UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
| x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
OR
| ¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 0-11777
First Equity Properties, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Nevada | 95-6799846 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization) |
(IRS Employer Identification Number) | |
| 1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas |
75234 (Zip Code) | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | ||
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code (469) 522-4200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
| None |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.01 par value.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definitions of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the shares of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and ask price of such common equity as of June 30, 2007 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) is not determinable since no trading market existed on that date or presently exists for the shares of Common Stock. 264,807 shares were held as of June 30, 2007 by persons believed to be non-affiliates of the Registrant.
As of March 20, 2008, there were 1,057,628 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
| Page | ||||
| PART I | ||||
| Item 1. |
3 | |||
| Item 1A. |
5 | |||
| Item 1B. |
6 | |||
| Item 2. |
6 | |||
| Item 3. |
6 | |||
| Item 4. |
6 | |||
| PART II | ||||
| Item 5. |
7 | |||
| Item 6. |
8 | |||
| Item 7. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
9 | ||
| Item 7A. |
10 | |||
| Item 8. |
10 | |||
| Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
10 | ||
| Item 9A(T). |
10 | |||
| Item 9B. |
11 | |||
| PART III | ||||
| Item 10. |
12 | |||
| Item 11. |
14 | |||
| Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
14 | ||
| Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
14 | ||
| Item 14. |
16 | |||
| PART IV | ||||
| Item 15. |
17 | |||
| 19 | ||||
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PART I
Forward-Looking Statements
This report of First Equity Properties, Inc. may contain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding any future financial results, operating results, business strategies, projected costs and capital expenditures, products, competitive positions, and plans and objectives of management for the future operations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend” and “continue,” or the negative of these terms and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties and other factors that might cause such differences, some of which could be material, including but not limited to economic and other market conditions, financing risks (such as the inability to obtain debt or equity financing on favorable terms), the level and volatility of interest rates, as well as other risks identified in this report, including those set forth in the section entitled “ITEM 1.A. RISK FACTORS.” All forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to management as of the date hereof, and management assumes no obligation to update any such statements. The information in this report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in this report.
As used herein, the terms (“FEPI”, “we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company”) refer to First Equity Properties, Inc. a Nevada corporation organized on December 19, 1996. The Company’s fiscal year ends December 31 of each year.
Prior to January 1, 1997, the predecessor of the Company’s business consisted of the management and operation of three motel properties in the Spokane, Washington area. Until June 30, 1998, the Company was engaged in the hospitality business (management and operation of three motel properties, one of which was exchanged for a residential property and two of such properties were sold. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, the Company, through its subsidiaries engaged in property management (management of commercial real property, including retail centers, office buildings, industrial properties and hotels), and real estate brokerage (services in locating, leasing and purchasing real estate). Since October 1999, the Company and its subsidiaries have conducted no substantial business, but until May 1, 2004 remained available to engage in property management and real estate brokerage activities. Effective May 1, 2004, the Company sold its subsidiaries to Regis Realty I, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Regis”). See “Property Management And Real Estate Brokerage” below. Since May 1, 2004, the Company’s principal line of business and source of revenue has been earnings on investments and interest on notes receivables.
With the sale of the subsidiaries available to engage in property management and real estate brokerage activities, the Company currently has no active business operations and no subsidiaries. Management of the Company is exploring alternatives, seeking to establish or acquire new business operations for the Company. Management has reviewed opportunities in the cable systems industry, switching industry and high-speed data and telephone operations industries; however, no agreement or understanding presently exists to acquire any such business, and no assurance can be given that any operating enterprise will be acquired by the Company in the near future. Although discussions are continuing with the current owners of active business operations in various industries, management cannot predict or give any assurance that any new business enterprise will be acquired by the Company at any time in the near future.
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Transaction of Succession
FEPI is the successor-in-interest to WESPAC Investors Trust III, a California real estate investment trust (“WESPAC”) originally established August 22, 1983 which had its shares of beneficial interest, no par value, registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. WESPAC was the subject of two filings for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, one filed April 13, 1988 (the “1988 Reorganization”) which resulted in a plan of reorganization approved and confirmed by the court on March 29, 1989 with certain amendments, and which was closed by the court on August 21, 1992 and a filing made January 27, 1994 in the case styled In re: WESPAC Investors Trust III, Case No. 94-00228-K11, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington (the “1994 Reorganization”). A plan of reorganization dated March 22, 1996 (as modified) was confirmed by Order Confirming Plan of Reorganization dated May 15, 1996, entered May 20, 1996, as amended by order entered October 29, 1996 approving First Modification to Plan of Reorganization (the “Modified Plan”). Pursuant to the Modified Plan, and shareholders’ approval, WESPAC was converted from a California business trust into a Nevada corporation, coupled with a change of the name of the resulting entity. Pursuant to such transaction, persons deemed to be prior holders of shares of beneficial interest, no par value, of WESPAC became holders of FEPI Common Stock on a one-for-one exchange basis. On February 11, 1997, the Court entered its final decree, which closed the 1994 Reorganization.
Hospitality Business
Prior to January 1, 1997, the predecessor (WESPAC) of the Company’s business consisted of the ownership and operation of two Comfort Inn hotels and one Rodeway Inn hotel (sold June 1, 1997 and foreclosed on by the Company in January 1998) located in Spokane, Washington. The two Comfort Inn hotels were The Comfort Inn-Valley (a 76-room hotel located at N. 905 Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley, Washington) and The Comfort Inn-North (a 96-room hotel located at N. 7111 Division Street, Spokane, Washington). Such properties are collectively referred to as the “Spokane Properties.”
During June 1998, FEPI entered into a contract for deed to sell the two Comfort Inn hotels (Comfort Inn North and Comfort Inn Valley) to an unaffiliated Washington corporation for a total of $4,000,000 with a small down payment and an all inclusive wrap-around note which “wraps” certain existing underlying indebtedness. As a part of the transaction, FEPI ceded the management of the properties to the unaffiliated Washington corporation which also assumed the underlying indebtedness due to U.S. Bank. During March 2001, the underlying indebtedness to U.S. Bank was paid in full through a refinancing of the properties and the contract for deed satisfied; at that time, FEPI ceased to hold any record title to the real property and received second lien notes for the balances owed.
Also during June 1998, FEPI exchanged the Rodeway Inn hotel to an unaffiliated party for a residential property in Couer d’Alene, Idaho which has since been sold. The Rodeway Inn had previously been sold on June 1, 1997 to a corporation owned by a former director and officer of the Company. The Rodeway Inn is a 90-room hotel located at W. 4301 Sunset Boulevard, Spokane, Washington. See “ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.” During January 1998, the Company foreclosed on the Spokane Rodeway following a failure of performance by the purchaser on the related note receivable.
Such dispositions ended the Company’s direct ownership in the hospitality line of business.
Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage
Effective January 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of Carmel Realty, Inc., a Texas Corporation (“Carmel”), and an 81.6% limited partnership interest (subsequently increased to 99%) in Carmel Realty Services, Ltd.; a Texas limited partnership (“CRSL”). The general partner of CRSL is Basic Capital Management, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“BCM”) which, until June 30, 2003, was the contractual advisor to and/or performed administrative services for three other publicly held entities engaged in the real estate business.
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See also “ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.” Carmel was engaged in the management and direction of various portfolios of commercial real property including retail centers, office buildings, industrial properties and hotels. Carmel maintained the management responsibility for five hotels totaling 1,000 rooms and approximately 15,000,000 square feet of commercial real estate through September 30, 1999. CRSL managed multi-family portfolios which included over 32,000 multi-family units through seven third-party regional management companies through September 30, 1999.
Both Carmel and CRSL provided management services primarily to four publicly-traded real estate entities throughout the continental United States through September 30, 1999. Under such arrangements Carmel or CRSL received a fee of 5% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the properties under Management. CRSL subcontracted with other entities for the provision of property level services. Effective October 1, 1999, the four publicly traded real estate entities transferred management of their properties to another entity and Carmel and CRSL ceased all such management activities.
Carmel also provided real estate brokerage services (on a nonexclusive basis) to three publicly-traded real estate entities and a number of other entities and individuals and received brokerage commissions under varying arrangements from a fixed amount to a sliding scale on a percentage basis. In general, such services included assistance in locating, leasing, or purchasing real estate. Carmel received fees equal to the lesser of (i) a percentage of the cost of acquisition, inclusive of commissions, if any, paid to nonaffiliated brokers, or (ii) the compensation customarily charged in arm’s-length transactions by others rendering similar property acquisition services as an ongoing public activity in the same geographical location and for comparable property. During the fourth quarter of 1999, the four publicly-traded real estate entities transferred their brokerage operations to another entity.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, Carmel had management income of $111,462 and CRSL had management income of $95,792. Effective May 1, 2004, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding common stock of a subsidiary company known as Carmel Realty, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Carmel”) and a 99% limited partnership interest in Carmel Realty Services, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership (“CRSL”) for an aggregate sale price of $2,072,540 (a basis equivalent to ten times capitalization of the management fees collected by Carmel and CRSL during 2003) to Regis. Regis paid cash of $250,000 to the Company and delivered a promissory note dated May 1, 2004 in the stated principal amount of $1,822,540 payable to the order of the Company on demand or, if no demand is made prior thereto, on April 30, 2009, with interest payable monthly as it accrues. Such promissory note is secured by a pledge of the common stock of Carmel and the partnership interest of CRSL sold.
After giving effect to the sale of its subsidiaries on May 1, 2004, FEPI has no subsidiaries and no employees.
An investment in equity securities of the Company involves a high degree of risk as there is no active trading market for our securities and liquidity is not assured. You should carefully consider the following information keeping in mind that the matters described below are not the only potential risks that may affect the Company. Additional risks which we do not presently consider material or of which we are not currently aware may also have an adverse impact upon us.
Our governing documents contain anti-takeover provisions that make it difficult for a third party to seek to acquire control of the Company.
Certain provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Nevada law could, together or separately, discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring the Company, even if doing so might benefit stockholders. The provisions may also affect the price investors might be able to receive for their shares of the Company’s common stock. Examples of these provisions are:
| • | The right of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with rights and privileges, which are senior to the common stock, without prior stockholder approval. |
5
| • | Certain limitations upon the stockholders to make, adopt, alter, amend, change, or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation except by a vote of 66 2/3% of the holders of record of shares outstanding. |
| • | So-called business combination “control” requirements when the combination involves the Company and a person that beneficially owns 20% or more of the outstanding common stock, except under certain circumstances. |
In addition, while one entity is currently the owner of approximately 75% of the issued and outstanding common stock, the likelihood of any offer to acquire a significant position in the Company’s common stock is remote.
There is no established independent trading market for the shares of common stock of the Company.
No trading market presently exists for the shares of Common Stock and its value is therefore not determinable. Holders of our common stock do not have a vested right to redeem their shares, and therefore may not be able to liquidate their investment in the event of an emergency or otherwise. There simply is no active trading market for the shares of common stock, and accordingly, the transferability of such shares is limited at best.
Since May 1, 2004, the Company has no active business operations and no subsidiaries.
Since the sale of its subsidiaries available to engage in property management and real estate brokerage activities, the Company is exploring alternatives, seeking to establish or acquire new business operations for the Company. While Management has reviewed opportunities in various industries, and although discussions are continuing, Management cannot predict or give any assurance that any new business enterprise will be acquired by the Company at any time in the near future. Since May 1, 2004, the Company’s principal line of business and source of revenue has been interest on receivables.
The Company is managed by the Board of Directors.
Management has established the operating policies and procedures of the Company, which may be modified or waived by the Board of Directors without stockholder approval. The ultimate effect of any such changes may adversely affect future operations. The Company’s business is conducted so as not to become a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act, which exempt entities that are “primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interest in real estate.”
ITEM 1.B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
The Company’s principal offices are located at 1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75234. In the opinion of the Company’s Management, the Company’s offices are suitable and adequate for its present operations.
At December 31, 2007, and through March 24, 2008, the Company was not a party to or involved in any outstanding, unresolved litigation or proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report, no matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company.
6
PART II
| ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Pursuant to the requirements of NRS 78.2055, on June 7, 2004, the members of the Board of Directors of the Company proposed and recommended to the stockholders a reverse-split on a 1-for-10 basis of the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share without any adjustment to the par value per share and without any reduction in the authorized number of shares of Common Stock at the same par value. The recommendation was submitted to the holder of approximately 75% of the outstanding Common Stock, Nevada Sea Investments, Inc. (“Nevada Sea”), which executed a written consent dated June 8, 2004, pursuant to NRS 78.320 adopting and approving the 1-for-10 reverse stock-split of the shares of Common Stock without any change in the par value and without any reduction in the authorized number of shares of Common Stock of the Company pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation. The 1-for-10 reverse stock-split was ultimately effective July 12, 2004, following the distribution of an Information Statement on Schedule 14C to the other stockholders of the Company, and following the filing of an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company with the Secretary of State of Nevada. The CUSIP Number for the post-split shares is 320097-20-7.
Under the approved action, based upon the 10,570,944 old shares outstanding on the effective date of July 12, 2004, the 1-for-10 reverse stock-split decreased the number of outstanding shares by approximately 90% which, after giving effect to an upward adjustment or “rounding up” for any fractional shares, added 534 shares to result in 1,057,628 post-split shares outstanding. The 1-for-10 reverse stock-split did not adversely affect any stockholder’s proportionate equity interest in the Company, subject to the provisions for elimination of fractional shares by rounding up to the next whole share which slightly increased the proportionate holdings of all stockholders other than Nevada Sea. Each post-split share continues to be entitled to one vote, as was the case with each outstanding old share.
In connection with the implementation of a 1-for-10 reverse stock-split, no certificate or script representing any fractional share interest was issued, but a holder of the old shares received in lieu of any fraction of a post-split share to which the holder would otherwise have been entitled a single, whole post-split share on a “rounding up” basis without regard to any price. The result of this “rounding up” process increased slightly the holdings of those stockholders who held a number of old shares which were not evenly divisible by ten, resulting in an increase of 534 shares.
FEPI’s old shares of Common Stock, while available for trading in the over-the-counter market, to the knowledge of Management, have not had any material trading activity since their initial issuance in 1997. The old shares were issued pursuant to the terms of the Modified Plan in the bankruptcy proceeding styled In Re: WESPAC Investors Trust III, Case No. 94-00228-K-11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington. The CUSIP Number of the old shares was 320097-10-8. The shares of beneficial interest of WESPAC Investors Trust III traded through the first quarter of 1988, and at one time, were quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”). Since the cessation of trading on NASDAQ, there has been no established, independent trading market for the shares of beneficial interest of WESPAC or the old shares of Common Stock of FEPI as the successor, or the new shares of Common Stock of the Company after giving effect to the 1-for-10 reverse stock-split.
No cash dividends have been declared or paid during the period from January 1, 1994 to the present on either the shares of Beneficial Interest of the Trust or the old shares of Common Stock of FEPI as the successor or the new shares of Common Stock after giving effect to the 1-for-10 reverse stock-split.
As of December 31, 2007, the 1,057,628 post-split shares of Common Stock of FEPI issued and outstanding were held by 1,815 holders of record.
During the three years ended December 31, 2007, FEPI did not issue or sell any securities, nor did FEPI purchase any of its equity securities. The Board of Directors has not authorized any stock repurchase program.
7
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical financial data presented below for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 are derived from the audited financial statements and reflect (i) the adoption of fresh start reporting in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 90-7, (ii) confirmation and consummation of the Modified Plan, which resulted in a “short period” from June 15, 1996 (fresh start) through December 31, 1996, (iii) the transaction of succession, (iv) the acquisition by the Company of Carmel and an 81.6% limited partnership interest (subsequently increased to 99%) in CRSL, and (v) the disposition by the Company effective May 1, 2004 of the common stock of Carmel and the 99% limited partnership interest in CRSL. The following data should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere herein and “MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.”
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||||||||
| STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues |
$ | 240,754 | $ | 240,838 | $ | 240,755 | $ | 181,000 | $ | 53,541 | ||||||||
| General and administrative |
25,541 | 30,005 | 32,179 | 60,850 | 32,079 | |||||||||||||
| Other income |
— | — | — | 36,736 | — | |||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations |
215,213 | 210,833 | 208,576 | 156,886 | 21,462 | |||||||||||||
| Impairment loss |
— | — | — | (37,947,748 | ) | — | ||||||||||||
| Income from Discountinued operations |
— | — | — | 45,715 | 207,254 | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes |
215,213 | 210,833 | 208,576 | (37,745,147 | ) | 228,716 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense |
(54,945 | ) | (36,055 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders |
$ | 160,268 | $ | 174,778 | $ | 208,576 | $ | (37,745,147 | ) | $ | 228,716 | |||||||
| Weighted average earnings per share: |
||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.02 | ||||||||
| Income loss from discountinued operations |
— | — | — | (35.84 | ) | 0.20 | ||||||||||||
| Net income loss applicable to common shareholders |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.20 | $ | (35.69 | ) | $ | 0.22 | |||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
1,057,628 | 1,057,628 | 1,057,628 | 1,057,628 | 1,057,628 | |||||||||||||
| BALANCE SHEET DATA; |
||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets |
$ | 2,480,193 | $ | 2,471,212 | $ | 2,472,253 | $ | 2,631,209 | $ | 41,519,453 | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities |
$ | 1,734,194 | $ | 1,885,481 | $ | 2,061,300 | $ | 2,428,832 | $ | 3,571,929 | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity |
$ | 745,999 | $ | 585,731 | $ | 410,953 | $ | 202,377 | $ | 37,947,524 | ||||||||
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| ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following discussion and analysis provide information which Management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto.
Results of Operations
2007 Compared to 2006. Our sole source of income is from interest on notes receivable from affiliated entities. We receive approximately $60,000 per quarter. We received $240,754 in interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007. The revenues were consistent in 2007 and 2006.
The major operating expenses are related to the professional fees and general and administrative expenses required to maintain the organization. General and administrative expenses have increased by $5,194 primarily due to costs associated with filing quarterly filings. Legal and accounting fees have decreased by $9,658 due to fewer legal fees incurred. Our federal income tax expense has increase by $18,890. In the prior year, we had a net operating loss (NOL) tax credit that we applied to the tax expense. There were no NOL’s available in the current year.
2006 compared to 2005. Our sole source of income is from interest on notes receivable from affiliated entities. We receive approximately $60,000 per quarter. We received $240,838 in interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006. The revenues were consistent in 2006 and 2005.
The major operating expenses are related to professional fees and general and administrative expenses required to maintain the organization. Our operating expenses were relatively consistent between the two years. Our income tax expense increased by $36,055 in 2006 due to using the remainder of our NOL. We did not have enough NOL to offset our entire tax expense. In the prior year, our NOL was sufficient to offset our entire tax expense.
Financial Condition, Capital Resources and Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity are from operations, proceeds from accrued interest on notes receivables from affiliated companies. At December 31, 2007, the Company had total assets of $2,480,193. Of that amount, $72,653 was held in cash. The Company had no long-term debt as of December 31, 2007.
The Company is anticipating paying federal income taxes of $52,959 and a tax penalty of $1,667 for the year ended December 31, 2007. We have accrued a federal tax liability of $54,679 for this tax provision.
The Company’s payable consists of four affiliated payables of $1,678,755. The company has paid down $169,225 of this obligation in the current year. The obligations are non-interest bearing and carry no stated maturity dates.
Environmental Matters
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, the Company may be potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other potential costs, relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property) where any property-level manager in the employee of a subsidiary of the Company may have arranged for the removal, disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances. Management is not aware of any environmental liability relating to the above matters that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, assets, or results of operations.
Inflation
The effects of inflation on the Company’s operations are not quantifiable. To the extent that inflation affects interest rates, the Company’s earnings from any short-term investments and the cost of new financings as well as the cost of variable rate financing will be affected.
9
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates which may adversely affect its financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In seeking to minimize the risks from interest rate fluctuations, the Company manages exposures through its regular operating activities. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and is not a party to any leveraged financial instruments.
Based upon the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments (including variable rate debt) outstanding at December 31, 2007, the Company has determined that there was no material market risk exposure to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows as of such date.
| ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
The Financial Statements, together with an index thereto, are attached hereto following the signature page to this report.
| ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
None.
ITEM 9A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
A review and evaluation was performed by management under the supervision and with the participation of the Acting Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of December 31, 2007. Based upon that most recent evaluation, which was completed as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, the Acting Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2007 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that the Company files submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as provided in the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and forms. As a result of this evaluation, there were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 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 because the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.
10
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CFO, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. The assessment was based on criteria established in the framework Internal Control — Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Not applicable.
11
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNACE
Directors and Executive Officers
The business affairs of the Company are managed by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are responsible for the general investment policies of the Company and for such general supervision of the business of the Company conducted by its officers, agents, employees, advisors or independent contractors as may be necessary to insure that such business conforms to policies adopted by the Board of Directors. Pursuant to Article III, Section 3.1, of the Bylaws of the Company, there shall not be less than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15) directors of the Company. The number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the directors and the last count of that number of directors was at three (3) at the time of creation of the Company. The initial three directors were the three members of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The term of office of each director is one year and until the election and qualification of his or her successor. Directors may succeed themselves in office and are to be elected at an annual meeting of stockholders or appointed by the Company’s incumbent Board of Directors.
The current directors of the Company (both of whom are also executive officers) are listed below, together with their ages, all positions and offices with the Company, their principal occupation, business experience and directorship with other companies during the last five years or more. Each of the following individuals was named as a director and was elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy created by a prior resignation. None of the Directors originally named in the Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed December 19, 1996 are currently Directors. A vacancy existed on the Board of Directors following the resignation effective March 1, 1997 of Georgie Liebelt. See “ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.” On April 5, 2001, F. Terry Shumate, a Director since inception, resigned creating a second vacancy. On February 1, 2002, acting in his capacity as the sole remaining Director, Karl Blaha, then President and a Director, elected Ronald E. Kimbrough to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Georgie Liebelt and elected Ken Joines to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of F. Terry Shumate. Such action filled all three positions on the Board of Directors with Messrs. Kimbrough, Joines and Blaha. Kimbrough was also elected Vice President and Treasurer, and Joines was elected Secretary. On February 7, 2002, Karl L. Blaha resigned as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Company. On May 31, 2004, Ronald E. Kimbrough resigned as a director of the Company, and Ken L. Joines, acting in his capacity as the sole remaining director, elected Louis J. Corna as a director of the Company effective June 1, 2004. On May 24, 2006, Steven A. Abney was elected a director, and elected Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company. On July 31, 2006, Ken Joines resigned, resulting in one vacancy remaining on the Board of Directors. On February 15, 2008, Steven A. Abney resigned as a director and officer of the Company. On February 26, 2008, the sole remaining member of the Board elected R. Neil Crouch II as a Director, Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial and Accounting officer and designated Mr. Crouch as the Acting Principal Executive Officer.
The names, ages and positions of the directors are set forth below.
| Name |
Age | Position with the Company | ||
| Louis J. Corna |
60 | Director, Vice President and Secretary | ||
| R. Neil Crouch, II |
56 | Director, Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer | ||
Louis J. Corna, 60
Director and Vice President of the Company since June 1, 2004 and Secretary since January 14, 2005. He is Executive Vice President, General Counsel/Tax Counsel and Secretary (since February 2004), Executive Vice President (October 2001 to February 2004), Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (June 2001 to
12
October 2001) and Senior Vice President — Tax (December 2000 to June 2001) of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (“IOT”), Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), American Realty Investors, Inc. (“ARL”) and Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“BCM”), Prime Income Asset Management, Inc. (“PIAMI”) and Prime Income Asset Management, LLC (“Prime”); Private Attorney (January 2000 to December 2000); Vice President — Taxes and Assistant Treasurer (March 1998 to January 2000) of IMC Global, Inc.; Vice President — Taxes (July 1991 to February 1998) of Whitman Corporation. IOT has a class of securities listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and TCI and ARL each has a class of equity securities listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
R. Neil Crouch II, 56
R. Neil Crouch II, has been a director, Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Accounting Officer (since February 2008) of the Company. He is also Chairman of the Board (since February 23, 2007) and a Director of IOT since August 2006. Mr. Crouch is President of Eurenergy Resources Corporation, a Nevada corporation (“ERI”), engaged in the exploration and development of oil, gas and mineral interests since January 2005, which is a subsidiary of Syntek West Inc. (“SWI”). Mr. Crouch is also a Director, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of SWI since August 1, 2006. Mr. Crouch was; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from September 17, 2004 to December 16, 2005. Mr. Crouch was; Corporate Controller (from September 2002 to September 15, 2004) of Apptricity Corporation, a small Dallas, Texas based software development company; prior thereto (from January 1999 to September 2002) he was Corporate Controller of Attenza, Inc., a Dallas, Texas web-based computer self help company. Mr. Crouch has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1981.
There are no family relationships among the directors or executive officers of the Company.
Meetings and Committees of Directors; Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers
The Company’s Board of Directors acted upon 14 matters by unanimous written consent since December 19, 1996 and has held no formal meetings. The Board of Directors has no standing audit, nominating or compensation committee.
The Board of Directors adopted on February 23, 2004 Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to the principal executive officer, president, principal financial officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller. FEPI does not have a website, but a copy of such document may be obtained by written request to the Secretary of FEPI. Those requests should be sent to Secretary, First Equity Properties, Inc., 1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75234.
Stockholders may also send communications to Board members by either sending a communication to the Board or a particular Board member in care of the Secretary of First Equity Properties, Inc. at 1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75234.
Compliance With Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act.
Under the securities laws of the United States, the Company’s directors, executive officers, and any person holding more than 10% of the Company’s shares of common stock are required to report their ownership of the Company’s shares and any changes in ownership to the Commission. Specific due dates for these reports have been established and the Company is required to report any failure to file by the date. All the filing requirements were satisfied by the Company’s directors, executive officers and 10% holders during 1996. In making these statements, the Company has relied on the written representations of its directors and executive officers and its 10% holders and copies of the reports that they filed with the Commission, both with respect to the Trust, as a predecessor to the Company, and the Company.
13
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Neither the executive officers nor directors received salaries nor cash compensation from the Company or its predecessor, WESPAC, for acting in such capacity during the two years ended December 31, 2007, in an amount required to be disclosed under this item. The only director or executive officer who received salaried compensation from the Company or its predecessor, WESPAC, was Georgie Liebelt whose compensation until her resignation effective March 1, 1997 was $59,000 per year plus a $6,000 per year car allowance. The Company has no retirement, annuity or pension plan covering its directors or executive officers.
| ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS |
The Company’s voting securities consist of the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of March 24, 2008, according to the stock transfer records of the Company and other information available to the Company, the following persons were known to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company:
| Title of Class |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class (1) |
||||
| Shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
Nevada Sea Investments, Inc. 1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75234 |
792,821 shares |
74.96 | % |
| (1) | Based on 1,057,628 shares of common stock outstanding on March 20, 2008. |
As of March 20, 2008, according to the stock transfer records of the Company and other information available to the Company, each of the directors and executive officers of the Company, and all present executive officers and directors as a group, beneficially own the following shares:
| Title of Class |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount and |
Percent |
|||||
| Shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
Louis J. Corna 1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75234 |
792,821 | (b) | 74.96 | % | |||
| Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
All officers and directors as a group (2 persons) | 792,821 | (b) | 74.96 | % | |||
| Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
R. Neil Crouch II 1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75234 |
792,821 | (b) | 74.96 | % | |||
| (a) | Based on 1,057,628 shares of common stock outstanding on March 20, 2008. |
| (b) | Includes 792,821 shares owned by Nevada Sea Investments, Inc., of which the directors and executive officers (Messrs. Corna and Crouch) may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as directors and executive officers. Each of Messrs. Corna and Crouch have disclaimed any beneficial ownership of such shares. |
| ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
On June 25, 1996 in connection with the Modified Plan, the Company received an advance of funds from Nevada Sea in the amount of $250,000 unsecured and bearing interest at the rate of 8% per annum. Subsequent to the initial advance, Nevada Sea and /or its affiliates have advanced an additional $2,391,552 to the Company under the same terms and conditions. During 1999, the Company repaid all amounts advanced together with interest at the rate of 8% per annum.
14
Effective January 1, 1997 the Company acquired from SWI all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Carmel and an 81.6% limited partnership interest (later increased to 99%) in CRSL for an aggregate purchase price of 32,500 shares of Series A 8% Cumulative Preferred Stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The Series A Preferred Stock has a right to cumulative cash dividends of $80 per share per annum, payment of $1,000 per share in the event of dissolution, liquidation of winding up the Company before any distribution is made to the holders of Common Stock, optional redemption at any time at a price of $1,000 per share, plus cumulative dividends, no right to conversion into any other securities of the Company, and no voting rights except as may be required by law. See “ITEM 1, BUSINESS,” for a brief description of businesses of Carmel and CRSL. During 1998, the Company redeemed all of its $32,500,000 preferred stock in exchange for reduction of receivables from SWI. Effective May 1, 2004, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Carmel and a 99% limited partnership interest in CRSL for an aggregate sale prices of $2,072,540 (a basis equivalent to ten times the management fees collected by Carmel and CRSL during 2003) to Regis.
Effective January 1, 1997 the Company contracted with Regis Management Corporation, then a subsidiary of Carmel, to manage the day-to-day operations of the Spokane Properties for 5% of the gross revenues from the Spokane Properties. Such management arrangement ceased at the time of disposition of the Spokane Properties during June 1998.
Effective June 1, 1997, the Company sold a 90-room Roadway Inn located at W. 4301 Sunset Boulevard, Spokane, Washington to Georgie Liebelt. At the time of the sale, the Company paid off the underlying debt secured by the property sold. Ms. Liebelt was appointed a Trustee of WESPAC in January 1994 and served in that capacity until implementation of the Incorporation Procedure. She was an initial director of the Company and Regional Director for the Company responsible for all operations involving the hotel properties located in Spokane, Washington. Ms. Liebelt resigned as a Director effective March 1, 1997. The purchase price for the Roadway Inn was $1,475,000 paid by the delivery of a promissory note from Spokane House, Inc. (a Washington corporation wholly owned by Georgie Liebelt) secured by a Deed of Trust covering the property and a security interest on all related personal property. Such note bore interest at 5% per annum for the period from June 1, 1997 to June 1, 1998 and was to increase by 1% per annum until it reached 9% for the period from June 1, 2001 to July 10, 2002. At the time of maturity of the Note, Spokane House, Inc. was obligated to pay the lesser of (i) the total of the unpaid principal and interest due on the note, or (ii) the appraised value of the property as of June 1, 2002. In addition, the Company loaned to Spokane House, Inc. $160,000 to fund needed renovations on the property. Commencing March 1, 1997, Spokane House, Inc. became the operator of the property, retaining all income and paying all expenses relating to the operation of the property. In January 1998, the Company foreclosed on the property following a failure of performance on the promissory note and wrote off the $160,000 loan. The Company exchanged the property in June 1998 for a residential property in Couer dAlene, Idaho (since sold).
Effective May 1, 2004, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Carmel and a 99% limited partnership interest in CRSL for an aggregate sale price of $2,072,540 (a basis equivalent to ten times capitalization of the management fees collected by Carmel and CRSL during 2003) to Regis. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, Carmel had management income of $111,462 and CRSL had management income of $95,792. The general partner of CRSL is BCM. The purchaser, Regis, performs certain property management and real estate and brokerage activities for other entities. Regis paid cash of $250,000 to FEPI and delivered a promissory note dated May 1, 2004 in the stated principal amount of $1,822,540 payable to the order of FEPI on demand or, if no demand is made prior thereto, on April 30, 2009, with interest payable monthly as it accrues. Such promissory note is secured by a pledge of the common stock of Carmel and partnership interest of CRSL sold by the Company.
15
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for professional services rendered to FEPI for the years 2007 and 2006 by FEPI’s principal accounting firm, Farmer, Fuqua & Huff, P.C.:
| Type of Fees |
2007 | 2006 | ||||
| Audit Fees |
$ | 9,360 | $ | 10,500 | ||
| Audit Related Fees |
— | — | ||||
| Tax Fees — preparation of corporate federal income tax returns |
760 | 760 | ||||
| All Other Fees |
— | — | ||||
| Total |
$ | 10,120 | $ | 11,260 | ||
There is currently no standing Audit Committee. The Board of Directors fulfills that responsibility. As a result, there are no Audit Committee pre-approval policies and procedures in existence.
16
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Financial Statements. The following documents are filed as part of this report:
| Page | ||||
| 1. |
Financial Statements. |
|||
| 21 | ||||
| 22 | ||||
| Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
23 | |||
| Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
24 | |||
| Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
25 | |||
| 26 | ||||
| 2. |
Financial Statement Schedules. |
|||
| All other schedules and financial statements are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto. | ||||
(b) Exhibits. The following documents are filed herewith as exhibits or incorporated by the references indicated below:
| Exhibit Designation |
Description of Exhibit | |
| 2.1 | Plan of Reorganization (as modified) dated March 22, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made by Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 2.2 | First Amended Disclosure Statement (as modified) dated March 22, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 2.3 | Order Confirming Plan of Reorganization dated May 15, 1996 entered May 20, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 2.3 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 2.4 | First Modification to Plan of Reorganization (as modified) dated October 29, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 2.4 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 2.5 | Ex parte Order approving modification to Plan of Reorganization (as modified) entered October 29, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 2.5 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 2.6 | Certificate of Substantial Consummation dated January 21, 1997 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 2.6 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 2.7 | Final Decree issued by the Court on February 11, 1997 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 2.7 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 3.1 | Articles of Incorporation of WESPAC Property Corporation as filed with and endorsed by the Secretary of State of California on December 16, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
17
| Exhibit Designation |
Description of Exhibit | |
| 3.2 | Articles of Incorporation of First Equity Properties, Inc. filed with and approved by the Secretary of State of Nevada on December 19, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 3.3 | Bylaws of First Equity Properties, Inc. as adopted December 20, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 3.4 | Agreement and Plan of Merger of WESPAC Property Corporation and First Equity Properties, Inc. dated December 23, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 3.4 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 3.5 | Articles of Merger of WESPAC Property Corporation into First Equity Properties, Inc. as filed with and approved with the Secretary of State in Nevada December 24, 1996 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 3.5 to Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported June 19, 1996). | |
| 3.6 | Certificate of Designation of Preferences and Relative Participating or Optional of Other Special Rights and Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions thereof of the Series A 8% Cumulative Preferred Stock (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 3.6 to Form 10-KSB of First Equity Properties, Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996). | |
| 3.7 | Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on July 12, 2004 (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 3.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for event reported May 1, 2004). | |
| 14 | Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporation by reference is made to Exhibit 14 to Form 10-K of First Equity Properties, Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003). | |
| 31.1* | Certification of Acting Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer. | |
| 32.1* | Rule 1350 Certification by Acting Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer. | |
| * | filed herewith |
18
Pursuant to the requirements Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Dated: March 31, 2008 | FIRST EQUITY PROPERTIES, INC. | |||||||
| By: | /s/ R. NEIL CROUCH II | |||||||
| R. Neil Crouch II | ||||||||
| Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Acting Principal Executive Officer | ||||||||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated:
| /s/ LOUIS J. CORNA Louis J. Corna |
Director, Vice President and Secretary |
March 31, 2008 | ||
| /s/ R. NEIL CROUCH II R. Neil Crouch II |
Director, Vice President and Treasurer, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Acting Principal Executive Officer |
March 31, 2008 | ||
19
FIRST EQUITY PROPERTIES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
All other schedules and financial statements are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
20
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
First Equity Properties, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of First Equity Properties, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. First Equity Properties, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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 audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements 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 First Equity Properties, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Unites States of America.
FARMER, FUQUA & HUFF, P.C.
/s/ FARMER, FUQUA & HUFF, P.C.
March 31, 2008
Plano, Texas
21
FIRST EQUITIES PROPERTIES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
| 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 72,653 | $ | 63,672 | ||||
| Notes receivable — affiliates |
2,407,540 | 2,407,540 | ||||||
| Total assets |
$ | 2,480,193 | $ | 2,471,212 | ||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Accounts payable |
$ | 760 | $ | — | ||||
| Federal income taxes payable |
54,679 | 37,501 | ||||||
| Accounts payable — affiliate |
1,678,755 | 1,847,980 | ||||||
| Total liabilities |
1,734,194 | 1,885,481 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity |
||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value;40,000,000 shares authorized, 1,057,628 issued and outstanding |
10,576 | 10,576 | ||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 4,960,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding |
— | — | ||||||
| Paid in Capital |
1,376,682 | 1,376,682 | ||||||
| Retained earnings (deficit) |
(641,259 | ) | (801,527 | ) | ||||
| Total Shareholders’ Equity |
745,999 | 585,731 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ Equity |
$ | 2,480,193 | $ | 2,471,212 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22
FIRST EQUITIES PROPERTIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December, 31
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
| Revenue |
|||||||||||
| Interest Income |
$ | 240,754 | $ | 240,838 | $ | 240,755 | |||||
| Operating Expenses |
|||||||||||
| General and Administrative |
12,120 | 6,926 | 4,373 | ||||||||
| Legal and accounting |
13,421 | 23,079 | 27,806 | ||||||||
| Total Operating Expenses |
25,541 | 30,005 | 32,179 | ||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations before taxes |
215,213 | 210,833 | 208,576 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense |
(54,945 | ) | (36,055 | ) | — | ||||||
| Net income applicable to common shareholders |
$ | 160,268 | $ | 174,778 | $ | 208,576 | |||||
| Earnings (loss) per Share |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.20 | |||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
1,057,628 | 1,057,628 | 1,057,628 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
23
FIRST EQUITIES PROPERTIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
| Common Stock | Paid in Capital |
Retained Earnings /(Deficit) |
Total Equity | ||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||
| Balances at January 1, 2005 |
1,057,628 | $ | 10,576 | $ | 1,376,682 | $ | (1,184,881 | ) | $ | 202,377 | |||||
| Net Income |
— | — | — | 208,576 | 208,576 | ||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2005 |
1,057,628 | 10,576 | 1,376,682 | (976,305 | ) | 410,953 | |||||||||
| Net income |
— | — | — | 174,778 | 174,778 | ||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2006 |
1,057,628 | 10,576 | 1,376,682 | (801,527 | ) | 585,731 | |||||||||
| Net income |
— | — | — | 160,268 | 160,268 | ||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2007 |
1,057,628 | $ | 10,576 | $ | 1,376,682 | $ | (641,259 | ) | $ | 745,999 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24
FIRST EQUITIES PROPERTIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||||||
| Net Income |
$ | 160,268 | $ | 174,778 | $ | 208,576 | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in |
||||||||||||
| Interest receivable |
— | 60,684 | 158,364 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset |
— | — | — | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in |
||||||||||||
| Accounts payable |
760 | (7,320 | ) | 7,320 | ||||||||
| Federal income taxes payable |
17,178 | 37,501 | — | |||||||||
| Accounts payable — affiliate |
(169,225 | ) | (206,000 | ) | (374,852 | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |
8,981 | 59,643 | (592 | ) | ||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
8,981 | 59,643 | (592 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period |
63,672 | 4,029 | 4,621 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equibalents at the end of period |
$ | 72,653 | $ | 63,672 | $ | 4,029 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
NOTE A — HISTORY
WESPAC Investors Trust III (“WESPAC), a California business trust, was originally organized on August 22, 1983. On January 24, 1994, WESPAC instituted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington. A Plan of Reorganization dated March 22, 1996 (as modified) was confirmed by order dated May 15, 1996 and was amended by Order entered October 29, 1996 approving the First Modification to Plan of Reorganization (the “Modified Plan”). Pursuant to the Modified Plan, WESPAC was converted from a California business trust into a Nevada corporation. First Equity Properties, Inc. (the “Company”), which was incorporated in Nevada on December 19, 1996, was the surviving entity following the incorporation of WESPAC into a California corporation and subsequent merger of that California corporation with and into the Company accomplished by Articles of Merger and a Plan of Merger filed in the States of California and Nevada on December 24, 1996. The Company automatically, by operation of law, succeeded to all of the assets, rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the California corporation (as the immediate successor to WESPAC) upon the effectiveness of the Merger on December 24, 1996.
In general, the Modified Plan provided for the cancellation of the former publicly-held shares on the effective date of the Modified Plan with one share of the Company deemed to be exchanged for each former publicly-held share with the former public shareholders to hold, in the aggregate, 25% of the equity interest in the Company. Confirmation of the Modified Plan served to re-vest all assets of the estate of WESPAC free and clear of all liabilities, except those payable pursuant to the Modified Plan. Under the Modified Plan, WESPAC retained the Certain Motel Properties and all allowed claims were provided for or paid.
NOTE B — FRESH START REPORTING
In accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code”, (“SOP 90-7”) the Company was required to adopt “fresh start” reporting and reflect the effects of such adoption in the financial statements as of June 15, 1996. The ongoing impact of the adoption of fresh-start reporting is reflected in the accompanying financial statements.
NOTE C — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
The Company and its subsidiaries provided management services to a variety of commercial and residential real estate entities throughout the continental United States. Effective October 1, 1999, substantially all of the contracts for management services were transferred from the Company. Effective May 1, 2004, the Company sold its subsidiaries to a related party. With the sale of the subsidiaries, the Company currently has no active business operations and no subsidiaries. Management of the Company is exploring alternatives, seeking to establish and/or acquire new business operations for the Company.
Our current operations consists of the collections of notes receivables from two affiliated entities. Any adverse conditions that could affect the financial condition of either of these two entities and specifically their ability to service debt obligation owed would have a severe material impact on our financial statements.
Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
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Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109), “Accounting for Income Taxes.” SFAS 109 requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting for income taxes. In the event differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities result in deferred tax assets, SFAS 109 requires an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such assets. A valuation allowance is provided for a portion or all of the deferred tax assets when there is an uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to recognize the benefits of the assets in future years.
NOTE C — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued
Earnings (Loss) per Share
Earnings (loss) per share (EPS) are calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share (SFAS 128), which was adopted in 1997 for both years presented. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS does not apply to the Company due to the absence of dilutive potential common shares. The adoption of SFAS 128 had no effect on previously reported EPS.
NOTE D — SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), established a single accounting model for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets including discontinued operations. This statement requires that the operations related to segments that have been sold, or segments that are intended to be sold, be presented as discontinued operations in the statement of operations for all periods presented, and the segments intended to be sold are to be designated as “held for sale” on the balance sheet. In the event of a future asset sale, the company is required to reclassify portions of previously reported operations to discontinued operations within the Statements of Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, income from discontinued operations relates to the disposition of subsidiaries providing management services.
In May 2004, the Company sold the subsidiaries of the Company that provide management services for $250,000 cash and a note receivable in the amount of $1,822,540. Prior to that, because of the pending sale, the Company recorded an impairment of $37,947,748, representing the write down of certain assets of those two subsidiaries that provided the management services to the value agreed to between the related party buyer and seller. The primary asset written down was the investment in preferred stock of an affiliate.
NOTE E — REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
On June 7, 2004, the members of the Board of Directors of FEPI proposed and recommended to the stockholders a reverse-split on a 1-for-10 basis of the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, without any adjustment to the par value per share, and without any reduction in the authorized number of shares of Common Stock at the same par value. The proposal was approved by the shareholders and became effective July 12, 2004. This resulted in a reclassification between Common Stock and Additional Paid in Capital on the accompanying balance sheet in the amount of $95,133. The share amounts in the accompanying financial statements and notes give effect to this reverse split as if it occurred at the beginning of earliest period presented.
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NOTE F — NOTES PAYABLE — AFFILIATE
The Company has a revolving line of credit with Nevada Sea Investments, Inc., a shareholder. Amounts borrowed under the line bear interest at 8% per year and are due on demand. As of December 31, 2007, there were no draws on this revolver.
NOTE G — INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to pretax income in 2007, 2006 and 2005 as a result of the following:
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
| Computed expected tax expense |
$ | 54,945 | $ | 49,655 | $ | 73,289 | |||||
| Net operating loss carry forward |
$ | (13,600 | ) | $ | (73,289 | ) | |||||
| $ | 54,945 | $ | 36,055 | $ | — | ||||||
NOTE H — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006 follow:
| 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||
| Carrying Amount |
Fair Value |
Carrying Amount |
Fair Value | |||||||||
| Cash |
$ | 72,653 | $ | 72,653 | $ | 63,672 | $ | 63,672 | ||||
| Note and interest receivable — affiliate |
$ | 2,407,540 | $ | 2,407,540 | $ | 2,407,540 | $ | 2,407,540 | ||||
| Accounts payable |
$ | 760 | $ | 760 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
| Federal taxes payable |
$ | 54,679 | $ | 54,679 | $ | 37,501 | $ | 37,501 | ||||
| Accounts payable — affiliate |
$ | 1,678,755 | $ | 1,678,755 | $ | 1,847,980 | $ | 1,847,980 | ||||
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable — affiliate, notes receivable — affiliate and accounts payable — affiliate approximate fair value due to short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.
NOTE I — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company could become involved in various legal actions incidental to its business. In Management’s opinion, if any of these were to arise, none of these actions would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
NOTE J — SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
| Cash paid for federal income taxes |
$ | 37,767 | $ | — | $ | — | |||
NOTE K — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, (SFAS 130), requires that total comprehensive income be reported in the financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, the Company’s comprehensive income was equal to its net income and the Company does not have income meeting the definition of other comprehensive income.
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FIRST EQUITY PROPERTIES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
December 31, 2007 and 2006
NOTE L — QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
The table below reflects the Company’s selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
| Year ended December 31, 2007 | |||||||||||||
| First Quarter |
Second Quarter |
Third Quarter |
Fourth Quarter |
||||||||||
| Revenue |
$ | 59,363 | $ | 60,025 | $ | 60,682 | $ | 60,684 | |||||
| Operating expenses |
8,445 | 12,187 | 3,813 | 1,096 | |||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations before taxes |
50,918 | 47,838 | 56,869 | 59,588 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense |
19,675 | 16,265 | 19,518 | (513 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income applicable to common shareholders |
$ | 31,243 | $ | 31,573 | $ | 37,351 | $ | 60,101 | |||||
| Earnings per share |
|||||||||||||
| Weighted average earnings per share applicable to common shares |
$ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.06 | |||||
| Year ended December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||
| First Quarter |
Second Quarter |
Third Quarter |
Fourth Quarter |
||||||||||
| Revenue |
$ | 59,364 | $ | 60,023 | $ | 60,767 | $ | 60,684 | |||||
| Operating expenses |
12,737 | 6,124 | 5,924 | 5,220 | |||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations before taxes |
46,627 | 53,899 | 54,843 | 55,464 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense |
2,150 | 18,450 | 19,757 | (4,302 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income applicable to common shareholders |
$ | 44,477 | $ | 35,449 | $ | 35,086 | $ | 59,766 | |||||
| Earnings per share |
|||||||||||||
| Weighted average earnings per share applicable to common shares |
$ | 0.05 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.06 | |||||
NOTE M — AFFILIATED NOTES RECEIVABLE
Receivables from affiliates consist of two notes of $1,822,540 and $585,000 which are payable in quarterly installments of interest only. The notes accrue interest at 10% per annum.
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