EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1640982
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 1640982_10-K_2023_0001558370-23-003765.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. BUSINESS
General Development of Business
ATEL 17, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on April 16, 2015 (“Date of Inception”) for the purpose of equipment financing and acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities. The Managing Member of the Company is ATEL Managing Member, LLC (the “Managing Member” or “Manager”), a Nevada limited liability company. The Managing Member is controlled by ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group. The Fund may continue as provided in the ATEL 17, LLC limited liability company operating agreement dated April 24, 2015 (the “Operating Agreement”). Contributions in the amount of $500 were received as of April 28, 2015, 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 January 5, 2016. The offering will continue until the earlier of a period of two years from that date or until sales of the limited liability company units (Units) to the public reach $150 million. As of February 2, 2016, 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 and continued in its development stage activities until transitioning to an operating enterprise during the first quarter of 2016. Pennsylvania subscriptions are subject to a separate escrow and are released to the Fund only when aggregate subscriptions for all investors equal to at least $7.5 million. Total contributions to the Fund exceeded $7.5 million on July 6, 2016, at which time a request was processed to release the Pennsylvania escrowed amounts. The offering terminated on January 5, 2018.
As of December 31, 2022, cumulative gross contributions less rescissions and repurchases (net of distributions paid and allocated syndication costs, as applicable) totaling $25.7 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) have been received. As of the same date, 2,565,749 Units were issued and outstanding.
The Company’s principal objectives are to invest in a diversified portfolio of investments that will generate a favorable overall return to investors and (i) preserve, protect and return the Fund’s invested capital; (ii) generate regular cash distributions to Unit holders during the Offering Stage and Operating Stage of the Fund, with any balance remaining after required minimum distributions, equal to not less than 8% nor more than 10% per annum on investors’ Original Invested Capital, to be used to purchase additional investments during the first six years after the year the offering terminates; and (iii) provide additional cash distributions during the Liquidating Stage, commencing with the end of the six year reinvestment period and continuing until all investment portfolio assets have been sold or otherwise disposed.
Pursuant to the terms of the Operating Agreement, the Managing Member and/or its affiliates receives compensation for services rendered and reimbursements for costs incurred on behalf of the Company. (See Note 7, Related party transactions, as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.) The Company is required to maintain reasonable cash reserves for working capital, for the repurchase of Units and for contingencies. The repurchase of Units is solely at the discretion of the Managing Member.
Narrative Description of Business
The Company has acquired and intends to acquire various types of new and used equipment subject to leases and to make loans secured by equipment acquired by its borrowers. The Company’s primary investment objective is to acquire investments primarily in low-technology, low-obsolescence capital equipment such as the core operating equipment used by companies in the manufacturing, mining and transportation industries. A portion of the portfolio will include some more technology-dependent equipment such as certain types of communications equipment, medical equipment, manufacturing equipment and office equipment.
The Company only purchases equipment under pre-existing leases or for which a lease will be entered into concurrently at the time of the purchase. Through December 31, 2022, the Company has purchased equipment with a total acquisition price of $16.7 million. The Company has also funded investments in notes receivable totaling $6.2 million through December 31, 2022.
As of the date of the final commitment of its proceeds from the sale of Units, the Company’s objective is to have at least 75% of its investment portfolio (by cost) consist of equipment leased to lessees that the Manager deems to be high quality corporate credits and/or leases guaranteed by such high quality corporate credits. High quality corporate credits are lessees or guarantors who have a credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. of “Baa3” or better, or the credit equivalent as determined by the Manager, or are public and private corporations with substantial revenues and histories of profitable operations, as well as established hospitals with histories of profitability or municipalities. The remaining 25% of the initial investment portfolio may include equipment lease transactions and other debt or equity financing for companies which, although deemed creditworthy by the Manager, would not satisfy the specific credit criteria for the portfolio described above. Included in this 25% of the portfolio may be growth capital financing investments. No more than 25% of the initial portfolio, by cost, will consist of these growth capital financing investments.
The equipment financing industry is highly competitive. Equipment manufacturers, corporations, partnerships and others offer users an alternative to the purchase of most types of equipment with payment terms that vary widely depending on the type of financing, the lease or loan term and type of equipment. The ability of the Company to keep the equipment leased and the terms of purchase, lease and sale of equipment depends on various factors (many of which neither the Managing Member nor the Company can control), such as general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation or recession, and fluctuations in supply and demand for various types of equipment resulting from, among other things, technological and economic obsolescence.
The Managing Member will use its best efforts to diversify lessees by geography and industry and to maintain an appropriate balance and diversity in the types of equipment acquired and the types of leases entered into by the Company, and will apply the following policies: (i) The Managing Member will seek to limit the amount invested in equipment or property leased to any single lessee to not more than 20% of the aggregate purchase price of investments as of the final commitment of net offering proceeds; (ii) in no event will the Company’s equity investment in equipment or property leased to a single lessee exceed an amount equal to 20% of the maximum capital from the sale of Units (or $30,000,000); and (iii) the Managing Member will seek to invest not more than 20% of the aggregate purchase price of equipment in equipment acquired from a single manufacturer. However, this last limitation is a general guideline only, and the Company may acquire equipment from a single manufacturer in excess of the stated percentage during the offering period and before the offering proceeds are fully invested, or if the Managing Member deems such a course of action to be in the Company’s best interest.
The primary geographic region in which the Company seeks leasing opportunities is North America. All of the Company’s current operating revenues and long-lived assets relate to customers domiciled in 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.
For further information refer to the financial statements and footnotes.
Equipment Leasing Activities
The Company has acquired a diversified portfolio of equipment. The equipment, all currently located in the U.S., has been leased to lessees in various industries. The following tables set forth the types of equipment acquired by the Company through December 31, 2022 and the industries to which the assets have been leased (dollars in thousands):
Purchase Price
Excluding
Percentage of Total
Asset Types
Acquisition Fees
Acquisitions
Transportation, rail
$
3,679
22.05
%
Construction
2,891
17.33
%
Mining
2,749
16.48
%
Aviation
2,118
12.70
%
Materials handling
1,330
7.97
%
Paper processing
1,058
6.34
%
Marine vessels
1,041
6.24
%
Containers
5.15
%
Agriculture
4.45
%
Transportation, other
1.29
%
$
16,683
100.00
%
Purchase Price
Excluding
Percentage of Total
Industry of Lessee
Acquisition Fees
Acquisitions
Transportation, rail
$
3,679
22.05
%
Chemical
2,515
15.08
%
Transportation, air
2,118
12.70
%
Agriculture
1,818
10.90
%
Construction
1,728
10.36
%
Industrial machinery
1,569
9.40
%
Paper and allied products
1,058
6.34
%
Utilities
1,041
6.24
%
Refuse systems
5.15
%
Transportation services, other
1.78
%
$
16,683
100.00
%
From inception to December 31, 2022, the Company had disposed of certain leased assets as set forth below (in thousands):
Original
Equipment Costs
Excluding
Asset Types
Acquisition Fees
Sale Price
Gross Rents
Agriculture
$
$
$
Construction
Containers
Material Handling
Transportation, rail
1,956
1,330
$
4,147
$
1,762
$
3,635
For further information regarding the Company’s equipment lease portfolio as of December 31, 2022, see Note 5, Investment in equipment and leases, net, as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Notes Receivable Activities
The Company finances assets in diverse industries. The following tables set forth the types of assets financed by the Company through December 31, 2022 and the industries to which the assets have been financed (dollars in thousands):
Amount Financed
Excluding
Percentage of Total
Asset Types
Acquisition Fees
Acquisitions
Research
$
1,599
25.89
%
Manufacturing
14.10
%
Agriculture
11.43
%
Miscellaneous
3,000
48.58
%
$
6,176
100.00
%
Amount Financed
Excluding
Percentage of Total
Industry of Lessee
Acquisition Fees
Acquisitions
Business services
$
1,500
24.29
%
Electrical
1,125
18.22
%
Health services
1,000
16.19
%
Computer engines
14.10
%
Agriculture
11.43
%
Manufacturing
8.10
%
Research & development
7.67
%
$
6,176
100.00
%
From inception to December 31, 2022, assets financed by the Company that are associated with terminated loans are as follows (in thousands):
Amount Financed
Early
Excluding
Termination of
Total
Asset Types
Acquisition Fees
Notes Proceeds
Payments Received
Research
$
1,599
$
$
1,057
Manufacturing
-
1,100
Agriculture
Miscellaneous
3,000
3,048
$
6,176
$
1,289
$
6,000
The Company had no notes receivable as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The Company does not own or lease any real property, plant or material physical properties other than the equipment held for lease as set forth in Item 1.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of conducting business, there may be certain claims, suits, and complaints filed against the Company. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such matters, if any, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. No material legal proceedings are currently pending against the Company or against any of its assets.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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, 2022, a total of 411 investors were Unitholders of record in the Company.
Fund Valuation
Background to Fund Valuation
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), in conjunction with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) updated rules for the presentation of account statement values relative to pricing of Direct Placement Program (“DPP”) shares. Under FINRA Notice 15-02 (the “Notice”) the SEC approved amendments to National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”) Rule 2340, Customer Account Statements, and FINRA rule 2310, which address a FINRA member firm’s participation in a public offering of a DPP. In summary, the amendments require a FINRA member firm to include in the account statements for customers holding DPP securities a per share value for the DPP. This per share value must be prepared by, or with the material assistance or confirmation of, a third-party valuation expert or service. The results of this valuation must be disclosed in the issuer’s reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A valuation in compliance with the Notice must be undertaken and published on at least an annual basis.
The effective date of the Notice was April 11, 2016.
Methodologies
Broker dealers are required to provide a per share estimated value on the customer account statements for each non-listed DPP security held by their customers. Such estimated value must have been developed in a manner reasonably designed to provide a reliable value. Two valuation methodologies have been defined by FINRA, which by such designation are presumed to be reliable.
Net Investment Methodology
The amendments to NASD Rule 2340(c)(1)(A) require “net investment” to be based on the “amount available for investment” percentage disclosed in the “Estimated Use of Proceeds” section of the issuer’s offering prospectus. In essence, such value is equal to the offering price less selling commissions, other offering and organization expenses, and capital reserves. This method may be used for up to 150 days following the second anniversary of a Fund breaking escrow.
Appraised Value Methodology
As amended, Rule NASD 2340(c)(1)(B) requires that the per share estimated value disclosed in an issuer’s most recent periodic or current report be based upon an appraisal of the assets and liabilities of the program by, or with the material assistance or confirmation of, a third-party valuation expert or service, in conformity with standard industry valuation practice as it relates to both the aforementioned assets and liabilities. No later than 150 days following the second anniversary of the issuer’s break of escrow for its minimum offering, this methodology must be used to establish the required estimated values.
Unit Valuation
The per Unit valuation estimate for ATEL 17, LLC has been conducted, and the results disclosed herein, in compliance with the mandates of the Notice.
For ATEL 17, LLC, its estimated value per Unit reflects the Manager’s estimate of current portfolio valuation of all assets and liabilities of the Fund, calculated on a per Unit basis, and as such, does not represent a market value for the Units and may not accurately reflect the value of the Fund Units to the Unit holders if held over time to Fund maturity.
In connection with any estimate of per Unit value, Unit holders and all parties are reminded that no public market for the Units exists. Additionally, in order to preserve the Fund’s pass-through status for federal income tax purposes, the Fund 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.
The estimate of per Unit value does not take into account any extraordinary potential future business activity of the Fund; rather the valuation represents a snapshot view of the Fund’s portfolio as of the valuation date. In addition, the Fund does not include any analysis of the distributions that have already been paid by the Fund, nor the anticipated returns to Unit holder over the full course of the Fund life cycle, which will be dependent on many factors.
Disclosure
The estimated value per Unit reported in this Form 10-K has been calculated using the “Appraised Value Methodology” described above under “Methodologies” above, as of December 31, 2022.
ATEL 17, LLC, will satisfy the disclosure requirements for providing estimated per Unit values pursuant to the Notice as follows:
For these disclosure, subsequent to the Fund's initial compliance with FINRA 15-02, annual disclosures of estimated per unit values, through the termination of the Fund, will be accomplished and included on an annual basis in a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission available to the public.
Specifics Underlying Valuation Methodology:
Notes and Explanation of Valuation Components and Calculation
A. Fund Assets and Liabilities (other than as specifically identified below): The estimated values for non-interest bearing items such as current assets and liabilities are assumed to equal their reported GAAP balances as an appropriate approximation of their fair values. Debt (interest bearing) is assumed to equal the fair values of the debt as disclosed in the footnotes of the financial statements.
B. Investment in equipment and leases (net of fees and expenses): The estimated values for equipment are based on calculating the present value of the projected future cash flows. Projected future cash flows include both the remaining contractual lease payments, plus assumptions on lease renewals and sale value of the residuals. Projected future cash flows are net of projected future fees and expenses including:
● management fees applicable for the Fund (1.25% of the aggregate original equipment cost of Portfolio Assets during offering stage, 1.75% of the aggregate net Portfolio Assets during operating stage and 1.75% of the Book Value of the Fund Assets less total cash reported as of the end of the most recent prior fiscal quarter or year, as the case may be)
● carried interest applicable for the Fund (0.01% of distributions)
● operating expenses which are assumed to be 3% of original equipment costs for the Fund
Projected future cash flows have been discounted back to present value at discount rates based on like-term U.S. Treasury yields (as of the valuation date) plus a 400 basis point spread, to account for the credit risk differentials between the instrument being valued and U.S. Treasury security yields.
Residual values assumptions used in the cash flow projections are as follows:
For On-Lease and Month-to-Month Lease: Considers realized residual as a percent of book residual of 168.7%, based on ATEL’s historical track record as of December 31, 2022.
For Off-Lease: A current fair market value of off-lease equipment is based upon estimates from ATEL’s seasoned Asset Management Group.
Special Situation Leases: The valuation of certain leases has been performed outside of the above noted protocol based upon specific lease assumptions different than the macro assumptions above, due to the specific situations of those leases.
C. Investments in Notes Receivable: The estimated values for Investments in Notes Receivable are 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 value techniques and market rates for similar types of lending arrangements, which may consider adjustments for impaired loans as deemed necessary.
D. Investments in Equity Securities: The estimated values for Investments in Securities have been based on the estimated net book value as of the valuation date (with impairment adjustments), plus any unrealized gain on equity. The unrealized gain on equity is based on either: a) the most recent round of financing, b) the most recent 409A valuation provided by the underlying companies of the warrants, or c) the Manager’s estimate of the company valuations based on all available information, including company financials, company valuation reports, public press releases, and other sources.
E. Warrants Outstanding: The estimated values for Warrants Outstanding considers the reported GAAP balances to be an appropriate approximation of their fair values.
F. Accrued distributions: Accrued distributions, which are payable to the Unit holders have been removed from the balance sheet liability section because they are not a liability to a third party.
ATEL 17, LLC Unit Valuation
The Manager’s estimated per Unit value of ATEL 17, LLC at December 31, 2022 as determined, and derived under the guidelines of the Appraised Value Methodology, and pursuant to the above specific enumerated component valuation methodologies and calculations, equals $3.93. An independent national public accounting firm with valuation expertise was retained to examine, attest and confirm ATEL 17, LLC’s per Unit valuation and its component methodologies and calculation as it relates to compliance with the regulatory mandate defined in the Notice. In this regard, they examined the components of the valuation methodologies and determined them to be reasonable and within industry standards. Other component attributes, including the bases and related key assumptions of the calculation were tested for their completeness, underlying documentation support and mathematical accuracy. Upon completion of their efforts, their attestation report confirmed that the per unit valuation of ATEL 17, LLC, and the related notes, in all material respects, was based upon industry practice as described in the Manager’s valuation approach.
Disclaimer
The foregoing Fund valuation has been performed solely for the purpose of providing an estimated value per Unit in accordance with a regulatory mandate, in order to provide the broker dealer and custodian community with a valuation on a reasonable basis for use in assigning an estimation of a Unit holder’s account value. Any statement of such valuation is to be accompanied by statements that the value so calculated does not represent an estimate of the amount a Unit holder would receive if the Unit holder were to seek to sell the Units, and that the Fund intends to liquidate its assets in the ordinary course of its business and over the Fund’s term. Further, each Fund Valuation is to be accompanied by a disclosure that there can be no assurance as to (1) when the Fund will be fully liquidated, (2) the amount the Fund may actually receive if and when the Fund seeks to liquidate its assets, (3) the amount of lease or loan payments the Fund will actually receive over the remaining term, (4) the amount of asset disposition proceeds the Fund will actually receive over the remaining term, and (5) the amounts that may actually be received in distributions by Unit holders over the course of the 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 April 2016. Additional distributions have been consistently made through December 31, 2022.
Cash distributions were paid by the Fund to Unitholders of record as of November 30, 2022, and paid through December 31, 2022. 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 ATEL 17, LLC Prospectus dated January 5, 2016 (“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.
Cash distributions were based on current and anticipated gross revenues from the leases and loans 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 leases and loans acquired.
The following table summarizes distribution activity for the Fund from inception through December 31, 2022 (in thousands except for Units and Per Unit Data):
Total
Weighted
Return of
Distribution
Total
Distribution
Average Units
Distribution Period (1)
Paid
Capital
of Income
Distribution
per Unit (2)
Outstanding (3)
Monthly and quarterly distributions
Feb 2016 - Nov 2016
Apr 2016 - Dec 2016
$
$
-
$
$
0.64
770,832
Dec 2016 - Nov 2017
Jan 2017 - Dec 2017
1,540
-
1,540
0.78
1,967,313
Dec 2017 - Nov 2018
Jan 2018 - Dec 2018
2,043
-
2,043
0.80
2,562,088
Dec 2018 - Nov 2019
Jan 2019 - Dec 2019
2,052
-
2,052
0.80
2,565,749
Dec 2019 - Nov 2020
Jan 2020 - Dec 2020
2,052
-
2,052
0.80
2,565,749
Dec 2020 - Nov 2021
Jan 2021 - Dec 2021
2,053
-
2,053
0.80
2,565,749
Dec 2021 - Nov 2022
Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
2,053
-
2,053
0.80
2,565,749
$
12,285
$
-
$
12,285
$
5.42
Source of distributions
Lease and loan payments and sales proceeds received
$
12,285
100.00%
$
-
0.00%
$
12,285
100.00%
(1) Investors may elect to receive their distributions either monthly or quarterly. See “Timing and Method of Distributions” on Page 67 of the Prospectus.
(2) Total distributions per Unit represents the per Unit distributions rate for those units which were outstanding for all of the applicable period.
(3) Balances shown represent weighted average units for the period from February 2 - November 30, 2016, December 1, 2016 - November 30, 2017, December 1, 2017 - November 30, 2018, December 1, 2018 - November 30, 2019, December 1, 2019 - November 30, 2020, December 1, 2020 - November 30, 2021, and December 1, 2021 - November 30, 2022, respectively.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
A smaller reporting company is not required to present selected financial data in accordance with item 301(c) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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, economic recession and changes in general economic conditions, including fluctuations in demand for equipment, lease rates, and interest rates, may result in delays in investment and reinvestment, delays in leasing, re-leasing, and disposition of equipment, and reduced returns on invested capital. The Company’s performance is subject to risks relating to lessee defaults and the creditworthiness of its lessees. The Company’s performance is also subject to risks relating to the value of its equipment at the end of its leases, which may be affected by the condition of the equipment, technological obsolescence and the markets for new and used equipment at the end of lease terms. Investors are cautioned not to attribute undue certainty to these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-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 17, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on April 16, 2015 (“Date of Inception”) for the purpose of equipment financing and acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities.
The offering of the Company was granted effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of January 5, 2016. The offering will continue until the earlier of a period of two years from that date or until sales of the Limited Liability Company Units (“Units”) to the public reach $150 million. As of February 2, 2016, 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 and continued in its development stage activities until transitioning to an operating enterprise during the first quarter of 2016. Pennsylvania subscriptions are subject to a separate escrow and are released to the Fund only when aggregate subscriptions for all investors equal to at least $7.5 million. Total contributions to the Fund exceeded $7.5 million on July 6, 2016, at which time a request was processed to release the Pennsylvania escrowed amounts. The offering was terminated on January 5, 2018. As of December 31, 2022, 2,565,749 Units were issued and outstanding.
During 2016, the Company initiated its initial acquisition stage with the investment of the net proceeds from the public offering of Units. Subsequently, during the reinvestment period (“Reinvestment Period”) (defined as six full years following the year the offering was terminated), the Company has reinvested and will reinvest cash flow in excess of certain amounts required to be distributed to the members and/or utilized its credit facilities to acquire additional equipment. Throughout the Reinvestment Period, which ends December 31, 2022, the Company anticipates continued reinvestment of cash flow in excess of minimum distributions and other obligations. The Company is governed by its Operating Agreement.
The Company may continue until terminated as provided in the Operating Agreement. Periodic distributions are paid at the discretion of the Managing Member.
Results of Operations
The Company had net losses of $556 thousand and $659 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Compared to prior year, the results for 2022 reflect decreases in total operating revenues partially offset by reductions in total operating expenses and other losses.
Total operating revenues declined by $349 thousand on lower net operating lease revenue, other revenue, and notes receivable interest income partially offset by a favorable change in gains and losses on lease asset sales.
The decrease in operating lease revenue totaled $487 thousand and was mainly attributable to continued lease run-off and dispositions of lease assets. The decrease in other revenue totaled $402 thousand and was the result of a decline in deferred maintenance fees on returned equipment with excess wear and tear; and notes receivable interest income declined by $55 thousand as all notes receivable have been paid in full and terminated as of December 31, 2021. Partially offsetting such decreases in revenues was a $595 thousand favorable change in gains/losses realized from asset sales, which was largely attributable to a change in the mix of assets sold.
Total operating expenses declined by $303 thousand primarily due to lower depreciation expense, cost reimbursements to the Manager and/or affiliates, interest expense, other expense, and asset management fees
The decrease in depreciation expense totaled $169 thousand and was mostly attributable to lease run-off and dispositions of lease assets. Cost reimbursements to the Manager and/or affiliates declined by $51 thousand due to lower allocated costs associated with the continued decline of the Fund’s asset base. In addition, interest expense decreased by $23 thousand due to the scheduled run-off of the Fund’s borrowings under non-recourse debt; and other expense decreased by $18 thousand primarily due to lower storage fees. Moreover, asset management fees declined by $16 thousand due to the continued decline in managed assets and related revenues.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded net other losses totaling $290 thousand and $439 thousand, respectively, to reflect both unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Fund’s investment securities and warrants portfolio. Most of the unrealized losses during both years, totaling $287 thousand for 2022 and $521 thousand for 2021, were related to one of the Company’s publicly traded equity securities, which had experienced a significant price reduction during the prior year. the price of such equity securities continued to decline during the current year, albeit at a lower amounts.
During the prior year, the Company recorded $49 thousand of unrealized gains on options which expired during the first quarter of 2022. The Company also recorded $45 thousand of unrealized losses related to the fair valuation of its warrants portfolio, and realized $78 thousand of gains from sales of equity securities. There were no sales of securities during the current year.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The liquidity of the Company varies, increasing to the extent cash flows from leases and proceeds of asset sales exceed expenses and decreasing as leases and other assets are acquired, as distributions are made to the Members and to the extent expenses exceed cash flows from leases and proceeds from asset sales.
The Company currently believes it has adequate reserves available to meet its immediate cash requirements and those of the next twelve months, but in the event those reserves are found to be inadequate, the Company would likely be in a position to borrow against its current portfolio to meet such requirements. The Managing Member envisions no such requirements for operating purposes.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth summary cash flow data (in thousands):
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
$
1,832
Investing activities
2,089
Financing activities
(2,571)
(2,759)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
(1,391)
$
1,162
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s main source of liquidity was cash flows from its portfolio of operating lease contracts. During the current year, the Company also received $420 thousand of proceeds from sales of lease assets and $50 thousand of proceeds from the sale of options - short position contracts. By comparison, during the prior year, the Company received $1.4 million of proceeds from sales of equipment and early termination of notes receivable, $697 of proceeds from sales of equity securities, and $349 thousand of principal payments on its investments in notes receivable.
During the same respective years, cash was primarily used to pay distributions, repay borrowings under non-recourse debt and acquire assets. Cash used to pay distributions totaled $2.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021; and repayments of non-recourse debt totaled $518 thousand and $706 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In addition, cash used to acquire lease assets totaled $133 thousand and $355 thousand for 2022 and 2021, respectively. Cash was also used to pay invoices related to management fees and expenses, and other payables in both years.
Distributions
The Company commenced periodic distributions beginning with the month of February 2016. Additional distributions have been consistently made through December 31, 2022. See Item 5, Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, for additional information regarding the distributions.
Commitments and Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Commitments and Contingencies
At December 31, 2022, there were no commitments to purchase lease assets or to fund investments in notes receivable.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
None.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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 13 through 33.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Members
ATEL 17, LLC
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of ATEL 17, LLC (the “Company”), as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related statements of operations, changes in members’ capital, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Management of the Company’s Managing Member. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ Moss Adams LLP
San Francisco, California
March 14, 2023
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
ATEL 17, LLC
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
(In Thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,644
$
4,035
Due from Managing Member and affiliates
-
Accounts receivable, net
Investment in equity securities
Warrants, fair value
Investments in equipment and leases, net
6,589
8,076
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total assets
$
9,440
$
12,628
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Due to Managing Member and affiliates
$
$
-
Accrued distributions to Other Members
Options - short position
-
Other
Non-recourse debt
1,115
1,633
Unearned operating lease income
Total liabilities
1,548
2,127
Members’ capital:
Managing Member
Other Members
7,891
10,500
Total Members’ capital
7,892
10,501
Total liabilities and Members’ capital
$
9,440
$
12,628
See accompanying notes.
ATEL 17, LLC
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
(In Thousands Except for Units and Per Unit Data)
Operating revenues:
Leasing and lending activities:
Operating lease revenue, net
$
1,764
$
2,251
Notes receivable interest income
-
Gain (loss) on sales of lease assets
(393)
Other revenue
Total operating revenues
1,991
2,340
Operating expenses:
Depreciation of operating lease assets
1,375
1,544
Asset management fees to Managing Member
Acquisition expense
Cost reimbursements to Managing Member and/or affiliates
Amortization of initial direct costs
Interest expense
Professional fees
Outside services
Taxes on income and franchise fees
Bank charges
Other expense
Total operating expenses
2,257
2,560
Net loss from operations
(266)
(220)
Other gain (loss):
Gain on sale of securities
-
Realized gain on sale of options
-
Unrealized loss on fair value adjustment for equity securities
(287)
(521)
Unrealized loss on fair value adjustment for warrants
(4)
(45)
Unrealized gain on fair value of options
-
Total other loss
(290)
(439)
Net loss
$
(556)
$
(659)
Net loss:
Managing Member
$
-
$
-
Other Members
(556)
(659)
$
(556)
$
(659)
Net loss per Limited Liability Company Unit -
Other Members
$
(0.22)
$
(0.26)
Weighted average number of Units outstanding
2,565,749
2,565,749
See accompanying notes.
ATEL 17, LLC
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
(In Thousands Except for Units and Per Unit Data)
Amount
Other
Managing
Units
Members
Member
Total
Balance December 31, 2020
2,565,749
$
13,212
$
$
13,213
Distributions to Other Members ($0.80 per Unit)
-
(2,053)
-
(2,053)
Net loss
-
(659)
-
(659)
Balance December 31, 2021
2,565,749
10,500
10,501
Distributions to Other Members ($0.80 per Unit)
-
(2,053)
-
(2,053)
Net loss
-
(556)
-
(556)
Balance December 31, 2022
2,565,749
$
7,891
$
$
7,892
See accompanying notes.
ATEL 17, LLC
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
(In Thousands)
Operating activities:
Net loss
$
(556)
$
(659)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
(Gain) loss on sales of lease assets
(202)
Accretion of note discount - warrants
-
(35)
Depreciation of operating lease assets
1,375
1,544
Amortization of initial direct costs
Provision for doubtful accounts
-
(20)
Gain on sale of securities
-
(78)
Realized gain on sale of options
(1)
-
Unrealized loss on fair value adjustment for equity securities
Unrealized loss on fair value adjustment for warrants
Unrealized gain on fair value adjustment for options - short position
-
(49)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(16)
Due from/to Managing Member and affiliates
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(2)
Accounts payable, other
(99)
Unearned operating lease income
(1)
(8)
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,832
Investing activities:
Purchases of equipment under operating leases
(133)
(355)
Proceeds from sale of securities
-
Proceeds from sale of options
-
Proceeds from early termination of notes receivable
-
Proceeds from sales of equipment under operating leases
1,322
Principal payments received on notes receivable
-
Net cash provided by investing activities
2,089
Financing activities:
Repayments under non-recourse debt
(518)
(706)
Distributions to Other Members
(2,053)
(2,053)
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,571)
(2,759)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,391)
1,162
Cash at beginning of year
4,035
2,873
Cash at end of year
$
2,644
$
4,035
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for interest
$
$
Cash paid during the year for taxes
$
$
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Distributions payable to Other Members at year-end
$
$
Options - short position sold through due to/from affiliate
$
-
$
See accompanying notes.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Limited Liability Company matters:
ATEL 17, LLC (the “Company” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the state of California on April 16, 2015 (“Date of Inception”) for the purpose of equipment financing and acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities. The Managing Member of the Company is ATEL Managing Member, LLC (the “Managing Member” or “Manager”), a Nevada limited liability company. The Managing Member is controlled by ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group. The Fund may continue as provided in the ATEL 17, LLC limited liability operating agreement dated April 24, 2015 (the “Operating Agreement”). Contributions in the amount of $500 were received as of April 28, 2015, 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 January 5, 2016. The offering will continue until the earlier of a period of two years from that date or until sales of the limited liability company units (Units) to the public reach $150 million. As of February 2, 2016, 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 and continued in its development stage activities until transitioning to an operating enterprise during the first quarter of 2016. Pennsylvania subscriptions are subject to a separate escrow and are released to the Fund only when aggregate subscriptions for all investors equal to at least $7.5 million. Total contributions to the Fund exceeded $7.5 million on July 6, 2016, at which time a request was processed to release the Pennsylvania escrowed amounts. The offering terminated on January 5, 2018.
As of December 31, 2022, cumulative gross contributions, less rescissions and repurchases (net of distributions paid and allocated syndication costs, as applicable), totaling $25.7 million (inclusive of the $500 initial Member’s capital investment) have been received. As of the same date, 2,565,749 Units were issued and outstanding.
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 members, 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) and (iii) provide additional cash distributions following the Reinvestment Period and until all investment portfolio assets have been sold or otherwise disposed.
Pursuant to the terms of the Operating Agreement, the Managing Member and/or its affiliates receives compensation for services rendered and reimbursements for costs incurred on behalf of the Company. (See Note 7, Related party transactions.) The Company is required to maintain reasonable cash reserves for working capital, for the repurchase of Units and for contingencies. The repurchase of Units is solely at the discretion of the Managing Member.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies:
Basis of presentation:
The accompanying balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related statements of operations, changes in members’ capital, and cash flows for the years then ended, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (‘GAAP’) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no significant effect on the reported financial position or results from operations.
Footnote and tabular amounts are presented in thousands, except as to Units and per data.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In preparing the accompanying financial statements, the Company has reviewed, as determined necessary by the Managing Member, events that have occurred after December 31, 2022, 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.
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 residual values at the end of the lease term and expected future cash flows used for impairment analysis purposes and for determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable and reserve for credit losses on notes receivable.
Accounts receivable:
Accounts receivable represent the amounts billed under operating lease contracts, and notes receivable which are currently due to the Company. Allowances for doubtful accounts are typically established based on historical charge off and collection experience and the collectability of specifically identified lessees and 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, operating lease receivable, 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 denominated 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 lessees or borrowers in various industries, related to equipment on operating leases or notes receivable.
Equipment on operating leases and related revenue recognition:
Equipment subject to operating leases is stated at cost. Depreciation is being recognized on a straight-line method over the terms of the related leases to the equipment’s estimated residual values. Off-lease equipment is generally not subject to depreciation. The Company depreciates all lease assets, in accordance with guidelines consistent with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-10-35-3, over the periods of the lease terms contained in each asset’s respective lease contract to the estimated residual value at the end of the lease contract. All lease assets are purchased only concurrent with the execution of a lease commitment by the lessee. Thus, the original depreciation period corresponds with the term of the original lease. Once the term of an original lease contract is completed, the subject property is typically sold to the existing user, re-leased to the existing user, or, when off-lease, is held for sale. Assets which are re-leased continue to be depreciated using the terms of the new lease agreements and the estimated residual values at the end of the new lease terms, adjusted downward as necessary. Assets classified as held-for-sale are carried at the lower of carrying amount, or the fair value less cost to sell (ASC 360-10-35-43).
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company does not use the equipment held in its portfolio, but holds it solely for lease and ultimate sale. In the course of marketing equipment that has come off-lease, management may determine at some point that re-leasing the assets may provide a superior return for investors and would then execute another lease. Upon entering into a new lease contract, management will estimate the residual value once again and resume depreciation. If, and when, the Company, at any time, determines that depreciation in value may have occurred with respect to an asset held-for-sale, the Company would review the value to determine whether a material reduction in value had occurred and recognize any appropriate impairment. All lease assets, including off-lease assets, are subject to the Company’s quarterly impairment analysis, as described below. Maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s portfolio of leased assets are expensed as incurred. Major additions and betterments are capitalized.
Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying leases. The initial lease terms will vary as to the type of equipment subject to the leases, the needs of the lessees and the terms to be negotiated, but initial leases are generally on terms from 36 to 120 months. The difference between rent received and rental revenue recognized is recorded as unearned operating lease income on the balance sheet.
Operating leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management considers the equipment underlying the lease contracts for impairment and periodically reviews the credit worthiness of all operating lessees with payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related operating leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, revenues are recognized on a cash basis.
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 only the net amount of principal due on the balance sheet. The unearned interest is recognized over the term of the note and the income portion of each note payment is calculated so as to generate a constant rate of return on the net balance outstanding. Any fees or costs related to notes receivable are recorded as part of the net investment in notes receivable and amortized 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 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Initial direct costs:
Incremental costs of a lease that would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained are capitalized and amortized over the lease term. All other costs associated with the execution of the Company’s leases are expensed as incurred.
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 of equipment which are reimbursable to the Managing Member under the terms of the Operating Agreement. As the costs are not eligible for capitalization as initial direct costs, such amounts are expensed as incurred.
Asset valuation:
Recorded values of the Company’s leased asset portfolio are reviewed each quarter to confirm the reasonableness of established residual values and to determine whether there is indication that an asset impairment might have taken place. The Company uses a variety of sources and considers many factors in evaluating whether the respective book values of its assets are appropriate. In addition, the Company may direct a residual value review at any time if it becomes aware of issues regarding the ability of a lessee to continue to make payments on its lease contract. An impairment loss is measured and recognized only if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset are less than the net book value. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows are the sum of the residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s lease contract and undiscounted future rents from the existing lease contract. The residual value assumes, among other things, that the asset is utilized normally in an open, unrestricted and stable market. Short-term fluctuations in the marketplace are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets, if held in quantity, simultaneously or to dispose of the asset quickly. Impairment is measured as the difference between the fair value (as determined by a valuation method using discounted estimated future cash flows, third party appraisals or comparable sales of similar assets as applicable based on asset type) of the asset and its carrying value on the measurement date. Upward adjustments for impairments recognized in prior periods are not made in any circumstances.
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 equipment leasing business operates as one reportable segment because: a) the Company measures profit and loss at the equipment portfolio level as a whole; b) the principal decision makers do not review information based on any operating segment other than the equipment leasing transaction portfolio; c) the Company does not maintain discrete financial information on any specific segment other than its equipment financing operations; d) the Company has not chosen to organize its business around different products and services other than equipment lease financing; and e) the Company has not chosen to organize its business around geographic areas.
The primary geographic region in which the Company seeks leasing opportunities is North America. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, all of the Company’s current operating revenues and long-lived assets relate to customers domiciled in the United States.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investment in securities:
From time to time, the Company may receive rights to purchase equity securities of its borrowers or receive warrants in connection with its lending arrangements.
Investment in equity securities
The Company’s equity securities registered for public sale with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value with any changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are measured at cost minus impairment, and adjusted for changes in observable prices. 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. The Company had $21 thousand and $308 thousand of investment equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. All of such securities were publicly held and had readily determinable fair values. The Company recorded $287 thousand and $521 thousand of unrealized losses on its investment equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During 2021, the Company sold investment securities valued at approximately $619 thousand and realized a gain of $78 thousand on the sale. There was no such sale during the current year.
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. The estimated fair value of the Company’s portfolio of warrants was $138 thousand and $142 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company recorded unrealized losses of $4 thousand and $45 thousand on fair valuation of its warrants during 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Options - short position
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had sold options contracts on a publicly traded investment security. Such contracts were sold in two tranches as follows: 125 options at a premium of $3.00 and 75 options at $1.64 per share. Accordingly, the Company recorded a liability for the initial options value totaling $50 thousand. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded unrealized gains totaling $49 thousand related to the options. Such unrealized gains reflect changes in the fair value of the options, and effectively reduces the liability related to the options. The options contracts both expired on January 21, 2022 with a strike price of $15.00 and $12.50, respectively. The Company realized gains totaling $1 thousand related to the expiration of the options.
Unearned operating lease income:
The Company records prepayments on operating leases as a liability under the caption of unearned operating lease income. The liability is recorded when prepayments are received and recognized as operating lease revenue over the period to which the prepayments relate using a straight-line method.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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. The related provision for state income taxes was $5 thousand and $4 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022 and 2021 as follows (in thousands):
Financial statement basis of net assets
$
7,892
$
10,501
Tax basis of net assets (unaudited)
7,266
9,214
Difference
$
$
1,287
The primary differences between the tax bases of net assets and the amounts recorded in the financial statements are the result of differences in accounting for syndication costs and differences between the depreciation methods used in the financial statements and the Company’s tax returns.
The following reconciles the net income reported in these financial statements to the loss reported on the Company’s federal tax return (unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
Net income per financial statements
$
(556)
$
(659)
Tax adjustments (unaudited):
Adjustment to depreciation expense
(246)
Provision for losses and doubtful accounts
-
(20)
Adjustments to revenues
Adjustments to (loss) gain on sales of assets
(252)
1,974
Other
(2)
Income per federal tax return (unaudited)
$
$
1,561
Per Unit data:
Net loss and distributions per Unit are based upon the weighted average number of members Units outstanding during the year.
Recent accounting pronouncements:
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments (“ASU 2020-03”). ASU 2020-03 improves and clarifies various financial instruments topics, including the current expected credit losses (CECL) standard issued in 2016. ASU 2020-03 includes seven different issues that describe the areas of improvement and the related amendments to GAAP that are intended to make the standards easier to understand and apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. The amendments have different effective dates. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2023. Such adoption had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”). The main objective of this Update is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in this Update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendments affect entities holding financial assets and equipment under operating leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, equipment under operating leases, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2023. Such adoption had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASU 2018-19”). The new standard clarifies certain aspects of the new CECL impairment model in ASU 2016-13. The amendment clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are within the scope of ASC 842, rather than ASC 326.
3. Concentration of credit risk and major customers:
The Company leases equipment to lessees and provides debt financing to borrowers in diversified industries. Leases and notes receivable are subject to the Managing Member’s credit committee review. The leases and notes receivable provide for the return of the equipment to the Company upon default.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were concentrations (greater than or equal to 10% as a percentage of total equipment cost) of equipment leased to lessees and/or financed for borrowers in certain industries as follows:
Percentage
of Total Equipment Cost
Industry
Construction
%
%
Chemical
%
%
Transportation, air
%
%
Transportation, rail
%
%
During 2022 and 2021, certain lessees and/or financial borrowers generated significant portions (defined as greater than or equal to 10%) of the Company’s total leasing and lending revenues, excluding gains or losses on disposition of assets, as follows:
Percentage of Total Leasing
and Lending Revenues
Lessee
Type of Equipment
Holcim - Acm Management, Inc.
Mining
%
%
Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC
Material Handling
%
%
Union Pacific Railroad Company
Railroad
%
%
Signature Flight Support LLC
Aviation
%
*
*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 lessees as a result of normal business activities.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4. Notes receivable, net:
The Company had various notes receivable from borrowers who have financed the purchase of equipment through the Company. As of December 31, 2021, all of such notes have been paid in full and terminated.
5. Investment in equipment and leases, net:
The Company’s investment in equipment and leases consists of the following (in thousands):
Balance
Additions/
Depreciation/
Balance
December 31,
Dispositions/
Amortization
December 31,
Reclassifications
Expense
Equipment under operating leases, net
$
8,003
$
(85)
$
(1,375)
$
6,543
Initial direct costs, net
-
(27)
Total
$
8,076
$
(85)
$
(1,402)
$
6,589
Impairment of equipment:
As a result of impairment reviews, management determined that no impairment losses existed for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The Company utilizes a straight line depreciation method over the term of the equipment lease for equipment under operating leases currently in its portfolio. Depreciation expense on the Company’s equipment totaled $1.4 million and $1.5 million the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Total depreciation for 2022 and 2021 included $14 thousand and $198 thousand, respectively, of additional depreciation recorded to reflect year-to-date changes in estimated residual values of certain equipment generating revenue under month-to-month extensions. Such estimated residual values of equipment associated with leases on month-to-month extensions are evaluated at least semi-annually, and depreciation recorded for the change in the estimated reduction in value.
IDC amortization expense related to the Company’s operating leases totaled $27 thousand and $31 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
All of the Company’s lease asset purchases and capital improvements were made during the years from 2016 through 2022.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Operating leases:
Property under operating leases consists of the following (in thousands):
Balance
Balance
December 31,
Reclassifications
December 31,
Additions
or Dispositions
Construction
$
3,725
$
-
$
(507)
$
3,218
Mining
2,749
-
-
2,749
Aviation
2,327
-
-
2,327
Transportation, rail
1,723
-
-
1,723
Materials handling
1,315
(81)
1,249
Paper processing
1,058
-
-
1,058
Transportation, other
-
Agriculture
-
(742)
-
13,736
(1,330)
12,539
Less accumulated depreciation
(5,733)
(1,375)
1,112
(5,996)
Total
$
8,003
$
(1,242)
$
(218)
$
6,543
The average estimated residual value for assets on operating leases was 27% and 28% of the assets’ original cost at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. There were no operating leases in non-accrual status at both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
At December 31, 2022, the aggregate amounts of future minimum lease payments receivable are as follows (in thousands):
Operating
Leases
Year ending December 31, 2023
$
1,651
1,192
Thereafter
$
3,991
The useful lives for each category of leases is reviewed at a minimum of once per quarter. As of December 31, 2022, the respective useful lives of each category of lease assets in the Company’s portfolio are as follows (in years):
Equipment category
Useful Life
Transportation, rail
35 - 50
Aviation
15 - 20
Mining
10 - 15
Paper processing
10 - 15
Agriculture
7 - 10
Construction
7 - 10
Materials handling
7 - 10
Transportation, other
7 - 10
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6. Allowance for doubtful accounts:
The Company had no allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
7. 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 lease and equipment 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.
Each of AFS and ATEL Leasing Corporation (“ALC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group, Inc. 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, communications and general administrative services are performed by AFS.
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.
Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, the Managing Member and/or affiliates earned fees and billed for reimbursements during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 as follows (in thousands):
Administrative costs reimbursed to Managing Member and/or affiliates
$
$
Asset management fees to Managing Member
Acquisition and initial direct costs paid to Managing Member
$
$
8. Non-recourse debt:
At December 31, 2022, non-recourse debt consists of notes payable to financial institutions. The note payments are due in monthly installments. Interest on the notes range from 3.82% to 4.66% per annum. The notes are secured by assignments of lease payments and pledges of assets. At December 31, 2022, gross operating lease rentals totaled approximately $1.2 million over the remaining lease terms and the carrying value of the pledged assets was $2.3 million. The notes mature from 2023 through 2028.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The non-recourse debt does not contain any material financial covenants. The debt is secured by a lien granted by the Company to the non-recourse lenders on (and only on) the discounted lease transactions. The lenders have recourse only to the following collateral: the specific leased equipment; the related lease chattel paper; the lease receivables; and proceeds of the foregoing items. The non-recourse obligation is payable solely out of the respective specific security and the Company does not guarantee (nor is the Company otherwise contractually responsible for) the payment of the non-recourse debt as a general obligation or liability of the Company. Although the Company does not have any direct or general liability in connection with the non-recourse debt apart from the security granted, the Company is directly and generally liable and responsible for certain representations, warranties, and covenants made to the lenders, such as warranties as to genuineness of the transaction parties’ signatures, as to the genuineness of the respective lease chattel paper or the transaction as a whole, or as to the Company’s good title to or perfected interest in the secured collateral, as well as similar representations, warranties and covenants typically provided by non-recourse borrowers and customary in the equipment finance industry, and are viewed by such industry as being consistent with non-recourse discount financing obligations. Accordingly, as there are no financial covenants or ratios imposed on the Company in connection with the non-recourse debt, the Company has determined that there are no material covenants with respect to the non-recourse debt that warrant footnote disclosure.
Future minimum payments of non-recourse debt are as follows (in thousands):
Principal
Interest
Total
Year ending December 31, 2023
$
$
$
Thereafter
$
1,115
$
$
1,204
9. 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, well as fees pertaining to the organization of the Fund, document preparation, regulatory filing fees, and accounting and legal costs. No syndication costs were incurred for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
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. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had not recorded any syndication costs in excess of the limitation. The limitation on the amount of syndication costs pursuant to the Operating Agreement is determined on the date of termination of the offering. At such time, the Manager guarantees repayment of any excess syndication costs (above the limitation) which it may have collected from the Company, which guarantee is without recourse or reimbursement by the Fund.
10. Borrowing facilities:
Effective June 30, 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement (the “Credit Facility”) which replaced a previous agreement which had an expiration date of June 2021. The Company participated with ATEL Capital Group and certain subsidiaries and affiliated entities as borrowers, with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders. The Credit Facility had an aggregate amount of $55 million and is comprised of a working capital sub-facility, institutional leasing sub-facility, and a venture line sub-facility. The Company participates in the acquisition sub-facility and the institutional leasing sub-facility, on a several, but not joint, basis (i.e., the Company is liable only for the amount of the advances extended to the Company under those sub facilities, and not as to amounts extended to any co-borrower). The Company’s reinvestment period ended as of December 31, 2022. As such, the Company will no longer purchase lease assets and does not have a need to use the Credit Facility. Accordingly, effective as of December 12, 2022, the Credit Facility was amended and the Company ceased to be a participant in the Credit Facility.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11. Commitments:
At December 31, 2022, there were no commitments to purchase lease assets or to fund investments in notes receivable.
12. Guarantees:
The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
The Managing Member knows of no facts or circumstances that would make the Company’s contractual commitments outside standard mutual covenants applicable to commercial transactions between businesses. Accordingly, the Company believes that these indemnification obligations are made in the ordinary course of business as part of standard commercial and industry practice, and that any potential liability under the Company’s similar commitments is remote. Should any such indemnification obligation become payable, the Company would separately record and/or disclose such liability in accordance with GAAP.
13. Members’ capital:
A total of 2,565,749 Units were issued and outstanding at both December 31, 2022 and 2021, inclusive of the 50 Units issued to the initial Member (Managing Member). The Fund was authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 Units in addition to the Units issued to the initial Member.
The Company has the right, exercisable at the Managing Member’s discretion, but not the obligation, to repurchase Units of a Unitholder who ceases to be a U.S. Citizen, for a price equal to 100% of the holder’s capital account. The Company is otherwise permitted, but not required, to repurchase Units upon a holder’s request. The repurchase of Fund Units is made in accordance with Section 13 of the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement. The repurchase would be at the discretion of the Managing Member on terms it determines to be appropriate under given circumstances, in the event that the Managing Member deems such repurchase to be in the best interest of the Company; provided, the Company is never required to repurchase any Units. Upon the repurchase of any Units by the Fund, the tendered Units are cancelled. Units repurchased in prior periods were repurchased at amounts representing the original investment less cumulative distributions made to the Unitholder with respect to the Units. All Units repurchased during a quarter are deemed to be repurchased effective the last day of the preceding quarter, and are not deemed to be outstanding during, or entitled to allocations of net income, net loss or distributions for the quarter in which such repurchase occurs.
The Fund’s net income or net losses are to be allocated 100% to the members. From the commencement of the Fund until the initial closing date, net income and net loss were allocated 99% to the Managing Member and 1% to the initial members. Commencing with the initial closing date, net income and net loss are to be allocated 99.99% to the Other Members and 0.01% to the Managing Member.
Fund distributions are to be allocated 0.01% to the Managing Member and 99.99% to the Other Members. The Company commenced periodic distributions in February 2016.
Distributions to the Other Members for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows (in thousands except Units and per Unit data):
Distributions
$
2,053
$
2,053
Weighted average number of Units outstanding
2,565,749
2,565,749
Weighted average distributions per Unit
$
0.80
$
0.80
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
14. Fair value measurements:
Under applicable accounting standards, fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
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.
The Company’s valuation policy is determined by members of the Asset Management, Credit and Accounting departments. Whenever possible, the policy is to obtain quoted market prices in active markets to estimate fair values for recognition and disclosure purposes. Where quoted market prices in active markets are not available, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, broker quotes, information from third party remarketing agents, third party appraisals of collateral and/or other valuation techniques. These techniques are significantly affected by certain of the Company’s assumptions, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. Potential taxes and other transaction costs are not considered in estimating fair values. As the Company is responsible for determining fair value, an analysis is performed on prices obtained from third parties. Such analysis is performed by asset management and credit department personnel who are familiar with the Company’s equipment portfolio, 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.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s warrants and investments securities were measured at fair value on a recurring basis. In addition, at December 31, 2021, the Company’s options - short position were measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Such fair value adjustments utilized the following methodology:
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 are determined using a Black-Scholes formulation of value based upon the stock price(s), the exercise price(s), the volatility of comparable venture companies, the time to maturity, and a risk free interest rate for the term(s) of the warrant exercise(s). As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the calculated fair value of the Fund’s warrant portfolio approximated $138 thousand and $142 thousand, respectively. Such valuations are 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):
Fair value of warrants at beginning of year
$
$
Unrealized loss on fair value adjustment for warrants
(4)
(45)
Fair value of warrants at end of year
$
$
Investment in equity securities (recurring)
The Company’s equity securities registered for public sale with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value with any changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s results of operations. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the calculated fair value of the Fund’s investment securities approximated $21 thousand and $308 thousand, respectively. Such valuations are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
The fair value of investment securities that were accounted for on a recurring basis as of the December 31, 2022 classified as Level 1 are as follows (in thousands):
Fair value of securities at the beginning of year
$
$
1,448
Securities sold
-
(619)
Unrealized loss on fair value adjustment for equity securities
(287)
(521)
Fair value of investment securities at the end of year
$
$
Options - short position (recurring)
The liability associated with the Company’s options - short position contracts were measured at fair value based on the price of the publicly traded options contracts, with any changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s results of operations. During year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded $49 thousand of unrealized gains on the options, which reduced the $50 thousand initial value of the options to $1 thousand at December 31, 2021. The options both expired on January 22, 2022, upon which the Company realized $1 thousand of gains on the transactions.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used for the Company’s recurring and non-recurring fair value calculation/adjustments categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
December 31, 2022
Valuation
Valuation
Unobservable
Range of Input Values
Name
Frequency
Technique
Inputs
(Weighted Average)
Warrants
Recurring
Black-Scholes formulation
Stock price
$0.01 - $11.71 ($0.07)
Exercise price
$0.02 - $9.00 ($0.07)
Time to maturity (in years)
4.91 - 8.94 (5.07)
Risk-free interest rate
3.90% - 3.99% (3.99%)
Annualized volatility
41.18% - 83.00% (51.34%)
December 31, 2021
Valuation
Valuation
Unobservable
Range of Input Values
Name
Frequency
Technique
Inputs
(Weighted Average)
Warrants
Recurring
Black-Scholes formulation
Stock price
$0.01 - $11.71 ($0.07)
Exercise price
$0.02 - $9.00 ($0.07)
Time to maturity (in years)
5.91 - 9.94 (6.06)
Risk-free interest rate
1.35% - 1.58% (1.37%)
Annualized volatility
37.90% - 115.04% (55.09%)
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 determines 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.
Non-recourse debt
The fair value of the Company’s non-recourse debt is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based upon current market borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arranagements.
Commitments and Contingencies
Management has determined that no recognition for the fair value of the Company’s loan commitments is necessary because their terms are made on a market rate basis and require borrowers to be in compliance with the Company’s credit requirements at the time of funding.
The fair value of contingent liabilities (or guarantees) is not considered material because management believes there has been no event that has occurred wherein a guarantee liability has been incurred or will likely be incurred.
ATEL 17, LLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022
Carrying
Amount
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,644
$
2,644
$
-
$
-
$
2,644
Investment in equity securities
-
-
Warrants, fair value
-
-
Financial liabilities:
Non-recourse debt
1,115
-
-
1,086
1,086
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2021
Carrying
Amount
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,035
$
4,035
$
-
$
-
$
4,035
Investment in equity securities
-
-
Warrants, fair value
-
-
Financial liabilities:
Options - short position
-
-
Non-recourse debt
1,633
-
-
1,673
1,673

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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, 2022. 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, 2022. 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, 2022.
This annual report does not include an audit report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s internal control over financial reporting was not subject to audit 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 year ended December 31, 2022 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

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
The registrant is a Limited Liability Company and has no officers or directors.
ATEL 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 ATEL and its affiliates are as follows:
Dean L. Cash
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of ATEL Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
Paritosh K. Choksi
Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of ATEL Managing Member, LLC (Managing Member)
Dean L. Cash, age 72, 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 69, 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.
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, 2022.
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, ATEL Managing Member, LLC, or persons acting in such capacity on behalf of the Company, is included as Exhibit 14.1 to this report.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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, 2022 and 2021 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 7 thereof, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Asset Management Fee and Carried Interest
The Company pays the Manager an annual Asset Management Fee in an amount equal to 1.25% of the aggregate Purchase Price of Portfolio Assets acquired by the Fund through the end of each month during the period. Upon commencement of the Operating State; the period starting with the final sale of Units and ending six calendar years after the final sale of units, and the first two years of the Liquidating Stage; the period occurring after the Operating Stage until the final sale of units, the Company will pay the Manager an annual Asset Management Fee in an amount equal to an annualized 1.75% of the aggregate net Portfolio Assets, calculated for each month during the period as the aggregate Purchase Price of Portfolio Assets as of the end of the month, less the amount of the aggregate Purchase Price of Portfolio Assets attributable to Portfolio Assets which have been sold or otherwise disposed by the Fund through the end of the month. The Asset Management Fee payable for services rendered during the reminder of the Liquidating Stage will be equal to an annualized 1.75% of the Book Value of Fund Assets less total cash reported as of the end of the most recent prior fiscal quarter or year, as the case may be. The Asset Management Fee is paid on a monthly basis.
The Manager supervises performance of all management activities, including, among other activities: the acquisition and financing of the investment portfolio, collection of lease and loan revenues, monitoring compliance by lessees borrowers with their contract terms, assuring that 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 lessee 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.
The Manager also receives, as its Carried Interest, an amount equal to 0.01% of all Company Distributions.
Limitations on Fees
The Fund has adopted a single Asset Management Fee plus the Carried Interest as a means of compensating the Manager for sponsoring the Fund and managing its operations. While this compensation structure is intended to simplify management compensation for purposes of investor’s understanding, state securities administrators use a more complicated compensation structure in their review of equipment program offerings in order to assure that those offerings are fair under the states’ merit review guidelines. The total of all Front End Fees, the Carried Interest and the Asset Management Fee will be subject to the Asset Management Fee Limit in order to assure these state 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 (the “NASAA Equipment Leasing Guidelines”). Article IV, Sections C through G of the NASAA Equipment Leasing Guidelines establish the standards for payment of reasonable carried interests, promotional interests and fees for equipment acquisition, management, resale and releasing services to equipment leasing program sponsors. Article IV, Sections C through G of the NASAA Equipment Leasing Guidelines set the maximum compensation payable to the sponsor and its affiliates from an equipment leasing program such as the Fund. The Asset Management Fee Limit will equal the maximum compensation payable under Article IV, Sections C through G of the NASAA Equipment Leasing Guidelines as in effect on the date of the Fund’s prospectus (the “NASAA Fee Limitation”). Under the Asset Management Fee Limit, the Fund will calculate the maximum fees payable under the NASAA Fee Limitation and guarantee that the Asset Management Fee it will pay the Manager and its Affiliates, when added to its Carried Interest, will never exceed the fees and interest payable to a sponsor and its affiliates under the NASAA Fee Limitation.
Asset Management Fee Limit. The Asset Management Fee Limit will be calculated each year during the Fund’s term by calculating the maximum amount of fees that would be payable to the Manager from the Initial Closing Date though the end of the year in question under Article IV, Sections C through G, and Article V, Section F, of the North American Securities Administrators Association Statement of Policy on Equipment Programs 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. To the extent that the total amount paid to the Manager through the end of such year as the Asset Management Fee and the Carried Interest would cause the total compensation to exceed the aggregate amount of fees that would have been payable a calculated under the NASAA Guidelines through the end of that year, the Asset Management Fee and/or Carried Interest for the year will be reduced to equal the maximum aggregate fees that would have been payable under the NASAA Guidelines through the end of that year. The limitations set forth in this Section 8.3 will be subject to adjustment pursuant to the limitations imposed under Section 15.7 relating to the Minimum Investment in Equipment.
Minimum Investment in Equipment/Maximum Front-End Fees. The Manager must commit not less than 85.875% of the Gross Proceeds to Investment in Equipment, with the balance thereof available to pay Organization and Offering Expenses and Front End Fees, however designated. Under the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. (“NASAA”) Statement of Policy concerning Equipment Programs 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 (referred to herein as the “NASAA Guidelines”), the Fund is required to commit a minimum percentage of the Gross Proceeds to Investment in Equipment, which shall be deemed to be Portfolio Assets for the purposes of this Agreement, 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 maximum amounts to be paid under the terms of this Agreement are subject to the application of the Asset Management Fee Limit provided in Section 8.3, which limits the annual amount payable to the Manager and its Affiliates as the Asset Management Fee and the Carried Interest to an aggregate not to exceed the maximum amount of fees that would be payable to the Manager under specified provisions of the NASAA Guidelines. Upon completion of the offering of Units, final commitment of Net Proceeds to acquisition of Portfolio Assets and establishment of final levels of permanent portfolio debt encumbering such Portfolio Assets, the Manager shall calculate the maximum carried interest and promotional interest payable to the Manager and its Affiliates under the NASS Guidelines and compare such total permitted fees to the total of the Asset Management Fee and Carried Interest. If and to the extent that the fees exceed the Asset Management Fee Limit provided in Section 8.3, the fees payable to the Manager and its Affiliates shall be reduced as described herein. In such event, Section 8.3 of this Agreement shall be amended immediately to reduce the amounts calculated as the Carried Interest by an amount sufficient to cause the total of such compensation to comply with the limitations in the NASAA Guidelines on the aggregate of promotional interests and carried interests. A comparison of the Front End Fees actually paid by the End and the NASAA Guideline maximums fixed as set forth above shall be repeated, and any required adjustments shall be made, at least annually thereafter.
See Note 7 to the financial statements as set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for amounts paid.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
At December 31, 2022, no investor is known to hold beneficially more than 5% of the issued and outstanding Units.
Security Ownership of Management
The parent of ATEL Managing Member, LLC is the beneficial owner of Limited Liability Company Units as follows:
(1)
Title of Class
(2)
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
(3)
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
(4)
Percent of
Class
Limited Liability Company Units
ATEL Financial Services, LLC
The Transamerica Pyramid
600 Montgomery Street, 9th Floor San Francisco, CA 94111
Initial Limited Liability
Company Units
50 Units ($500)
0.0020%

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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 7 thereof.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred audit fees with its principal auditors totaling $107 thousand and $96 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

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
Financial Statements and Schedules
1.
Financial Statements
Included in Part II of this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Moss Adams LLP, San Francisco, CA, PCAOB ID: 659)
Balance Sheets at December 31, 2022 and 2021
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Notes to 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 January 5, 2016 as filed on December 15, 2015 (File Number 333-203841) is hereby incorporated herein by reference
(4.1)
Description of the Registrant’s Securities
(14.1)
Code of Ethics
(31.1)
Certification of Dean L. Cash pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(31.2)
Certification of Paritosh K. Choksi pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(32.1)
Certification of Dean L. Cash pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350
(32.2)
Certification of Paritosh K. Choksi pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350
(101.INS)
Inline XBRL Instance Document
(101.SCH)
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
(101.CAL)
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
(101.LAB)
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
(101.PRE)
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
(101.DEF)
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
(104)
The cover page for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2022 has been formatted in Inline XBRL