NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K
are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of New York REIT Liquidating LLC (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) and members of our management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based, and generally are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “approximates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “should,” “would” or similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Many of the factors that will determine these items are beyond our ability to control or predict. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, public health crises, such as the novel coronavirus
(“COVID-19”)
pandemic, as well as those items set forth in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2021 under “Risk Factors” in Part 1, Item 1A.
Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law.
The following are some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all the risks and uncertainties, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements:
| • | | Our predecessor’s (as defined below) board of directors adopted a plan of liquidation, which was approved by our stockholders on January 3, 2017, to sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Company including our operating partnership, New York Recovery Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “OP”), and to liquidate and dissolve the Company and the OP (the “Liquidation Plan”); however, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in selling our remaining investment and completing the Liquidation Plan; |
| • | | There can be no assurance as to the actual amount of liquidating distributions our unitholders will receive pursuant to the Liquidation Plan or when they will receive them; |
| • | | If we are unable to maintain the occupancy rates of currently leased space and lease currently available space or if tenants default under their leases or other obligations to us during the liquidation process, our cash flow will be reduced and our liquidating distributions may be reduced; |
| • | | Our investment property is located in the New York metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”), making us dependent upon the economic climate in New York City; |
| • | | If the COVID-19 pandemic continues for an extended period of time, the ability of our tenants to pay their contractual rents could be impacted resulting in our cash flow and liquidating distributions being reduced and the demand for New York City property may diminish and market values may be reduced, delaying or reducing our liquidating distributions; and |
| • | | We may be adversely affected by changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including the possibility of intensified international hostilities, acts of terrorism, and changes in conditions of United States or international lending, capital and financing markets. |
All forward-looking statements should be read together with the risks and other information discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
All references to the “Liquidating LLC” refer to New York REIT Liquidating LLC and all references to “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company” refer to New York REIT Liquidating LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries.
New York REIT Liquidating LLC was formed on November 7, 2018 and is the successor in interest to New York REIT, Inc. (the “Predecessor”). The Predecessor was incorporated on October 6, 2009 as a Maryland corporation that qualified as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“REIT”) beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010. On April 15, 2014, the Predecessor listed its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “NYRT.”
The sole purpose of the Company is to wind up the Company’s affairs and the liquidation of the Company’s assets with no objective to continue or to engage in the conduct of a trade or business, except as necessary for the orderly liquidation of the Company’s assets.
Substantially all of the Predecessor’s business was conducted through its operating partnership, New York Recovery Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “OP”).
On August 22, 2016, the Predecessor’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a plan of liquidation to sell in an orderly manner all or substantially all of the assets of the Predecessor and its OP and to liquidate and dissolve the Predecessor and the OP (the “Liquidation Plan”), subject to stockholder approval (see Note 2). The Liquidation Plan was approved at a special meeting of stockholders on January 3, 2017. All of the assets held by the OP have been sold and the OP was dissolved prior to the conversion on November 7, 2018.
At December 31, 2021, the Company’s only significant assets are a 50.1% equity interest in WWP Holdings LLC (“WWP”) which owns one property, aggregating 2.0 million rentable square feet, with an occupancy of 91.3%, and a $90.7 million cash reserve to be utilized for improvements at WWP. The Company’s property consists of office space, retail space and a garage, representing 88%, 5% and 7%, respectively, of rentable square feet at December 31, 2021.
Prior to February 28, 2022, the Company sold all of its properties except for the remaining 50.1% interest in Worldwide Plaza. Also, prior to February 28, 2022, the Company, together with the Predecessor, paid aggregate cash liquidating distributions of $1.0 billion, or $61.26 per common share/unit of common membership.
The Company has no employees. Since March 8, 2017, all advisory duties are administered by Winthrop REIT Advisors, LLC (the “Winthrop Advisor”).
Under the Liquidation Plan, the Predecessor was not, and under our limited liability company agreement we are not, permitted to make any new investments except to make protective acquisitions or advances with respect to our existing assets. We are permitted to satisfy any existing contractual obligations and fund required tenant improvements and capital expenditures at our real estate property owned by the joint venture in which we own an interest.
The Liquidation Plan enables us to sell any and all of our assets without further approval of the unitholders and provides that liquidating distributions be made to the unitholders as determined by the Company’s Board of Managers (the “Board of Managers”).
NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
In October 2018, the Predecessor announced the withdrawal of its common stock from listing on the NYSE in connection with the conversion. November 2, 2018 was the last day on which shares of its common stock were traded on the NYSE and our stock transfer books were closed as of 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on such date. At the effective time of the conversion, each outstanding share of common stock was converted into one unit of common membership interest in the Liquidating LLC (a “Unit”), and holders of shares of the Predecessor’s common stock automatically received one Unit (which Unit was in book entry form) for each share of the common stock held by such stockholder. Unlike shares of the Predecessor’s common stock, which, in addition to being listed on the NYSE, were freely transferable, Units are not listed for trading and generally are not transferable except by will, intestate succession or operation of law. Therefore, the holders of Units do not have the ability to realize any value from these interests except from distributions made by the Company, the timing of which will be solely in the discretion of the Board of Managers. The Board of Managers is currently comprised of three members: Randolph C. Read, Craig T. Bouchard and Howard Goldberg. John Lee and Joseph Moinian, representing two of the Company’s largest unitholders, serve as Observers to the Board of Managers in unpaid positions with no voting rights in connection with Board of Manager matters.
The Company is deemed to be the same entity as the Predecessor with the same assets and liabilities as the Predecessor on the date of conversion. In addition, the charter and bylaws of the Predecessor were replaced by the operating agreement of the Company. For tax purposes, the fair value of each Unit in the Company received by stockholders when the conversion became effective, which reflected the value of the remaining assets of the Company (net of liabilities), was $14.00 per Unit and was equal to the average of the high and low trading prices for shares of the Predecessor’s common stock on the last three days on which the shares were traded on the NYSE.
The business of the Company is the same as the business of the Predecessor immediately preceding the conversion, which, consistent with the Liquidation Plan, consists of the continued ownership of the Predecessor’s interest in Worldwide Plaza, the only remaining property-related asset. Under its operating agreement, the business and affairs of the Company will be managed by or under the direction of its Board of Managers, and the sole purpose is winding up the affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its remaining asset. The Company will remain in existence until the earlier of (i) the distribution of all its assets pursuant to liquidation or (ii) November 7, 2022 which is four years from the effective time of the conversion. The term may be extended to such later date as the Board of Managers determines is reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes of the Company.
The dissolution process and the amount and timing of distributions to unitholders involves risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, it is not possible to predict the timing or aggregate amount which will be ultimately distributed to unitholders and no assurance can be given that the distributions will equal or exceed the estimate of net assets presented in the Consolidated Statements of Net Assets.
Sales Pursuant to the Plan of Liquidation
Pursuant to the Liquidation Plan, excluding the partial sale of Worldwide Plaza, we sold six properties for an aggregate purchase price of $1.325 billion during 2017 and ten properties for an aggregate purchase price of $479.6 million in 2018. There were no property sales in 2020 or 2021.
Our one remaining property asset is located in New York, New York. See “Properties” in Part I, Item 2 for a description of our remaining asset.
NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
At December 31, 2021, we indirectly had debt of $601.2 million of unconsolidated mortgage debt reflecting our pro rata share of Worldwide Plaza’s total mortgage debt of $1.2 billion, with a weighted average interest rate equal to 3.98% per annum and a weighted average term to maturity of 6 years.
The Liquidating LLC is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes. Accordingly, no provision or benefit for income taxes is made in the consolidated financial statements. Distributions from the Liquidating LLC are not taxable in and of themselves. Unitholders will receive a Schedule
K-1
from the Liquidating LLC annually reflecting their allocable share of the Liquidating LLC’s income, loss, gains and deductions.
The New York City real estate market is highly competitive and there are many competing properties in the New York MSA. With respect to the remaining property asset that we own, we compete for tenants based on a number of factors that include location, rental rates, security, suitability of the property’s design to prospective tenants’ needs and the manner in which the property is operated and marketed. Many competitors have substantially greater marketing budgets and financial resources than we do which could limit our success when we compete with them directly. Competition could have a material effect on our occupancy levels, rental rates and on property operating expenses. We also may compete with other entities advised or sponsored by affiliates of the Winthrop Advisor for tenants.
Subsequent to the adoption of the Liquidation Plan we have competition from other properties located in the New York City real estate market both from an operations perspective and with respect to the disposition of our property. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business and our net assets in liquidation.
Our investment is subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including, among other things, zoning regulations, land use controls, environmental controls relating to air and water quality, noise pollution and indirect environmental impacts such as increased motor vehicle activity. We believe that we have all permits and approvals necessary under current law to operate our investment.
As an owner of real estate, we are subject to various environmental laws of federal, state and local governments. Compliance with existing laws has not had a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, and management does not believe it will have such an impact in the future. However, we cannot predict the impact of unforeseen environmental contingencies or new or changed laws or regulations on properties in which we hold an interest.
We have no employees. The employees of the Winthrop Advisor and their affiliates perform a full range of real estate services for us, including accounting, asset management and investor relations services.
NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
We are dependent on these affiliates for services that are essential to us, including asset dispositions, asset management and other general administrative responsibilities.
Financial Information About Industry Segments
With the adoption of the Liquidation Plan, we have only one reporting segment subsequent to January 3, 2017.
Available Information and Company’s Website
Our website is located at
. We post filings on our website as soon as practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Reports on
Form 10-K,
Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q,
Current Reports on Form
8-K,
proxy statements and any amendments to such reports or statements. All such postings and filings are available on the “Investor” portion of our website free of charge. The SEC maintains a website at
that contains reports, proxy statements and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, which is available free of charge.
We are not incorporating by reference our website or any information contained on or connected to our website into this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
Set forth below are the risk factors that we believe are material to our investors. The occurrence of any of the risks discussed in this Annual Report on Form
10-K
could have a material adverse effect on our Liquidation Plan or could delay or reduce liquidating distributions to our unitholders. In this section, references to “you” refers to the holders of our Units.
Risks Related to The Liquidation Plan
We cannot assure you of the actual amount you will receive in liquidating distributions pursuant to the Liquidation Plan or when you will receive them.
The net proceeds of the Liquidation Plan will be distributed to unitholders over time in one or more liquidating distributions. The actual amount that we will distribute to you in the liquidation will depend upon the actual amount of our liabilities, the actual proceeds from the sale of our remaining property, the actual fees and expenses incurred in connection with the sale of our property, the actual expenses incurred in the administration of our property prior to disposition, our actual general and administrative expenses, including fees paid to the Winthrop Advisor and its affiliates and other liabilities that may be incurred by us, our ability to avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes throughout the period of the liquidation process and other factors. If our liabilities (including, without limitation, tax liabilities and compliance costs) are greater than we currently expect or if the sales price of our remaining property related asset is less than we expect, you will receive less in total liquidating distributions.
While we have previously provided estimates about the timing and amount of liquidating distributions that we will make, these estimates are based on multiple assumptions, one or more of which may prove to be incorrect, and the actual amount of liquidating distributions we pay to you may be more or less than these estimates. We cannot assure you of the actual amount you will receive in liquidating distributions pursuant to the Liquidation Plan or when they will be paid.
NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
If we are unable to find buyers for our assets on a timely basis or at our expected sales prices, our liquidating distributions may be delayed or reduced.
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form
10-K,
our remaining interest in Worldwide Plaza is our only remaining property related asset. The sales price that we will ultimately be able to obtain for our asset is subject to many variables. For example, in order to find a buyer in a timely manner, we may be required to lower our asking price below the low end of our current estimate of the asset’s market value. If we are not able to find a buyer for this asset in a timely manner or if we have overestimated the sales price we will receive, our liquidating distributions to our unitholders would be delayed or reduced. Furthermore, real estate sales prices are constantly changing and fluctuate with changes in interest rates, supply and demand dynamics, occupancy percentages, lease rates, the availability of suitable buyers, the perceived quality and dependability of income flows from tenants and a number of other factors, both local and national. In addition, the amount of transactional fees and expenses or unknown liabilities, if any, may adversely impact the net liquidation proceeds from our assets.
If the
COVID-19
pandemic materially impacts cash flow at Worldwide Plaza, our liquidating distributions may be delayed or reduced.
The
COVID-19
pandemic has had, and may continue to have, an impact on the ability of the tenants at Worldwide Plaza to pay their contractual rents when due or at all. This is especially true for retail and amenities tenants that have been and may continue to be forced to close as a result of government protective measures. Delays or reductions in the payment of rent by tenants of the property, will result in delays or reductions in the cash distributions we receive from the property which will affect the timing and amount of liquidating distributions to our unitholders. Given the uncertainty around the extent and timing of the potential future spread or mitigation of the
COVID-19
pandemic and the imposition or relaxation of protective measures, we cannot at this time reasonably estimate the impact of the
COVID-19
pandemic to our liquidating distributions and the impact could be material
If the
COVID-19
pandemic continues for an extended period of time, the demand for New York City properties may diminish and market values could be reduced, delaying or reducing our liquidating distributions.
The full impact of the
COVID-19
pandemic is unknown and is dependent on various factors and consequences outside of our control. Should the effects of the pandemic and government protective measures in response thereto continue for an extended period of time, the demand for properties in the New York City metropolitan area may be reduced, making it more difficult for us to sell our remaining interest in Worldwide Plaza in the timeframe contemplated by the Liquidation Plan or for the current estimated market value of the property. If we are not able to find a buyer for this asset in a timely manner or if we have overestimated the sales price we will receive, whether because of the current economic environment caused by the
COVID-19
pandemic or otherwise, our liquidating distributions to our unitholders could be delayed or reduced.
We may require additional capital to implement the Liquidation Plan.
It is possible we may require additional funds for other capital needs including capital expenditures, working capital and other expenses related to our remaining investment property. There is no assurance that we will have sufficient capital to complete the Liquidation Plan effectively. If we need additional capital, we are unlikely to be able to access the capital markets and any failure to obtain financing to meet our capital needs, on favorable terms or at all, could reduce and delay the liquidating distributions we make to our unitholders.
NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
We are dependent on our joint venture partner, which is the administrative member and has
control over the activities of Worldwide Plaza, and there can be no assurance as to the timing of a sale of Worldwide Plaza or that we will realize our estimated value.
Our only remaining investment is our 50.1% equity interest in the joint venture that owns Worldwide Plaza. While we own a majority of the membership interests in Worldwide Plaza, under the Worldwide Plaza joint venture agreement, our joint venture partner, which is a joint venture between an affiliate of SL Green Realty Corp. and a private equity fund sponsored by RXR Realty LLC, is the manager of the joint venture and is responsible for
management of Worldwide Plaza. All major decisions require the consent of the WWP Board of Managers, including the consent of Samuel Ashner who is our designee on the WWP Board of Managers, however, we do not have control of the
decisions to be made by Worldwide Plaza, and therefore we are dependent on our joint venture partners and there is a risk of impasse. Additionally, under the joint venture agreement, we would lose approval rights relating to property-level major decisions for Worldwide Plaza if Samuel Ashner ceased to serve on the WWP Board of Managers and we did not appoint a replacement consented to by our joint venture partners, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, within 90 days. Investments in joint ventures, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present were a third party not involved. Our joint venture partner may have economic or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives. Disputes between us and our joint venture partner may result in litigation. Consequently, actions by or disputes with our joint venture partner might result in subjecting us to additional risk. In addition, in certain circumstances we may be liable for the actions of our joint venture partner or subject to dilution of our interest if we fail to make required capital contributions to the venture.
We have a right to transfer our membership interests in Worldwide Plaza to purchasers meeting certain qualifications, subject to a right of first offer to our joint venture partner. Commencing January 18, 2022, we and our joint venture partner also have the right to require the joint venture to market the property owned by it for sale, subject to a right of first offer to our joint venture partner.
Any transferee of our interest would acquire an interest subject to the same limitations on participation in the management of Worldwide Plaza that are applicable to us. There can be no assurance these limitations will not affect our ability to sell our interest in Worldwide Plaza or the amount we would receive on a sale. In addition, we may determine that a sale of the property rather than our interest in Worldwide Plaza is the best way to maximize the value of our interest in Worldwide Plaza. A sale of the property could substantially delay the timing of our complete liquidation. Additionally, the existence of the right of first offers may delay our ability to sell the Worldwide Plaza property or our interest in Worldwide Plaza on terms and in the timeframe of our choosing and may diminish the price we receive on a sale.
The timing of the sale of the property, or our interest in the property, and the ultimate value we receive from the sale, are subject to change. The joint venture’s capital plan includes targeted capital improvements aimed at maintaining the institutional quality of the building and an appropriate allocation to allow for critical tenant lease renewals and rolls. In addition, capital will be available for management to focus on repositioning the property as a more modern asset, with a corresponding program to rebrand the building as well as energizing and maximizing the potential of the retail and concourse space. We have set aside approximately $90.7 million from the 2017 refinancing proceeds to cover an estimate of our share of potential future leasing and capital costs at the property. Our joint venture partners have committed to contribute their
pro-rata
share of the budgeted capital investment. Management’s estimate, like any estimate or projection, is subject to various assumptions and uncertainties including the joint venture’s ability to execute on the business plan, tenants paying their rental
NEW YORK REIT LIQUIDATING LLC
obligations, the equity capital and financing markets and New York City market conditions generally. The
COVID-19
pandemic has delayed all modernization and repositioning plans. There is no assurance that the joint venture will be successful in taking these various actions and that these actions will, in fact, result in an increase in the value of the property.
Our ability to sell the Worldwide Plaza property may be delayed by a right of first offer held by one of the tenants of the Worldwide Plaza property.
The lease with one of the tenants at the Worldwide Plaza property contains a right of first offer in the event that WWP is selling 100% of the property. The right requires that WWP offer the tenant the option to purchase 100% of the Worldwide Plaza property, at a price (and on other material terms) proposed by WWP prior to selling the Worldwide Plaza property to a third party. If, after a
45-day
period, that tenant does not accept the offer, WWP may then sell the Worldwide Plaza property to a third party, provided that WWP will be required to
re-offer
the property to that tenant if we desire to sell the Worldwide Plaza property for a purchase price (and other economic consideration) less than 92.5% of the initial purchase price contained in the offer to that tenant. The existence of this right of first offer may delay WWP’s ability to sell the Worldwide Plaza property on terms and in the timeframe of our choosing and may diminish the price other potential purchasers may be willing to pay for the Worldwide Plaza property, which may reduce or delay the liquidating distributions that will be paid to our unitholders.
If we make distributions to our members without making adequate provisions for payment of creditors’ claims or expenses, the amount of liquidation proceeds will be reduced, and our members would be liable to the creditors to the extent of any payments due to creditors.
Under Delaware law, certain obligations or liabilities imposed by law on our members, managers or officers cannot be avoided when our Company is dissolved in accordance with the Liquidation Plan. For example, if we make distributions to our members without making adequate provisions for payment of creditors’ claims and expenses, the amount of liquidation proceeds will be reduced, and our members could be liable to the creditors to the extent of any payments due to creditors. To the extent that we have underestimated the size of our contingency reserve and distributions to our members have already been paid, our members may be required to return some or all of such distributions.
Decreases in property values may reduce the amount we receive upon the sale of our remaining property related asset, which would reduce the amount you receive in liquidating distributions.
The Liquidation Plan provides for the sale of all our assets, which are real estate investments, and we cannot predict whether we will be able to do so at a price or on terms and conditions acceptable to us. Investments in real properties are relatively illiquid. The amount we receive upon the sale of our asset depends on the underlying value of our asset, and the underlying value of our asset may be reduced by a number of factors that are beyond our control, including, without limitation, the following:
| • | | changes in general economic or local conditions; |
| • | | changes in supply of or demand for similar or competing properties in an area; |
| • | | changes in interest rates and availability of mortgage funds that may render the sale of the property difficult or unattractive; |
| • | | increases in operating expenses; |