308       828       729       2,078  
Investing activities:
                                   
Proceeds from sales of lease assets     85       2,527       172       2,892  
Proceeds from sales or dispositions of investment in securities                 4       1  
Payments of initial direct costs     (9 )            (9 )       
Principal payments received on direct financing leases           698       1       2,256  
Net cash provided by investing activities     76       3,225       168       5,149  
Financing activities:
                                   
Repayments of non-recourse debt           (1,089 )            (3,214 ) 
Distributions to Other Members     (527 )      (603 )      (3,315 )      (2,863 ) 
Distributions to Managing Member     (43 )      (49 )      (269 )      (232 ) 
Net cash used in financing activities     (570 )      (1,741 )      (3,584 )      (6,309 ) 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     (186 )      2,312       (2,687 )      918  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     920       846       3,421       2,240  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 734     $ 3,158     $ 734     $ 3,158  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                                   
Cash paid during the period for interest   $     $ 23     $     $ 124  
Cash paid during the period for taxes   $ 3     $     $ 42     $ 47  

See accompanying notes.

6


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Organization and Limited Liability Company matters:

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund IX, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the State of California on September 27, 2000 for the purpose of engaging in the sale of limited liability company investment units and acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing, lending and sales activities, primarily in the United States. The Managing Member or Manager of the Company is ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a California limited liability company. The Company may continue until December 31, 2020. Contributions in the amount of $600 were received as of December 31, 2000, $100 of which represented AFS’s continuing interest, and $500 of which represented the initial Member’s capital investment.

As of January 15, 2003, the offering was terminated. As of that date, the Company had received subscriptions for 12,065,266 Units ($120.7 million). Subsequent to January 15, 2003, Units totaling 10,250 were rescinded or repurchased and funds returned to investors (net of distributions paid and allocated syndication costs, as applicable). As of September 30, 2017, 12,055,016 Units remain issued and outstanding.

The Company is governed by the ATEL Capital Equipment IX, LLC amended and restated limited liability company operating agreement dated January 16, 2001 (the “Operating Agreement”). On January 1, 2010, the Company commenced liquidation phase activities pursuant to the guidelines of the Operating Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Operating Agreement, AFS receives 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, for the repurchase of Units and for contingencies. The repurchase of Units is solely at the discretion of AFS.

These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies:

Basis of presentation:

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q as mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of the Managing Member, necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no significant impact on the reported financial position or results of operations.

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

In preparing the accompanying unaudited financial statements, the Managing Member has reviewed events that have occurred after September 30, 2017, up until the issuance of the financial statements. No events were noted which would require additional disclosure in the footnotes to the financial statements, or adjustments thereto.

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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

reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates primarily relate 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.

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 primary geographic regions in which the Company seeks leasing opportunities are North America and Europe. The table below summarizes geographic information relating to the sources, by nation, of the Company’s total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and long-lived tangible assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

       
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2017   % of Total   2016   % of Total
Revenue
                                   
United States   $    1,920            97 %    $    3,685            99 % 
Canada     46       2 %            0 % 
United Kingdom     13       1 %      28       1 % 
Total International     59       3 %      28       1 % 
Total   $ 1,979       100 %    $ 3,713       100 % 

       
  As of September 30,   As of December 31,
     2017   % of Total   2016   % of Total
Long-lived assets
                                   
United States   $    3,725       98 %    $    4,150       99 % 
Canada     91       2 %      15       0 % 
United Kingdom     2       0 %      33       1 % 
Total International     93       2 %      48       1 % 
Total   $ 3,818           100 %    $ 4,198           100 % 

Investment in securities:

Purchased securities

Purchased securities are generally not registered for public sale and are carried at cost. Such securities are adjusted to fair value if the fair value is less than the carrying value and such impairment is deemed by the Managing Member to be other than temporary. Factors considered by the Managing Member in determining fair value include, but are not limited to, available financial information, the issuer’s ability to meet its current obligations and indications of the issuer’s subsequent ability to raise capital. There were neither impaired securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 nor investment securities sold nor disposed of during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Other income, net:

Other income, net consisted solely of net gains and losses on foreign exchange transactions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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

Per Unit data:

The Company issues only one class of Units, none of which are considered dilutive. Net income and distributions per Unit are based upon the weighted average number of Other Members’ Units outstanding during the period.

Fair value:

Fair value measurements and disclosures are based on a fair value hierarchy as determined by significant inputs used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs within the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis, generally on a national exchange.

Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in the market.

Level 3 — Valuation is modeled using significant inputs that are unobservable in the market. These unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company’s valuation policy is determined by members of the Asset Management, Credit and Accounting departments. Whenever possible, the policy is to obtain quoted market prices in active markets to estimate fair values for recognition and disclosure purposes. Where quoted market prices in active markets are not available, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, broker quotes, information from third party remarketing agents, third party appraisals of collateral and/or other valuation techniques. These techniques are significantly affected by certain of the Company’s assumptions, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. Potential taxes and other transaction costs are not considered in estimating fair values. As the Company is responsible for determining fair value, an analysis is performed on prices obtained from third parties. Such analysis is performed by asset management and credit department personnel who are familiar with the Company’s investments in equipment, and equity securities of venture companies. The analysis may include a periodic review of price fluctuations and validation of numbers obtained from a specific third party by reference to multiple representative sources.

Recent accounting pronouncements:

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 — Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 addresses specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the standard and its impact on operations and financial reporting. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 by the Company is not expected to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”). The main objective of this Update is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in this Update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendments affect entities holding financial

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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

assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the standard and expects the Update may potentially result in an increase in the allowance for credit losses given the change to estimated losses over the contractual life adjusted for expected prepayments.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard will require lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases with lease terms greater than 12 months in the statement of financial position. Lessor accounting per ASU 2016-02 is mostly unchanged from the previous lease accounting GAAP. Certain changes were made to the lessor accounting guidance in order to align the lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Similar to the previous guidance, lessors will classify leases as operating, direct financing, or sales-type. Lessors in operating leases will continue to recognize the underlying asset and recognize income on a straight-line basis. Lessors determine whether a lease is a sale of the underlying asset based on whether the lessee effectively obtains control of the underlying assets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. While early adoption is permitted, we do not expect to elect that option. The Company expects to adopt the guidance in the first quarter 2019 using the modified retrospective method. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the financial statements and its operational and related disclosure requirements, including the impact on the Company’s current lease portfolio from a lessor perspective. Given the limited changes to lessor accounting, the Company does not expect material changes to recognition or measurement, but we are early in the implementation process and will continue to evaluate the impact. This adoption will primarily result in an increase in the assets and liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet.

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). The new standard provides guidance related to accounting for equity investments and financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01, among other things, (i) requires equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (iii) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, (iv) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, and (v) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the standard and its operational and related disclosure requirements. The Company’s implementation efforts include the identification of equity securities within the scope of the guidance, the evaluation of the measurement alternative available for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, and the related impact to accounting policies, presentation and disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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

entitled when products are transferred to customers. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year and in August 2015, issued Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”). ASU 2015-14 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Company expects to adopt the Standards Update. A preliminary evaluation of the impact of such adoption on the financial statements of the Fund indicates that such impact is non-material as the new revenue guideline does not affect revenues from leases and loans, which comprise the majority of the Company’s revenues. Management expects that accounting policies will not materially change since the principles of revenue recognition from the standard are largely consistent with existing guidance and current practices applied by the Company.

3. Allowance for credit losses:

The Company’s allowance for credit losses totaled $9 thousand and $2 thousand at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. All of such allowance was related to delinquent operating lease receivables. The Company had neither financing receivables in non-accrual status nor impaired financing receivables at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

4. Investment in equipment and leases, net:

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

       
  Balance
December 31,
2016
  Reclassifications,
Additions/
Dispositions
  Depreciation/
Amortization
Expense or
Amortization
of Leases
  Balance
September 30,
2017
Net investment in operating leases   $    3,495     $      29     $    (328 )    $    3,196  
Net investment in direct financing leases     1             (1 )       
Assets held for sale or lease, net     701       (88 )            613  
Initial direct costs, net of accumulated amortization of $4 at September 30, 2017 and $2 at December 31, 2016     1       9       (1 )      9  
Total   $ 4,198     $ (50 )    $ (330 )    $ 3,818  

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

Recorded values of the Company’s leased asset portfolio are reviewed each quarter to confirm the reasonableness of established residual values and to determine whether there is indication that an asset impairment might have taken place. The Company uses a variety of sources and considers many factors in evaluating whether the respective book values of its assets are appropriate. In addition, the Company may direct a residual value review at any time if it becomes aware of issues regarding the ability of a lessee to continue to make payments on its lease contract. 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 residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s lease contract and undiscounted future rents from the existing lease contract, if any. 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 marketplace are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets simultaneously, if held in quantity, or to dispose of the asset quickly. Impairment is measured as the difference between the fair value (as determined by a valuation method using

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ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

4. Investment in equipment and leases, net: - (continued)

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. Upward adjustments for impairments recognized in prior periods are not made in any circumstances.

As a result of these reviews, management determined that no impairment losses existed during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

The Company utilizes a straight line depreciation method for equipment in all of the categories currently in its portfolio of operating lease transactions. Depreciation expense on the Company’s equipment was approximately $102 thousand and $107 thousand for the respective three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and was $328 thousand and $332 thousand for the respective nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The Company recorded initial direct cost amortization of $1 thousand for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

All of the leased property was acquired beginning in 2001 through 2010.

Operating leases:

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

       
  Balance
December 31,
2016
  Additions   Reclassifications
or Dispositions
  Balance

September 30,
2017
Transportation, rail   $    11,291     $     $    774     $    12,065  
Marine vessels     9,700                   9,700  
Transportation, other     1,827             (332 )      1,495  
Materials handling     531             84       615  
Construction     565             (148 )      417  
Manufacturing     355             (355 )       
Other     11                   11  
       24,280             23       24,303  
Less accumulated depreciation     (20,785 )      (328 )      6       (21,107 ) 
Total   $ 3,495     $    (328 )    $ 29     $ 3,196  

The average estimated residual value for assets on operating leases was 11% of the assets’ original cost for both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. There were no operating leases placed in non-accrual status as of the same dates.

The Company may earn revenues from its railcars and certain other assets based on utilization of such assets or a fixed-term lease. 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 $21 thousand and $12 thousand for the respective three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and $69 thousand and $45 thousand for the respective nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Direct financing leases:

As of December 31, 2016, investment in direct financing leases consists of materials handling equipment. The following lists the components of the Company’s investment in direct financing leases as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 
  December 31,
2016
Total minimum lease payments receivable   $ 1  
Estimated residual values of leased equipment (unguaranteed)      
Investment in direct financing leases     1  
Less unearned income      
Net investment in direct financing leases   $     1  

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ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

4. Investment in equipment and leases, net: - (continued)

At September 30, 2017, the aggregate amounts of future minimum lease payments receivable are as follows (in thousands):

 
  Operating
Leases
Three months ending December 31, 2017   $ 419  
Year ending December 31, 2018     1,239  
2019     940  
2020     537  
2021     132  
2022     25  
     $        3,292  

The useful lives for each category of leases is reviewed at a minimum of once per quarter. As of September 30, 2017, the respective useful lives of each category of lease assets in the Company’s portfolio are as follows (in years):

 
Equipment category   Useful Life
Transportation, rail     35 – 40  
Marine vessels     20 – 30  
Manufacturing     10 – 15  
Construction     7 – 10  
Materials handling     7 – 10  
Transportation, other     7 – 10  

5. 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 for 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. The Company would be liable for certain future costs to be incurred by AFS to manage the administrative services provided to the Company.

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 and general administrative services for the Company 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 managed assets, number of investors or contributed capital based upon the type of cost incurred. The Managing Member believes that the costs reimbursed are the lower of (i) actual costs incurred on behalf of the Company or (ii) the amount the Company would be required to pay independent parties for comparable administrative services in the same geographic location.

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ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

5. Related party transactions: - (continued)

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, AFS and/or affiliates earned fees and billed for reimbursements of costs and expenses pursuant to the Operating Agreement as follows (in thousands):

       
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2017   2016   2017   2016
Costs reimbursed to Managing Member and/or affiliates   $ 96     $ 104     $ 322     $ 290  
Asset management fees to Managing Member and/or affiliates     26       49       80       180  
     $       122     $       153     $       402     $       470  

6. Commitments and Contingencies:

At September 30, 2017, the Company had no commitments to purchase lease assets or fund investments in notes receivable.

7. Members’ capital:

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 12,055,016 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).

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

       
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2017   2016   2017   2016
Distributions declared   $ 527     $ 603     $ 3,315     $ 2,863  
Weighted average number of Units outstanding     12,055,016       12,055,016       12,055,016       12,055,016  
Weighted average distributions per Unit   $ 0.04     $ 0.05     $ 0.27     $ 0.24  

8. Fair value measurements:

The Company had no assets or liabilities requiring measurement at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is made in accordance with the guidance provided by the Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments, are made solely to comply with the requirements of the Financial Instruments Topic.

The Company has determined the estimated fair value amounts by using market information and valuation methodologies that it considers appropriate and consistent with the fair value accounting guidance. Considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

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ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, LLC
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

8. Fair value measurements: - (continued)

Cash and cash equivalents

The recorded amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value because of the liquidity and short-term maturity of these instruments.

Investment in securities (Non-Recurring)

The Company’s investment securities are not registered for public sale and are carried at cost which management believes approximates fair value, as appropriately adjusted for impairment.

Commitments and Contingencies (Non-Recurring)

Management has determined that the fair value of contingent liabilities (or guarantees) is not considered material because management believes there has been no event that has occurred wherein a guarantee liability has been incurred or will likely be incurred.

The following tables present estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with the guidance provided by the Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

         
  Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017
     Carrying
Amount
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
Financial assets:
                                            
Cash and cash equivalents   $     734     $     734     $      —     $      —     $     734  
Investment in securities     5                   5       5  

         
  Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016
     Carrying
Amount
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
Financial assets:
                                            
Cash and cash equivalents   $     3,421     $     3,421     $      —     $      —     $     3,421  
Investment in securities     5                   5       5  

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Statements contained in this Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, 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, economic recession and changes in general economic conditions, including fluctuations in demand for equipment, lease rates, and interest rates, may result in delays in investment and reinvestment, 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-Q. 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-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by law.

Overview

ATEL Capital Equipment Fund IX, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) is a California limited liability company that was formed in September 2000 for the purpose of engaging in the sale of limited liability company investment units and acquiring equipment to generate revenues from equipment leasing, lending and sales activities, primarily in the United States. The Managing Member of the Company is ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a California limited liability company.

The Company may continue until December 31, 2020. However, pursuant to the guidelines of the Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement (“Operating Agreement”), the Company commenced liquidation phase activities subsequent to the end of the Reinvestment Period which ended on December 31, 2009.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company continues in its liquidation phase. Accordingly, leased 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

The three months ended September 30, 2017 versus the three months ended September 30, 2016

The Company had net income of $272 thousand, and $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The net results for 2017 reflected decreases in both total revenues and total operating expenses when compared to prior year period.

Revenues

Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $827 thousand, or 56%, as compared to the prior year period. Such decrease was largely due to a $529 thousand, or 88%, reduced gain on sales of lease assets, primarily due to a mix of assets sold; a $224 thousand, or 100%, reduction in direct financing leases revenues, the result of run-off of the portfolio and the sales of lease assets; and a $71 thousand, or 11%, reduction in operating leases revenues, the result of run-off of the portfolio and the sales of lease assets.

Expenses

Total expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $24 thousand, or 6%, as compared to the prior year period. Such net decrease in total expenses was largely the result of a $23 thousand, or 47%, decrease in asset management fees to the Managing Member, reflecting a diminished level of operating and direct finance lease revenues which is consistent with the Company’s continued liquidation phase activities; and a $17 thousand, or a 100% reduction in interest expense burden, corresponding to a $707 thousand net drop in outstanding borrowings since September 30, 2016; offset, in part by a $17 thousand, or 142% increase in income taxes and franchise fees, due to an adjustment in estimated tax liability related to prior year tax payments.

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The nine months ended September 30, 2017 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016

The Company had net income of $746 thousand, and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The net results for 2017 reflected decreases in both total revenues and total operating expenses when compared to prior year.

Revenues

Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $1.7 million, or 47%, as compared to the prior year period. Such decrease was largely due to an $892 thousand, or 100%, reduction in revenues from direct financing leases, the result of run-off of the portfolio as well as the sales of lease assets; a $687 thousand, or 86%, reduced gain on sales of lease assets primarily due to a change in the volume and mix of assets sold; and a $140 thousand, or 7%, decrease in operating lease revenues, also the result of continued portfolio run-off and the sales of lease assets.

Expenses

Total expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $148 thousand, or 11%, as compared to the prior year period. Such net decrease in total expenses was largely the result of a $106 thousand, or a 100% reduction in interest expense burden, corresponding to a $707 thousand net decrease in outstanding borrowings since September 30, 2016; and a $100 thousand, or 56%, decrease in asset management fees to the Managing Member, reflecting a diminished level of operating and direct finance lease revenues which is consistent with the Company’s continued liquidation phase activities. Partially offsetting these, and other reductions in expense, was a $32 thousand, or 11%, increase in cost reimbursement to the managing member and/or affiliates, the result of higher indirect cost allocations, a result of refinement of cost allocation methodology; and a $29 thousand, or 55%, increase in outside services, indicative of additional efforts required to comply with certain regulatory requirements.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $734 thousand and $3.4 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The liquidity of the Company varies, increasing to the extent cash flows from leases and proceeds of asset sales exceed expenses and decreasing as distributions are made to 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.

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):

       
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2017   2016   2017   2016
Net cash provided by (used in):
                                   
Operating activities   $ 308     $ 828     $ 729     $    2,078  
Investing activities     76       3,225       168       5,149  
Financing activities     (570 )      (1,741 )      (3,584 )      (6,309 ) 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   $    (186 )    $    2,312     $    (2,687 )    $ 918  

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The three months ended September 30, 2017 versus the three months ended September 30, 2016

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity were cash flows from its portfolio of operating and direct financing lease contracts. In addition, the Company realized $85 thousand and $2.5 million of proceeds from sales or dispositions of equipment during the respective three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

During the same respective periods, cash was primarily used to pay distributions to both Other Members and the Managing Member. Distributions paid to Members totaled $570 thousand and $652 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, $1.1 million was used to pay down debt during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

The nine months ended September 30, 2017 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity were cash flows from its portfolio of operating and direct financing lease contracts. In addition, the Company realized $172 thousand and $2.9 million of proceeds from sales or dispositions of equipment during the respective nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The Company also received $1 thousand and $2.3 million of principal payments from direct finance leases during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

During the same respective periods, cash was primarily used to pay distributions to both Other Members and the Managing Member. Distributions paid to Members totaled $3.6 million and $3.1 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, $3.2 million was used to pay down debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Distributions

Beginning with the month of February 2001, the Company commenced periodic distributions based on cash flows from operations. The monthly distributions were discontinued in 2010 as the Company entered its liquidation phase. The rates and frequency of periodic distributions paid by the Fund during its liquidation phase are solely at the discretion of the Manager.

Commitments and Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

Commitments and Contingencies

At September 30, 2017, the Company had no commitments to purchase lease assets or fund investments in notes receivable.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

None.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For detailed information on recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, Summary of significant accounting policies.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, which are based upon historical experiences, market trends and financial forecasts, and upon various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances and at that certain point in time. Actual results may differ, significantly at times, from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies since December 31, 2016.

Item 4. 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) and 15d-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.

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 September 30, 2017 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.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. 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 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

Documents filed as a part of this report:

1. Financial Statement Schedules

All other 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.

2. Other Exhibits

 
31.1   Certification of Dean L. Cash
31.2   Certification of Paritosh K. Choksi
32.1   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 of Dean L. Cash
32.2   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 of Paritosh K. Choksi
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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: November 9, 2017

ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND IX, 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
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
ATEL Financial Services, LLC (Managing Member)

21