UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2008 or
¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission file number 000-50160
HECHINGER LIQUIDATION TRUST
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | | 52-7230151 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| 405 East Gude Drive, Suite 206, Rockville, Maryland | 20850 |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (301) 838-4311
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.
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.
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 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.
HECHINGER LIQUIDATION TRUST
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
| Description | | Page |
| | | |
| PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: | |
| | | |
| Item 1. | Financial Statements | |
| | Unaudited Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation | 3 |
| | Unaudited Statements of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation | 4 |
| | Unaudited Statements of Cash Receipts and Disbursements | 5 |
| | Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements | 6 |
| Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15 |
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 21 |
| Item 4T. | Controls and Procedures | 21 |
| | | |
| PART II. OTHER INFORMATION: | |
| | | |
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 22 |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 22 |
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 23 |
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 23 |
| Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 23 |
| Item 5. | Other Information | 23 |
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 23 |
| | | |
| SIGNATURES | 24 |
| | | |
| INDEX TO EXHIBITS | 25 |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Hechinger Liquidation Trust
Unaudited Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation
($ in thousands)
| | | As of | | | As of | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | September 30, 2008 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Assets | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | |
| Cash designated as available for distribution to holders of impaired claims | | $ | 312 | | | $ | 1,818 | |
| Reserved cash | | | 5,866 | | | | 5,972 | |
| Other cash | | | 1,058 | | | | 295 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | | | 7,236 | | | | 8,085 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Preference receivables (net of costs of recovery of $54 and $54, respectively) | | | 211 | | | | 211 | |
| Other assets | | | 2 | | | | 37 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total assets | | | 7,449 | | | | 8,333 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
| Unimpaired and convenience claims payable | | | 1,303 | | | | 1,337 | |
| Uncashed claims checks | | | 573 | | | | 426 | |
| Distributions payable | | | 312 | | | | 825 | |
| Estimated costs of liquidation | | | | | | | | |
| Wind-down reserve | | | 690 | | | | 757 | |
| Litigation reserve | | | - | | | | 152 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total liabilities | | | 2,878 | | | | 3,497 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets in Liquidation | | $ | 4,571 | | | $ | 4,836 | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
Hechinger Liquidation Trust
Unaudited Statements of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation
($ in thousands)
| | | For the three | | | For the three | |
| | | months ended | | | months ended | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | December 31, 2007 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Increase/(decrease) in Net Assets in Liquidation | | | | | | |
| Increase in estimated costs of liquidation | | $ | (275 | ) | | $ | - | |
| Decrease in estimated fair value of unimpaired claims | | | 85 | | | | - | |
| Interest income | | | 2 | | | | 201 | |
| Other increases, net | | | 124 | | | | 291 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net (decrease)/increase in Net Assets in Liquidation before distributions authorized, net | | | (64 | ) | | | 492 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Distributions authorized | | | (904 | ) | | | - | |
| Distributions forfeited | | | 703 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Distributions authorized, net | | | (201 | ) | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net (decrease)/increase in Net Assets in Liquidation after distributions authorized, net | | | (265 | ) | | | 492 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets in Liquidation at beginning of period | | | 4,836 | | | | 15,980 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets in Liquidation at end of period | | $ | 4,571 | | | $ | 16,472 | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
Hechinger Liquidation Trust
Unaudited Statements of Cash Receipts and Disbursements
($ in thousands)
| | | For the three | | | For the three | |
| | | months ended | | | months ended | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | December 31, 2007 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cash receipts | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 201 | |
| Other receipts | | | 124 | | | | 293 | |
| Total cash receipts | | | 126 | | | | 494 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash disbursements | | | | | | | | |
| Costs of liquidation | | | | | | | | |
| Operating expenses | | | 252 | | | | 147 | |
| Legal and professional fees | | | | | | | | |
| Litigation | | | 150 | | | | 148 | |
| Liquidation Trust operations | | | 92 | | | | 29 | |
| Preference recoveries | | | - | | | | 2 | |
| (Voided)/reissued claims checks, net | | | (419 | ) | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash disbursements before distributions paid,net of voided claims checks | | | 75 | | | | 326 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents before distributions paid | | | 51 | | | | 168 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Distributions paid | | | 900 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | (849 | ) | | | 168 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 8,085 | | | | 19,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 7,236 | | | $ | 19,646 | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
Hechinger Liquidation Trust
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
| | 1. | Background and Basis of Presentation |
Background
Hechinger Liquidation Trust (the “Liquidation Trust”) was established effective October 26, 2001 (the “Effective Date”) in accordance with the Revised First Amended Consolidated Plan of Liquidation (the “Plan”) for Hechinger Investment Company of Delaware, Inc. and affiliates (the “Debtors”), confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) by an order dated October 5, 2001.
The Liquidation Trust has no authority to engage in any trade or business. The purpose of the Liquidation Trust is to (i) liquidate any and all remaining assets of the Debtors; (ii) pursue causes of action assigned to the Liquidation Trust, including preference, fraudulent conveyance and other avoidance actions; (iii) resolve, either consensually or through litigation, all disputed claims asserted against the Debtors (“Disputed Claims”), pursuant to the Plan; and (iv) make all distributions required under the Plan (“Distributions”), and payments to holders of claims allowed under the terms of the Plan (“Allowed Claims” and, together with the Disputed Claims, the “Claims”). The Liquidation Trust will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the fulfillment of its purpose by the liquidation of all of its assets and the distribution of the proceeds of the liquidation thereof in accordance with the Plan, or (b) by March 31, 2009, unless the Bankruptcy Court approves a further extension of the term. The Liquidation Trust intends to seek a further extension of the term to accomplish the wind-down activities discussed below.
Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, certain types of Allowed Claims will be paid in full under the Plan. Such Claims are therefore referred to as “Unimpaired Claims.” The Plan defines which types of Claims are paid in full.
The Liquidation Trust exists primarily for the benefit of the majority of claimants who will not be repaid in full for the amounts the Debtors owed them as of the bankruptcy filing. These Claims are referred to as “Impaired Claims” because the rights of the claimants have been impaired by the Debtors’ bankruptcy. Each holder of an Allowed Claim in the Plan’s Class 4A (Senior Unsecured Claims), Class 4B (General Unsecured Claims), and Class 5 (Subordinated Debentures Claims) (each a “Class”) is deemed to hold a pro rata beneficial interest (the “Beneficial Interests”) in the Liquidation Trust based upon the amount of their Allowed Impaired Claim as compared to the total amount of all Allowed Impaired Claims.
The holders of Beneficial Interests receive all remaining net proceeds of the Liquidation Trust, if any, after the expenses and all creditors of the Liquidation Trust are paid, including Allowed Unimpaired and Convenience Claims (certain small Claims paid at 7.5% of their Allowed amounts in accordance with the Plan), and after all contingencies are resolved. Holders of each Class of Beneficial Interests (i.e., each Class of Impaired Claims) have the same rights, except with respect to payment of Distributions.
Through December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust has authorized Distributions to holders of Beneficial Interests (i.e., to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims) at a cumulative rate of 11.9411% of the Allowed amount of the Impaired Claims.
As of December 31, 2008, substantially all assets of the Debtors, including resolving causes of action, have been liquidated and all remaining Disputed Claims are expected to be waived. Significant unresolved items, for which the timing of resolution is not under the Liquidation Trust’s control, include one remaining preference action and one significant Allowed Claim, the amount of which remains subject to substantiation by the holder of the Claim (see Notes 5 and 6, respectively). The Liquidation Trust is in the process of winding up its limited operations, and expects to request that the Bankruptcy Court authorize a final Distribution during the first half of calendar year 2009 and terminate the Liquidation Trust before the end of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009.
As part of preparing for the Liquidation Trust’s termination, commencing during the three months ended December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust has acted to judicially resolve Claims-related liabilities which it has been unable to pay. Pursuant to the Court-authorized terms of the Plan, Distribution and Claims payment checks which are not timely cashed become Unclaimed Property, and furthermore, holders of Allowed Impaired Claims which have not cashed a check are not paid subsequent Distributions unless the holder makes a written request that future Distributions be paid. During November 2008, the Liquidation Trust notified all such holders that their uncashed checks and any subsequent Distributions have become Unclaimed Property which, pursuant to the Plan, reverts to the Liquidation Trust (the “Unclaimed Property Notice”). In addition, upon notice to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims which had not provided their taxpayer identification number, the Bankruptcy Court issued an Order (the “TIN Motion and Order”) declaring Distributions due to such holders as Unclaimed Property which, pursuant to the Plan, reverts to the Liquidation Trust. These actions are collectively referred to as the “November 2008 Notices.” Pursuant to the November 2008 Notices, the Liquidation Trust has reclassified Unclaimed Property from various liability accounts (see Notes 4, 7, 8 and 11), increasing Net Assets in Liquidation, based on its assessment that all such uncashed checks and unpaid Distributions have reverted permanently to the Liquidation Trust pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
Basis of Presentation
The Liquidation Trust’s financial statements have been prepared using the liquidation basis of accounting. Under this method of accounting, the Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation reflect all assets and liabilities, including the projected total cost of liquidating the assets and winding down the affairs of the Liquidation Trust, at estimated fair value. Unimpaired Claims, to be paid in full, are reflected in the Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation as liabilities at estimated aggregate settlement amounts. The unpaid amount of the authorized Distributions to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims is also reflected as a liability. In addition, liabilities include loss contingency accruals for any losses considered probable and estimable. The Statements of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation primarily reflect authorized Distributions to holders of Beneficial Interests, forfeiture of unclaimed Distributions reverting to the Liquidation Trust, and changes in the estimated fair value of the Liquidation Trust’s assets and liabilities, including changes resulting from significant events in, or the resolution of, litigation pursued by the Liquidation Trust. The Liquidation Trust’s fiscal year ends on September 30.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of the Liquidation Trustee, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Such financial statements and these notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited Liquidation Trust financial statements as of September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, and the notes thereto.
The amounts shown in this document are rounded and are therefore approximate.
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies |
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Liquidation Trustee to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results are likely to differ from those estimates and those differences may be significant.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Liquidation Trust considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Liquidation Trust holds substantially all cash balances in operating and investment accounts in excess of federally insured limits. Cash is classified as: Designated as Available for Distribution to Holders of Impaired Claims, Reserved Cash and Other Cash (see Note 4).
Taxes
The Liquidation Trust is intended to qualify as a liquidating trust for federal income tax purposes, and therefore should be taxable as a grantor trust. The holders of Beneficial Interests are treated as grantors; accordingly, their pro rata share of all items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit is included in the income tax returns of the holders of Beneficial Interests.
The Liquidation Trust incurs no taxable income or gain on its own behalf; therefore, no tax provision is recorded in the financial statements of the Liquidation Trust.
3. Fair Value Measurements
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“SFAS 157”) “Fair Value Measurements,” provides a consistent definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value-related measurements. It does not require any amounts to be measured at fair value which were not previously so measured under existing accounting standards. Under the liquidation basis of accounting, all assets and liabilities are presented at estimated fair value. Adopting SFAS 157, effective October 1, 2008, did not result in changes to the valuation techniques the Liquidation Trust had previously used to measure the fair value of its assets and liabilities. The primary impact on the Liquidation Trust of adopting this standard was to expand fair value measurement disclosure.
SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques (which may include the market approach, income approach, and/or cost approach, as applicable) into three broad levels, as follows:
| | · | Level 1 – highest priority – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities |
| | · | Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices, but which are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly |
| | · | Level 3 – lowest priority – unobservable inputs for the asset or liability |
The Liquidation Trust’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
($ in thousands)
| | | | | | Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2008 using | |
| | | | | | Quoted Prices in | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Active Markets | | | Significant Other | | | Significant | |
| | | | | | for Identical Items | | | Observable Inputs | | | Unobservable Inputs | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | (Level 1) | | | (Level 2) | | | (Level 3) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preference receivables | | $ | 211 | | | | | | | | | $ | 211 | |
| Total assets measured at fair value | | $ | 211 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 211 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Unimpaired and convenience claims payable | | $ | 1,303 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,303 | |
| Estimated costs of liquidation | | | 690 | | | | | | | | | | | | 690 | |
| Total liabilities measured at fair value | | $ | 1,993 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,993 | |
Gains and losses on all assets and liabilities, whether realized or unrealized, are reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation.
4. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash is invested in highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less, and in accordance with Section 345 of the Bankruptcy Code or as otherwise permitted by order of the Bankruptcy Court. Under the terms of the Plan, the Liquidation Trust is not required to segregate funds for reserves (see Note 10).
Cash Designated as Available for Distribution to Holders of Impaired Claims (“Available Cash”) is designated solely to assure the availability of funds for payment to holders of Impaired Claims who have not received their Distributions (see Notes 8 and 11).
Available Cash consists of:
| ($ in thousands) | | As of | | | As of | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | September 30, 2008 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Distributions payable | | $ | 312 | | | $ | 825 | |
| Reserve for remaining disputed impaired claims at 11.9411% | | | - | | | | 993 | |
| Total available cash | | $ | 312 | | | $ | 1,818 | |
Pursuant to the November 2008 Notices (see Note 1), $0.5 million included in Distributions Payable as of September 30, 2008 has been reclassified from Available Cash to Other Cash as of December 31, 2008.
As of December 31, 2008, all remaining Disputed Impaired Claims have been resolved (see Note 11), eliminating the need for the Disputed Impaired Claims Reserve.
Reserved Cash is held by the Liquidation Trust to assure payment of the Liquidation Trust’s obligations in accordance with the Plan. Under the terms of the Plan, Reserved Cash is intended to provide for (a) operating expenses of the Liquidation Trust, (b) estimated payments to holders of Allowed Unimpaired and Convenience Claims in accordance with the Plan, and (c) payments which may become necessary if and as Disputed Unimpaired Claims become Allowed, or if certain contingencies should occur. See Note 10 for details of specific reserves and their related amounts.
Other Cash is cash and cash equivalents not designated to a specific reserve or fund.
5. Preference Receivables
The Liquidation Trust’s preference receivables are reflected in the accompanying Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation at their estimated fair value, net of estimated costs of recovery. As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, Preference Receivables consisted mainly of one remaining significant action. During June 2005, the Bankruptcy Court awarded the Liquidation Trust $1.0 million in this action. During March 2006, the District Court upheld the Bankruptcy Court ruling in its entirety. The defendant appealed the affirmation by the District Court to the Court of Appeals. During June 2007, the Court of Appeals remanded the case to the District Court, with instructions to remand to the Bankruptcy Court for specific findings. Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s scheduling order, both parties filed briefings by February 2008. The Bankruptcy Court may decide the case or schedule further proceedings, up to and including a trial, at its discretion. The Liquidation Trust and its counsel intend to vigorously pursue collection of the original judgment. The Liquidation Trust’s current estimate of the fair value of preference receivables is primarily based on the content of the Court of Appeals ruling and on the status of negotiations with the defendant in this action.
The fair value of the preference receivables is reassessed quarterly and adjustments to estimated fair values are reflected in the period in which they become known. The eventual net realizable value of preference receivables is likely to differ from their estimated net fair value and these differences may be significant.
6. Unimpaired and Convenience Claims Payable
Unimpaired Claims payable represents the estimated aggregate settlement amount of Unimpaired Claims against the Debtors prior to the Effective Date of the Plan, which will be paid out at 100% of their Allowed amount. Such Claims are valued at the Liquidation Trust’s best estimate of the amount that will ultimately be allowed. Convenience Claims, also included in this classification, are not significant.
Unimpaired and Convenience Claims payable consists of:
($ in thousands)
| | | As of | | | As of | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | September 30, 2008 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Allowed unimpaired claims | | $ | 1,303 | | | $ | 1,335 | |
| Convenience claims | | | - | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 1,303 | | | $ | 1,337 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Number of disputed unimpaired claims | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Pursuant to the Plan, certain fees and expenses which Kmart Corporation (“Kmart”) incurred in connection with the Debtors’ bankruptcy filing were allowed as an Unimpaired Claim. Allowed Unimpaired Claims as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 include this Claim, which has not yet been substantiated by Kmart as required by the Plan, at its estimated amount of $1.3 million.
The amount asserted by the holders of the remaining Disputed Unimpaired Claims is insignificant as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008. The Liquidation Trust believes that the likelihood of paying any of these Claims is remote and anticipates that each of these Claims will be waived; accordingly, no liability has been recorded with respect to the remaining Disputed Unimpaired Claims.
Unimpaired Claims are valued by reviewing the facts available to the Liquidation Trust, including the Debtors’ records and information submitted by the claimants, and estimating the ultimate settlement value of the Claims. The fair value of Unimpaired Claims payable is reassessed quarterly and adjustments to estimated fair values are reflected in the period in which they become known. However, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate allowance, disallowance or settlement of the remaining Disputed Unimpaired Claims, individually or in the aggregate.
7. Uncashed Claims Checks
Pursuant to the Plan, any Claims payments and Distributions which remain uncashed for 90 days following their issuance date are forfeited to the Liquidation Trust. Pending a final order from the Bankruptcy Court, the Liquidation Trust has treated such items as a liability, and has reissued uncashed checks upon request of the payee, subject to applicable fees.
Pursuant to the November 2008 Notices (see Note 1), $0.3 million ($0.1 million related to Unimpaired Claims and $0.2 million related to Impaired Claims) included in uncashed Claims checks as of September 30, 2008 has been reclassified from this liability account, increasing Net Assets in Liquidation and making the unclaimed funds available to the Liquidation Trust.
During December 2008, uncashed Claims checks increased by $0.5 million as a result of uncashed checks from the most recent interim Distribution, made during August 2008 (the “Sixth Interim Distribution”). The uncashed Claims checks from the Sixth Interim Distribution were not included in the November 2008 Notices.
8. Distributions Payable
Distributions payable represents the amount of authorized Distributions which the Liquidation Trust has been unable to pay to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims. A number of holders of such Allowed Claims, while otherwise eligible for Distributions, had either not yet provided all information necessary for payment or, because they had not cashed a previous Distribution check, were not paid any subsequent Distributions. Until all such issues are resolved, the holder of an Allowed Claim may not receive a Distribution.
Pursuant to the November 2008 Notices (see Note 1), $0.5 million included in Distributions Payable as of September 30, 2008 has been reclassified from this liability account, increasing Net Assets in Liquidation and making the unclaimed funds available to the Liquidation Trust. Substantially all of the remaining balance in Distributions payable as of December 31, 2008 has been paid subsequent to December 31, 2008.
9. Estimated Costs of Liquidation
The Wind-down Reserve and the Litigation Reserve together constitute the estimated costs of liquidation in the accompanying Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation.
Under the Plan, the Liquidation Trust was required to establish and fund a reserve to pay administration costs and costs of holding and liquidating the Liquidation Trust’s assets (the “Wind-down Reserve”). The amounts included in the Wind-down Reserve represent the projected costs of operating the Liquidation Trust through its expected termination. These costs, which include professional fees, insurance and personnel, among other things, are based on various assumptions regarding the number of employees, the use of professionals (particularly in connection with continuing Claims resolution and litigation), the anticipated termination date of the Liquidation Trust and other matters.
Substantially all of the day-to-day operations of the Liquidation Trust were terminated during June 2005; however, provision has been made for necessary management oversight and administrative, legal and accounting processes to continue through its expected termination before the end of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. These final items include resolution of the remaining Disputed Claims and all litigation, a final Distribution, if applicable, and any necessary filings with regulatory authorities and with the Bankruptcy Court.
Pursuant to the Plan, the Liquidation Trust also established and funded a reserve to pay the costs of pursuing certain actions, including the case referred to as the “Committee Action” (the “Litigation Reserve”). The Liquidation Trust determined not to further pursue the Committee Action following a May 2008 adverse decision in the Court of Appeals regarding this Action.
The fair value of the estimated costs of liquidation is reassessed quarterly and adjustments to estimated fair values are reflected in the period in which they become known. Actual costs are likely to differ from the estimated costs and these differences may be significant.
10. Bankruptcy Reserves Required
The reserves for which Reserved Cash is maintained consist of the following:
| ($ in thousands) | | | | | | |
| | | As of | | | As of | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | September 30, 2008 | |
| Liability reserves | | | | | | |
| Unimpaired and convenience claims | | $ | 1,303 | | | $ | 1,337 | |
| Uncashed claims checks | | | 573 | | | | 426 | |
| Wind-down | | | 690 | | | | 757 | |
| Litigation | | | - | | | | 152 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total liability reserves | | | 2,566 | | | | 2,672 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Contingency reserves | | | | | | | | |
| Minimum reserve | | | 3,000 | | | | 3,000 | |
| Excess disputed unimpaired claims | | | 300 | | | | 300 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total contingency reserves | | | 3,300 | | | | 3,300 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total reserves | | $ | 5,866 | | | $ | 5,972 | |
The minimum reserve, established pursuant to the Plan and intended to assure adequate liquidity for the Liquidation Trust, is to be maintained, subject to reduction by an order of the Bankruptcy Court, until the Liquidation Trust makes a final Distribution, if any, or is otherwise terminated.
The reserved amount for Disputed Unimpaired Claims (the Excess Disputed Unimpaired Claims Reserve) is based on the estimated amount of such Claims approved by the Bankruptcy Court for reserve purposes.
11. Impaired Claims
The Liquidation Trust’s estimate of Impaired Claims consists of:
| ($ in thousands) | | As of | | | As of | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | September 30, 2008 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Allowed impaired claims | | $ | 719,980 | | | $ | 712,412 | |
| Estimated fair value of disputed impaired claims | | | - | | | | 7,703 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total estimated impaired claims | | $ | 719,980 | | | $ | 720,115 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Asserted value of disputed impaired claims | | $ | - | | | $ | 8,086 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Number of disputed impaired claims | | | - | | | | 5 | |
Distributions to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims have been authorized, through December 31, 2008, in the cumulative amount of 11.9411% of the Allowed amount of the Impaired Claims. A total of $83.4 million has been paid to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims through December 31, 2008. In conjunction with the authorized Distributions, as of December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust held a total of $0.3 million of Available Cash, consisting of Distributions payable to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims (see Notes 4 and 8).
Pursuant to the November 2008 Notices (see Note 1), in accordance with the terms of the Plan, $0.7 million (comprised of $0.2 million of uncashed checks (see Note 7) and $0.5 million of Distributions payable (see Note 8)) of Distributions previously authorized to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims who had not met all the requirements for a Distribution payment, generally by not providing their taxpayer identification number, or who had not cashed a Distribution check and therefore have not been paid subsequent Distributions, were forfeited by such holders and reversed, increasing Net Assets in Liquidation and making the unclaimed funds available to the Liquidation Trust.
During the three months ended December 31, 2008, one Disputed Impaired Claim was settled for an amount approximating its estimated value of $7.6 million, and an Order issued by the Bankruptcy Court expunged all remaining Disputed Impaired Claims.
12. Contingencies
Litigation and Other Proceedings on behalf of the Liquidation Trust
As of December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust was pursuing one significant preference litigation action. During March 2006, the District Court upheld the Bankruptcy Court’s award to the Liquidation Trust of $1.0 million in this case. The defendant further appealed the affirmation by the District Court to the Court of Appeals. During June 2007, the Court of Appeals remanded the case to the District Court, with instructions to remand to the Bankruptcy Court for specific findings. Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s scheduling order, both parties filed briefings by February 2008. The Bankruptcy Court may decide the case or schedule further proceedings, up to and including a trial, at its discretion. The Liquidation Trust and its counsel intend to vigorously pursue collection of the original judgment.
Litigation and Other Proceedings against the Liquidation Trust
Settling Claims filed with the Bankruptcy Court is the ordinary course of business for the Liquidation Trust. As of December 31, 2008, none of the three remaining Disputed Claims, if resolved in favor of the claimant, would have a material effect on the financial condition of the Liquidation Trust.
Other than as described herein, the Liquidation Trust is not a defendant in any action or proceeding which, if the Liquidation Trust were to be found liable in such action or proceeding, would materially adversely impact the Liquidation Trust’s financial condition.
13. Other
During the three months ended December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust received a $0.1 million payment of funds escheated for the benefit of one of the Debtors. Until collectability of the amount was established by receiving the payment from the state to which the funds were escheated, the amount was not recorded as an asset of the Liquidation Trust.
During the three months ended December 31, 2007, the Liquidation Trust received a $0.3 million distribution in the liquidation of the former company-owned life insurance policy carrier for one of the Debtors. The Debtors were entitled to these liquidation proceeds solely as a result of the occurrence and particular terms of this insurance carrier’s liquidation, and therefore no receivable from the carrier had been recorded as an asset of the Liquidation Trust.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Reference is made to the unaudited financial statements of the Liquidation Trust as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 and for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the notes thereto (the “Unaudited Liquidation Trust Financial Statements”), included as Item 1. of this Form 10-Q. The following information concerning the Liquidation Trust’s financial performance and condition should be read in conjunction with the audited Liquidation Trust financial statements as of September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, and the notes thereto.
The Unaudited Liquidation Trust Financial Statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited Liquidation Trust financial statements, using the liquidation basis of accounting, and, in the opinion of the Liquidation Trustee, contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Liquidation Trust’s results for such periods. The Liquidation Trust’s results for the three months ended December 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or any future fiscal year. All amounts are rounded and are therefore approximate.
| I. | Accounting Policies and Estimates |
The following discussion and analysis of the Liquidation Trust’s changes in net assets in liquidation, cash receipts and disbursements, and net assets in liquidation is based on the Unaudited Liquidation Trust Financial Statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and in accordance with the liquidation basis of accounting. During preparation of these financial statements, the Liquidation Trustee is required to make certain estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in liquidation at estimated fair value, including estimates and assumptions concerning resolution of disputed claims, resolution of current and potential litigation, and the fair value, and related disclosure, of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Liquidation Trustee evaluates and updates these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and on various other assumptions the Liquidation Trustee believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and different assumptions would lead to different estimates.
The Liquidation Trust’s critical accounting policies are described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Liquidation Trust’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.
As part of preparing for the Liquidation Trust’s termination, commencing during the three months ended December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust has acted to judicially resolve Claims-related liabilities which it has been unable to pay. Pursuant to the Court-authorized terms of the Plan, Distribution and Claims payment checks which are not timely cashed become Unclaimed Property, and furthermore, holders of Allowed Impaired Claims which have not cashed a check are not paid subsequent Distributions unless the holder makes a written request that future Distributions be paid. During November 2008, the Liquidation Trust notified all such holders that their uncashed checks and any subsequent Distributions have become Unclaimed Property which, pursuant to the Plan, reverts to the Liquidation Trust (the “Unclaimed Property Notice”). In addition, upon notice to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims which had not provided their taxpayer identification number, the Bankruptcy Court issued an Order (the “TIN Motion and Order”) declaring Distributions due to such holders as Unclaimed Property which, pursuant to the Plan, reverts to the Liquidation Trust. These actions are collectively referred to as the “November 2008 Notices.” Pursuant to the November 2008 Notices, the Liquidation Trust has reclassified Unclaimed Property totaling $0.8 million from various liability accounts (primarily uncashed Claims checks of $0.1 million related to Unimpaired Claims and $0.2 million related to Impaired Claims, and Distributions payable of $0.5 million), increasing Net Assets in Liquidation, based on its assessment that all such uncashed checks and unpaid Distributions have reverted permanently to the Liquidation Trust pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
II. Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation
Net assets in liquidation are subject to material change when either (a) Distributions to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims are authorized or forfeited, or (b) estimates of the fair value of the Liquidation Trust’s assets and/or liabilities change, including as a result of significant events in, or the resolution of, litigation pursued by the Liquidation Trust. The authorization and forfeiture of Distributions and changes in estimates are non-cash changes. These changes are shown in the Liquidation Trust’s Statements of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation and are discussed below.
Many cash transactions, on the other hand, such as collection of receivables and payments of liabilities and Distributions, cause offsetting changes in the associated components of assets and liabilities, but do not change net assets in liquidation. The Liquidation Trust’s Statements of Cash Receipts and Disbursements show the results of these transactions, which are also discussed later under the heading “Cash Receipts and Disbursements.”
The following table summarizes the significant changes in net assets in liquidation for the periods as indicated:
($ in thousands)
| | | For the three | | | For the three | |
| | | months ended | | | months ended | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | December 31, 2007 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Increase/(decrease) in net assets in liquidation | | | | | | |
| Distributions authorized | | $ | (904 | ) | | $ | - | |
| Distributions forfeited | | | 703 | | | | | |
| Increase in estimated costs of liquidation | | | (275 | ) | | | - | |
| Decrease in estimated fair value of unimpaired claims | | | 85 | | | | - | |
| Interest income | | | 2 | | | | 201 | |
| Other increases, net | | | 124 | | | | 291 | |
| Net (decrease)/increase in net assets in liquidation | | $ | (265 | ) | | $ | 492 | |
A. Distributions
| | 1. | Distributions authorized |
During the three months ended December 31, 2008, no new interim Distribution was authorized; however, Distributions at the cumulative rate of 11.9411%, totaling $0.9 million, were authorized during the three months ended December 31, 2008 to the holder of a $7.6 million Impaired Claim newly allowed during the period, decreasing Net Assets in Liquidation. No new interim Distribution was authorized, and no Impaired Claims were newly allowed, during the three months ended December 31, 2007.
| | 2. | Distributions forfeited |
As a result of the November 2008 Notices (discussed above), previously authorized Distributions totaling $0.7 million (comprised of $0.2 million of uncashed checks and $0.5 million of Distributions payable) were forfeited and reversed, increasing Net Assets in Liquidation, during the three months ended December 31, 2008. No such Notice or forfeitures occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2007.
B. Estimated costs of liquidation
Based on revised forecasts of operational requirements prior to and associated with the expected termination of the Liquidation Trust, the remaining Wind-down Reserve was increased by $0.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2008, both as a result of the remaining obligations of the Liquidation Trust taking longer to complete than expected, and because the estimated cost of the termination process has increased. No such change in estimate occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2007.
C. Unimpaired claims
The November 2008 Notices discussed above were also sent to holders of Allowed Unimpaired Claims who had either not cashed their Claim payment check, or who had not met all the requirements for payment of their Claims, generally by not providing sufficient information for payment. As a result of the November 2008 Notices, a total of $0.1 million of uncashed checks and remaining payables to holders of Allowed Unimpaired Claims were forfeited and reversed, increasing Net Assets in Liquidation, during the three months ended December 31, 2008. No such Notice or forfeitures occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2007.
D. Interest income
Interest income decreased during the three months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of significantly declining interest rates, but also because the Liquidation Trust held decreased cash balances available for investment as a result of the Sixth Interim Distribution in August 2008.
E. Other increases, net
During the three months ended December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust received a $0.1 million payment of funds escheated for the benefit of one of the Debtors. Until collectability of the amount was established by receiving the payment from the state to which the funds were escheated, the amount was not recorded as an asset of the Liquidation Trust.
Other increases, net during the three months ended December 31, 2007 consisted primarily of a $0.3 million distribution in the liquidation of the former company-owned life insurance policy carrier for one of the Debtors. The Debtors were entitled to these liquidation proceeds solely as a result of the occurrence and particular terms of this insurance carrier’s liquidation, and therefore no receivable from the carrier had been recorded as an asset of the Liquidation Trust.
III. Cash Receipts and Disbursements
The following table summarizes the cash receipts and disbursements for the periods as indicated:
($ in thousands)
| | | For the three | | | For the three | |
| | | months ended | | | months ended | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | | December 31, 2007 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cash receipts | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 201 | |
| Other receipts | | | 124 | | | | 293 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash receipts | | | 126 | | | | 494 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash disbursements | | | | | | | | |
| Distributions paid | | | 900 | | | | - | |
| Operating expenses | | | 252 | | | | 147 | |
| Legal and professional fees | | | | | | | | |
| Litigation | | | 150 | | | | 148 | |
| Liquidation Trust operations | | | 92 | | | | 29 | |
| Preference recoveries | | | - | | | | 2 | |
| (Voided) claims checks, net of reissues | | | (419 | ) | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash disbursements, net of voided claims checks | | | 975 | | | | 326 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | (849 | ) | | $ | 168 | |
Changes in interest income and other receipts during the three months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2007 are discussed in “Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation,” above.
B. Distributions paid
Distributions paid depend primarily on the amount of Allowed Impaired Claims, including Claims newly allowed, and on the Distributions authorized from time to time. During the three months ended December 31, 2008, no new interim Distribution was authorized; however, Distributions at the cumulative rate of 11.9411%, totaling $0.9 million, were authorized and paid to the holder of a $7.6 million Impaired Claim newly allowed during the period. No new interim Distribution was authorized, and no Impaired Claims newly allowed or paid, during the three months ended December 31, 2007.
B. Operating expenses
Operating expenses during the three months ended December 31, 2008 were significantly higher than those during the three months ended December 31, 2007, primarily because of differences in the terms of insurance coverage purchased. During the three months ended December 31, 2007, the Liquidation Trust paid for one year of business and liability coverage, representing a significant portion of operating expenses during the period. During the three months ended December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust paid for six months of business and liability insurance coverage, as well as for extended reporting period liability coverage. The net additional cost of insurance payments during the three months ended December 31, 2008 represented substantially all of the increase in operating expenses as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2007.
C. Legal and professional fees
Legal and professional fees reflect the activity level in various areas of the Liquidation Trust’s responsibilities.
The litigation fees paid for the now concluded Committee Action during the three months ended December 31, 2008 were comparable to those paid during the three months ended December 31, 2007. Fees paid during the three months ended December 31, 2008 represented the Liquidation Trust’s final payment to an expert witness. Fees paid during the three months ended December 31, 2007 represented the Liquidation Trust’s final payment to litigation counsel.
Legal and professional fees for Liquidation Trust operations include all legal, accounting, and other support services except for the expenses of prosecuting the Committee Action, and expenses related to preference collections. During the three months ended December 31, 2008, the Liquidation Trust incurred higher legal and professional fees than during the three months ended December 31, 2007, primarily because of counsel’s involvement in efforts to facilitate the termination of the Liquidation Trust during recent months. Counsel carried out diminished activity on the Liquidation Trust’s behalf during the three months ended December 31, 2007, pending the final resolution of the Committee Action.
D. Voided claims checks
During December 2008, $0.5 million of uncashed checks from the Sixth Interim Distribution paid during August 2008 were voided by the payment agent and the funds returned to the Liquidation Trust, and the Liquidation Trust reissued certain previously voided Claims checks. No similar activity occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2007, primarily because no Distribution was paid during the preceding several months.
IV. Net Assets in Liquidation
A. Assets
| | 1. | Cash and cash equivalents |
The Liquidation Trust’s cash and cash equivalents balance of $7.2 million as of December 31, 2008 and $8.1 million as of September 30, 2008 is classified as either (a) cash designated as available for distribution to holders of Impaired Claims (“Available Cash”), (b) Reserved Cash or (c) Other Cash.
Available Cash is designated to assure the availability of funds for payment to holders of Allowed and Disputed Impaired Claims who have not received previously authorized Distributions. The required amount of Available Cash of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2008 represented Distributions payable to holders of Allowed Impaired Claims. The balance of Available Cash decreased by $1.5 million as of December 31, 2008, compared to the balance at September 30, 2008, as a result of $0.5 million related to Distributions payable being reclassified to Other Cash as a result of the November 2008 Notices, and because the resolution of the final Disputed Impaired Claims eliminated the requirement for the remaining $1.0 million Impaired Claims Reserve. The required amount of Available Cash of $1.8 million as of September 30, 2008 was based primarily on the Impaired Claims Reserve of $1.0 million, at the cumulative Distribution rate of 11.9411%, for $8.3 million of Disputed Impaired Claims (at their estimated value for reserve purposes), as well as Distributions payable of $0.8 million. The value of Disputed Claims, for the purpose of establishing adequate reserves, was estimated by the Liquidation Trust and approved by the Bankruptcy Court in an order establishing the amounts of Disputed Claims Reserves.
Reserved cash is held by the Liquidation Trust to assure payment of the Liquidation Trust’s obligations. Under the terms of the Plan, reserved cash is intended to provide for (a) operating expenses of the Liquidation Trust, (b) estimated payments to holders of Allowed Unimpaired and Convenience Claims in accordance with the Plan, and (c) payments which may become necessary if and as Disputed Unimpaired Claims become allowed, or if certain specific contingencies should occur. Reserved cash decreased to a balance of $5.9 million as of December 31, 2008, a change of $0.1 million from September 30, 2008, primarily as a result of activity in uncashed claims checks and in the Wind-down Reserve and the Litigation Reserve, all as discussed below.
Other cash is cash and cash equivalents not designated to a specific reserve or fund. The increase in other cash to a balance of $1.1 million as of December 31, 2008, a change of $0.7 million from September 30, 2008, primarily relates to Distributions forfeited as a result of the November 2008 Notices.
As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, preference receivables consisted mainly of one remaining significant action. During June 2005, the Bankruptcy Court awarded the Liquidation Trust $1.0 million in this action. During March 2006, the District Court upheld the Bankruptcy Court ruling in its entirety. The defendant appealed the affirmation by the District Court to the Court of Appeals. During June 2007, the Court of Appeals remanded the case to the District Court, with instructions to remand to the Bankruptcy Court for specific findings. Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s scheduling order, both parties filed briefings by February 2008. The Bankruptcy Court may decide the case or schedule further proceedings, up to and including a trial, at its discretion. The Liquidation Trust and its counsel intend to vigorously pursue collection of the original judgment. The Liquidation Trust’s current estimate of the fair value of preference receivables is primarily based on the content of the Court of Appeals ruling and on the status of negotiations with the defendant in this action.
| B. | Liabilities and Reserves |
| | 1. | Unimpaired and convenience claims payable |
As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, substantially all of the balance of Unimpaired and convenience Claims payable consisted of an estimated $1.3 million of fees and expenses which Kmart Corporation (“Kmart”) incurred in connection with the Debtors’ bankruptcy filing, which were allowed as an Unimpaired Claim pursuant to the Plan. This Claim has not yet been substantiated by Kmart as required by the Plan. The Liquidation Trust has requested substantiation of this Claim, and is currently working with Kmart in an effort to resolve the matter.
During the three months ended December 31, 2008, uncashed Claims checks increased to $0.6 million, compared to $0.4 million as of September 30, 2008, as follows:
($ in thousands)
| Balance as of September 30, 2008 | | $ | 426 | |
| Voided checks returned | | | 462 | |
| Uncashed checks reclassified | | | (272 | ) |
| Previously voided checks reissued | | | (43 | ) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2008 | | $ | 573 | |
During December 2008, $0.5 million of uncashed checks from the Sixth Interim Distribution paid during August 2008 were voided by the payment agent and the funds returned to the Liquidation Trust. The uncashed Claims checks from the Sixth Interim Distribution paid during August 2008 were not included in the November 2008 Notices. Pursuant to the November 2008 Notices, $0.3 million included in uncashed Claims checks as of September 30, 2008 has been reclassified from this liability account as of December 31, 2008, increasing Net Assets in Liquidation and making the unclaimed funds available to the Liquidation Trust.
During the three months ended December 31, 2008, Distributions payable decreased by $0.5 million, to a balance of $0.3 million, compared to $0.8 million as of September 30, 2008, primarily because, pursuant to the November 2008 Notices, $0.5 million included in Distributions Payable as of September 30, 2008 has been reclassified from this liability account, increasing Net Assets in Liquidation and making the unclaimed funds available to the Liquidation Trust. Substantially all of the remaining balance in Distributions payable as of December 31, 2008 has been paid out during January and February 2009.
4. Estimated costs of liquidation
Estimated costs of liquidation decreased by $0.2 million, to a balance of $0.7 million as of December 31, 2008, compared to $0.9 million as of September 30, 2008, as follows:
($ in thousands)
| Balance as of September 30, 2008 | | $ | 909 | |
| Disbursements – litigation reserve | | | (150 | ) |
| Disbursements – wind-down reserve | | | (344 | ) |
| Increase in estimated costs of liquidation | | | 275 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2008 | | $ | 690 | |
The increase to the Wind-down Reserve is discussed above under “Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation,” and disbursements are discussed above under “Cash Receipts and Disbursements.”
V. Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements about the business, financial condition and prospects of the Liquidation Trust. The actual results of the Liquidation Trust could differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements because of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the Liquidation Trust’s success in securing claims settlements on the terms currently contemplated in ongoing negotiations and in other estimates of settlement value, the effect of substantial delays in settling contingent assets and liabilities, resulting in a prolonged period of liquidation, economic conditions, changes in tax and other government rules and regulations applicable to the Liquidation Trust and other risks. These risks are beyond the ability of the Liquidation Trust to control, and in many cases, the Liquidation Trust cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by any forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q. When used in this quarterly report, the words “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates” and other similar expressions as they relate to the Liquidation Trust or the Liquidation Trustee are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
The Liquidation Trust does not hold any market risk sensitive instruments.
| Item 4T. | Controls and Procedures |
The Liquidation Trust has designed and maintains disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations. These controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that such information is communicated to the Liquidation Trustee, to allow him to make timely decisions about required disclosures.
The Liquidation Trust, including the Liquidation Trustee, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based on that evaluation, the Liquidation Trustee concluded that the Liquidation Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2008.
There has been no change in the Liquidation Trust’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Liquidation Trust’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Liquidation Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.
The remaining responsibilities of the Liquidation Trust no longer require the full-time attention of the Liquidation Trustee or of Liquidation Trust employees. The Liquidation Trustee and one other employee are performing necessary management oversight and administrative, legal and accounting processes on a part-time basis, with periodic assistance from two other part-time employees. While the Liquidation Trustee believes that these individuals will consistently make themselves available as needed to perform their assigned responsibilities, including functions related to internal control over financial reporting, there can be no assurance that this availability will continue. As a result, there may be future deficiencies in internal accounting controls related to a lack of segregation of duties.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Litigation and Other Proceedings on behalf of the Liquidation Trust
As of December 31, 2008, one significant preference litigation action continued – of approximately 1,800 preference actions filed by the Debtors in 2001. During March 2006, the District Court upheld the Bankruptcy Court’s award to the Liquidation Trust of $1.0 million in this case. The defendant further appealed the affirmation by the District Court to the Court of Appeals. During June 2007, the Court of Appeals remanded the case to the District Court, with instructions to remand to the Bankruptcy Court for specific findings. Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s scheduling order, both parties filed briefings by February 2008. The Bankruptcy Court may decide the case or schedule further proceedings, up to and including a trial, at its discretion. The Liquidation Trust and its counsel intend to vigorously pursue collection of the original judgment. Prosecution of all other significant preference litigation has been completed.
Litigation and Other Proceedings against the Liquidation Trust
Settling Claims filed with the Bankruptcy Court is the ordinary course of business for the Liquidation Trust. As of December 31, 2008, a total of three Disputed Claims remained unresolved. None of these Disputed Claims, if resolved in favor of the claimant, would have a material effect on the financial condition of the Liquidation Trust.
Other than as described herein, the Liquidation Trust is not a defendant in any action or proceeding which, if the Liquidation Trust were to be found liable in such action or proceeding, would materially adversely impact the Liquidation Trust’s financial condition.
There are no material changes in risk factors as previously disclosed in the Liquidation Trust’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
None.
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
None.
| Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
None.
None.
| Exhibit | | |
| Number | | Document |
| | | |
| 31.1 | | Certification by Liquidation Trustee |
| | | |
| 32.1 | | Liquidation Trustee’s Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 |
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.
| | HECHINGER LIQUIDATION TRUST |
| | | |
| Date: February 13, 2009 | By: | /s/ Conrad F. Hocking |
| | Name: | Conrad F. Hocking |
| | Title: | Liquidation Trustee |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
FORM 10-Q
Exhibit No.
| 31.1 | Certification by Liquidation Trustee |
| 32.1 | Liquidation Trustee’s Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 |
