Item 1. BUSINESS General Development of Business ATEL Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on December 8, 2011 for the purpose of providing financing for the acquisition of equipment and other goods and services used by emerging growth companies and established privately held companies without publicly traded securities, and for providing other forms of financing for, and to acquire equity interests and warrants and rights to purchase equity interests in such companies. The Fund may continue until it is terminated in accordance with the ATEL Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC limited liability company operating agreement dated December 13, 2011 (the “Operating Agreement”). The Managing Member of the Company is AGC Managing Member, LLC (the “Managing Member” or “Manager”), the renamed AGC 8 Managing Member, LLC which was formed in December 2011 as a Nevada limited liability company. Such name change is the result of an amendment to the articles of incorporation filed with the State of Nevada effective March 18, 2014. Contributions in the amount of $500 were received as of December 31, 2011, which represented the initial Member’s capital investment. As a limited liability company, the liability of any individual member for the obligations of the Fund is limited to the extent of capital contributions to the Fund by the individual member.
The offering of the Company was granted effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of August 20, 2012. As of November 14, 2012, subscriptions for the minimum number of Units (120,000, representing $1.2 million), excluding subscriptions from Pennsylvania investors, had been received and the Fund requested subscription proceeds to be released from escrow. On that date, the Company commenced initial operations. Pennsylvania subscriptions are subject to a separate escrow and are released to the Fund only at such time as total subscription proceeds received by the Fund from all subscribers, including the escrowed Pennsylvania subscriptions, equal to not less than $3.75 million in gross proceeds. Total contributions to the Fund exceeded $3.75 million on March 13, 2013, at which time a request was processed to release the Pennsylvania escrowed amounts. The offering was terminated on August 20, 2014.
As of December 31, 2015, cumulative contributions, net of rescissions and related distributions paid, totaling $16.2 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) have been received. As of such date, a total of 1,618,296 Units were issued and outstanding.
Prior to the termination of its offering, the Fund, or Managing Member on behalf of the Fund, incurred costs in connection with the organization, registration and issuance of the Units. The amount of such costs borne by the Fund was limited by certain provisions of the Operating Agreement.
The Company’s principal objectives are to invest in a diversified portfolio of investments that will (i) preserve, protect and return the Company’s invested capital; (ii) generate regular cash distributions to Unitholders, with any balance remaining after required minimum distributions to be used to purchase additional investments during the Reinvestment Period (ending six calendar years after the completion of the Company’s public offering of Units), (iii) provide additional distributions to Unitholders from any proceeds from sales of Equity interests and (iv) provide total cash distributions to Unitholders equal to a desirable rate of return on their investment capital. The Company is governed by the Operating Agreement.
Narrative Description of Business The Company intends to provide acquisition financing for third parties primarily pursuant to secured loans with fixed periodic installment obligations for payment of interest and amortization of principal. The Company may also finance equipment and other capital assets for its customers through finance leases which are structured as leases, but which are treated as installment loans for tax purposes, as well as through net leases requiring fixed periodic lease payment installments. Generally, the Fund expects to finance newly-manufactured equipment. However, the Fund may also finance desirable used equipment and equipment subject to pre-existing financing transactions under appropriate circumstances and where consistent with the Fund’s overall investment objectives and limitations. In addition, some portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be general working capital loans secured by liens on some or all of the borrowers’ assets.
The Fund’s objective is primarily to focus its lending to non-public venture capital financed companies as well as established privately held companies, and to obtain terms from its customers that may include, as consideration to the Fund for providing financing, the granting of warrants, options or other rights to purchase equity securities issued by the customer, or the opportunity to purchase such equity securities outright. Growing young companies often have more difficulty obtaining financing for equipment and other goods and services essential to the development and growth of their business, and as a result, must offer their financing sources substantial cash deposits, equity participations or other extraordinary consideration to obtain financing.
The Fund will generally seek transaction terms requiring full repayment of principal along with interest over 24 to 42 months, and target interest rates of 12% to 15% per annum. In many cases, the Fund expects to acquire equity interests, such as warrants and options to purchase securities, in consideration of its acquisition financing and without any other cash investment by the Fund at the time it acquires such rights (“warrant coverage”). In such cases, cash investment by the Fund would be made upon exercise of the rights, and the Fund expects to use operating cash flow to fund such exercises. With regard to warrant coverage, the Fund will generally seek to obtain rights to acquire equity in dollar amounts equal to from 4% to 6% of the principal amount of the financing. In other cases, the Fund may obtain the right to make a direct cash investment in the customer’s securities at the time the financing is provided. The aggregate cost of equity interests acquired directly by the Fund for cash will not exceed 10% of the aggregate cost to the Fund of its portfolio of financing transaction investments as of the final investment of net offering proceeds.
The asset based acquisition financing industry is highly competitive. In obtaining customers, the Fund will compete with commercial banks and lenders, other acquisition financing firms, venture capital investors and with established leasing and finance companies. In addition, there are numerous other potential entities, including entities organized and managed similarly to the Fund, seeking to finance equipment, many of which have greater financial resources and growth capital acquisition financing experience than the Fund’s management. Emerging growth capital investment declined from 2008 through 2009, and has since increased surpassing such levels. Future trends are difficult to predict. Nevertheless, the Fund expects significant competition for quality investments through its acquisition and reinvestment stages.
The Managing Member will use its best efforts to acquire a portfolio of growth capital loans and financing transactions that are diversified both by the type of businesses and industries of its borrowers and by their stages of financing. Earlier stage companies may offer higher potential returns, but typically involve higher levels of risk of loss. The financing of companies from start-up to public offering is generally described in the venture capital markets as involving four stages - in descending order of relative risk - (i) the “seed” stage, (ii) the “early” stage, (iii) the “expansion” or “mezzanine” stage, and (iv) the “late” or “later” stage. The Fund will seek to diversify its growth capital financing investments among the latter three stages of the venture financing process, by providing asset based financing to companies in the early, expansion and later stages of their business development and capital financing.
The primary geographic region in which the Company seeks financing opportunities is North America.
The business of the Company is not seasonal. The Company has no full time employees. Employees of the Managing Member and affiliates provide the services the Company requires to effectively operate. The cost of these services is reimbursed by the Company to the Managing Member and affiliates per the Operating Agreement.
Note Receivable Activities The Company seeks to finance assets in diverse industries. The following tables set forth the types of assets financed by the Company through December 31, 2015 and the industries to which the assets have been financed (dollars in thousands):
From inception to December 31, 2015, assets financed by the Company that are associated with terminated loans are as follows (in thousands):
For further information regarding the Company’s notes receivable as of December 31, 2015, see Note 3 to the financial statements, Notes receivable, net, as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Item 2.
Item 2. PROPERTIES The Company does not own or lease any real property, plant or material physical properties.
Item 3.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Not applicable.
Item 4.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
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, 2015, a total of 410 investors were Unitholders of record in the Company.
Unit Valuation As noted above, there is no public market for Units and, in order to preserve the Company’s status for federal income tax purposes, the Company will not permit a secondary market or the substantial equivalent of a secondary market for the Units. In the absence of a public market for the Units, there is no currently ascertainable fair market value for the Units.
Nevertheless, in order to provide an estimated per Unit value for those Unitholders who seek valuation information, the Manager has calculated an estimated value per Unit as of December 31, 2015. The Manager estimates the Company’s per Unit value by first estimating the aggregate net asset value of the Company. The valuation does not take into account any future business activity of the Company; rather it is a snapshot view of the Fund’s portfolio as of the valuation date.
The estimated values for non-interest bearing items such as any current assets and liabilities were assumed to equal their respective reported balances, which management believes approximate their respective fair values, as adjusted for impairment.
A discounted cash flow approach was used to estimate the values of notes receivable and related warrants. Under such approach, the value of a financial instrument was estimated by calculating the present value of the instrument’s expected cash flows. The present value was determined by discounting the cash flows the instrument is expected to generate by discount rates as deemed appropriate by the Manager. In most cases, the discount rates used were based on U.S. Treasury yields reported as of the reporting date, plus a spread to account for the credit risk difference between the instrument being valued and Treasury securities. The valuation of the Company’s warrants was determined using a Black-Scholes formulation of value based upon the stock price(s), the exercise price(s), the volatility of comparable venture companies, and a risk free interest rate for the term(s) of the warrant exercise(s).
After calculating the aggregate estimated net asset value of the Company, the Manager then calculated the portion of the aggregate estimated value that would be distributed to Unitholders on liquidation of the Company, and divided the total that would be so distributable by the number of outstanding Units as of the December 31, 2015 valuation date. As of December 31, 2015, the value of the Company’s assets, calculated on this basis, was approximately $6.65 per Unit.
The aforementioned valuation was performed solely for the purpose of providing an estimated liquidation value per Unit for those Unitholders who seek valuation information. It is important to note again that 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. The Company will liquidate its assets in the ordinary course of its business and investment cycle. Furthermore, there can be no assurance as to when the Company will be fully liquidated, the amount the Company may actually receive if and when it seeks to liquidate its assets, the amount of lease payments and equipment disposition proceeds the Company will actually receive over the remaining term of the Company, or the amounts that may actually be received in distributions by Unitholders over the course of the Company’s remaining term.
Distributions The Unitholders of record are entitled to certain distributions as provided under the Operating Agreement. The Company commenced periodic distributions beginning with the month of November 2012. Additional distributions have been made consistently through December 2015. The rate for monthly distributions from 2015 operations was $0.092 per Unit for the period from January through December 2015. Likewise, the rate for monthly distributions from 2014 operations was $0.092 per Unit for the period from January through December 2014. The rate for each of the quarterly distributions paid in 2015 and 2014 was $0.275 per Unit.
Cash distributions were paid by the Fund to Unitholders of record as of November 30, 2015, and paid through December 31, 2015. The distributions may be characterized for tax, accounting and economic purposes as a return of capital, a return on capital (including escrow interest) or a portion of each. Generally, the portion of each cash distribution by a company which exceeds its net income for the fiscal period would constitute a return of capital. The Fund is required by the terms of its Operating Agreement to distribute the net cash flow generated by its investments in certain minimum amounts during the Reinvestment Period before it can reinvest its operating cash flow in additional portfolio assets. See the discussion in the Prospectus under “Income, Losses and Distributions - Reinvestment.” Accordingly, the amount of cash flow from Fund investments distributed to Unitholders will not be available for reinvestment in additional portfolio assets.
The cash distributions were based on current and anticipated gross revenues from the loans funded and equity investments acquired. During the Fund’s acquisition and operating stages, the Fund may incur short term borrowing to fund regular distributions of such gross revenues to be generated by newly acquired transactions during their respective initial fixed terms. As such, all Fund periodic cash distributions made during these stages have been, and are expected in the future to be, based on the Fund’s actual and anticipated gross revenues to be generated from the binding initial terms of the loans and investments funded.
The following table summarizes distribution activity for the Fund from inception through December 31, 2015 (in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data):
(1) Investors may elect to receive their distributions either monthly or quarterly (See “Timing and Method of Distributions” on Page 46 of the Prospectus).
(2) Total distributions per Unit represents the per Unit distribution rate for those units which were outstanding for all of the applicable period.
(3) Balances shown represent weighted average units for the period from November 14 (date the escrow requirement was met) to November 30, 2012, December 1, 2012 to November 30, 2013, December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014, and December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2015, respectively.
Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities Information provided pursuant to §229.701 (Item 701(f)) (formerly included in Form SR):
(1) Effective date of the offering: August 20, 2012; File Number: 333-178629
(2) Offering commenced: August 20, 2012
(3) The offering did not terminate before any securities were sold.
(4) The managing underwriter is ATEL Securities Corporation.
(5) The title of the registered class of securities is “Units of Limited Liability Company Interest.”
(6) Aggregate amount and offering price of securities registered and sold as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
(7) Costs incurred for the issuers’ account in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities registered for each category listed below (in thousands):
(8) Net offering proceeds to the issuer after total expenses in item 7 (in thousands): $ 13,755
(9) The amount of net offering proceeds to the issuer used for each of the purposes listed below (in thousands):
(10) Net offering proceeds to the issuer after total expenses in item 9 (in thousands) $ -
Item 6.
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.
Item 7.
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, changes in general economic conditions, including significant rates of inflation and fluctuations in interest rates may result in reduced returns on invested capital. The Company’s performance is subject to risks relating to borrower defaults and the creditworthiness of its borrowers. 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 Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on December 8, 2011 for the purpose of providing financing for the acquisition of equipment and other goods and services used by emerging growth companies and established privately held companies without publicly traded securities, and for providing other forms of financing for, and to acquire equity interests and warrants and rights to purchase equity interests in such companies. The offering of the Company was granted effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of August 20, 2012.
As of November 14, 2012, subscriptions for the minimum number of Units (120,000, representing $1,200,000), excluding subscriptions from Pennsylvania investors, had been received and the Fund requested subscription proceeds to be released from escrow. On that date, the Company commenced initial operations. Pennsylvania subscriptions are subject to a separate escrow and are released to the Fund only at such time as total subscription proceeds received by the Fund from all subscribers, including the escrowed Pennsylvania subscriptions, equal to not less than $3,750,000 in gross proceeds. Total contributions to the Fund exceeded $3,750,000 on March 13, 2013, at which time a request was processed to release the Pennsylvania escrowed amounts. The offering was terminated on August 20, 2014.
As of December 31, 2015, cumulative contributions, net of rescissions and related distributions paid, totaling $16.2 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) have been received. As of such date, a total of 1,618,296 Units were issued and outstanding.
Results of Operations During 2015 and 2014, certain borrowers generated significant portions (defined as greater than or equal to 10%) of the Company’s total lending revenues, excluding gains or losses on disposition of assets, as follows:
* Less than 10%
These percentages are not expected to be comparable in future periods due to anticipated changes in the mix of investments and/or borrowers as a result of normal business activities.
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.
2015 versus 2014 The Company reported net income of $403 thousand and $54 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Results for 2015 reflect increases in both total revenues and total expenses when compared to prior year.
Revenues Total revenues for 2015 increased by $379 thousand, or 47%, as compared to prior year. The growth in total revenues was largely due to a favorable change in unrealized gains or losses recorded on the Fund’s portfolio of warrants and increases in both gain recognized on sales or dispositions of investment in securities and in gain on the early termination of notes receivable.
The favorable change in unrealized gains or losses recorded on the Fund’s portfolio of warrants totaled $251 thousand and was attributable to the required periodic valuation of the warrants in the Company’s portfolio of investments. Gain recognized on sales or dispositions of investment in securities increased by $98 thousand largely due to the net exercise of certain warrants related to an initial public offering of one portfolio company. Further, gain recognized on the early termination of notes receivable was higher by $62 thousand primarily due to an increase in the number of notes retired before their scheduled maturity.
Partially offsetting the aforementioned increases in revenues was a $46 thousand decrease in gain on sales or dispositions of investment in securities. Such decrease represents a $55 thousand prior year period gain on the net exercise of certain warrants less $9 thousand of holdback proceeds recognized as additional gain on the same warrants during the current year period.
Expenses Total expenses for 2015 increased by $30 thousand, or 4%, as compared to prior year. Such increase was comprised of a $97 thousand loss provision recorded during the year and $51 thousand of increases in various other expenses partially offset by a $114 thousand reduction in acquisition expense.
The aforementioned increase in loss provision reflects fair value adjustments recorded during both the first and third quarters to reduce the fair value of three impaired notes receivable. There were no such fair value adjustments during the prior year.
The decrease in acquisition expense was primarily attributable to the decline in year-to-date venture funding activity.
Capital Resources and Liquidity The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.0 million and $4.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The liquidity of the Company varies, increasing to the extent cash flows from subscriptions and its portfolio investments exceed expenses and decreasing as portfolio investments are acquired, as distributions are made to the Members and to the extent expenses exceed cash flows from its portfolio investments.
The Fund acquires its investments with cash. The Fund will not borrow to acquire its portfolio assets and does not intend or expect to incur any indebtedness. The Fund anticipates that it would incur indebtedness only in the event that it is required to borrow for temporary working capital purposes.
Cash Flows The following table sets forth summary cash flow data (in thousands):
2015 versus 2014 During 2015, the Company’s primary source of liquidity was cash flow from its investments in notes receivable. By comparison, during the prior year, the Company’s primary source of liquidity had been subscription proceeds from the public offering of Units through August 20, 2014 (the offering termination date) coupled with cash flow from notes receivable. Capital contributions received during 2014 through the offering termination date totaled $6.0 million. In addition, the Fund realized $593 thousand and $260 thousand of proceeds from the early termination of notes receivable during 2015 and 2014, respectively.
During the same comparative years, the primary uses of cash were to fund investments in notes receivable and to pay distributions. Investments in notes receivable funded during 2015 and 2014 totaled $3.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively; while distributions paid to both Other Members and the Managing Member totaled $2.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively. In addition, during the prior year, cash totaling $895 thousand was used to pay commissions and syndication costs associated with the offering.
Commitments At December 31, 2015, there were commitments to fund investments in notes receivable approximating $2.2 million. This amount represents contract awards which may be canceled by the prospective borrower or may not be accepted by the Company.
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 the estimates. Such estimates primarily relate to the determination of credit losses on notes receivable and the fair valuation of equity securities and warrants.
Notes receivable, unearned interest income and related revenue recognition: The Company records all future payments of principal and interest on notes as notes receivable, which are then offset by the amount of any related unearned interest income. For financial statement purposes, the Company reports the net investment in the notes on the balance sheet. Such net investment is comprised of the amount advanced on the loans, adjusting for net deferred loan fees or costs incurred at origination, amounts allocated to warrants received upon origination, and any payments received in advance. The unearned interest is recognized over the term of the notes and the income portion of each note payment is calculated so as to generate a constant rate of return on the net balance outstanding. Net deferred loan fees or costs, together with discounts recognized in connection with warrants acquired at origination, are accreted as an adjustment to yield over the term of the loan.
Allowances for losses on notes receivable are typically established based on historical charge-off and collection experience and the collectability of specifically identified borrowers and billed and unbilled receivables. 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 payments 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.
Notes 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 note payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related notes may be placed on non-accrual status. 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, all payments received are applied only against outstanding principal balances.
Note origination costs: The Company capitalizes note origination costs and deferred loan fees associated with the origination and funding of investments in notes receivable. Costs incurred include both internal costs (e.g., the costs of employees’ activities in connection with successful loan originations) and any external broker fees incurred with such originations. These costs are amortized on a note by note basis over the actual contract term using the effective interest rate method. Upon termination of the underlying notes receivable, any of the remaining net note origination fees or costs are relieved. Likewise, the accumulated amortization related to the deferred costs is relieved. Costs related to notes receivable that are not consummated are not eligible for capitalization as note origination costs and are expensed as acquisition expense in the period of expenditure.
Item 8.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements attached hereto at pages 11 through 28.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM The Members
ATEL Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of ATEL Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC, (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 Management 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its 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 also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Moss Adams LLP
San Francisco, California
March 29, 2016
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
(In Thousands)
See accompanying notes.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
(In Thousands Except for Units and Per Unit Data)
See accompanying notes.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
(In Thousands Except for Units and Per Unit Data)
See accompanying notes.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
(In Thousands)
See accompanying notes.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Organization and Limited Liability Company matters: ATEL Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on December 8, 2011 for the purpose of providing financing for the acquisition of equipment and other goods and services used by emerging growth companies and established privately held companies without publicly traded securities, and for providing other forms of financing for, and to acquire equity interests and warrants and rights to purchase equity interests in such companies. The Fund may continue until it is terminated in accordance with the ATEL Growth Capital Fund 8, LLC limited liability company operating agreement dated December 13, 2011 (the “Operating Agreement”). The Managing Member of the Company is AGC Managing Member, LLC (the “Managing Member” or “Manager”), the renamed AGC 8 Managing Member, LLC which was formed in December 2011 as a Nevada limited liability company. Such name change is the result of an amendment to the articles of incorporation filed with the State of Nevada effective March 18, 2014. Contributions in the amount of $500 were received as of December 31, 2011, which represented the initial Member’s capital investment. As a limited liability company, the liability of any individual member for the obligations of the Fund is limited to the extent of capital contributions to the Fund by the individual member.
The offering of the Company was granted effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of August 20, 2012. As of November 14, 2012, subscriptions for the minimum number of Units (120,000, representing $1.2 million), excluding subscriptions from Pennsylvania investors, had been received and the Fund requested subscription proceeds to be released from escrow. On that date, the Company commenced initial operations. Pennsylvania subscriptions are subject to a separate escrow and are released to the Fund only at such time as total subscription proceeds received by the Fund from all subscribers, including the escrowed Pennsylvania subscriptions, equal to not less than $3.75 million in gross proceeds. Total contributions to the Fund exceeded $3.75 million on March 13, 2013, at which time a request was processed to release the Pennsylvania escrowed amounts. The offering was terminated on August 20, 2014.
As of December 31, 2015, cumulative contributions, net of rescissions and related distributions paid, totaling $16.2 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) have been received. As of such date, a total of 1,618,296 Units were issued and outstanding.
Prior to the termination of its offering, the Fund, or Managing Member on behalf of the Fund, incurred costs in connection with the organization, registration and issuance of the Units. The amount of such costs borne by the Fund was limited by certain provisions of the Operating Agreement.
The Company’s principal objectives are to invest in a diversified portfolio of investments that will (i) preserve, protect and return the Company’s invested capital; (ii) generate regular cash distributions to Unitholders, with any balance remaining after required minimum distributions to be used to purchase additional investments during the Reinvestment Period (ending six calendar years after the completion of the Company’s public offering of Units), (iii) provide additional distributions to Unitholders from any proceeds from sales of Equity interests and (iv) provide total cash distributions to Unitholders equal to a desirable rate of return on their investment capital. The Company is governed by the Operating Agreement.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies: Basis of presentation: The accompanying balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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.
In preparing the accompanying financial statements, the Company has reviewed, as determined necessary by the Managing Member, events that have occurred after December 31, 2015, up until the issuance of the financial statements. No events were noted which would require disclosure in the footnotes to the financial statements.
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.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued) Use of Estimates: The preparation of the 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. Actual results could differ from the estimates. Such estimates primarily relate to the determination of credit losses on notes receivable and the fair valuation of equity securities and warrants.
Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable represent the amounts billed under notes receivable which are currently due to the Company. Allowances for credit losses are typically established based on historical charge off and collection experience and the collectability of specifically identified 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.
Credit risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable and accounts receivable. The Company places the majority of its cash deposits in noninterest-bearing accounts with financial institutions that have no less than $10 billion in assets. Such deposits are insured up to $250 thousand. The remainder of the Funds’ cash is temporarily invested in U.S. Treasury instruments. The concentration of such deposits and temporary cash investments is not deemed to create a significant risk to the Company. Accounts and notes receivable represent amounts due from borrowers in various industries related to equipment financed through notes receivable.
Notes receivable, unearned interest income and related revenue recognition: The Company records all future payments of principal and interest on notes as notes receivable, which are then offset by the amount of any related unearned interest income. For financial statement purposes, the Company reports the net investment in the notes on the balance sheet. Such net investment is comprised of the amount advanced on the loans, adjusting for net deferred loan fees or costs incurred at origination, amounts allocated to warrants received upon origination, and any payments received in advance. The unearned interest is recognized over the term of the notes and the income portion of each note payment is calculated so as to generate a constant rate of return on the net balance outstanding. Net deferred loan fees or costs, together with discounts recognized in connection with warrants acquired at origination, are accreted as an adjustment to yield over the term of the loan.
Allowances for losses on notes receivable are typically established based on historical charge off and collection experience and the collectability of specifically identified borrowers and billed and unbilled receivables. 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 payments 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.
Notes 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 note payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related notes may be placed on non-accrual status. 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, all payments received are applied only against outstanding principal balances.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued) Note origination costs: The Company capitalizes note origination costs and deferred loan fees associated with the origination and funding of investments in notes receivable. Costs incurred include both internal costs (e.g., the costs of employees’ activities in connection with successful loan originations) and any external broker fees incurred with such originations. These costs are amortized on a note by note basis over the actual contract term using the effective interest rate method. Upon termination of the underlying notes receivable, any of the remaining net note origination fees or costs are relieved. Likewise, the accumulated amortization related to the deferred costs is relieved. Costs related to notes receivable that are not consummated are not eligible for capitalization as note origination costs and are expensed as acquisition expense in the period of expenditure.
Acquisition expense: Acquisition expense represents costs which include, but are not limited to, legal fees and expenses, travel and communication expenses, cost of appraisals, accounting fees and expenses and miscellaneous expenses related to the selection and acquisition or financing of equipment and equity investment transactions which were not consummated. Such costs are reimbursable to the Managing Member under the terms of the Operating Agreement. As the costs are not eligible for capitalization as note origination costs, such amounts are expensed as incurred.
Segment reporting: The Company is organized into one operating segment 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 financing business operates as one reportable segment because: a) the Company measures profit and loss at the portfolio assets level as a whole; b) the principal decision makers do not review information based on any operating segment other than the equipment financing 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 financing; and e) the Company has not chosen to organize its business around geographic areas.
The primary geographic region in which the Company seeks financing opportunities is North America. Currently, 100% of the Company’s operating revenues are from customers domiciled in North America.
Investment in securities: From time to time, the Company may purchase securities of its borrowers or receive warrants and rights to purchase securities in connection with its lending arrangements.
Purchased securities Purchased securities (primarily preferred stocks) 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. Management has concluded that there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the instruments and that it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the investment because of its illiquidity. The Company made its initial investment in equity securities during the first quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, investments in equity securities totaled $433 thousand and $229 thousand, respectively. There were no sales or dispositions of securities during 2015 and 2014.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued) Warrants Warrants owned by the Company are not registered for public sale, but are considered derivatives and are reflected at an estimated fair value on the balance sheet as determined by the Managing Member. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Managing Member estimated the fair value of warrants to be $722 thousand and $566 thousand, respectively. During 2015, the Company recorded unrealized gains of $122 thousand on fair valuation of its warrants. By comparison, during 2014, the Company recorded unrealized losses of $129 thousand relative to the fair valuation of its warrants. The Company also realized gains on the net exercise of warrants totaling $153 thousand and $55 thousand during 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 10 for further discussion.
Advance payments: Note payments received prior to their due date are recorded as advance payments. The payments are applied against the note receivable when they become due.
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 franchise income taxes for only those states which levy income taxes on partnerships. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the related provision for state income taxes was approximately $7 thousand and $2 thousand, respectively. 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, 2015 and 2014 as follows (in thousands):
The primary difference between the tax bases of net assets and the amounts recorded in the financial statements is the result of the difference in accounting for syndication costs 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 return (unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. Summary of significant accounting policies: - (continued) Per Unit data: Net income (loss) per Unit is based upon the weighted average number of Other Members Units outstanding during the year.
Recent accounting pronouncements: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 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 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 from 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 evaluated the impact of the new standard on its financial statements and has determined that such impact is virtually non-existent as the new revenue guideline does not affect revenues from leases and loans, which comprise the majority of the Company’s revenues.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU-2014-15”). The new standard provides guidance relative to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements or related disclosures.
3. Notes receivable, net: The Company has various notes receivable from borrowers who have financed the purchase of equipment through the Company. The terms of the notes receivable are from 24 to 42 months and bear interest at implicit or stated rates ranging from 11.25% to 18.00% per annum. The notes are secured by the equipment financed and have maturity dates ranging from 2016 through 2019.
The Company had three notes receivable which were on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The notes were originally placed on non-accrual status effective December 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, these notes had net recorded investment of $40 thousand, $79 thousand and $53 thousand, respectively, and rates ranging from 11.54% to 11.73%. During 2015, management continued to deem the notes impaired and recorded combined fair value adjustments totaling $97 thousand. There were no such fair value adjustments during 2014. As of December 31, 2015, the fair values of such notes were $14 thousand, $26 thousand and $15 thousand, respectively, before accretion of net note origination costs and discounts.
Effective January 1, 2015, the notes were modified to defer the repayment of principal while maintaining interest-only payments at their original rates through June 30, 2015. During the second quarter of 2015, additional modifications were made which extended the interest only payments through October 31, 2015. Such date was further extended during the fourth quarter of 2015 to June 30, 2016. The entire balance outstanding on these notes is expected to be paid on July 1, 2016. The payments will be adjusted such that the ultimate amounts paid will reflect interest earned at a composite rate of 18.00% per annum as related to the entire term of the indebtedness from the original funding date. Payments received on these non-accrual notes have been fully applied against principal pursuant to the Company’s policy on non-accrual notes. Interest not recorded relative to the original terms of the non-accrual notes approximated $15 thousand from December 2014 to December 2015.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3. Notes receivable, net: - (continued) As of December 31, 2015, the minimum future payments receivable are as follows (in thousands):
4. Allowance for credit losses: The Company’s allowance for credit losses are as follows (in thousands):
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable represent the amounts billed under 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 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 note payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, such notes may be placed in non-accrual status. 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. All payments received on amounts billed under notes receivable are applied only against outstanding principal balances.
Valuation Adjustments In addition to the allowance established for delinquent accounts receivable, the total allowance also includes anticipated impairment charges on notes receivable.
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
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. Allowance for credit losses: - (continued) 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 Company’s allowance for credit losses and its recorded investment in notes receivable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
The Company evaluates the credit quality of its notes receivables on a scale equivalent to the following quality indicators related to corporate risk profiles:
Pass - Any account whose debtor, co-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.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. Allowance for credit losses: - (continued) 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.
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 notes and leases as applicable.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s notes receivables by credit quality indicator and by class of financing receivables are as follows (excludes initial direct costs) (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s impaired loans were as follows (in thousands):
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, investment in financing receivables is aged as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had three notes receivable which were on non-accrual status (See Note 3 for details).
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5. Related party transactions: The terms of the Operating Agreement provide that the Managing Member 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 the Managing Member and/or affiliates for providing administrative services to the Company. Administrative services provided include Company accounting, investor relations, legal counsel and equipment financing documentation. The Managing Member is not reimbursed for services whereby it is entitled to receive a separate fee as compensation for such services, such as management of investments.
Cost reimbursements to the Managing Member or its affiliates 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 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.
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Managing Member and/or affiliates earned commissions, fees and reimbursements pursuant to the Operating Agreement as follows (in thousands):
6. Syndication costs: Syndication costs are reflected as a reduction to Members’ capital as such costs are netted against the capital raised. The amount shown is primarily comprised of selling commissions as well as fees pertaining to the organization of the Fund, document preparation, regulatory filing fees, and accounting and legal costs. There were no syndication costs during 2015 as such efforts and related costs ceased upon the termination of the Fund’s offering on August 20, 2014. By comparison, syndication costs totaled $537 thousand during 2014.
The Operating Agreement places a limit for cost reimbursements to the Managing Member and/or affiliates. When added to selling commissions, such cost reimbursements may not exceed a total equal to 15% of all offering proceeds. Through August 20, 2014, the Managing Member incurred $527 thousand of syndications costs in excess of those allocable for reimbursement under the Fund’s Operating Agreement. Whereas such costs were accrued by the Fund, they were effectively reversed during the third quarter of 2014 when the offering was terminated.
7. Commitments: At December 31, 2015, there were commitments to fund investments in notes receivable approximating $2.2 million. This amount represents contract awards which may be canceled by the prospective borrower/investee or may not be accepted by the Company.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8. Guarantees: The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, based upon the Manager’s experience, there have not been any prior claims or losses pursuant to these types of contracts and the expectation of risk of loss is 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.
9. Members’ Capital: A total of 1,618,296 Units were issued and outstanding at both December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Fund is authorized to issue up to 7,500,000 additional Units in addition to the Units issued to the initial Member (50 Units).
From the commencement of the Fund until the initial closing date, as defined in the Operating Agreement, the Company’s net income and net losses are allocated 100% to the Manager. Commencing with the initial closing date, net income and net losses are allocated 100% to the Members. An amount equal to 5% of all Distributions of Cash Available for Distribution and Net Disposition Proceeds will be allocated to the Manager as the carried interest. An amount equal to (i) an additional 5% of all Distributions from Cash Available for Distribution and 1% of all Distributions of Net Disposition Proceeds will be paid to the Manager as a promotional interest until investors have received total distributions in amounts equal to their Capital Contributions plus an amount equal to a priority return of 8% per annum as defined in the Operating Agreement; and (ii) then 15% of all subsequent distributions will be allocated to the Manager as a promotional interest. Distributions not allocated to the Manager as carried or promotional interests will be allocated and paid to the Unitholders.
Distributions to the Other Members for 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data):
10. Fair value measurements: 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.
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.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, only the Company’s warrants were measured on a recurring basis. During 2015, the Company also recorded non-recurring adjustments to reflect the fair values of certain impaired notes receivable. There were no such adjustments during 2014.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. Fair value measurements: - (continued) 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 and 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 notes receivable 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.
The measurement methodology is as follows:
Warrants (recurring) Warrants owned by the Company are not registered for public sale, but are considered derivatives and are carried on the balance sheet at an estimated fair value at the end of the period. The valuation of the warrants was determined using a Black-Scholes formulation of value based upon the volatility of respective similar publicly traded companies, a risk free interest rate for the term(s) of the warrant exercise(s), and the respective exercise prices and number of warrants. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the calculated fair value of the Fund’s warrant portfolio totaled $722 thousand and $566 thousand, respectively. Such valuation is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company’s Level 3 recurring assets (in thousands):
Impaired notes receivable (non-recurring) The fair value of the Company’s notes receivable, when impairment adjustments are required, is estimated using either third party appraisals or estimations of the value of collateral (for collateral dependent loans) or discounted cash flow analyses (by discounting estimated future cash flows) using the effective interest rate contained in the terms of the original loan.
During 2015, the Company had recorded fair value adjustments totaling $97 thousand relative to three impaired notes. There were no such fair value adjustments during 2014.
The fair value adjustments recorded in 2015 were non-recurring and were based upon an estimated valuation of underlying collateral. Under the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, the fair value of the impaired notes receivable is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The valuation utilizes a market approach technique and uses inputs from third party appraisers that utilize current market transactions as adjusted for certain factors specific to the underlying collateral.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. Fair value measurements: - (continued) The following table presents the fair value measurement of impaired assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and the level within the hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
The following tables summarize the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used for the Company’s recurring and non-recurring fair value calculation categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
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 and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and related notes.
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.
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.
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. Fair value measurements: - (continued) Notes receivable The fair value of the Company’s notes receivable is generally estimated based upon various methodologies deployed by financial and credit management including, but not limited to, credit analysis, third party appraisal and/or discounted cash flow analysis based upon current market valuation techniques and market rates for similar types of lending arrangements, which may consider adjustments for impaired loans as deemed necessary.
Investment in securities 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.
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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
Item 9.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures The Company’s Managing Member’s Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and 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, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operating Officer 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, 2015. 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, 2015. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2015.
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, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Managing Member’s internal control over financial reporting, as it is applicable to the Company.
PART III
Item 10.
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.
AGC Managing Member, LLC (the “Managing Member” or “Manager”) is the Company’s Managing Member. The Managing Member is controlled by ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group (“ACG” or “ATEL”). The outstanding voting capital stock of ATEL is owned 100% by Dean L. Cash.
Each of AFS and ATEL Leasing Corporation (“ALC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACG and performs services for the Company on behalf of the Managing Member. Acquisition services, equipment management, lease administration and asset disposition services are performed by ALC; investor relations and communications services, and general administrative services are performed by AFS. ATEL Securities Corporation (“ASC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFS, performs distribution services in connection with the Company’s public offering of its Units.
The officers and directors of ACG and its affiliates are as follows:
Dean L. Cash
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGC Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
Paritosh K. Choksi
Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of AGC Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
Vasco H. Morais
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of AGC Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
Dean L. Cash, age 65, 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 62, 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 57, 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. 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, 2015.
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 Manager, AGC Managing Member, LLC, or persons acting in such capacity on behalf of the Company, is included as Exhibit 14.1 to this report.
Item 11.
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 the Manager and its affiliates. The amount of such remuneration paid for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 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 5 thereof, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Selling Commissions The Company paid selling commissions in the amount of 9% of Gross Proceeds, as defined, to ATEL Securities Corporation, an affiliate of the Manager. Of such commissions, 7% is generally re-allowed to other broker/dealers in cash commissions except in such instances where the re-allowed amount is reinvested and distributed in the form of Fund Units to the originating broker/dealers’ client investor.
Through December 31, 2015, $1.5 million of commissions, excluding payments for Pennsylvania commissions, has been paid to ASC. Of such amount, $1.1 million has been re-allowed to other broker/dealers.
Asset Management Fee, Carried Interest and Promotional Interest The Company pays the Manager an annual Asset Management Fee in an amount equal to 2% of Gross Financing Revenues. 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 the Manager and its affiliates in determining portfolio and investment strategies and generally managing or supervising the management of the investment portfolio.
The Manager supervises performance of all management activities, including, among other activities: the acquisition and financing of the investment portfolio, collection of financing revenues, monitoring compliance by customers with their contract terms, assuring that collateral and investment assets are being used in accordance with all operative contractual arrangements, paying operating expenses and arranging for necessary maintenance and repair of equipment and property in the event a customer fails to do so, monitoring property, sales and use tax compliance and preparation of operating financial data. The Manager 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.
In addition to the Asset Management Fee, the Manager receives, as its Carried Interest, an amount equal to 5% of all Distributions of Cash Available for Distribution and Net Disposition Proceeds. The Manager also receives a Promotional Interest equal to (i) 5% of all Distributions from Cash Available for Distribution and 1% of all Distributions of Net Disposition Proceeds until investors have received distributions in amounts equal to a return of their Capital Contributions plus an amount equal to their respective Priority Returns; and (ii) then 15% of all subsequent Distributions.
Limitations on Fees The total of all Front End Fees, the Carried Interest, the Asset Management Fee and the Promotional Interest will be subject to the Management Fee Limit in order to assure state securities administrators that the Fund will not bear greater fees than permitted under the state merit review guidelines. The North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. (“NASAA”) is an organization of state securities administrators, those state government agencies responsible for qualifying securities offerings in their respective states. NASAA has established standards for the qualification of a number of different types of securities offerings and investment products, including its Statement of Policy on Equipment Programs as in effect as of the initial effective date of the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the initial public offering of its Units (the “NASAA Guidelines”). For purposes of the application of the NASAA Guidelines, all Portfolio Assets will be deemed “Equipment” as defined in the NASAA Guidelines. Article IV, Sections C through G and Article V, Section F of the NASAA Equipment Leasing Guidelines establish the standards for payment to program sponsors of reasonable carried interests, promotional interests and fees for equipment acquisition, management, resale and releasing services, and sets the maximum compensation payable to the sponsor and its affiliates from an equipment leasing program such as the Fund. The Management Fee Limit will equal the maximum compensation payable under Article IV, Sections C through G, and Article V, Section F, of the NASAA Equipment Leasing Guidelines (the “NASAA Fee Limitation”). Under the Management Fee Limit, the Fund will calculate the maximum fees payable under the NASAA Fee Limitation and guarantee that the total of the amount of Front End Fees, the Carried Interest, the Asset Management Fee and the Promotional Interest it will pay the Manager and its Affiliates, when added to it will never exceed the maximum compensation payable to a sponsor and its affiliates under the NASAA Fee Limitation.
Management Fee Limit. The Management Fee Limit will be calculated each year during the Fund’s term by calculating the total fees that would be paid to the Manager if the Manager were to be compensated on the basis of the maximum compensation payable under the NASAA Fee Limitation through the end of such year, as described below. To the extent that the amount paid as Front End Fees, the Asset Management Fee, the Promotional Interest and the Carried Interest for any year would, when added to amounts paid in all prior years, cause the total fees through the end of such year to exceed the aggregate amount of fees calculated under the NASAA Fee Limitation for the same period, the amount of the Promotional Interest and/or Carried Interest payable to the Manager and its Affiliates for that year will be reduced so that the total of all such compensation paid through the end of the period will not exceed the maximum aggregate fees under the NASAA Fee Limitation. To the extent any amounts otherwise payable to the Manager as the Promotional Interest and/or Carried Interest are reduced, the amount of such reduction will be accrued and deferred, and such accrued and deferred compensation would be paid to the Manager in a subsequent period, but only to the extent that the deferred compensation would be within the Management Fee Limit as calculated through that later period. Any deferred fees that cannot be paid under the applicable limitations through the date of liquidation would be forfeited by the Manager at liquidation.
Under the NASAA Equipment Leasing Guidelines, the Fund is required to commit a minimum percentage of the Gross Proceeds to Investment in Equipment, calculated as the greater of: (i) 80% of the Gross Proceeds reduced by 0.0625% for each 1% of indebtedness encumbering the Fund’s Portfolio Assets; or (ii) 75% of such Gross Proceeds. The Fund expects to commit 87.5% of the Gross Proceeds to Investment in Equipment. The Fund will not incur any debt to acquire its portfolio of financing investments. Accordingly, the Minimum Investment in Equipment will be 80% and the Fund’s expected Investment in Equipment would therefore exceed the NASAA Fee Limitation minimum by 7.5%.
The Fund will pay the Manager a maximum Carried Interest equal to 5% of all Distributions, but the amount of the Carried Interest permitted the Manager under the NASAA Fee Limitation will be dependent on the amount by which the percentage of Gross Proceeds the Fund ultimately commits to Investment in Equipment exceeds the minimum Investment in Equipment under the NASAA Fee Limitation. The NASAA Fee Limitation permits the Manager and its Affiliates to receive compensation in the form of a carried interest in Fund Distributions equal to 1% for the first 2.5% of excess Investment in Equipment over the NASAA Guidelines minimum, 1% for the next 2% of such excess, and 1% for each additional 1% of excess Investment in Equipment.
With an Investment in Equipment of 87.5% and zero portfolio leverage, the Manager and its Affiliates may receive a Carried Interest of 5% of Distributions under the foregoing formula (2.5% + 2% + 3% = 7.5% over the minimum [80%]; so, 1% + 1% + 3% = 5% Carried Interest).
As described above, the total amount of Front End Fees paid by the Fund will determine whether the Carried Interest permitted under the NASAA Fee Limitation and the Management Fee Limit imposed by the Operating Agreement is 5% or a lesser percentage. The maximum amounts to be paid under the terms of the Operating Agreement are subject to the application of the Management Fee Limit provided in Section 8.3 of the Agreement, which limits the annual amount payable to the Manager and its Affiliates as the Asset Management Fee, Promotional Interest and the Carried Interest to an aggregate not to exceed the total amount of fees that would be payable to the Manager and its Affiliates under the NASAA Fee Limitation.
Upon completion of the offering of Units, final commitment of offering proceeds to acquisition of Portfolio Assets, the Manager will calculate the maximum Carried Interest, Asset Management Fee and Promotional Interest payable to the Manager and its Affiliates under the NASAA Fee Limitation. If and to the extent that the Asset Management Fee, Promotional Interest and Carried Interest would exceed the fees calculated under the NASAA Fee Limitation, the fees payable to the Manager and its Affiliates will be reduced by an amount sufficient to cause the total of such compensation to comply with the NASAA Fee Limitation. A comparison of the total compensation actually paid to the Manager and Affiliates by the Fund and the NASAA Fee Limitation maximum will be repeated, and any required adjustments will be made, annually thereafter.
See Note 5 to the financial statements as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for amounts paid.
Item 12.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners At December 31, 2015, no investor is known to hold beneficially more than 5% of the issued and outstanding Units.
Security Ownership of Management The parent of AGC Managing Member, LLC is the beneficial owner of Limited Liability Company Units as follows:
Item 13.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
See Item 8 of this report under the caption “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to Financial Statements - Related party transactions” at Note 5 thereof.
Item 14.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred audit fees with its principal auditors totaling $80 thousand and $69 thousand, respectively.
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.
The board of directors of the Managing Member acts as the audit committee of the registrant. 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.
PART IV
Item 15.
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 effective August 20, 2012 as filed on August 22, 2012 (File Number 333-178629) is hereby incorporated herein by reference
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 29, 2016
ATEL GROWTH CAPITAL FUND 8, LLC
(Registrant)
By:
AGC Managing Member, LLC
Managing Member of Registrant
By:
/s/ Dean L. Cash
Dean L. Cash,
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
AGC Managing Member, LLC, (Managing Member)
By:
/s/ Paritosh K. Choksi
Paritosh K. Choksi,
Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Operating Officer of
AGC Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
By:
/s/ Samuel Schussler
Samuel Schussler,
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
AGC Managing Member, 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
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGC Managing Member, LLC,
(Managing Member)
March 29, 2016
/s/ Paritosh K. Choksi
Paritosh K. Choksi
Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of
AGC Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
March 29, 2016
/s/ Samuel Schussler
Samuel Schussler
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
AGC Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
March 29, 2016
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.