10QSB 1 sp6.txt SP6 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-QSB (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004 [ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT For the transition period from ________________ to ________________ Commission file number 0-13261 SHELTER PROPERTIES VI (Exact name of small business issuer as Specified in its charter) South Carolina 57-0755618 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 55 Beattie Place, P.O. Box 1089 Greenville, South Carolina 29602 (Address of principal executive offices) (864) 239-1000 (Issuer's telephone number) Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___ PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements SHELTER PROPERTIES VI BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) (in thousands, except unit data) September 30, 2004
Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 559 Receivables and deposits 157 Restricted escrows 162 Other assets 344 Investment properties: Land $ 741 Buildings and related personal property 13,944 14,685 Less accumulated depreciation (9,649) 5,036 $ 6,258 Liabilities and Partners' Capital (Deficiency) Liabilities Accounts payable $ 395 Tenant security deposit liabilities 45 Accrued property taxes 66 Other liabilities 170 Due to affiliates (Note D) 661 Mortgage notes payable 8,152 Partners' Capital (Deficiency) General partners $ 198 Limited partners (42,324 units issued and outstanding) (3,429) (3,231) $ 6,258 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
SHELTER PROPERTIES VI STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per unit data)
Three Months Ended Nine months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 (Restated) (Restated) Revenues: Rental income $ 587 $ 565 $ 1,732 $ 1,662 Other income 76 54 208 174 Casualty gain (Note C) -- -- -- 19 Total revenues 663 619 1,940 1,855 Expenses: Operating 434 349 1,064 901 General and administrative 67 81 197 264 Depreciation 144 148 451 450 Interest 108 108 325 319 Property taxes 33 38 105 114 Total expenses 786 724 2,142 2,048 Loss from continuing operations (123) (105) (202) (193) (Loss) income from discontinued operations (Note A) (2,725) 8 (2,649) 366 Gain on sale of discontinued operations (Note E) 24,356 -- 24,356 -- Net income (loss) $21,508 $ (97) $21,505 $ 173 Net income (loss) allocated to general partners (1%) $ 215 $ (1) $ 215 $ 2 Net income (loss) allocated to limited partners (99%) 21,293 (96) 21,290 171 $21,508 $ (97) $21,505 $ 173 Per limited partnership unit: Loss from continuing operations $ (2.86) $ (2.46) $ (4.73) $ (4.51) (Loss) income from discontinued operations (63.75) 0.19 (61.95) 8.55 Gain on sale of discontinued operations 569.70 -- 569.70 -- Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit $503.09 $ (2.27) $503.02 $ 4.04 Distributions per limited partnership unit $425.27 $ 30.76 $425.27 $ 65.09 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
SHELTER PROPERTIES VI STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY) (Unaudited) (in thousands, except unit data)
Limited Partnership General Limited Units Partners Partners Total Original capital contributions 42,324 $ 2 $42,324 $42,326 Partners' deficit at December 31, 2003 42,324 $ (16) $(6,720) $(6,736) Distributions to partners (1) (17,999) (18,000) Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 -- 215 21,290 21,505 Partners' capital (deficiency) at September 30, 2004 42,324 $ 198 $(3,429) $(3,231) See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
SHELTER PROPERTIES VI STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 2003 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $21,505 $ 173 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 863 967 Amortization of loan costs 46 49 Gain on sale of discontinued operations (24,356) -- Loss on early extinguishment of debt 2,727 -- Casualty gain -- (19) Change in accounts: Receivables and deposits 21 87 Other assets (54) (86) Accounts payable 55 (152) Tenant security deposit liabilities (46) 7 Accrued property taxes (25) 227 Due to affiliates 86 -- Other liabilities (410) 17 Net cash provided by operating activities 412 1,270 Cash flows from investing activities: Property improvements and replacements (317) (411) Net withdrawals from restricted escrows 85 505 Proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations 31,038 -- Insurance proceeds received -- 25 Net cash provided by investing activities 30,806 119 Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of mortgage note payable (10,091) -- Loan costs paid -- (18) Payments on mortgage notes payable (366) (349) Prepayment penalty paid (2,457) -- Distributions to partners (18,000) (2,769) Advances from affiliates 250 -- Repayment of advances from affiliates (250) -- Net cash used in financing activities (30,914) (3,136) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 304 (1,747) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 255 2,041 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 559 $ 294 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest $ 846 $ 913 Property improvements and replacements included in accounts payable $ 25 $ -- Included in property improvements and replacements for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 are approximately $66,000 of improvements which were included in accounts payable at December 31, 2003. See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
SHELTER PROPERTIES VI NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Note A - Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Shelter Properties VI (the "Partnership" or "Registrant") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-QSB and Item 310 (b) of Regulation S-B. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The general partner responsible for management of the Partnership's business is Shelter Realty VI Corporation ("the Corporate General Partner"). The Corporate General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("AIMCO"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The non-corporate general partner, AIMCO Properties, L.P., is also an affiliate of AIMCO. In the opinion of the Corporate General Partner, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", the accompanying statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 have been restated to reflect the operations of Nottingham Square and River Reach Apartments as (loss) income from discontinued operations. The Partnership sold Nottingham Square Apartments to a third party in December 2002 and River Reach Apartments to a third party in August 2004. Note B - Reconciliation of Cash Flows The following, as required by the Partnership Agreement, is a reconciliation of "Net cash provided by operating activities" on the accompanying statements of cash flows to "Net cash from operations", as defined in the partnership agreement of the Partnership (the "Partnership Agreement"). However, "Net cash from operations" should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indicator of the Partnership's operating performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 2003 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 412 $ 1,270 Payments on mortgage notes payable (366) (349) Property improvements and replacements (317) (411) Change in restricted escrows, net 85 505 Changes in reserves for net operating liabilities 373 (100) Additions to operating reserves (187) (915) Net cash provided by operations $ -- $ --
At September 30, 2004 and 2003, the Corporate General Partner reserved approximately $187,000 and $915,000, respectively, to fund capital improvements at its properties. Note C - Casualty Event In August 2002, Carriage House Apartments experienced an electrical fire, causing damage to two units and an outside storage building. A casualty gain of approximately $19,000 was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2003, due to the receipt of insurance proceeds of approximately $25,000 net of the write off of undepreciated damaged assets of approximately $6,000. Note D - Transactions with Affiliated Parties The Partnership has no employees and depends on the Corporate General Partner and its affiliates for the management and administration of all Partnership activities. The Partnership Agreement provides for (i) certain payments to affiliates for services and (ii) reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Partnership. Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner are entitled to receive 5% of gross receipts from all of the Partnership's properties as compensation for providing property management services. The Partnership paid to such affiliates approximately $199,000 and $197,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which is included in operating expenses and (loss) income from discontinued operations. Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner charged reimbursements of accountable administrative expenses amounting to approximately $134,000 and $212,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses and investment properties. Included in these amounts are fees related to construction management services provided by an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner of approximately $5,000 and $16,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The construction management service fees are calculated based on a percentage of current additions to investment properties. At September 30, 2004, approximately $3,000 of these expenses are payable to the Corporate General Partner and are included in due to affiliates. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement and in connection with the sale of Foxfire/Barcelona Village during 2000, Nottingham Square Apartments in December 2002, and River Reach Apartments in August 2004, the Corporate General Partner is entitled to a commission of up to 1% for its assistance in the sale. Payment of such commission is subordinate to the limited partners receiving a cumulative 7% return on their investment. This return has not yet been met, and accordingly, the combined fees of approximately $658,000 have been accrued and are included in due to affiliates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner advanced the Partnership approximately $250,000 to cover additional costs related to the sale of Nottingham Square Apartments. Interest was charged at prime plus 1% (5.75% at September 30, 2004) and amounted to approximately $3,000. The entire balance of the loan plus interest was repaid during the same period. No such advances were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The Partnership insures its properties up to certain limits through coverage provided by AIMCO which is generally self-insured for a portion of losses and liabilities related to workers compensation, property casualty and vehicle liability. The Partnership insures its properties above the AIMCO limits through insurance policies obtained by AIMCO from insurers unaffiliated with the Corporate General Partner. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the Partnership was charged by AIMCO and its affiliates approximately $76,000 and $75,000, respectively, for insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims and administration. Note E - Sale of Investment Property On August 30, 2004, the Partnership sold River Reach Apartments to a third party for approximately $31,683,000. After payment of closing costs of approximately $645,000, the net proceeds received by the Partnership were approximately $31,038,000. The Partnership used a portion of the proceeds to repay the mortgage encumbering the property of approximately $10,091,000. The sale of the property resulted in a gain on the sale of approximately $24,356,000. In addition, the Partnership recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2,727,000, as a result of the write off of unamortized loan costs and a prepayment penalty, which is included in (loss) income from discontinued operations. The results of the property's operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 of approximately $78,000 and $99,000, respectively, are included in (loss) income from discontinued operations and include revenues of approximately $1,891,000 and $2,165,000, respectively. Note F - Distributions During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Partnership declared and paid a distribution of approximately $17,900,000 (or $422.93 per limited partnership unit) to the limited partners from the sale proceeds of River Reach Apartments. Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Partnership declared and paid a distribution from operations of approximately $100,000 (approximately $99,000 to the limited partners or $2.34 per limited partnership unit). During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Partnership declared and paid a distribution of approximately $1,328,000 (or $31.37 per limited partnership unit) to the limited partners from the sales proceeds of Nottingham Square Apartments. Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Partnership declared and paid distributions from operations of approximately $1,441,000 (approximately $1,427,000 to the limited partners or $33.72 per limited partnership unit). Note G - Contingencies In March 1998, several putative unit holders of limited partnership units of the Partnership commenced an action entitled Rosalie Nuanes, et al. v. Insignia Financial Group, Inc., et al. (the "Nuanes action") in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Mateo. The plaintiffs named as defendants, among others, the Partnership, its Corporate General Partner and several of their affiliated partnerships and corporate entities. The action purported to assert claims on behalf of a class of limited partners and derivatively on behalf of a number of limited partnerships (including the Partnership) that are named as nominal defendants, challenging, among other things, the acquisition of interests in certain Corporate General Partner entities by Insignia Financial Group, Inc. ("Insignia") and entities that were, at one time, affiliates of Insignia; past tender offers by the Insignia affiliates to acquire limited partnership units; management of the partnerships by the Insignia affiliates; and the series of transactions which closed on October 1, 1998 and February 26, 1999 whereby Insignia and Insignia Properties Trust, respectively, were merged into AIMCO. The plaintiffs sought monetary damages and equitable relief, including judicial dissolution of the Partnership. In addition, during the third quarter of 2001, a complaint captioned Heller v. Insignia Financial Group (the "Heller action") was filed against the same defendants that are named in the Nuanes action. On or about August 6, 2001, plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint. The Heller action was brought as a purported derivative action, and asserted claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, conversion, unjust enrichment, and judicial dissolution. On January 8, 2003, the parties filed a Stipulation of Settlement in proposed settlement of the Nuanes action and the Heller action. In general terms, the proposed settlement provides for certification for settlement purposes of a settlement class consisting of all limited partners in this Partnership and others (the "Partnerships") as of December 20, 2002, the dismissal with prejudice and release of claims in the Nuanes and Heller litigation, payment by AIMCO of $9.9 million (which shall be distributed to settlement class members after deduction of attorney fees and costs of class counsel and certain costs of settlement) and up to $1 million toward the cost of independent appraisals of the Partnerships' properties by a court appointed appraiser. An affiliate of the Corporate General Partner has also agreed to make at least one round of tender offers to purchase all of the partnership interests in the Partnerships within one year of final approval, if it is granted, and to provide partners with the independent appraisals at the time of these tenders. The proposed settlement also provided for the limitation of the allowable costs which the Corporate General Partner or its affiliates will charge the Partnerships in connection with this litigation and imposes limits on the class counsel fees and costs in this litigation. On April 11, 2003, notice was distributed to limited partners providing the details of the proposed settlement. On June 13, 2003, the court granted final approval of the settlement and entered judgment in both the Nuanes and Heller actions. On August 12, 2003, an objector ("Objector") filed an appeal (the "Appeal") seeking to vacate and/or reverse the order approving the settlement and entering judgment thereto. On November 24, 2003, the Objector filed an application requesting the court order AIMCO to withdraw settlement tender offers it had commenced, refrain from making further offers pending the appeal and auction any units tendered to third parties, contending that the offers did not conform with the terms of the settlement. Counsel for the Objector (on behalf of another investor) had alternatively requested the court take certain action purportedly to enforce the terms of the settlement agreement. On December 18, 2003, the court heard oral argument on the motions and denied them both in their entirety. The Objector filed a second appeal challenging the court's use of a referee and its order requiring Objector to pay those fees. On January 28, 2004, the Objector filed his opening brief in the Appeal. On April 23, 2004, the Corporate General Partner and its affiliates filed a response brief in support of the settlement and the judgment thereto. The plaintiffs have also filed a brief in support of the settlement. On June 4, 2004, Objector filed a reply to the briefs submitted by the Corporate General Partner and Plaintiffs. In addition both the Objector and plaintiffs filed briefs in connection with the second appeal. The Court of Appeals heard oral argument on both appeals on September 22, 2004 and took the matters under submission. The Corporate General Partner does not anticipate that any costs to the Partnership, whether legal or settlement costs, associated with these cases will be material to the Partnership's overall operations. On August 8, 2003 AIMCO Properties L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner, was served with a complaint in the United States District Court, District of Columbia alleging that AIMCO Properties L.P. willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for all hours worked in excess of forty per week. On March 5, 2004 the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint also naming NHP Management Company, which is also an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner. The complaint is styled as a Collective Action under the FLSA and seeks to certify state subclasses in California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that AIMCO Properties L.P. failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call". Additionally, the complaint alleges AIMCO Properties L.P. failed to comply with the FLSA in compensating maintenance workers for time that they worked in responding to a call while "on-call". The defendants have filed an answer to the amended complaint denying the substantive allegations. Some discovery has taken place and settlement negotiations continue. Although the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, AIMCO Properties, L.P. does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, the Corporate General Partner does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on the Partnership's financial condition or results of operations. The Partnership is unaware of any other pending or outstanding litigation matters involving it or its investment properties that are not of a routine nature arising in the ordinary course of business. As previously disclosed, the Central Regional Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") is conducting a formal investigation relating to certain matters. Although the staff of the SEC is not limited in the areas that it may investigate, AIMCO believes the areas of investigation include AIMCO's miscalculated monthly net rental income figures in third quarter 2003, forecasted guidance, accounts payable, rent concessions, vendor rebates, capitalization of payroll and certain other costs, and tax credit transactions. AIMCO is cooperating fully. AIMCO is not able to predict when the matter will be resolved. AIMCO does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, the Managing General Partner does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on the Partnership's consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation The matters discussed in this report contain certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial performance and the effect of government regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors including, without limitation: national and local economic conditions; the terms of governmental regulations that affect the Registrant and interpretations of those regulations; the competitive environment in which the Registrant operates; financing risks, including the risk that cash flows from operations may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; real estate risks, including variations of real estate values and the general economic climate in local markets and competition for tenants in such markets; litigation, including costs associated with prosecuting and defending claims and any adverse outcomes, and possible environmental liabilities. Readers should carefully review the Registrant's financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the risk factors described in the documents the Registrant files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Partnership's investment properties consist of three apartment complexes. The following table sets forth the average occupancy of the properties for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003: Average Occupancy Property 2004 2003 Rocky Creek Apartments Augusta, Georgia 95% 94% Carriage House Apartments (1) Gastonia, North Carolina 93% 86% Village Gardens Apartments (1) Fort Collins, Colorado 84% 72% (1) The Corporate General Partner attributes the increase in average occupancy at Carriage House and Village Gardens Apartments to increased marketing efforts by the local management at the properties. The Partnership's financial results depend upon a number of factors including the ability to attract and maintain tenants at the investment properties, interest rates on mortgage loans, costs incurred to operate the investment properties, general economic conditions and weather. As part of the ongoing business plan of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner monitors the rental market environment of its investment properties to assess the feasibility of increasing rents, maintaining or increasing occupancy levels and protecting the Partnership from increases in expenses. As part of this plan, the Corporate General Partner attempts to protect the Partnership from the burden of inflation-related increases in expenses by increasing rents and maintaining a high overall occupancy level. However, the Corporate General Partner may use rental concessions and rental rate reductions to offset softening market conditions, accordingly, there is no guarantee that the Corporate General Partner will be able to sustain such a plan. Further, a number of factors that are outside the control of the Partnership such as the local economic climate and weather can adversely or positively affect the Partnership's financial results. Results of Operations The partnership realized net income of approximately $21,508,000 and $21,505,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, compared to a net loss of approximately $97,000 and net income of approximately $173,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. The increase in net income for both periods is primarily due to the sale of River Reach Apartments during the third quarter of 2004. On August 30, 2004, the Partnership sold River Reach Apartments to a third party for approximately $31,683,000. After payment of closing costs of approximately $645,000, the net proceeds received by the Partnership were approximately $31,038,000. The Partnership used a portion of the proceeds to repay the mortgage encumbering the property of approximately $10,091,000. The sale of the property resulted in a gain on the sale of approximately $24,356,000. In addition, the Partnership recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2,727,000, as a result of the write off of unamortized loan costs and a prepayment penalty, which is included in (loss) income from discontinued operations. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"' the accompanying statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 have been restated to reflect the operations of River Reach Apartments as (loss) income from discontinued operations due to the properties' sales in December 2002 and August 2004, respectively. Loss from discontinued operations is approximately ($2,725,000) and ($2,649,000) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively. Income from discontinued operations was approximately $8,000 and $366,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Included in the (loss) income from discontinued operations are revenues of approximately $461,000 and $1,891,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, and approximately $733,000 and $2,165,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, for River Reach Apartments, which sold in August 2004. In addition, the income from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 includes a refund of property tax of approximately $193,000 and the write off of expense reserves of approximately $74,000 for Nottingham Square Apartments, which sold in December 2002. The increase in loss from discontinued operations for both periods was due to the loss on early extinguishment of debt as discussed above. The Partnership recognized a loss from continuing operations of approximately $123,000 and $202,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to a loss of approximately $105,000 and $193,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in loss from continuing operations for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, is due to an increase in total expenses partially offset by an increase in total revenues. Total expenses increased due to an increase in operating expenses partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses increased due to increases in property, maintenance, administrative, and advertising expenses. Property expense increased primarily due to increases in salaries and related benefits at Carriage House Apartments, and utilities at Village Gardens Apartments. Maintenance expense increased primarily due to an increase in contract services at Village Gardens Apartments. Administrative expense increased primarily due to an increase in training and travel expense, collection and eviction services, and common area cleaning services at Village Gardens Apartments. Advertising expense increased due to newspaper and periodical advertising at Village Gardens Apartments. General and administrative expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to a decrease in the costs of services included in management reimbursements to the Corporate General Partner as allowed under the Partnership Agreement. Also included in general and administrative expenses for both September 30, 2004 and 2003 are costs associated with the quarterly and annual communications with investors and regulatory agencies and the annual audit required by the Partnership Agreement. Total revenues increased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to increases in rental and other income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 the increases were partially offset by a decrease in casualty gain. Rental income increased due to increases in occupancy at all of the Partnership's properties and an increase in average rental rates at Rocky Creek Apartments, partially offset by reduced rental rates at Village Gardens and Carriage House Apartments. Other income increased primarily due to an increase in lease cancellation fees and utility reimbursements at Villages Gardens and Carriage House Apartments. In August 2002, Carriage House Apartments experienced an electrical fire, causing damage to two units and an outside storage building. A casualty gain of approximately $19,000 was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2003, due to the receipt of insurance proceeds of approximately $25,000 net of the write off of undepreciated damaged assets of approximately $6,000. Liquidity and Capital Resources At September 30, 2004 the Partnership had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $559,000 compared to approximately $294,000 at September 30, 2003. Cash and cash equivalents increased approximately $304,000 since December 31, 2003 due to approximately $30,806,000 and $412,000 of cash provided by investing and operating activities, respectively, partially offset by approximately $30,914,000 of cash used in financing activities. Cash provided by investing activities consisted of proceeds from the sale of River Reach Apartments and net withdrawals from restricted escrow accounts, partially offset by property improvements and replacements. Cash used in financing activities consisted of repayment of the mortgage encumbering River Reach Apartments, principal payments made on the mortgages encumbering the Partnership's properties, prepayment penalties paid, distributions paid to partners, and repayments on advance from affiliates, partially offset by advances from affiliates. The Partnership invests its working capital reserves in interest bearing accounts. The sufficiency of existing liquid assets to meet future liquidity and capital expenditure requirements is directly related to the level of capital expenditures required at the properties to adequately maintain the physical assets and other operating needs of the Partnership and to comply with Federal, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements. The Corporate General Partner monitors developments in the area of legal and regulatory compliance. For example, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 mandates or suggests additional compliance measures with regard to governance, disclosure, audit and other areas. In light of these changes, the Partnership expects that it will incur higher expenses related to compliance, including increased legal and audit fees. Capital improvements planned for each of the Partnership's properties are detailed below. Rocky Creek Apartments During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Partnership completed approximately $46,000 in capital improvements at Rocky Creek Apartments primarily consisting of floor covering replacements, furniture and fixtures, and air conditioning unit upgrades. The improvements were funded from operating cash flow. The Partnership evaluates the capital improvement needs of the property during the year and currently expects to complete an additional $20,000 in capital improvements during the remainder of 2004. Additional capital improvements may be considered and will depend on the physical condition of the property as well as replacement reserves and anticipated cash flow generated by the property. Carriage House Apartments During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Partnership completed approximately $20,000 in capital improvements at Carriage House Apartments primarily consisting of floor covering replacements, swimming pool repairs, and plumbing fixtures. These improvements were funded from operating cash flow. The Partnership evaluates the capital improvement needs of the property during the year and currently expects to complete an additional $36,000 in capital improvements during the remainder of 2004. Additional capital improvements may be considered and will depend on the physical condition of the property as well as replacement reserves and anticipated cash flow generated by the property. River Reach Apartments During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Partnership completed approximately $130,000 in capital improvements at River Reach Apartments primarily consisting of floor covering replacements, plumbing fixtures and furniture and fixtures. These improvements were funded from replacement reserves and operating cash flow. The Partnership sold River Reach Apartments to a third party during the third quarter of 2004. Village Gardens Apartments During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Partnership completed approximately $80,000 in capital improvements at Village Gardens Apartments consisting primarily of water heater upgrades, floor covering replacements, and landscaping. These improvements were funded from operating cash flow. The Partnership evaluates the capital improvement needs of the property during the year and currently expects to complete an additional $9,000 in capital improvements during the remainder of 2004. Additional capital improvements may be considered and will depend on the physical condition of the property as well as replacement reserves and anticipated cash flow generated by the property. The additional capital expenditures will be incurred only if cash is available from operations and Partnership reserves. To the extent that such budgeted capital improvements are completed, the Partnership's distributable cash flow, if any, may be adversely affected at least in the short term. The Partnership's assets are thought to be sufficient for any near term needs (exclusive of capital improvements) of the Partnership. The mortgage encumbering Village Gardens Apartments of approximately $4,094,000 matures in January 2021, at which time the mortgage is scheduled to be fully amortized. The mortgages encumbering Rocky Creek and Carriage House Apartments aggregating approximately $4,058,000 have a maturity date of September 1, 2007 at which time balloon payments totaling approximately $3,736,000 are due. The Corporate General Partner has the option to extend the maturity on the Rocky Creek and Carriage House Apartments loans for another five years. After that period the Corporate General Partner will attempt to refinance such indebtedness and/or sell the properties prior to the optional extended maturity date. If the properties cannot be refinanced or sold, the Partnership will risk losing such properties through foreclosure. The Partnership distributed the following amounts during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands except per unit data):
Nine Months Nine Months Ended Per Limited Ended Per Limited September 30, Partnership September 30, Partnership 2004 Unit 2003 Unit Operations $ 100 $ 2.34 $1,441 $33.72 Sale (1) -- -- 1,328 31.37 Sale (2) 17,900 422.93 -- -- $18,000 $425.27 $2,769 $65.09
(1) Proceeds from the sale of Nottingham Square Apartments in December 2002. (2) Proceeds from the sale of River Reach Apartments in August 2004. The Partnership's cash available for distribution is reviewed on a monthly basis. Future cash distributions will depend on the levels of net cash generated from operations, the availability of cash reserves, and the timing of debt maturities, refinancings, and/or property sales. There can be no assurance that the Partnership will generate sufficient funds from operations, after required capital improvements, to permit further distributions to its partners during the remainder of 2004 or subsequent periods. Other In addition to its indirect ownership of the general partner interests in the Partnership, AIMCO and its affiliates owned 28,435 limited partnership units (the "Units") in the Partnership representing 67.16% of the outstanding Units at September 30, 2004. A number of these Units were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by AIMCO or its affiliates. It is possible that AIMCO or its affiliates will acquire additional Units in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of AIMCO, either through private purchases or tender offers. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, unitholders holding a majority of the Units are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Corporate General Partner. As a result of its ownership of 67.16% of the outstanding Units, AIMCO and its affiliates are in a position to control all such voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. Although the Corporate General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Corporate General Partner, as managing general partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Corporate General Partner to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require the Partnership to make estimates and assumptions. The Partnership believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Investment properties are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless considered impaired. If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a property may be impaired, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by estimating the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property. If the carrying amount exceeds the aggregate future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the property. Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk. Several factors may adversely affect the economic performance and value of the Partnership's investment properties. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in national, regional and local economic climate; local conditions, such as an oversupply of multifamily properties; competition from other available multifamily property owners and changes in market rental rates. Any adverse changes in these factors could cause impairment of the Partnership's assets. Revenue Recognition The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less. Rental income attributable to leases is recognized monthly as it is earned. The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current tenants and all receivables due from former tenants. The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area. Any concessions given at the inception of the lease are amortized over the life of the lease. Item 3. Controls and Procedures (a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Partnership's management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Corporate General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnership's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Corporate General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnership's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures are effective. (b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings In March 1998, several putative unit holders of limited partnership units of the Partnership commenced an action entitled Rosalie Nuanes, et al. v. Insignia Financial Group, Inc., et al. (the "Nuanes action") in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Mateo. The plaintiffs named as defendants, among others, the Partnership, its Corporate General Partner and several of their affiliated partnerships and corporate entities. The action purported to assert claims on behalf of a class of limited partners and derivatively on behalf of a number of limited partnerships (including the Partnership) that are named as nominal defendants, challenging, among other things, the acquisition of interests in certain Corporate General Partner entities by Insignia Financial Group, Inc. ("Insignia") and entities that were, at one time, affiliates of Insignia; past tender offers by the Insignia affiliates to acquire limited partnership units; management of the partnerships by the Insignia affiliates; and the series of transactions which closed on October 1, 1998 and February 26, 1999 whereby Insignia and Insignia Properties Trust, respectively, were merged into AIMCO. The plaintiffs sought monetary damages and equitable relief, including judicial dissolution of the Partnership. In addition, during the third quarter of 2001, a complaint captioned Heller v. Insignia Financial Group (the "Heller action") was filed against the same defendants that are named in the Nuanes action. On or about August 6, 2001, plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint. The Heller action was brought as a purported derivative action, and asserted claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, conversion, unjust enrichment, and judicial dissolution. On January 8, 2003, the parties filed a Stipulation of Settlement in proposed settlement of the Nuanes action and the Heller action. In general terms, the proposed settlement provides for certification for settlement purposes of a settlement class consisting of all limited partners in this Partnership and others (the "Partnerships") as of December 20, 2002, the dismissal with prejudice and release of claims in the Nuanes and Heller litigation, payment by AIMCO of $9.9 million (which shall be distributed to settlement class members after deduction of attorney fees and costs of class counsel and certain costs of settlement) and up to $1 million toward the cost of independent appraisals of the Partnerships' properties by a court appointed appraiser. An affiliate of the Corporate General Partner has also agreed to make at least one round of tender offers to purchase all of the partnership interests in the Partnerships within one year of final approval, if it is granted, and to provide partners with the independent appraisals at the time of these tenders. The proposed settlement also provided for the limitation of the allowable costs which the Corporate General Partner or its affiliates will charge the Partnerships in connection with this litigation and imposes limits on the class counsel fees and costs in this litigation. On April 11, 2003, notice was distributed to limited partners providing the details of the proposed settlement. On June 13, 2003, the court granted final approval of the settlement and entered judgment in both the Nuanes and Heller actions. On August 12, 2003, an objector ("Objector") filed an appeal (the "Appeal") seeking to vacate and/or reverse the order approving the settlement and entering judgment thereto. On November 24, 2003, the Objector filed an application requesting the court order AIMCO to withdraw settlement tender offers it had commenced, refrain from making further offers pending the appeal and auction any units tendered to third parties, contending that the offers did not conform with the terms of the settlement. Counsel for the Objector (on behalf of another investor) had alternatively requested the court take certain action purportedly to enforce the terms of the settlement agreement. On December 18, 2003, the court heard oral argument on the motions and denied them both in their entirety. The Objector filed a second appeal challenging the court's use of a referee and its order requiring Objector to pay those fees. On January 28, 2004, the Objector filed his opening brief in the Appeal. On April 23, 2004, the Corporate General Partner and its affiliates filed a response brief in support of the settlement and the judgment thereto. The plaintiffs have also filed a brief in support of the settlement. On June 4, 2004, Objector filed a reply to the briefs submitted by the Corporate General Partner and Plaintiffs. In addition both the Objector and plaintiffs filed briefs in connection with the second appeal. The Court of Appeals heard oral argument on both appeals on September 22, 2004 and took the matters under submission. The Corporate General Partner does not anticipate that any costs to the Partnership, whether legal or settlement costs, associated with these cases will be material to the Partnership's overall operations. On August 8, 2003 AIMCO Properties L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner, was served with a complaint in the United States District Court, District of Columbia alleging that AIMCO Properties L.P. willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for all hours worked in excess of forty per week. On March 5, 2004 the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint also naming NHP Management Company, which is also an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner. The complaint is styled as a Collective Action under the FLSA and seeks to certify state subclasses in California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that AIMCO Properties L.P. failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call". Additionally, the complaint alleges AIMCO Properties L.P. failed to comply with the FLSA in compensating maintenance workers for time that they worked in responding to a call while "on-call". The defendants have filed an answer to the amended complaint denying the substantive allegations. Some discovery has taken place and settlement negotiations continue. Although the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, AIMCO Properties, L.P. does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, the Corporate General Partner does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on the Partnership's financial condition or results of operations. Item 6. Exhibits See Exhibit Index attached. SIGNATURES In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SHELTER PROPERTIES VI By: Shelter Realty VI Corporation Corporate General Partner By: /s/Martha L. Long Martha L. Long Senior Vice President By: /s/Stephen B. Waters Stephen B. Waters Vice President Date: November 11, 2004 SHELTER PROPERTIES VI EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit 3 See Exhibit 4(a) 4 (a) Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership (included as Exhibit A to the Prospectus of Registrant dated March 22, 1984 contained in Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 2-86995, of Registrant filed March 21, 1984 (the "Prospectus") and incorporated herein by reference.) (b) Subscription Agreement and Signature Page (included as Exhibits 4(A) and 4 (B) 8 to the Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference). 10(iii) Contracts related to refinancings of debt: (g) Multifamily Note dated December 15, 2000 between Shelter Properties VI and Reilly Mortgage Group, Inc., a District of Columbia corporation, securing Village Gardens Apartments filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(g) to the Partnership's Form 8-K Filed February 1, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference. (h) Multifamily Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents, and Security Agreement dated December 15, 2000 between Shelter VI and Reilly Mortgage Group, Inc., a District of Columbia corporation, securing Village Gardens Apartments. Filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(h) to the Partnership's Form 8-K filed February 1, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference. (j) Loan Agreement by and among Shelter Properties VI, and other affiliated partnerships, and GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation, a California corporation, to secure credit facility, dated September 16, 2002. Filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(j) of the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. (k) Multifamily Note by and among Shelter Properties VI and GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation, a California corporation, to secure loan for Rocky Creek Apartments. Filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(k) of the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. (l) Multifamily Note by and among Shelter Properties VI and GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation, a California corporation, to secure loan for Carriage House Apartments. Filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(l) of the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. 10(iv) Contracts related to disposition of properties: (c) Purchase and Sale Contract between Registrant and BH Equities, LLC, an Iowa limited liability company, dated October 8, 2002 filed with Form 8-K on January 6, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. (d) First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Contract between Registrant and BH Equities, LLC, an Iowa limited liability company dated November 7, 2002 filed with Form 8-K on January 6, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. (e) Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Contract between Registrant and BH Equities, LLC, an Iowa limited liability company dated November 15, 2002 filed with Form 8-K on January 6, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. (f) Assignment of Purchase Agreement between BH Equities, LLC, an Iowa limited liability company, and Nottingham Square Apartments, LP, an Iowa limited partnership dated November 25, 2002 filed with Form 8-K on January 6, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. (g) Purchase and Sale Contract between Shelter Properties VI Limited Partnership, a South Carolina limited partnership, and Neighborhood Realty, Inc., a Florida corporation, dated June 23, 2004 filed with Form 8-K on September 3, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. (h) Amendment of Purchase and Sale Contract between Shelter VI Limited Partnership, a South Carolina limited partnership, and JNM River Reach, Ltd., a Florida limited partnership, dated August 30, 2004 filed with Form 8-K on September 3, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. 31.1 Certification of equivalent of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of equivalent of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Exhibit 31.1 CERTIFICATION I, Martha L. Long, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB of Shelter Properties VI; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the small business issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the small business issuer and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the small business issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the small business issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (c) Disclosed in this report any change in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the small business issuer's most recent fiscal quarter (the small business issuer's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the small business issuer's auditors and the audit committee of the small business issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the small business issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting. Date: November 11, 2004 /s/Martha L. Long Martha L. Long Senior Vice President of Shelter Realty VI Corporation, equivalent of the chief executive officer of the Partnership Exhibit 31.2 CERTIFICATION I, Stephen B. Waters, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB of Shelter Properties VI; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the small business issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the small business issuer and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the small business issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the small business issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (c) Disclosed in this report any change in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the small business issuer's most recent fiscal quarter (the small business issuer's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the small business issuer's auditors and the audit committee of the small business issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the small business issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting. Date: November 11, 2004 /s/Stephen B. Waters Stephen B. Waters Vice President of Shelter Realty VI Corporation, equivalent of the chief financial officer of the Partnership Exhibit 32.1 Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB of Shelter Properties VI Limited Partnership (the "Partnership"), for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Martha L. Long, as the equivalent of the chief executive officer of the Partnership, and Stephen B. Waters, as the equivalent of the chief financial officer of the Partnership, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership. /s/Martha L. Long Name: Martha L. Long Date: November 11, 2004 /s/Stephen B. Waters Name: Stephen B. Waters Date: November 11, 2004 This certification is furnished with this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Partnership for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.