UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

for the quarterly period ended November 24, 2012

OR

 

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

for the transition period from_____________ to _____________

 

Commission File Number 1-8546

 

TRINITY PLACE HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

DELAWARE   22-2465228
(State or Other Jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)    

 

One Syms Way, Secaucus, New Jersey   07094
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (201) 902-9600

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes þ           No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

Yes þ           No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.     (Check One):

 

Large Accelerated Filer ¨ Accelerated Filer þ   Non-Accelerated Filer ¨ Smaller Reporting Company ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes ¨           No þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

 

Yes þ           No ¨

 

At December 24, 2012, there were 16,630,554 shares outstanding of Common Stock of Trinity Place Holdings Inc., par value $0.01 per share.

 

 
 

 

INDEX

 

    PAGE NO.
     
PART I. Financial Information  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements  
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the period February 25, 2012 to November 24, 2012 (Liquidation Basis) 1
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Net Assets as of November 24, 2012 and February 25, 2012 (Liquidation Basis) 2
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Nine and Thirty-Five Week Periods Ended October 29, 2011 (Going Concern Basis) 3
     
  Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the Thirty-Five Week Period Ended October 29, 2011 (Going Concern Basis) 4
     
  Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 5
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 13
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 16
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 16
     
PART II. Other Information 17
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 17
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 17
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 17
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 17
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 17
     
Item 5. Other Information 17
     
Item 6. Exhibits 17
     
SIGNATURES   18

 

Exhibit 31.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 
 

 

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements

  

TRINITY PLACE HOLDINGS INC. (f/k/a SYMS CORP.)

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE

PERIOD FEBRUARY 25, 2012 TO NOVEMBER 24, 2012 (LIQUIDATION BASIS) (UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands)

 

Net Assets (liquidation basis) at February 25, 2012 available to common shareholders  $21,183 
      
Adjustment to fair value of assets and liabilities   621 
Adjustment to accrued costs of liquidation   (5,018)
Subtotal   (4,397)
      
Net Assets (liquidation basis) as of May 26, 2012 available to common shareholders   16,786 
      
Adjustment to fair value of assets and liabilities   1,792 
Adjustment to accrued costs of liquidation   (5,016)
Subtotal   (3,224)
      
Net Assets (liquidation basis) as of August 25, 2012 available to common shareholders   13,562 
      
Adjustment to fair value of assets and liabilities   4,228 
Adjustment to accrued costs of liquidation   (23,478)
Sale of common stock pursuant to rights offering   25,002 
Subtotal   5,752 
      
Net Assets (liquidation basis) as of November 24, 2012 available to common shareholders  $19,314 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

1
 

 

TRINITY PLACE HOLDINGS INC. (f/k/a SYMS CORP.)

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS

AS OF NOVEMBER 24, 2012 AND FEBRUARY 25, 2012 (LIQUIDATION BASIS)

 

(in thousands)

 

   November 24,   February 25, 
   2012   2012 
   (Unaudited)   (Note) 
         
ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents  $17,655   $26,304 
Receivables   1,200    2,716 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   6,295    9,533 
Owned real estate, including air rights   144,689    139,631 
           
TOTAL ASSETS  $169,839   $178,184 
           
LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable  $22,364   $30,556 
Accrued expenses   28,288    32,975 
Accrued liquidation costs   34,579    32,316 
Other liabilities, primarily lease settlement costs   42,895    56,547 
Obligation to former majority shareholder   17,792    - 
Obligations to customers   4,607    4,607 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES   150,525    157,001 
           
Net assets (liquidation basis - available to common shareholders)  $19,314   $21,183 

 

Note: The consolidated condensed statement of net assets at February 25, 2012 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

 

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

2
 

 

TRINITY PLACE HOLDINGS INC. (f/k/a SYMS CORP.)

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE AND THIRTY-FIVE WEEK PERIODS ENDED OCTOBER 29, 2011 (GOING CONCERN BASIS)

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   For the   For the 
   Nine Weeks   Thirty-Five Weeks 
   Ended   Ended 
   October 29, 2011   October 29, 2011 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
         
Net sales  $66,540   $258,214 
Cost of goods sold   42,797    158,029 
Gross profit   23,743    100,185 
           
Expenses:          
Selling, general and administrative   21,790    76,081 
Advertising   462    2,476 
Occupancy, net   9,788    43,120 
Depreciation and amortization   2,527    9,819 
Other expense   3,315    4,815 
Gain on disposition of assets   (1,488)   (7,565)
           
Total operating expenses   36,394    128,746 
           
Loss from operations   (12,651)   (28,561)
           
Interest expense, net   282    1,062 
           
Loss before income taxes   (12,933)   (29,623)
           
Income tax expense   53,022    46,404 
           
Net loss  $(65,955)  $(76,027)
           
Net loss per share - basic and diluted  $(4.56)  $(5.26)
           
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted   14,448    14,448 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

3
 

 

TRINITY PLACE HOLDINGS INC. (f/k/a SYMS CORP.)

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THIRTY-FIVE WEEK PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 29, 2011 (GOING CONCERN BASIS)

 

(in thousands)

 

   For the Thirty-Five 
   Weeks Ended 
   October 29, 2011 
     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES     
Net loss  $(76,027)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities     
Depreciation and amortization   9,819 
Deferred income taxes   46,266 
Gain on disposition of assets   (7,565)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:     
Receivables   (618)
Merchandise inventories   15,938 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   4,332 
Other assets   (838)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:     
Accounts payable   (6,359)
Accrued expenses   3,342 
Other long term liabilities   1,830 
Obligations to customers   (127)
Net cash used in operating activities   (10,007)
      
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:     
Expenditures for property and equipment   (1,154)
Proceeds from sale of land, building and other assets   22,023 
Net cash provided by investing activities   20,869 
      
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:     
Borrowings/repayment on revolving credit facility (net)   (10,885)
Net cash used in financing activities   (10,885)
      
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (23)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   2,298 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD  $2,275 
      
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:     
      
Cash paid during the period for:     
      
Interest  $1,228 
      
Income taxes (net of refunds)  $(119)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

4
 

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 

 

Note 1 – The Company

 

As further described below, the predecessor to Trinity Place Holdings Inc. (“Trinity” or the “Company”), Syms Corp. (“Syms”), together with its subsidiaries, filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (“Bankruptcy Code” or “Chapter 11”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”). On August 30, 2012, the Court entered an order confirming the Modified Second Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Syms Corp. and Its Subsidiaries (the “Plan”). On September 14, 2012, the Plan became effective and Syms and its subsidiaries consummated their reorganization under Chapter 11 through a series of transactions contemplated by the Plan and emerged from bankruptcy. As part of those transactions, reorganized Syms merged with and into Trinity, with Trinity as the surviving corporation and successor issuer pursuant to Rule 12g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).

 

Overview. Prior to filing for bankruptcy, Syms and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Filene’s Basement, LLC (“Filene’s,” “Filene’s, LLC” or “Filene’s Basement”), collectively owned and operated a chain of 46 “off-price” retail stores under the “Syms” name (which were owned and operated by Syms) and “Filene’s Basement” name (which were owned and operated by Filene’s, LLC). The stores were located in the United States throughout the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions and in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Each Syms and Filene’s Basement store offered a broad range of first quality, in-season merchandise, bearing nationally recognized designer or brand-name labels for men, women and children at prices substantially lower than those generally found in department and specialty stores. On June 18, 2009, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SYL, LLC, which became known as Filene’s Basement, LLC, acquired certain real property leases, inventory, equipment and other assets of Filene’s Basement Inc. (“Filene’s Inc.” or “Filene’s Basement Inc.”), then a Chapter 11 debtor-in-possession operating a retail clothing chain, pursuant to an auction conducted in accordance with section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. As a result, Filene’s, LLC thereafter operated 21 Filene’s Basement stores then located in the Northeastern, Middle Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions until Filene’s, LLC itself became a Chapter 11 debtor, along with Syms, and discontinued its retail operations on or about December 31, 2011. In addition, Syms owned and operated five co-branded Syms/Filene’s Basement stores. Syms and Filene’s, LLC operated in a single operating segment – the “off-price” retail stores segment.

 

The discussion below is herein presented on a consolidated basis and includes information regarding the Company and Filene’s, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary.

 

Chapter 11 Cases. Syms and its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 in the Court on November 2, 2011 and were operating as “debtors-in-possession” through September 14, 2012, at which time the Plan became effective and reorganized Syms merged with and into Trinity. The following discussion provides general background information regarding the Chapter 11 cases as relevant to the consolidated condensed financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and is not intended to be an exhaustive summary. Additional information, including access to Court documents and other general information about the Chapter 11 cases, is available online at www.kccllc.net/filenes. Financial information available on that website generally is prepared according to requirements of federal bankruptcy law. While such financial information accurately reflects information required under federal bankruptcy law, such information may be unconsolidated, unaudited, and prepared in a format different from that used in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and filed under the U.S. securities laws. Moreover, the materials filed with the Court were not prepared for the purpose of providing a basis for an investment decision or for comparison with other financial information filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

Commencement of Cases

 

On November 2, 2011 (the “Petition Date”), Syms and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Chapter 11 Filings”). The Court jointly administered these cases as “In re: Filene’s Basement, L.L.C., et al, Case No. 11-13511 (KJC).”

 

5
 

  

Certain Court Orders

 

On the Petition Date, the Debtors filed various motions with the Court requesting permission to continue operating various aspects of their business as the Debtors wound down their retail operations. The Debtors were granted authority to continue honoring their obligations to their employees and customers; to continue paying their tax obligations in the ordinary course; and to continue operating their existing cash management system in the ordinary course.

 

The Office of the United States Trustee thereafter appointed two statutory committees in these Chapter 11 cases (together, the “Committees”): an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Creditors Committee”), charged with a fiduciary duty to represent the interests of the Debtors’ unsecured creditors, and an Official Committee of Syms’ Equity Security Holders (the “Equity Committee”), charged with a fiduciary duty to represent the interests of Syms’ shareholders.

 

Activity During the Chapter 11 Cases

 

Store Closing Sales. Immediately upon filing their Chapter 11 petitions, the Debtors sought Court approval to conduct going-out-of-business sales with the assistance of a liquidation agent. On November 16, 2011, the Court entered an order that authorized the Debtors to enter into an agency agreement with a joint venture between Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC and Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC as liquidation agent to commence the store closing sales at the Debtors’ then remaining 41 store locations. The Court further authorized the Debtors to assume an agency agreement that they had entered into prior to filing the Chapter 11 cases with respect to five Filene’s Basement retail locations and to continue store closing sales that had been commenced at those locations.

 

The commencement of the Chapter 11 cases and the store closing sales were timed to coincide with the holiday shopping season so that the Debtors could have the benefit of, among other things, the “Black Friday” shopping weekend after the Thanksgiving holiday. The Debtors sold virtually all their inventory and much of their furniture, fixtures and equipment during the store closing process. The sales concluded across their various locations in the last days of December 2011. On or about December 31, 2011, the Debtors had ceased retail operations at all of their stores and vacated all their leased retail store and distribution center locations.

 

Leased Real Estate Matters. As of the Petition Date, the Debtors were lessees under thirty-five commercial real estate leases. The Debtors, with the assistance of the Committees, developed a process for marketing those leases in an effort to sell them or to terminate one or more of them with the agreement of their landlords in order to minimize costs and claims under such leases. On December 16, 2011, the Court entered an order that approved the Debtors’ proposed procedures for the disposition of their leases. Hilco Real Estate, LLC was retained to assist the Debtors, and conducted an extensive lease marketing process.

 

The marketing process resulted in the sale of the Debtors’ interest in, or consensual termination of, certain of the Debtors’ leases. The Debtors rejected several other leases effective as of December 31, 2011. Under the Bankruptcy Code, when a debtor rejects a real estate lease, the rejection is considered a breach that gives rise to a claim for breach by the landlord against the debtor. However, the Bankruptcy Code imposes certain caps on the maximum amount of breach claims that a landlord may assert.

 

Treatment of Prepetition Claims. Under section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, actions to collect most of a debtor’s prepetition liabilities, including payments owing to vendors in respect of goods furnished and services provided prior to the petition date, are automatically stayed, and other prepetition contractual obligations of the debtor generally may not be enforced. 

 

The stay of proceedings provisions of section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code also apply to actions to collect prepetition indebtedness or to exercise control over the property of the debtor’s estate. Claims against the Debtors’ were subject to compromise and will be treated in accordance with the Plan, as described below.

 

Contract Rejection and Assumption Process. Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code permits a debtor to assume, assume and assign, or reject certain prepetition executory contracts subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court and certain other conditions. Rejection constitutes a court-authorized breach of the contract in question and, subject to certain exceptions, relieves the debtor of its future obligations under such contract but creates a deemed prepetition claim for damages caused by such breach or rejection. Parties whose contracts are rejected may file claims against the rejecting debtor for damages. Generally, the assumption, or assumption and assignment, of an executory contract requires the debtor to cure all prior defaults under such executory contract and to provide adequate assurance of future performance. In this regard, the Company expects that additional liabilities subject to compromise and resolution in the Chapter 11 cases may arise as a result of damage claims created by the Debtors’ rejection of executory contracts. Conversely, the Company would expect that the assumption of certain executory contracts may convert existing liabilities shown as subject to compromise to liabilities not subject to compromise in future financial statements. Due to the uncertain nature of many of the potential claims, the Company is unable to project the magnitude of such claims with any degree of certainty at this time.

 

Costs. The Debtors incurred significant costs associated with the reorganization for professional fees for advisors to the Debtors, and to other stakeholders in the Chapter 11 cases.

 

6
 

 

Case Resolution

 

Chapter 11 Plan. The Plan, which was co-proposed by the Debtors and the Equity Committee (together, the “Plan Proponents”), was filed with the Court on May 24, 2012. The Plan was subsequently amended, concluding on July 27, 2012 with the support of the Creditors Committee. The Plan sets forth the manner in which claims against and equity interests in the Debtors are to be treated following the conclusion of the Chapter 11 cases. On August 30, 2012, the Court entered an order confirming the Plan, and the Plan became effective on September 14, 2012.

 

Upon the effective date of the Plan and pursuant to its terms, Syms and its subsidiaries were reorganized and, subject to the obligations under the Plan, were discharged of all claims. To effect the reorganization, Syms was reincorporated in Delaware by way of a merger with and into Trinity. As a result of the merger, each share of Syms was converted into one share of Trinity. Under the Plan, Trinity will attempt to monetize its real estate assets over time in a manner intended to maximize their value for the benefit of creditors and shareholders, as further described below. Under the Plan, Syms creditors holding allowed claims are entitled to payment of those claims in full. The Plan also provides for Filene’s, LLC creditors to receive recoveries from the monetization of certain of Trinity’s assets. Filene’s, LLC short-term creditors are entitled to payment in full on their allowed claims and Filene’s, LLC long-term creditors with allowed claims are entitled to a recovery of 75% on their claims.

 

The Company continues to make progress in the reconciliation and settlement of various classes of claims associated with the discharge of liabilities subject to compromise pursuant to the Plan. Immediately following emergence from Chapter 11, the Company paid approximately $9.7 million in allowed administrative claims and has since paid approximately $8.6 million more through November 24, 2012 and $7.8 million more through December 28, 2012. As of January 5, 2013, the Company has in reserve approximately $5.4 million for other administrative claims, including any unpaid professional fees. Due to the significant number of claims filed, it is premature to estimate with any degree of accuracy the ultimate allowed amount of claims under the Plan. The claims reconciliation process may result in material adjustments to current estimates of allowable claims.

 

If the Syms and Filene's convenience class claims and the Syms general unsecured claims (as described in the Plan) are not paid in full under the Plan by October 1, 2013, with the full amount per the Plan subject to change, then the director designated by the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to direct the sale process for any "near term properties" (as defined in the Plan) that remain unsold, if any, pursuant to a commercially reasonable process consistent with maximizing the value of those properties. 

 

If the Filene's general unsecured claims (as described in the Plan) are not paid in full under the Plan by October 1, 2014, with the full amount per the Plan subject to change, then, subject to the extension of that date to April 1, 2015 under certain circumstances, the director designated by the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to direct the sale process for any "near term properties" or “medium term properties (as defined in the Plan) that remain unsold, if any, pursuant to a commercially reasonable process consistent with maximizing the value of those properties.

 

Trinity’s current business plan includes the sale of 15 of its commercial real estate properties existing as of September 14, 2012, three of which were sold or leased since then, and the sale or development of 28-42 Trinity Place in Lower Manhattan. Trinity also plans to explore the licensing of its intellectual property, including its rights to the Filene’s Basement trademark, the Stanley Blacker and Maine Bay brands, and the intellectual property associated with the well-known Running of the Brides event and An Educated Consumer is Our Best Customer slogan. The Company is currently evaluating various strategic alternatives related to its 28-42 Trinity Place property. To date no specific course of action has been determined. As a result, there remains a range of estimated values that may be realized for 28-42 Trinity Place under the various sale or development alternatives. However, until such time as a more definitive strategy for this property has been determined, management believes it is appropriate to leave the carrying value at the estimated realizable value based on the assumptions that were used prior to the approval of the Plan. At the time a more definitive strategy is determined, the Company will adjust the carry value of the property to be consistent with assumptions that correspond to that strategy, a process that may lead to an increase in the recorded value for the property.

 

Rights Offering and Redemption. In connection with proposal of the Plan, Syms entered into an Equity Commitment Agreement (the “ECA”) among (i) Syms, (ii) Marcy Syms, (iii) the Laura Merns Living Trust, (iv) the Marcy Syms Revocable Living Trust, as amended (the “Marcy Syms Trust” and, together with Marcy Syms and the Laura Merns Living Trust, the “Majority Shareholder”) and (v) the certain specified members of the Equity Committee and their affiliates (the “Backstop Parties”). The ECA provided that, pursuant to and upon the effective date of the Plan, the former Majority Shareholder would sell all of its shares of Syms common stock to Syms at a price of $2.49 per share. Accordingly, on September 14, 2012, immediately following the effectiveness of the Plan, the former Majority Shareholder sold all of its 7,857,794 shares of common stock to Syms. Payment for the shares will be made to the former Majority Shareholder in accordance with the Plan as Trinity’s real estate assets are monetized. The amount due the former Majority Shareholder is included as a liability on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Net Assets as of November 24, 2012.

 

Under the terms of the Plan, the Company is restricted from paying any distributions, dividends or redemptions until after the former Majority Shareholder payments are made in full. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides for a share of Series B Preferred Stock owned by the former Majority Shareholder and entitling the former Majority Shareholder to control a majority of the Board of Directors if the former Majority Shareholder Payments are not made by October 16, 2016, so long as the General Unsecured Claim Satisfaction has occurred.

 

In connection with the ECA and pursuant to the Plan, Syms offered to sell to existing shareholders other than the former Majority Shareholder, who qualified as “accredited investors” within the meaning of Regulation D under the Exchange Act, the right to purchase 10,040,160 new shares of Syms at a price equal to $2.49 per share, or approximately $25 million in the aggregate (the “Rights Offering”). Pursuant to the ECA, the Backstop Parties agreed to purchase each of their pro rata share of the new shares made available in the Rights Offering, as well as new shares that were not subscribed for by other shareholders in the Rights Offering. Accordingly, on September 14, 2012, immediately following the effectiveness of the Plan, Syms sold the 10,040,160 shares of common stock pursuant to the Rights Offering.

 

The foregoing descriptions of certain transactions contemplated by the ECA and the Plan are summaries only and do not purport to be complete and are qualified, in all respects, by the actual provisions of the ECA, the Plan and related documents.

 

General Information about Syms and Trinity. Syms was incorporated in New Jersey in 1983. Trinity was incorporated in Delaware immediately prior to the effective date of the Plan. Syms maintained its headquarters at One Syms Way, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, and the telephone number was (201) 902-9600. Trinity is now using the same headquarters and telephone number.

 

Unless otherwise noted, and notwithstanding that Syms merged into Trinity on September 14, 2012, references to the “Company”, “we” or “our” relate to Syms prior to the merger and to Trinity following the merger. In each case, such references also include Filene’s, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of each of Syms and Trinity. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of February each year.

 

7
 

 

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Going Concern Basis of Accounting

 

The consolidated condensed financial statements for the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011 were prepared on the going concern basis of accounting, which contemplated realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the accompanying Statements of Operations for the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011 and Statement of Cash Flows for the thirty-five week period ended October 29, 2011 contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present a fair statement of interim results.

 

Liquidation Basis of Accounting

 

The liquidation basis of accounting is appropriate when the liquidation of a company appears imminent and the net realizable value of its assets is reasonably determinable. Under this basis of accounting, assets and liabilities are stated at their net realizable value and estimated costs over the anticipated period of liquidation are accrued to the extent reasonably determinable. The Plan calls for the sale of the Company’s 15 commercial real estate properties and the sale or development of 28-42 Trinity Place. Should the Company decide to develop, hold or operate 28-42 Trinity Place in a manner permitted by the Plan, the Company will evaluate at that time whether the liquidation basis of accounting remains appropriate.

 

Significant estimates and judgment are required to determine the accrued costs of liquidation. The company’s accrued costs expected to be incurred in liquidation and recorded payments made related to the accrued liquidation costs are as follows (in thousands):

 

   Balance           Balance 
   February 25,   Adjustments       November 24, 
Estimated Costs of Liquidation  2012   to Reserves   Payments   2012 
                 
Real estate related carrying costs  $7,650   $13,486   $(4,703)  $16,433 
Professional fees   22,920    13,193    (23,001)   13,112 
Payroll related costs   1,577    5,739    (2,805)   4,511 
Other   169    1,094    (740)   523 
   $32,316   $33,512   $(31,249)  $34,579 

 

The assumptions underlying the estimated accrued costs of liquidation of $34.6 million as of November 24, 2012 contemplated all changes in estimates resulting from the Plan.

 

Syms reviewed all operating expenses and contractual commitments such as payroll and related expenses, lease terminations cost, owned property carrying costs and professional fees to determine the estimated costs to be incurred during the liquidation period. The liquidation period, which was initially anticipated to conclude in August 2012, was amended to conclude in calendar year 2016 based on the Plan and current business plans. The following discussion explains the adjustments to the costs of liquidation reserves as recorded during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 24, 2012.

 

Adjustments to increase the reserve for real estate carrying costs by approximately $13.5 million were recorded during the thirty-nine week period ended November 24, 2012. The adjustments were mainly the result of estimated expenses for the longer liquidation period contemplated under the Plan. The estimates assume that 12 of the Company’s properties will be sold or monetized by September 2013, another three of its properties will be sold or monetized by September 2014, and the 28-42 Trinity Place location will be sold by the end of 2016.

  

Adjustments to increase the reserve for professional fees by approximately $13.2 million were recorded during the thirty-nine week period ended November 24, 2012. The majority of the increase reflects the costs of professionals for the new liquidation period that is estimated to run through the end of 2016. This also reflects increased costs due to the complexities of litigating the estate as well as the unplanned hiring of a fee examiner during the pre-emergence time period.

 

Adjustments to increase the reserve for payroll and related liquidation expenses by approximately $5.7 million were recorded during the thirty-nine week period ended November 24, 2012 primarily as a result of extending the expected liquidation period to conclude in calendar year 2016.

 

8
 

 

Adjustments to Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

 

The following table summarizes adjustments to the fair value of assets and liabilities under the liquidation basis of accounting during the thirty-nine week period ended November 24, 2012 (in thousands):

 

Adjustments of Assets and Liabilities to Net Realizable Value  February 26, 2012 through
November 24, 2012
 
     
Adjust real estate to estimated net realizable value  $12,998 
Adjust other assets to estimated net realizable value   312 
Adjust estimated lease settlement costs to net realizable value   13,621 
Adjust liability to restore properties   311 
Adjust obligation to former majority shareholder   (19,566)
Adjust other claims to net realizable value   (1,035)
   $6,641

 

 

Real estate - The net realizable value of real estate assets was adjusted upward in the aggregate by approximately $13.0 million to reflect the revised estimates of management and third party real estate experts as of November 24, 2012. The basis for determining the estimated net realizable values took into consideration many factors which are difficult to predict, including but not limited to local market conditions, vacancy rates, redevelopment opportunities, investor types/profiles, and anticipated timing of sale transactions. Based on management’s weighting of the likelihood of each alternative being achieved, an estimated net realizable value of $144.7 million is recorded. While this amount represents management’s best estimate at the time of finalizing the accompanying statement of net assets, the amount ultimately realized in the sale of the real estate could materially differ from this estimate. The Company is currently evaluating various strategic alternatives related to its 28-42 Trinity Place property. To date no specific course of action has been determined. As a result, there remains a range of estimated values that may be realized for 28-42 Trinity Place under the various sale or development alternatives. However, until such time as a more definitive strategy for this property has been determined, management believes it is appropriate to leave the carrying value at the estimated realizable value based on the assumptions that were used prior to the approval of the Plan. At the time a more definitive strategy is determined, the Company will adjust the carry value of the property to be consistent with assumptions that correspond to that strategy, a process that may lead to an increase in the recorded value for the property.

 

Lease settlement costs - Lease settlement costs have decreased by $13.6 million due to adjustments from 23 locations. These reductions were mainly the result of the Plan and its effective date of September 14, 2012, in which the Plan stipulated that the long-term Filene’s, LLC general unsecured creditors with allowed claims are entitled to a recovery of 75% on their claims.

 

Liability to restore properties - The Houston, Texas property was sold in November 2012 and the previously recorded liability to repair the roof was assumed by the acquirer of the property, thus the Company reversed the liability upon the consummation of the sale.

 

Obligation to Former Majority Shareholder – This represents the recording of the settlement with the former Majority Shareholder during the thirteen weeks ended November 24, 2012. On September 14, 2012, immediately following the effectiveness of the Plan, the former Majority Shareholder sold all of its 7,857,794 shares of common stock to Syms at $2.49 per share. Payment for the shares will be made to the former Majority Shareholder in accordance with the Plan as Trinity’s real estate assets are monetized. As further discussed in Note 5, $1.8 million due from the former Majority Shareholder was reclassified from other assets resulting in a net obligation to the former Majority Shareholder of $17.8 million as of November 24, 2012.

 

Other Claims – This amount mainly represents an increase in the multi-employer pension plan claim which was increased pursuant to the final Plan document.

 

Note 3 – New Accounting Pronouncements

 

There are no proposed or recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material impact on the Company.

 

Note 4 – Financial Position  

 

The Company believes that cash provided from the monetization of its real estate and intellectual property assets should provide sufficient liquidity to fund day-to-day costs. However, if the Company is unable to monetize its assets in a reasonable period of time, as outlined in the Plan, or if the Company receives substantially less than anticipated, the Company’s ability to settle its obligations in full would be in doubt, and alternative financing could be required.

 

Whether there will be any excess cash proceeds generated by the monetization of the Company’s assets is subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties. If there are any excess cash proceeds, they will be used by the Company in the manner determined by the Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that there will be any excess cash proceeds, or that if there are, that they will be distributed to shareholders.

 

Note 5 – Other Assets

 

The Company had recorded the cash surrender value of officers’ life insurance policies on the statement of net assets as part of prepaid expenses and other assets in the amounts of $1.8 million at February 25, 2012 (see Note 12). During the thirteen weeks ended November 24, 2012, as part of finalizing the Plan, the former Majority Shareholder agreed to reimburse the Company for an approximately equivalent amount and the $1.8 million was therefore recorded as an offset to the $19.6 million obligation to the former Majority Shareholder. Other assets also include trademark license intangibles, which were reduced from $1.5 million to $0.9 million during the thirteen weeks ended November 24, 2012, and security deposits with a balance of $5.3 million at November 24, 2012.

 

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Note 6 – Bank Credit Facilities   

 

On August 27, 2009, the Company entered into a secured $75 million revolving credit agreement, which was set to expire on August 27, 2012. That credit agreement, which was amended as of January 7, 2011, March 8, 2011 and June 16, 2011, was among Syms as Lead Borrower, Filene’s, LLC (together with the Lead Borrower, collectively the “Borrowers”), the guarantors named therein, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (the “Credit Agreement”). Subsequent to the Chapter 11 Filings, the Credit Agreement was paid off and terminated on November 18, 2011.

  

At November 24, 2012, the Company had no outstanding letters of credit (“LC”). At February 25, 2012 the Company had an outstanding LC of $1.1 million for a worker’s compensation and general liability insurance standby LC, and an outstanding standby LC of $0.2 million for merchandise, both of which were cash collateralized.

 

Total interest charges incurred for the nine and thirty-five week period ended October 29, 2011 were $0.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. There was no capitalized interest for nine and thirty-five week period ended October 29, 2011.

 

Note 7 – Pension Plan  

 

Syms sponsored a defined benefit pension plan for certain eligible employees not covered under a collective bargaining agreement. Participation in, and accrual of benefits under, the pension plan was frozen effective December 31, 2006. As of November 24, 2012 and February 25, 2012, the Company had a recorded liability of $7.2 million and $7.9 million, respectively, within accrued expenses which represents the estimated cost to the Company of terminating the plan in a standard termination, which would require the Company to make additional contributions to the plan so that the assets of the plan are sufficient to satisfy all benefit liabilities. The Company had contemplated other courses of action, including a distress termination, whereby the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (“PBGC”) takes over the plan. On February 27, 2012, the Company notified PBGC and other affected parties of its consideration to terminate the plan in a distress termination. However, the estimated total cost associated with a distress termination was approximately $15 million. As a result of the cost savings associated with the standard termination approach, the Company has elected not to terminate the plan in a distress termination and has formally notified the PBGC of this decision. Although the Company has accrued the liability associated with a standard termination, it has not taken any steps to commence such a termination and has made no commitment to do so by a certain date.

 

Certain employees covered by collective bargaining agreements participate in multiemployer pension plans. Syms ceased to have an obligation to contribute to these plans in 2012, thereby triggering a complete withdrawal from the plans within the meaning of section 4203 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Consequently, the Company is subject to the payment of a withdrawal liability to these pension funds. The additional costs have been estimated at approximately $6.9 million for the multiemployer pension plans. The Company had a recorded liability of $6.3 million and $6.4 million which is reflected in accrued expenses as of November 24, 2012 and February 25, 2012, respectively. The withdrawal liability is only an estimate at this time and may or may not result in higher costs when the actuarial valuation for the most recent plan year (2012) is completed.

 

In accordance with minimum funding requirements, the Company paid approximately $0.7 million to the Syms sponsored plan and approximately $0.6 million to the multiemployer plan from September 17, 2012 through November 24, 2012.

 

Note 8 – Contingencies

 

General Litigation

 

The Company is a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to its former business. Some of the actions to which the Company is a party are covered by insurance and are being defended or reimbursed by the Company’s insurance carriers.

 

Bankruptcy Case

 

As discussed in Note 1, Syms and its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 in the Court on November 2, 2011. On September 14, 2012, a plan of reorganization became effective and Syms and its subsidiaries emerged from bankruptcy, with reorganized Syms merging with and into Trinity.

 

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Note 9 – Net loss per Share

 

Basic net loss per share has been computed based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per share gives effect to the potential dilution that would have occurred if options were exercised. The following table sets forth basic and diluted average shares and the related net loss per share:

 

   For the Nine   For the Thirty-Five 
   Weeks Ended   Weeks Ended 
   October 29, 2011   October 29, 2011 
   (in thousands, except per share amounts) 
   (Unaudited) 
Basic and diluted net loss per share:        
         
Net loss  $(65,955)  $(76,027)
           
Average shares outstanding –  basic and diluted   14,448    14,448 
           
Basic and diluted net loss per share  $(4.56)  $(5.26)

 

Options to purchase 97,500 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares for the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011 because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 

Note 10 – Income Taxes

 

For the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 24, 2012, the effective income tax rate was 0% as compared to (410.0%) and (156.7%) for the nine and thirty-five week period ended October 29, 2011, respectively. The change in the rate is primarily the result of the change in the assessment of the realization of the deferred tax assets. The difference between the effective income tax rate (0%) and the Federal statutory rate (35%) for the thirty-nine week period ended November 24, 2012 is largely attributable to state taxes and valuation allowance.

 

A full valuation allowance of approximately $85.1 million was recorded as of the year ended February 25, 2012 to fully reserve the deferred tax asset balance that previously existed. An additional valuation allowance of $2.9 million was recorded in the thirty-nine week period ended November 24, 2012.

 

Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements

 

ASC Subtopic 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements. ASC 820-10 indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Prior to adopting liquidation basis accounting on October 30, 2011, Syms did not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, ASC 820-10 establishes a hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below.

 

  · Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

 

  · Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

 

  · Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

 

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In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value. Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of November 24, 2012 and February 25, 2012 (dollars in thousands): 

 

Fair Value Measurement at November 24, 2012 Using:
                 
   Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)   Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)   Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)   Total Carrying Value at November 24, 2012 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents  $17,655   $-   $-   $17,655 

 

Fair Value Measurement at February 25, 2012 Using:
                 
   Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)   Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)   Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)   Total Carrying Value at February 25, 2012 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents  $26,304   $-   $-   $26,304 
                     
Cash surrender value                    
   -  Officers Life Insurance  $-   $1,774   $-   $1,774 

 

Additionally, on a nonrecurring basis, prior to adopting liquidation basis accounting, the Company used fair value measures when analyzing asset impairment. Long-lived assets were reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair value. During the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of approximately $0.1 million related to the lease expiration of the Park Avenue, NY location. Measurements based on undiscounted cash flows are considered to be Level 3 inputs.

 

Note 12 – Related Party Transactions

  

Under the terms of the Plan, the Company is restricted from paying any distributions, dividends or redemptions until after the former Majority Shareholder payments are made in full. The Certificate of Incorporation of Trinity provides for a preferred series share, held by the former Majority Shareholder and which is pledged as security and held in escrow, entitling the former Majority Shareholder to control a majority of the Board of Directors if the former Majority Shareholder Payments are not made by October 16, 2016, provided that and conditioned upon the General Unsecured Claim Satisfaction having occurred.

 

In addition, as part of the Plan, Marcy Syms agreed to repay the Company $1,613,559 for all premiums paid by the Company on her behalf after the adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as $160,800 for the net present value of pre-Sarbanes-Oxley premiums, for a total of $1,774,359. At November 24, 2012, the value of these premiums was recorded as an offset against the payment due under the Plan to the former Majority Shareholder (i.e., Marcy Syms and her related trusts) on account of the redemption of the former Majority Shareholder’s shares of Company common stock referred to above.

 

Ms. Syms, the Company and Filene’s, LLC also entered into an agreement in connection with the Plan whereby all rights to the commercial use of the “Syms” name and to any images of Ms. Syms and her family members were assigned to Ms. Syms.

 

Note 13–Disposition of Assets and Other Expense

 

During the thirteen week period ending November 24, 2012, the Company sold its Miami, FL and Houston, TX locations, the proceeds of which exceeded the previous carrying values, and therefore were recognized as an increase to the net asset value of the Company.

 

Gain on disposition of assets for the nine week period ended October 29, 2011 was $1.5 million and was primarily from the sale and leaseback of the Tampa, FL location, partially offset by the impairment of assets for the lease expiration of the Park Avenue, NY location. The gain for the thirty-five week period ended October 29, 2011 of $7.6 million was primarily from the sale of the Syms store located in Rockville, MD and to a lesser degree the proceeds from a partial condemnation of property adjacent to the Marietta, GA store and sale of the North Randall, OH location.

 

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Note 14–Subsequent Event

 

During the month of December 2012, the Company sold its Fairfield, CT property, the building of which is 43,000 square feet, on an “as-is, where-is” basis. The lessor of the land exercised its option to terminate its leasehold interest with a payment of $5.5 million to the Company as agreed in Section 2(c) of the Revised Stipulation and Settlement Agreement by and Among the Debtors and the Lessor. The carrying value of this property as of November 24, 2012 has been adjusted to reflect the amount realized from this subsequent transaction.

 

During the month of December 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to lease its unoccupied space at its Elmsford, NY property. The carrying value of this property as of November 24, 2012 has been adjusted to reflect the amount realized from this subsequent transaction.

 

During the month of December 2012, the Company received a $0.9 million settlement on its Marietta, GA location. This was the result of the second and final payment regarding the partial condemnation of the property adjacent to the Marietta store in 2011. The financial statements as of November 24, 2012 have been adjusted to reflect the amount realized from this subsequent transaction.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report (including but not limited to factors discussed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) includes forward-looking statements (within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management of the Company. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including among others general economic and market conditions, particularly in the commercial real estate sector; possible disruptions in the Company’s information or communication systems; higher than anticipated costs; unanticipated difficulties which may arise with respect to the Company or its properties; and other factors which may be outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere described in this Quarterly Report and other reports filed with the SEC.

 

Disposition of the Syms and Filene’s Retail Businesses

 

On November 2, 2011, Syms and its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 in the Court.

 

Prior to November 2, 2011, the business operations of Syms and Filene’s, LLC consisted primarily of running retail operations. As the economy worsened, sales continued to erode and, as a result, cash flow suffered. Notwithstanding the efforts of Syms and Filene’s, significant operational losses continued to threaten the ongoing businesses. Trade vendors tightened and/or ceased credit terms. As a result, Syms and Filene’s projected that absent additional financing or measures to monetize certain assets, liquidity would cease to exist.

 

In response to the Chapter 11 Filings, Syms implemented the liquidation basis of accounting effective on October 30, 2011, which was the beginning of the fiscal month closest to the Petition Date. Net operating results from October 30, 2011 to November 1, 2011 were not material. The liquidation basis of accounting is appropriate when the liquidation of a company appears imminent and the net realizable value of its assets is reasonably determinable. Under this basis of accounting, assets and liabilities are stated at their net realizable value and estimated costs over the anticipated period of liquidation are accrued to the extent reasonably determinable.

 

The consolidated condensed financial statements for the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011 were prepared on the going concern basis of accounting, which contemplated realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the nine and thirty-five week periods ending October 29, 2011 and the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the thirty-five week period ending October 29, 2011 contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present a fair statement of interim results.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from the Company’s estimates. Such differences could be material to the financial statements.

 

Management believes that its application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required by the policies, are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are reevaluated periodically, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change.

 

Historically, management has found the application of accounting policies to be appropriate, and actual results have not differed materially from those determined using necessary estimates.

 

Liquidation Basis of Accounting

 

The liquidation basis of accounting is appropriate when the liquidation of a company appears imminent and the net realizable value of its assets is reasonably determinable. Accordingly, the Company implemented the liquidation basis of accounting effective on October 30, 2011. Under this basis of accounting, assets are stated at their net realizable value and liabilities are stated at their net settlement amount and estimated costs over the period of liquidation are accrued to the extent reasonably determinable.

  

a.Accrued Liquidation Costs - Under the liquidation basis of accounting, management is required to make significant estimates and judgments regarding the anticipated costs of liquidation. These estimates are subject to change based upon the timing of the sale of each property as compared to the forecasted timing, as well as changes in market conditions. Management reviews, on a quarterly basis, the estimated fair value of the Company’s assets and all other remaining operating expenses and contractual commitments such as payroll and related expenses, lease termination costs, professional fees, alternative minimum income taxes and other outside services to determine the estimated costs to be incurred during the liquidation period.

 

b.Pension Expense - The Company will terminate its pension plans. Under the liquidation basis of accounting, actuarial valuation analyses are prepared on an annual basis to determine the fair value, or termination value, of the plans. These valuations and the ultimate liability to settle the plans may result in adjustments driven by changes in assumptions due to market conditions

 

The Company accrued the termination value of the pension plans under the liquidation basis of accounting. The liabilities related to these pension plans will be settled at the same payout percentage as all other unsecured creditor claims.

  

c.Long-Lived Assets – Owned real estate and other long-lived assets are recorded at net realizable value based on valuations, purchase agreements and/or letters of intent from interested third parties, when available.

 

Management also identified certain critical accounting policies that applied to the Company’s financial reporting until the adoption of the liquidation basis of accounting on October 30, 2011. These policies are described below.

 

Merchandise Inventory – Merchandise inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, as determined by the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, inventory cost and the resulting gross margins were calculated by applying a cost to retail ratio between the costs of goods available for sale and the retail value of inventories. The significant estimates used were for markdowns and shrinkage.

 

Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns included current and anticipated demand, customer preferences, age of the merchandise, fashion trends and weather conditions. In addition, inventory was also evaluated against corporate pre-determined historical markdown trends. When a decision was made to permanently markdown merchandise, the resulting gross margin reduction was recognized in the period the markdown was recorded. The timing of the decision, particularly surrounding the balance sheet date, could have had a significant effect on the results of operations.

 

Shrinkage was estimated as a percentage of sales for the period from the date of the last physical inventory to the end of the fiscal year. Physical inventories were taken at least annually for all stores and inventory records were adjusted accordingly. The shrinkage rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, was used as the standard for the shrinkage accrual following the physical inventory.

 

The Company found the use of these estimates to be appropriate and actual results did not differ materially.

 

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Long-Lived Assets - In evaluating and measuring an impairment loss, the Company considered individual retail locations to be the appropriate asset group, since the store level was the lowest level at which identifiable cash flows were independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.

 

The Company evaluated long-lived assets for impairment at all retail locations on at least an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year, after the holiday selling season, when the Company had the most visibility into the operations of the individual store. The Company also tested an asset group for impairment during the year if any impairment indicators were identified that could result in a potential impairment.

 

If it was determined that such indicators were present and the review disclosed that the assets would not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining useful lives, their carrying values were reduced to estimated fair value. 

 

Various factors, including future sales growth and profit margins, were included in this analysis. To the extent these future projections or the Company’s strategies changed, the conclusion regarding impairment may have differed from the Company’s estimates. During the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011, the Company recorded assets impairment charges of approximately $0.1 million related to the lease expiration of the Park Avenue, NY location.

 

Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance The Company had considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that could produce additional future taxable income in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. A net valuation allowance of approximately $46.5 million was recorded in the thirty-five week period ended October 29, 2011. Further valuation allowance of approximately $38.6 million was recorded in the subsequent period from October 30, 2011 through February 25, 2012. An additional valuation allowance of $2.9 million was recorded during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 24, 2012.

 

Results of Operations 

 

For an entity reporting under the liquidation basis of accounting, the entity is required to present a statement of net assets (which replaces a balance sheet), whereby the assets are reported at estimated realizable amounts and the liabilities are reported at settlement amounts; and a statement of changes in net assets in liquidation (which replaces the statement of operations), which reports the estimated gains and losses on liquidation. The Company began presenting its financial statements under the liquidation basis of accounting as of October 30, 2011 and discontinued its retail operations on or about December 31, 2011. Because all retail operations have ceased, the results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 24, 2012 are not comparable to the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 26, 2011.  

 

On September 7, 2012, Syms sold its Miami, FL property, the building of which is 53,000 square feet, in a Court-approved transaction. The net proceeds from the sale were approximately $4.1 million.

 

On November 19, 2012, the Company sold its Houston, TX property, the building of which is 42,000 square feet, on an “as-is, where-is” basis.

The net proceeds from the sale were approximately $3.6 million.

 

During the month of December 2012, the Company sold its Fairfield, CT property, the building of which is 43,000 square feet, on an “as-is, where-is” basis. The lessor of the land exercised its option to terminate its leasehold interest with a payment of $5.5 million to the Company as agreed in Section 2(c) of the Revised Stipulation and Settlement Agreement by and Among the Debtors and the Lessor. The carrying value of this property as of November 24, 2012 has been adjusted to reflect the amount realized from this subsequent transaction.

 

During the month of December 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to lease its unoccupied space at its Elmsford, NY property. The carrying value of this property as of November 24, 2012 has been adjusted to reflect the amount realized from this subsequent transaction.

 

During the month of December 2012, the Company received a $0.9 million settlement on its Marietta, GA location. This was the result of the second and final payment regarding the partial condemnation of the property adjacent to the Marietta store in 2011. The financial statements as of November 24, 2012 have been adjusted to reflect the amount realized from this subsequent transaction.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion relates only to liquidity and capital resources for the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011. 

 

Until October 29, 2011, the Company purchased first-quality, in-season designer and brand name merchandise from more than 900 vendors at prices that were believed to be below those generally available to major department and specialty stores, at which time the Company was highly reliant on the trade credit from factors, vendors and service providers. Decreasing availability of trade credit throughout the thirty-five weeks ending October 29, 2011 limited the Company’s available liquidity.

 

Net cash used in operating activities totaled $10.0 million for the thirty-five weeks ended October 29, 2011.

 

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Net cash provided by investing activities was $20.9 million for the thirty-five weeks ended October 29, 2011. There was $22.0 million in proceeds primarily attributed to the sale of land, buildings and other assets from four former Syms store locations, partially offset by capital expenditures for property and equipment of $1.2 million.

 

Net cash used by financing activities was $10.9 million for the thirty-five weeks ended October 29, 2011. The cash provided in the 2011 period was the result of net repayments on our credit facility.

 

On August 27, 2009, the Company entered into a secured $75 million revolving credit agreement, which was set to expire on August 27, 2012. That credit agreement, which was amended as of January 7, 2011, March 8, 2011 and June 16, 2011, was among Syms as Lead Borrower, Filene’s, LLC, the guarantors named therein, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (the “Credit Agreement”). Subsequent to the Chapter 11 filings, the Credit Agreement was paid off and terminated on November 18, 2011.

 

At November 24, 2012, the Company had no outstanding LC’s. At February 25, 2012 the Company had an outstanding LC of $1.1 million for a worker’s compensation and general liability insurance standby LC, and an outstanding standby LC of $0.2 million for merchandise, both of which were cash collateralized.

 

Total interest charges incurred for the nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011 were $0.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. There was no capitalized interest for nine and thirty-five week periods ended October 29, 2011.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

There are no proposed or recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material impact on the Company.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Other than as discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q with respect to the Company’s pension plans, the Company’s operations are not currently subject to material market risks for interest rates, foreign currency rates or other market price risks. However, it may experience real estate valuation risk due to changing market conditions.

  

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the thirty-nine week period ended November 24, 2012. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of November 24, 2012 to ensure that information that is required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

b)Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no material changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended November 24, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to its former business. Some of the actions to which the Company is a party are covered by insurance and are being defended or reimbursed by the Company’s insurance carriers.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Company.  Certain of such risks and uncertainties have been disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 25, 2012 (fiscal 2011) (as amended) and in its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 25, 2012 (as amended).  In addition to such risks and uncertainties, which are incorporated herein by reference, the Company is subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties following its emergence from bankruptcy, including the following:

 

There can be no assurance that the Company’s search for a new Chief Executive Officer and other real estate professionals will be successful.

 

On December 13, 2012, Lauren Krueger resigned as Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary of the Company, effective January 11, 2013. Ms. Krueger has been providing management services to the Company pursuant to an Engagement Agreement for CEO Services between the Company and Esopus Creek Management LLC (“Esopus Creek”). In connection with Ms. Krueger’s resignation, Esopus Creek notified the Company that it is terminating the Engagement Agreement effective January 11, 2013.

 

The Company may engage in discussions with Ms. Krueger and Esopus Creek to obtain their assistance on transition and other issues after January 11, 2013. Ms. Krueger and Esopus Creek have indicated their willingness to provide such assistance through March 1, 2013. The Company has engaged a search firm to conduct an executive search for a new Chief Executive Officer and other real estate professionals, but there can be no assurance that the search will be successful or that the services of Ms. Krueger and Esopus Creek will be available after January 11, 2013.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to monetize its assets in an amount that will be sufficient to satisfy its near term obligations to creditors under the Plan.

 

If the Syms and Filene's convenience class claims and the Syms general unsecured claims (as described in the Plan) are not paid in full under the Plan by October 1, 2013, then the director designated by the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to direct the sale process for any "near term properties" (as defined in the Plan) that remain unsold, if any, pursuant to a commercially reasonable process consistent with maximizing the value of those properties.  The Company may not have sufficient cash flow from the sale of near term properties in the next nine months to satisfy 100% of the Syms and Filene's convenience class claims and Syms general unsecured claims.  The Company may seek to raise money through the sale of common equity, a debt financing or the sale of other properties or assets, but it may decide to not raise money for the purpose of paying claims by October 1, 2013 and, in any event, such money may or may not be available on acceptable terms.

   

There can be no assurance that the Company's reserve for overhead expenses will be sufficient.

 

As part of the Plan, the Company established a reserve of $5 million for overhead expenses to be incurred in the first two years following the effectiveness of the Plan. If the Company desires or needs to incur overhead expenses in excess of that amount, it would need to explore various alternatives within the parameters of the Plan, including, without limitation, obtaining the consent of the trustee of the Series A Preferred Trust to increase the reserve.  There can be no assurance that any such alternatives would be available to the Company on acceptable terms or that such consent would be obtained.

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

 

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.Other Information

None.

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

  31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
  31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to section302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
  32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. section1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
  32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. section1350, as adopted pursuant to  906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
  101.INS XBRL Instance Document
     
  101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
  101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
  101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
  101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
  101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

  TRINITY PLACE HOLDINGS INC.
     
Date:   January 8, 2013 By  /s/ Lauren Krueger
    LAUREN KRUEGER
    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date:   January 8, 2013 By  /s/ Richard G. Pyontek
    RICHARD G. PYONTEK
    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
    (Principal Financial Officer)

  

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EXHIBIT INDEX

  

     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
     
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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