Item 1. BUSINESS
General Development of Business. Columbia Lease Income Fund A L.P. (the "Partnership") is a limited partnership organized under the provisions of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act on August 13, 1984. At December 31, 1996, TLP Columbia Management Corporation ("TCMC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of its parent company, TLP Leasing Programs, Inc. ("TLP"), is the sole General Partner of the Partnership. TLP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TLP Holding LLC.
By the Agreement Relating to the Admission of TCMC as an Additional General Partner of Certain Limited Partnerships dated June 30, 1993 (the "Agreement"), as referenced in Form 8-K filing dated June 30, 1993, the then current and now former General Partner of the Registrant, Meridian-Columbia Management Corporation ("Meridian-CMC"), agreed to admit TCMC as a co-General Partner (see Management Agreement below).
Pursuant to the above Agreement and as referenced in Form 8-K filing dated November 30, 1993, Meridian-CMC, co-General Partner withdrew, effective November 30, 1993, as co-General Partner pursuant to Article II Section 2.4(b) of the Limited Partnership Agreement (see Withdrawal of Meridian-CMC below.) Meridian-CMC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meridian Leasing Corporation ("Meridian") was admitted as an additional General Partner of the Partnership on November 2, 1989. TM-Columbia Management Corporation ("TMC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomson McKinnon Inc. ("TMI") was a General Partner from August 13, 1984 until October 14, 1990 when TMC voluntarily withdrew from the Partnership.
The Partnership is engaged in the business of: (i) acquiring certain types and kinds of primarily new, but also used, equipment consisting principally of IBM peripheral devices for large and small data processing systems, fully configured small processing systems, computer terminals and other information processing devices ("Equipment"); and (ii) leasing Equipment primarily pursuant to a series of short-term net operating leases, with an initial lease in effect or committed to at the time of acquisition with a lessee which is a publicly or privately-held company considered creditworthy by the General Partner, generally a "Fortune 1000" company or subsidiary, bank, insurance company or utility (lower credit criteria may be used for remarketed Equipment users).
The Partnership has acquired Equipment using funds from non-recourse borrowings. Such borrowings may equal up to 80% of the aggregate purchase price of all Equipment acquired, but generally will not exceed 50%. The Partnership is intended to provide Limited Partners of the Partnership (the "Limited Partners") with quarterly cash distributions from revenue derived from Equipment and leases thereof.
The Partnership also intends to reinvest a portion of its cash from operations, and a substantial portion of any available cash from sales or refinancings, in additional Equipment during its first nine years of operations, provided that distributions are made to Limited Partners in amounts sufficient to pay their federal income tax liability (assuming each Limited Partner is in a 30% federal income tax bracket) created by such operations, sales or refinancings.
Until such time as the General Partner determines that it would be advisable to sell all or some of the Equipment, the Partnership will endeavor to keep the Equipment on lease pursuant to a series of short-term net operating leases. It is currently anticipated that all of the Equipment will be disposed of, and the Partnership will be terminated, in or about the year 2000, although the Partnership agreement provides for a term ending in the year 2010. In addition, the General Partner may cause the Partnership to dispose of all of the Equipment and to liquidate at any time after the Partnership's tenth year of operations.
General Partner. The General Partner, among other things, (i) determines and revises, as and when it deems necessary, a list of Equipment and equipment lease characteristics, which make an item of Equipment suitable for acquisition by the Partnership; (ii) makes all final decisions regarding, among other things, the Partnership's acquisition, financing, refinancing, leasing, re-leasing or sale of Equipment; (iii) independently verifies certain types of information concerning selected Equipment and the leases therefore; and (iv) maintains books and records concerning Equipment in addition to those maintained by Suppliers (as defined below in Supplier Agreements). The General Partner advises and supervises Suppliers generally with respect to: (a) locating, evaluating and negotiating the acquisition of Equipment; (b) negotiating the terms of leases for Equipment; (c) negotiating the terms of Partnership debt obligations; (d) negotiating re-leases or sales of Equipment upon the expiration or earlier termination of the leases thereof; (e) supervising the payment of, or collecting of, rentals from Partnership lessees; (f) supervising, monitoring and auditing the payment of all personal property, use and sales taxes applicable to Equipment; (g) inspecting Equipment; (h) maintaining liaison with lessees, and generally supervising lessees to assure that Equipment is being properly operated and maintained; (i) supervising maintenance of Equipment; (j) supervising and coordinating the acquisition of casualty, liability and other types of insurance relating to Equipment; and (k) monitoring performance by Partnership lessees of their obligations under their leases of Equipment.
The General Partner is entitled to receive acquisition fees for locating, evaluating, selecting, negotiating and closing acquisitions of Equipment. The acquisition fee generally equals 2.5% of the purchase price paid by the Partnership for each item of Equipment acquired; provided, however, that the total amount of all acquisition fees paid to the General Partner(s) over the life of the Partnership shall not exceed 15% of the total capital contributions received by such Partnership. In addition, the General Partner is entitled to receive an equipment management fee for its active management of Equipment and a subordinated resale fee for arranging the sale of Equipment. The equipment management fee equals up to 6% of gross rental payments payable with respect to Equipment for the quarter for which such payment is made, except for Equipment subject to certain leases referred to in the Partnership agreement as "Full Payout Leases", for which the equipment management fee shall not exceed 2% of the gross rental payments. The resale fee equals the lesser of (i) 3% of the sales proceeds or (ii) one-half of the competitive equipment sales commission. In addition, the General Partner is entitled to receive reimbursement for the administrative services necessary for the prudent operation of the Partnership.
Supplier Agreements. Certain of the General Partner's responsibilities are performed by equipment leasing companies ("Suppliers") with experience in the business of owning, leasing and managing equipment. Suppliers perform these services pursuant to agreements with the General Partner ("Supplier Agreements"), subject to the General Partner's supervision. Pursuant to the admission of TCMC as a co-General Partner and the withdrawal of Meridian-CMC as discussed above, TCMC has agreed to the existing supplier agreements as executed by Meridian. Meridian has entered into Supplier Agreements with Meridian and Meridian Sales and Leasing, Inc., ("MSL") (formerly Thomson McKinnon Sales and Leasing Inc.). MSL was a wholly-owned subsidiary of TMI until June 22, 1988, at which time it was acquired by Meridian. The General Partner may also enter into agreements for the purchase of specific items of Equipment with other leasing companies.
Pursuant to the Supplier Agreements, each Supplier is responsible, subject to the supervision of the General Partner, for the performance of certain general and day-to-day management services of the Partnership, including acquisition, management and reporting services, which services generally are performed at the Supplier's sole cost and expense, in a commercially reasonable manner and with no less care than would be given to other equipment owned, leased or managed by the Supplier or any of its affiliates.
Under the Supplier Agreements, compensation for locating, managing and reselling equipment is paid to each Supplier in amounts deducted from the corresponding compensation payable by the Partnership to the General Partner. Generally, a Supplier's compensation for such services equals 80% of the acquisition fee, 50% of the management fee and 50% of the resale fee. MSL's resale fees will be subordinated to the same extent as resale fees earned by the General Partner.
A Supplier may also be entitled to receive incentive fees in the following circumstances: (i) if it locates a possible transaction which meets the General Partner's criteria for acceptable Partnership investments and the Equipment subject to the possible transaction is purchased by the Partnership; and (ii) if it benefits the Partnership by obtaining a lease for Equipment with a better than market rental rate, a loan to acquire Equipment at a lower than market interest rate, Equipment at a lower than market purchase price, favorable payment terms from the vendor, or a combination of the foregoing.
Withdrawal of Meridian-CMC. During 1993, Meridian-CMC notified TCMC of its desire to voluntarily withdraw as co-General Partner of the Partnership. To withdraw as a general partner, the Partnership agreement requires: (i) there is remaining at least one other general partner who is willing to continue the operations of the Partnership; (ii) the Partnership shall have received an opinion of Counsel to the Partnership to the effect that such withdrawal will not constitute a termination of the Partnership or otherwise materially adversely affect the status of the Partnership for federal income tax purposes; and (iii) the Limited Partners shall have received at least sixty days notice of the general partner's intention to withdraw. As previously discussed, TCMC was admitted as co-General Partner on June 30, 1993 and has been exercising management control over the Partnership since that date and intends to continue operating in that capacity. Meridian-CMC withdrew from the Partnership effective November 30, 1993. TMC, the former co-General Partner with Meridian-CMC, voluntarily withdrew from the Partnership on October 14, 1990.
Management Agreement. Prior to the Agreement Relating to the Admission of TCMC as an Additional General Partner of Certain Limited Partnerships dated June 30, 1993 (the "Agreement"), TCMC (the "New General Partner") agreed on April 1, 1993 to assume overall responsibility, subject to final approval and ultimate authority of Meridian-CMC (the "Former General Partner"), for administration, management and operation of the Partnership and the Other Columbia Lease Income Funds ("CLIF") Partnerships (see Related Parties and Conflicts of Interest below) except that TCMC has no responsibility for communicating with the Limited Partners or making distributions to the Limited Partners or Meridian-CMC prior to November 30, 1993.
As compensation for these services under the above Agreement, all fees and cash distributions derived from the Partnership's operations to which the General Partner is entitled and which accrues on and after April 1, 1993, including but not limited to, Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings (as those terms are defined in the Partnership Agreements) shall be allocated to the New General Partner. All management fees for rents received on or after April 1, 1993 that relate to the period on or before March 31, 1993 shall be allocated to the Former General Partner. The New General Partner is to remit such fees to the Former General Partner as they are paid after April 1, 1993. Prior to the New General Partner's admission, the Former General Partner was entitled to receive 100% of the acquisition fees, management fees and resale fees (net of amounts payable to Suppliers) until the agreed upon threshold was reached; thereafter, all acquisition fees and 60% of management fees and resale fees (net of amounts payable to Suppliers) were allocated based upon a sharing agreement with TMC.
TCMC was formed on April 1, 1993 for the specific purpose of being admitted as the new general partner, managing the Partnership and the Other CLIF Partnerships (see Related Parties and Conflicts of Interest below) and discharging the administrative duties of the Former General Partner. TLP Leasing Programs, Inc., has extensive experience administering numerous publicly-held limited partnerships owning leased equipment.
Related Parties and Conflicts of Interest. The General Partner serves or has served as a general partner of Columbia Lease Income Fund II-B L.P. ("CLIF II-B"), Columbia Lease Income Fund II-C L.P. ("CLIF II-C"), Columbia Lease Income Fund II-D L.P. ("CLIF II-D"), and Columbia Lease Income Fund II-E L.P. ("CLIF II-E") (the "Other CLIF Partnerships"), which have investment objectives similar to that of the Partnership.
Certain affiliates of the General Partner, including TLP, are engaged in business activities that are directly in competition with the Partnership, and are expected to continue to engage in additional business activities which will be competitive with the Partnership. The General Partner, in good faith, devotes time to the affairs of the Partnership as it deems necessary, in its sole discretion, to fulfill its fiduciary obligation and other obligations under the Partnership agreement.
Competition for opportunities to acquire, lease, re-lease and sell equipment exists between and among the Partnership and the General Partner, one or more Suppliers and their affiliates, the Other CLIF Partnerships and other partnerships and entities formed by the General Partner, or its affiliates.
If the Partnership and any other partnership with which the General Partner is affiliated are seeking to acquire the same equipment, conflicts of interest may arise as to which entity should acquire that equipment. In such situations, the General Partner will analyze the portfolio of equipment already purchased by, and investment objectives of, each such entity, and will make its decision as to which entity will purchase the equipment based upon such factors, among others, as: (a) the amount and origin (that is, net proceeds, Cash From Operations or Cash From Sales or Refinancings) of cash available in each such entity and the length of time such funds have been available; (b) the liabilities of each such entity; (c) the effect of such acquisition on the diversification of each such entity's equipment portfolio by the type of equipment; (d) the estimated income tax consequences to each such entity from such acquisition and each such entity's needs for current and future income; (e) the cash distribution and reinvestment objectives of each such entity; (f) the lessee and credit diversification (geographically or by industry) of each such entity's equipment portfolio; and (g) the policy of each entity relating to leverage.
In allocating equipment, the General Partner may conclude that it is in the best interest of the Partnership to own equipment jointly with one or more of the Other CLIF Partnerships. Such joint venture agreements have been negotiated in the past and additional joint venture agreements may be negotiated in the future.
Risks of Ownership and Operation of Equipment. The Partnership's ability to attain its investment objectives is subject to various risks associated with ownership and operation of the Equipment. In certain respects, the success of the Partnership will depend upon the residual value of, the demand for, the viability of the manufacturers of, and the ability of the Partnership to remarket Equipment. Equipment leasing is subject to, among other things, the risk of credit losses, technological and economic obsolescence, physical deterioration and malfunction, and the risk of defaults by lessees and purchasers of Equipment. Technological developments can adversely affect the ability of the Partnership to obtain renewal or new leases for, or to sell, Equipment. No combination of management ability, experience, knowledge, care or scientific approach can avoid the inherent possibilities of loss.
Other risk factors include: (i) changes in technology, whereby the introduction of an entirely new technology could lead to a radical reduction in, or the complete elimination of, the value of certain Equipment and make Equipment difficult, or impossible, to re-lease or to sell; (ii) the residual (i.e., continuing) values of Equipment which, in turn, will affect the return on the Partnership's equity investments, and will depend on factors neither controlled nor controllable by the Partnership, such as: the quality, condition, technology and timing of the acquisition of Equipment; the cost of comparable new equipment; the General Partner's ability to forecast technological changes which may adversely affect the value of Equipment; and market factors; (iii) the potential inability of the Partnership to keep all of the Equipment fully leased at rentals which, together with any anticipated sale proceeds or salvage value, will provide an acceptable rate of return on its equity investment in Equipment resulting from: general economic conditions, including inflation and the availability of financing; fluctuations in supply and demand for various types of equipment resulting from, among other things, technological obsolescence; faster than expected introduction of replacement technology; unanticipated manufacturers' price reductions; changes in tax laws which may increase the desirability of owning rather than leasing equipment; and increases in operating expenses borne by the Partnership, if any, which cannot be transferred to lessees or matched by commensurate increases in lease revenues; (iv) competition from other lessors; competition from full payout leases, which generally are written for a longer term and at a lower rental rate than the operating leases to be offered by the Partnership; competition from equipment manufacturers and their financing subsidiaries which have the capacity to offer users alternatives to the purchase of nearly every type of equipment; and competition from numerous other potential investors, including limited partnerships organized and managed similarly to the Partnership, seeking to purchase equipment subject either to operating leases or full payout leases, many of which have greater financial resources and more experience than the Partnership and the General Partner and some of which may be willing to purchase or lease Equipment at rates less favorable to the lessor thereof due to different residual value assumptions, required rates of return or other factors; (v) changes in marketing policies, such that benefits derived from lease credit (i.e., applying lease payments as a credit toward purchase of equipment) and volume discounts which permit the Partnership to purchase Equipment at a cost lower than its fair market value could be eliminated, thus making it more difficult for the Partnership to successfully compete as a lessor of Equipment; and (vi) defaults by lessees which may cause Equipment to be returned to the Partnership at a time when the Partnership may be unable to arrange promptly for its re-lease or sale on terms satisfactory to the General Partner or on any terms, thus resulting in the loss of anticipated revenues and the inability of the Partnership to recover all or a portion of its equity investment in the Equipment and to repay the non-recourse debt, if any, secured by such Equipment and the rentals therefrom.
Three lessees, Eaton Corporation, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Sports & Recreation, Incorporated, lease equipment in which the related rental payments exceed 10% of total rental income. The related rental payments comprise 29.01%, 18.92% and 35.92%, respectively, of the total rental income for the year ended December 31, 1996. Eaton Corporation, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Sports & Recreation, Incorporated lease equipment comprising 52.06%, 12.77% and 23.00%, respectively, of the total equipment portfolio at December 31, 1996.
Foreign Operations and Segment Data. The Partnership has not engaged, and does not intend to engage, in material operations in foreign countries, nor is a material portion of the Partnership's revenue intended to be derived from customers in foreign countries. Since the Partnership will engage only in equipment leasing, no industry segment information is provided herein.
Item 2.

Item 2. PROPERTIES
At December 31, 1996, the Partnership owned computer equipment with a depreciated cost basis of $76,150, subject to existing leases. All purchases of computer equipment are subject to a 2.5% acquisition fee paid to the General Partner.
Item 3.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Partnership is a party or of which any of its equipment or leases is the subject.
Item 4.

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
Item 5.

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information. There is no established public market for the Limited Partnership Units ("Units"), and it is not anticipated that any such market will develop. Although under no obligation to do so, Prudential Securities, Inc. has offered to attempt to match and sell Units with unsolicited requests to buy Units, but may discontinue this service at any time. Limited Partners also have a limited right to request the Partnership to repurchase Units for cash at a discount from net asset value. To date, no such requests have been accepted by the Partnership.
Holders. Except for the General Partner's interest, the only class of equity held in the Partnership is Units of Limited Partnership Interest. As of December 31, 1996, 1,680 Limited Partners owned the 24,383 issued and outstanding Units.
Dividends. Cash distributions are made to Limited Partners and to the General Partner on a quarterly basis from available funds in accordance with the Partnership agreement. Cash distributions to the General Partner are further subject to the Management Agreement between TCMC and TLP. Cash distributions are derived from (1) Distributable Cash From Operations and (2) Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings. "Distributable Cash From Operations" means cash from operations, as reduced by (i) amounts which the General Partner determines (through the ninth anniversary of the Partnership's final closing date) shall be reinvested in additional Equipment and which ultimately are so reinvested, (ii) payments of all accrued but unpaid equipment management fees (to the extent that payment thereof is required by the Partnership agreement to be deferred), and (iii) after Payout, payments of all accrued but unpaid subordinated resale fees. "Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings" means cash from sales or refinancings, as reduced by (i) amounts which the General Partner determines (through the ninth anniversary of the Partnership's final closing date) shall be reinvested in additional Equipment and which ultimately are so reinvested, (ii) payments of all accrued but unpaid equipment management fees, and (iii) after Payout, payments of all accrued but unpaid subordinated resale fees.
Each distribution of Distributable Cash From Operations of the Partnership shall be allocated 95% to the Limited Partners and 5% to the General Partner. Any Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings from gains and losses shall be allocated 99% to the Limited Partners and 1% to the General Partner until "Payout" has occurred. "Payout" means the time when the aggregate amount of all distributions to the Limited Partners of Distributable Cash From Operations and of Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings equals the aggregate amount of the Limited Partners' original invested capital plus a cumulative 8% annual return (compounded daily) on their aggregate unreturned capital contributions invested capital (calculated from the beginning of the first full fiscal quarter following the Partnership's closing date). Thereafter, 85% will be distributed to the Limited Partners and 15% to the General Partner, subject to certain adjustments. Including the distribution for the fourth quarter of 1996 made February 15, 1997, the cumulative distributions to date are $597.74 per Unit. This cumulative distribution per Unit amount represents 59.47% of Payout. It is not anticipated that Payout will occur as of the liquidation of this Partnership.
Distributable Cash From Operations, if any, and Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings, if any, are distributed within 60 days after the completion of each of the first three fiscal quarters of the Partnership's December 31 fiscal year, and within 120 days after the completion of each fiscal year beginning after the first full fiscal quarter following the Partnership's final closing date.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership distributed Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings aggregating $274,310 to Limited Partners as follows:
Item 6.

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial information regarding the Partnership's operations and financial position at the dates and for the periods shown. This information should be used in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are included in Items 7. and 8. below.
Item 7.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations.
The following discussion relates to Partnership's operations for the year ended December 31, 1996, in comparison to the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994.
The Partnership realized net income of $214,690, $25,822, and $176,143 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Rental income on operating leases decreased $193,364 or 37% and $198,845 or 28% in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The decrease in rental income each year is due to lower rental rates obtained on equipment lease extensions and remarketings after the initial lease term has expired and due to a decrease in the size of the equipment portfolio. No earned income on direct financing leases has been recognized during the current year, as all direct financing leases expired in 1995. Interest income remained flat from 1995, but decreased $2,081 from 1994 to 1995 as a result of lower average short-term investment balances held each year. The increase in net gain on sale of equipment is attributed to the larger number of sales of equipment in 1996 carrying lower net book values compared to a net loss on sale of equipment during the prior year.
Total costs and expenses decreased 69% and 28% in 1996 and 1995, respectively, compared to prior periods. The decrease in costs and expenses is primarily due to the decrease in depreciation expense. Depreciation expense decreased each year due to a large portion of the equipment portfolio becoming fully depreciated and a reduction in the overall equipment portfolio. Management fees have decreased in relation to the decline in rental income for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. General and administrative expenses remained relatively flat between 1996 and 1995. The net $57,142 reversal of the provision for doubtful accounts in the current year is primarily due to the successful collection of a sales proceed receivable that had been fully reserved in a prior period.
The Partnership recorded net income per Limited Partnership Unit of $8.36, $1.00, and $6.86 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, rental revenue generated from operating leases was the primary source of funds for the Partnership. As equipment leases terminate, the General Partner determines if the equipment will be extended to the same lessee, remarketed to another lessee, or if it is less marketable, sold. This decision is made upon analyzing which option would generate the most favorable results.
Rental income on operating leases will continue to decrease due to two factors. The first factor is the rate obtained when the original leases expire and are remarketed at a lower rate. Typically, the remarketed rates are lower due to the decrease in useful life of the equipment. Secondly, the increasing change of technology in the computer industry usually decreases the demand for older equipment, thus increasing the possibility of obsolescence. Both of these factors together will cause remarketed rates to be lower than original rates. This decrease however, should not affect the Partnership's ability to meet its future cash requirements. To the extent that future cash flows should be insufficient to meet the Partnership's operating expenses and liabilities, additional funds could be obtained through the sale of equipment, or a reduction in the rate of cash distributions. Future rental revenues from operating leases amount to $97,567 and are to be received over the next two years (see note 6 to the financial statements).
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership's investing activities resulted in equipment sales with a depreciated cost basis of $5,081, generating $17,298 in sales proceeds. The Partnership has no material capital expenditure commitments, and will not purchase equipment in the future as the Partnership has reached the end of its reinvestment period.
Cash distributions paid in the first quarter of 1997 are currently at an annual level of 2% per Limited Partnership Unit, or $10.00 per Limited Partnership Unit. During 1996, the Partnership distributed or declared a total of $11.25 per Limited Partnership Unit, of which $8.36 per Unit represents income and $2.89 per Unit represents a return of capital. For the quarter ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership declared a cash distribution of $64,167, of which $3,209 was allocated to the General Partner and $60,958 was allocated to the Limited Partners. The distribution made on February 15, 1997. The Partnership expects to continue paying at or near this level. The effects of inflation have not been significant to the Partnership and are not expected to have a material impact in future periods.
Item 8.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Independent Auditors' Report
To the Partners of Columbia Lease Income Fund A L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Columbia Lease Income Fund A L.P. (a Delaware Limited Partnership) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of operations, partners' equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the accompanying financial statement schedule II for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements and this financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and this financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Columbia Lease Income Fund A L.P. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Boston, Massachusetts March 21, 1997
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Balance Sheets December 31, 1996 and 1995
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Statements of Operations For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Statements of Partners' Equity For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(1) Organization
Columbia Lease Income Fund A L.P. (the "Partnership") was formed under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act on August 13, 1984. The purpose of the Partnership is to acquire certain types and kinds of new and used equipment which are leased to third parties. The Partnership has the right to borrow up to 80% of the aggregate purchase price of all equipment acquired, but anticipates borrowing no more than 50%. The Partnership agreement provides for the Partnership to continue until December 31, 2010, although the General Partner may cause the Partnership to dispose of all of the equipment and to liquidate at any time after the Partnership's tenth year of operations.
At December 31, 1996, TLP-Columbia Management Corporation ("TCMC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TLP Leasing Programs, Inc. ("TLP"), is the sole General Partner of the Partnership. TCMC was admitted as a co-General Partner of the Partnership on June 30, 1993 and has exercised control over the Partnership since that date. Pursuant to TCMC's admission, Meridian-Columbia Management Corporation ("Meridian-CMC") voluntarily withdrew as co-General Partner of the Partnership, effective November 30, 1993. TM-Columbia Management Corporation ("TMC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomson McKinnon Inc. ("TMI"), was a General Partner from August 13, 1984 until October 14, 1990 when TMC voluntarily withdrew from the Partnership. Meridian-CMC was admitted as a General Partner of the Partnership on November 2, 1989.
The General Partner has contributed $1,000 to the Partnership. The subscription period for the Partnership commenced on October 26, 1984 and terminated on February 4, 1985. Admissions of Limited Partners occurred as follows:
(2) Significant Accounting Policies
General
The Partnership's records are maintained on a accrual basis of accounting so that revenues are recognized as earned and expenses are recognized as incurred. Assets and liabilities are those of the Partnership and do not include any assets and liabilities of the individual partners. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 those estimates.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Partnership considers cash and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The financial statements include allowances for estimated losses on receivable balances. The allowances for doubtful accounts are based on past write off experience and an evaluation of potential uncollectible accounts within the current receivable balances. Receivable balances which are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the allowance for doubtful accounts included in rents receivable was $5,284 and $2,426, respectively, and $0 and $60,000 in accounts receivable - affiliates, respectively.
Income Taxes
No provision for federal income taxes has been made as the liability for such taxes is that of the Partners rather than that of the Partnership. Taxable income (loss), as reported on Schedule K-1, Form 1065 "Partner's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc.", was $158,914, $(80,035), and $211,399 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively (see note 10).
Equipment on Operating Leases
The Partnership has determined that all of its equipment leases are properly classified as operating leases. Under the operating method of accounting for leases, the leased equipment is recorded as an asset at cost including acquisition fees and other expenses related to the purchase of equipment. Equipment placed in service prior to January 1, 1990 is depreciated on a straight-line basis over five years to its estimated salvage value. Equipment placed in service after January 1, 1990 and prior to July 1, 1993 is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease to its estimated residual value at the end of the lease. Equipment placed in service on or after July 1, 1993 is depreciated using an accelerated method over an economic life of five years. The effect of this change in depreciation method is not material to the 1993 financial statements. The Partnership's policy is to periodically review the estimated fair market value of its equipment to assess the recoverability of its undepreciated cost. In accordance with this policy, the Partnership records a charge to depreciation expense in instances when the net book value of equipment exceeds its net realizable value. Rental income is determined on the basis of rental payments due under the terms of the lease.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Notes to Financial Statements
(3) Investment Property
At December 31, 1996, the Partnership owned computer equipment with a depreciated cost basis of $76,150, subject to existing leases. All purchases of computer equipment are subject to a 2.5% acquisition fee paid to the General Partner.
(4) Conflicts of Interest and Related Party Transactions
Compensation to General Partner
The General Partner has ultimate responsibility for the management of the Partnership's business. Such management includes the acquisition, lease, re-lease and sale of Partnership equipment, the responsibility to arrange for non-recourse debt financing for Partnership equipment, and the performance of general administration and accounting activities.
The General Partner is entitled to receive (1) acquisition fees of 2.5% of the purchase price paid by the Partnership for each item of equipment acquired; (2) equipment management fees of up to 6% of gross rental payments received with respect to the Partnership's equipment, except for equipment subject to certain leases referred to in the Partnership agreement as "Full Payout Leases", for which the equipment management fee shall not exceed 2% of the gross rental payments; and (3) subordinated resale fees not to exceed 3% of the proceeds derived from the sale of Partnership equipment. The General Partner and its affiliates may also receive reimbursement for the administrative services necessary for the prudent operation of the Partnership, subject to certain limitations.
Fees, commissions and other expenses paid or accrued by the Partnership to the General Partner or affiliates of the General Partner for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are as follows:
The management agreement signed in 1993 between Meridian-CMC and TCMC and the Agreement Relating to the Admission of TCMC as an Additional General Partner of Certain Limited Partnerships dated June 30, 1993 resulted in definitive sharing arrangements between Meridian-CMC and TCMC related to acquisition fees, equipment management fees, resale fees and General Partner distributions. These sharing agreements remain unaffected by Meridian-CMC's withdrawal as a General Partner of the Partnership.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Notes to Financial Statements
Under the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the General Partner is entitled to an equipment acquisition fee of 2.5% of the purchase price paid by the Partnership for the equipment. The General Partner is also entitled to a management fee equal to 6% of the monthly rental billings, paid quarterly. In addition, the Partnership reimburses the General Partner and its affiliates for certain expenses incurred by them in connection with the operation of the Partnership.
Compensation to Suppliers
The General Partner has contracted with several independent leasing companies (collectively, the "Suppliers") which perform most of the marketing and financing activities. Agreements with Suppliers provide for compensation to each Supplier in amounts which are deducted from the above corresponding compensation payable by the Partnership to the General Partner.
Conflicts of Interest
The General Partner, the Suppliers and their affiliates are engaged directly and indirectly in the business of acquiring, leasing, re-leasing and selling equipment and have formed or sponsored or are acting as the general partner of, and in the future may form or sponsor or act as the general partner of, other investment entities which may have the same or similar investment objectives.
(5) Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases
There are no future minimum lease payments outstanding as of December 31, 1996 as all of the remaining direct financing leases expired during 1995.
(6) Equipment on Operating Leases
Equipment on operating leases is comprised primarily of computer peripheral devices, small data processing systems/attachments and computer terminals purchased from Suppliers.
Future minimum lease payments to be received as of December 31, 1996 under existing noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
1997 $ 97,492 1998 75 --------------
$ 97,567 ==============
Three lessees, Eaton Corporation, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Sports & Recreation, Incorporated, lease equipment in which the related rental payments exceed 10% of total rental income. The related rental payments comprise 29.01%, 18.92% and 35.92%, respectively, of the total rental income for the year ended December 31, 1996. Eaton Corporation, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Sports & Recreation, Incorporated lease equipment comprising 52.06%, 12.77% and 23.00%, respectively, of the total equipment portfolio at December 31, 1996.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Notes to Financial Statements
(7) Distributions to Partners
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, declaration of Distributable Cash were as follows:
Each distribution of Distributable Cash From Operations of the Partnership shall be allocated 95% to the Limited Partners and 5% to the General Partner. Any Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings from gains and losses shall be allocated 99% to the Limited Partners and 1% to the General Partner until "Payout" has occurred. "Payout" means the time when the aggregate amount of all distributions to the Limited Partners of Distributable Cash From Operations and of Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings equals the aggregate amount of the Limited Partners' original invested capital plus a cumulative 8% annual return (compounded daily) on their aggregate unreturned capital contributions invested capital (calculated from the beginning of the first full fiscal quarter following the Partnership's closing date). Thereafter, 85% will be distributed to the Limited Partners and 15% to the General Partner, subject to certain adjustments. Including the distribution for the fourth quarter of 1996 made February 15, 1997, the cumulative distributions to date are $597.74 per Unit. This cumulative distribution per Unit amount represents 59.47% of Payout. It is not anticipated that Payout will occur as of the liquidation of this Partnership. Distributions to partners in excess of net income represent a return of capital. See note 9 regarding General Partner distributions which have been returned to the Partnership during the current and prior years.
(8) Net Income or Loss per Unit
Net income for financial reporting purposes is allocated to partners in the same proportions as Distributable Cash From Operations is distributed to partners. Net loss for financial reporting purposes is allocated to partners in the same proportions as Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings to partners. Net income or loss per Unit is calculated based on the Limited Partners' share of net income or loss and the number of Units outstanding.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Notes to Financial Statements
(9) Reallocation of Capital Accounts
Under the terms of the Partnership agreement, the amount of deficit capital account that any General Partner can be required to fund upon termination of the Partnership is limited to a percentage of the capital contributed by the Limited Partners (the "Maximum Deficit"). Consequently, the General Partner's equity has been adjusted to reflect this limitation, with a corresponding adjustment to the Limited Partners' equity. TMC and Meridian-CMC agreed that once they collectively received $500,000 of General Partner distributions from the Partnership and the Other CLIF Partnerships subsequent to October 24, 1989, they would return their distributions to the Partnership until the Maximum Deficit had been eliminated. TMC and Meridian-CMC received a total of $500,000 via the May 15, 1991 distribution.
To the extent that the General Partner's distributions less its allocation of net income or loss has exceeded or does in the future exceed the Maximum Deficit, a memo account will be created for this excess. If, in the future, net income allocated to the General Partner exceeds distributions, this excess will be credited to the Limited Partners until the memo account has been reduced to zero.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Notes to Financial Statements
(10) Reconciliation of Financial Statement Net Income to Taxable Income (Loss) to Partners
A reconciliation of financial statement net income to taxable income (loss) to partners is as follows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:
Losses for federal tax purposes are allocated 99% to Limited Partners and 1% to the General Partner. Profits for federal tax purposes are allocated in the same manner as losses if the Partnership has cumulative taxable losses from inception and are allocated 95% to the Limited Partners and 5% to the General Partner if the Partnership has cumulative taxable profits.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Item 9.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Statement Disclosures.
None.
Part III
Item 10.

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership.
(a-b) Identification of Directors and Executive Officers
The Partnership has no Directors or Officers. As indicated in Item 1. of this report, the General Partner of the Partnership is TCMC. Under the Partnership Agreement, the General Partner is solely responsible for the operation of the Partnership's properties, and the Limited Partners have no right to participate in the control of such operations. The names and ages of the Directors and Executive Officers of the General Partner are as follows:
(c) Identification of certain significant persons
See Item 10. (a-b)
(d) Family relationship
No family relationship exists between any of the foregoing Directors or Officers.
(e) Business experience
Nicholas C. Bogard is Director of TCMC and TLP. Mr. Bogard served as President and Director of TLP from 1982 - 1992, and served as Director of CS First Boston from 1992 - 1994. He has been working as an independent consultant since 1994. Mr. Bogard holds a B.A. from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.
Arthur P. Beecher is President of TCMC and President and Director of TLP. Prior to joining TLP, he was an officer of CSA Financial Corp. of Boston, Massachusetts, most recently as Vice President, Finance and Administration since 1975. Mr. Beecher holds a B.S. from Boston University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Nancy E. Malone is Vice President, Lease Financing of TCMC and TLP. Prior to joining TLP, she was Manager, Lease Financing for 11 years at CSA Financial Corp. of Boston, Massachusetts. Ms. Malone holds a B.A. from The College of the Holy Cross.
Irene V. King is Vice President, Satellite Operations for TCMC and TLP. Prior to joining TLP in April 1994, she was Director of Public Income Funds at CSA Financial Corp. of Boston, Massachusetts and was previously Vice President of Finance at First Alliance Corp. of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Ms. King holds a B.A. from Barat College of the Sacred Heart, Lake Forest, Illinois.
James S. Felman is Clerk of TCMC and TLP. Prior to joining TLP, he was in private practice and was previously employed as a Tax Consultant with Price Waterhouse in Miami, Florida and New York, New York. Mr. Felman received his J.D. from S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo Law School, holds a B.S. in Economics and Business Management from Cornell University, and is a licensed attorney in New York and Florida.
Joseph P. Colonna is Vice President, Marketing of TCMC and TLP. Prior to joining TLP, he was Associate Counsel at CSA Financial Corp. of Boston, Massachusetts in charge of Domestic and International Leasing Transactions. He received his B.A. from Rutgers University, J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and M.S.L. from Vermont Law School.
(f) Involvement in certain legal proceedings
The Partnership is not aware of any legal proceedings against any Director or Executive Officer of the General Partner which may be important for the evaluation of any such person's ability and integrity.
Item 11.

Item 11. Management Remuneration and Transactions.
(a), (b), (c), (d), and (e): The Officers and Directors of the General Partner receive no current or proposed direct remuneration in such capacities, pursuant to any standard arrangements or otherwise, from the Partnership. In addition, the Partnership has not paid and does not propose to pay any options, warrants or rights to the Officers and Directors of the General Partner. There exists no remuneration plan or arrangement with any Officer or Director of the General Partner resulting from the resignation, retirement or any other termination. See note 4 to the financial statements included in Item 8. of this report for a description of the remuneration paid by the Partnership to the General Partner and its affiliates during 1996, 1995 and 1994.
Item 12.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Owners and Management.
By virtue of its organization as a Limited Partnership, the Partnership has no outstanding securities possessing traditional voting rights. However, as provided for in Section 13.2 of the Amended Agreement of Limited Partnership (subject to Section 13.3), a majority interest of the Limited Partners have voting rights with respect to:
1. Amendment of the Limited Partnership Agreement;
2. Termination of the Partnership;
3. Removal of the General Partner; and
4. Approval or disapproval of the sale of substantially all the assets of the Partnership.
No person or group is known by the General Partner to own beneficially more than 5% of the Partnership's 24,383 outstanding Limited Partnership Units as of December 31, 1996.
By virtue of its organization as a Limited Partnership, the Partnership has no Officers or Directors. See also note 1 to the financial statements included in Item 8. and Item 10. of this report.
Item 13.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
See Items 1., 8. note (4). above for information concerning transactions with TCMC and Meridian-CMC and their affiliates.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
COLUMBIA LEASE INCOME FUND A L.P. (Registrant)
By: TLP COLUMBIA MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, its General Partner
Date: March 27, 1997
By: Arthur P. Beecher, President