Woodbridge Liquidation Trust 10-K for FY2024
Woodbridge Liquidation Trust (WBQNL)
10-K
2024-09-27
For: 2024-06-30
View Original
Added on
April 06, 2026
About this 10-K
Woodbridge Liquidation Trust filed this 10-K on September 27, 2024, covering the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (FY2024).
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission File Number 000-56115
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310 ) 765-1550
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered
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N/A |
N/A
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class A Liquidation Trust Interests
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐
Yes ☒ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
☐ Yes ☒ No
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 ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a
smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer ☐
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Accelerated filer ☐
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Smaller reporting company
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Emerging growth company
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the
effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 762(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of
the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the
registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
At December 31, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate
market value of the registrant’s Class A Liquidation Trust Interests held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $35.58
million based upon the average bid and ask price of $3.11. As of December 31, 2023, there were approximately 11.44 million Class A Liquidation Trust Interests held by non-affiliates.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
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Page
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Part I
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Item 1.
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1
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Item 1A.
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21
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Item 1B.
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28
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Item 1C.
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28
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Item 2.
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30
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Item 3.
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30
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Item 4.
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Part II
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Item 5.
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Item 6.
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Item 7.
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Item 7A.
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Item 8.
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Item 9.
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Item 9A.
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Item 9B.
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Item 9C.
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Part III
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Item 10.
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Item 11.
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Item 12.
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Item 13.
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Item 14.
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Part IV
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Item 15.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Woodbridge Liquidation Trust (the “Trust”) is a Delaware statutory trust. It was formed on February 15, 2019, the effective
date (the “Plan Effective Date”) of the First Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Liquidation dated August 22, 2018 of Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC and Its Affiliated Debtors (the “Plan”).
The Trust was formed to implement the terms of the Plan. The Plan was confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) on October 26, 2018 in the jointly administered chapter 11
bankruptcy cases (the “Bankruptcy Cases”) of Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC and its affiliated chapter 11 debtors (collectively, the “Debtors”), Case No. 17-12560 (JKS).
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), all beneficial interests in the Trust, including both Class A Liquidation
Trust Interests (“Class A Interests”) and Class B Liquidation Trust Interests (“Class B Interests”), are collectively referred to as “Liquidation Trust Interests.”
The material terms of the Plan which relate to holders of Liquidation Trust Interests (“Interestholder,” “Interestholders”
or “All Interestholders”) are described in this Annual Report, as well as in the Disclosure Statement for the First Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Liquidation of The Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC
and Its Affiliated Debtors (the “Disclosure Statement”). The Disclosure Statement was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on August 22, 2018 and was distributed or made available to creditors of the Debtors and other parties in
interest pursuant to Section 1125 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”).
A copy of the Plan is referenced as Exhibit 2.1 to this Annual Report. A copy of the order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Plan
is referenced as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
This Annual Report, and other filings by the Trust with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), or written statements made by the Trust in press releases or in other communications, oral or written, may contain
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as codified in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act” and, together with the Securities Act, the “Acts”). Such statements include, without limitation, statements (other than historical facts) that address future plans, goals,
expectations, activities, events or developments. The Trust has tried, where possible, to use words such as “anticipates”, “if”, “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “forecasts”, “initiative, “objective”, “goal, “projects”,
“outlook”, “priorities”, “target”, “evaluate”, “pursue”, “seek”, “potential”, “continue”, “designed”, “impact”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
are based on current expectations and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and not all of which can be predicted by the Trust. Such risks and uncertainties include the amount of
funds needed for construction defect and other claims, estimated completion date for the Company’s operations, the amount of general and administrative costs, the number and amount of successful Causes of Action (as defined below) and/or
settlements and the ability to recover thereon, the amount of funding required to continue litigations, changes in tax and other governmental rules and regulations applicable to the Trust and its subsidiaries, and other risks identified and
described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. Accordingly, the Trust cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be realized, as actual results may differ materially from those identified or implied in any
forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties are beyond the ability of the Trust to control, and in many cases, the Trust cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those
indicated by the forward-looking statements.
In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Acts, the Trust has identified and is disclosing important factors, risks and
uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements made by the Trust, or on the Trust’s behalf. (See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.) These cautionary
statements are to be used as a reference in connection with any forward-looking statements. The factors, risks and uncertainties identified in these cautionary statements are in addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements,
written or oral, which may be made or otherwise addressed in connection with a forward-looking statement or contained in any of the Trust’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Because of these factors, risks and uncertainties, the Trust cautions
against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Trust believes that the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements are currently reasonable, any of the assumptions could be incorrect or incomplete, and there can
be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as may be required by law, the Trust does not undertake any obligations to modify,
update or revise any forward-looking statement to take into account or otherwise reflect subsequent events, corrections in or revisions of underlying assumptions, or changes in circumstances arising after the date that the forward-looking
statement was made.
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Overview
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The Trust and its wholly-owned subsidiary Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC (the “Wind-Down Entity”) were formed pursuant to the
Plan. The purpose of the Trust is to prosecute various causes of action owned by the Trust (the “Causes of Action”), to litigate and resolve claims filed against the Debtors, to pay allowed administrative and priority claims against the
Debtors (including professional fees), to receive cash from certain sources and, in accordance with the Plan, to make distributions of cash to Interestholders subject to the retention of various reserves and after the payment of Trust expenses
and administrative and priority claims. The Trust has no other purpose. Sources and potential sources of cash include the net proceeds from settlements of various Causes of Action, remittances of cash distributed from the Wind-Down Entity, “Fair
Fund” recoveries from the SEC, and assets forfeited to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) by former owners and principals of the Debtors (“Forfeited Assets”).
The Wind-Down Entity was formed to develop (as applicable), market, and sell the real estate assets owned by its subsidiaries (the “Wind-Down
Subsidiaries” and, with the Wind-Down Entity, the “Wind-Down Group”), in order to generate cash to be remitted to the Trust after the payment of Wind-Down Group expenses and subject to the retention of various reserves. The Trust,
the Remaining Debtors (as defined in Section B of this Item 1) and the Wind-Down Group are collectively referred to in this Annual Report as the “Company.”
Most of the Debtors filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2017 (certain other Debtors filed cases on later dates).
During the Bankruptcy Cases, the major constituencies reached agreements on several matters, including new management for the Debtors, the manner and timing of the liquidation of the Debtors’ assets, and relative priorities to such distributions
among creditors. Certain of these agreements were embodied in the Plan, which was confirmed in October 2018 and became effective on February 15, 2019. Under the Plan, holders of certain claims against the Debtors received Class A Interests, which
became registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act on December 24, 2019.
The Trust will be terminated upon the first to occur of (i) the making of all distributions required to be made and a determination by
the “Liquidation Trustee” that the pursuit of additional Causes of Action held by the Trust is not justified or (ii) March 31, 2026, subject to the extension of such date with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. During the year ended
June 30, 2023, the Company concluded that its liquidation activities would not be completed by February 15, 2024, which was the original outside termination date of the Trust, for a number of reasons. First, there had been significant delays in
certain legal proceedings where the Company was the plaintiff. Second, a construction defect claim was asserted against one of the Wind-Down Subsidiaries (the “Development Entity”) by the buyer of a single-family home sold by the
Development Entity. Based on these factors, the Company projected a revised estimated completion date for the Company’s operations of approximately March 31, 2026 and filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court to extend the termination date of
the Trust to that date. This motion was granted by the Bankruptcy Court on December 20, 2023. However, the Company may seek one or more additional extensions of the termination date if it deems it necessary or appropriate to facilitate the
orderly liquidation of the Trust’s assets, the resolution of the construction defect claim against the Development Entity, or the resolution of the Company’s claims against its insurers and other third parties in connection with the construction
defect claim.
The Trust is administered by a Liquidation Trustee. The Liquidation Trustee is authorized, subject to the oversight of a supervisory
board currently consisting of five members (the “Supervisory Board”), to carry out the purposes of the Trust. The Wind-Down Entity is currently managed by a “Board of Managers” consisting of a single member.
Pursuant to the Plan and the Liquidation Trust Agreement of the Trust (as amended, the “Trust Agreement”), a copy of which is
referenced as Exhibits 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 to this Annual Report, distributions to Interestholders are made after giving effect to the payment of costs and expenses incurred by the Trust, including the cost of collecting, administering,
distributing, and liquidating the Trust assets such as fees and expenses of the Liquidation Trustee, premiums for directors’ and officers’ insurance, fees and expenses of attorneys and consultants and the retention of reserves. Furthermore, cash
received by the Trust from the Wind-Down Group is net of the payment of Wind-Down Group costs and the retention of reserves by the Wind-Down Group for contingent liabilities.
Part I
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Item 1.
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Business (Continued)
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Distributions will be made by the Trust only to the extent that the Trust has sufficient net assets to make such payments in accordance
with the Plan and the Trust Agreement. No distribution is required to be made to any Interestholder unless such Interestholder is to receive in such distribution at least $10.00. If the Trust mails a distribution check to an Interestholder and
the Interestholder fails to cash the check within 180 calendar days, or if the Trust mails a distribution check to an Interestholder and such check is returned to the Trust as undeliverable and is not claimed by the Interestholder within 180
days, then the Interestholder may not only lose its right to the amount of that distribution, but also may be deemed to have forfeited its right to any reserved and future distributions under the Plan. Since the Plan Effective Date, the
Liquidation Trustee and the Supervisory Board have authorized eleven cash distributions to the holders of Class A Interests.
On August 3, 2023, the Supervisory Board, at the recommendation of the Liquidation Trustee, suspended the making of additional Trust distributions to Interestholders, pending the result of the
investigation of a construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity by the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity. Holders of Liquidation Trust Interests are advised that to date, the Trust has
liquidated substantially all of its real estate assets, and given the pending construction defect claim, the Trust is unable to estimate the timing and amount of future distributions, other than the distribution described below solely in
respect of Forfeited Assets to be made to Qualifying Victims1.
On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100,000 was approved which represents a distribution of approximately $4.65 per
$1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the last Forfeited Asset, which is expected to occur by
December 31, 2024.
1 Pursuant to an agreement with the DOJ, the Trust is
required to distribute the net sale proceeds from the Forfeited Assets to the Qualifying Victims. Qualifying Victims consist of the former holders of allowed Class 3 and Class 5 claims as of the Plan Effective Date and their permitted
assigns, but do not include former holders of Class 4 claims. Distributions to Qualifying Victims are to be allocated pro-rata based on their net allowed Class 3 and Class 5 claims (“Net Allowed Class 3 and Class 5 Claims”) plus unresolved
Class 3 and Class 5 claims without considering the (i) 5% enhancement for contributing their Causes of Action and (ii) 72.5% Class 5 coefficient. As of June 30, 2024, the Net Allowed Class 3 and Class 5 Claims were approximately $881,540,000 and
net unresolved Class 3 and Class 5 net claims were approximately $50,000 (together referred to as the “Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims”). Because of the requirement to distribute the net sale proceeds
of the Forfeited Assets to Qualifying Victims only, the Forfeited Assets as of June 30, 2024 are presented in the consolidated statement of net assets as restricted net assets in liquidation.
Part I
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Item 1.
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Business (Continued)
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The following table shows the Trust’s eleven cash distributions declared to Class A Interestholders since its February 15, 2019 Plan Effective Date:
The Trust’s distributions have primarily come from the net proceeds of real estate sales, except for the ninth distribution, which
included the Trust’s net proceeds from the settlement of litigation against Comerica Bank.
Part I
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Item 1.
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Business (Continued)
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Reflective of the progress toward the completion of its liquidation activities, the following two tables show the Wind-Down Group’s
decreasing number of real estate assets and amount of net carrying value of the real estate assets since the Plan Effective Date and through June 30, 2024:
* One real estate asset was sold and one other asset was reclassified as a real estate asset.
* One real estate asset was sold and one other asset was reclassified as a real estate asset.
The Trust’s distributed cash through June 30, 2024, together with its distributions payable as of June 30, 2024, totaled approximately
$426.19 million. The Trust’s consolidated net assets in liquidation as of June 30, 2024 were approximately $39.87 million.
Part I
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Item 1.
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Business (Continued)
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The Company has completed the majority of its liquidation activities, having liquidated all but two real estate assets with a net
carrying value of approximately $0.50 million, and has a small number of unresolved Causes of Action remaining. As a result, currently the primary focus of the Wind-Down Group is resolving the construction defect claim asserted against the
Development Entity, as summarized in the following paragraphs.
During the year ended June 30, 2023, a construction defect claim was asserted against the Development Entity, and the Development Entity
tendered the construction defect claim to its insurance carriers. As of June 30, 2024, the carrier had not accepted the claim. On August 9, 2024, the Development Entity filed a lawsuit against two insurance carriers seeking to have the insurance
carriers pay for or contribute to the costs necessary to address the construction defect claim. In addition, on May 28, 2024, the Development Entity filed a lawsuit against the prior owner, contractors and other professionals involved in the
development of the site and the construction of the home seeking to have them pay for or contribute to the costs incurred to address the construction defect claim. Both of these lawsuits are further described in “Item 3. Legal Proceedings”.
The Development Entity is also addressing the claim by continuing its investigation of the extent and causes of the alleged damage,
identification of other potentially responsible persons, and planning for repairs of the property.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the Company accrued an estimate of approximately $5.0 million for initial costs expected to be
incurred relating to the construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity. The accrual consists primarily of estimated construction and related costs for the initial phase of repair work. It also includes legal and professional
fee estimates for pursuing litigation related to the construction defect and insurance claims. The initial repair and cost estimates are based on investigations completed to date by the Development Entity’s soil and geotechnical engineers and the
currently proposed initial repair plans which are subject to further review and revisions. The initial repair plans are currently under review by the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (“LADBS”).
The Development entity’s soil and geotechnical engineers and other consultants will continue their monitoring of the home and will
respond to comments and questions as necessary from LADBS and other engineers and consultants. Once plans are approved by LADBS, the Development Entity will obtain updated cost estimates for the initial repair. Following the initial repairs,
additional costs will be incurred to monitor the home and complete additional repairs, if necessary. The scope of additional work that may be required to repair the home will depend on the outcome of the initial repairs. Accordingly, the
Development Entity is currently unable to estimate the cost necessary to complete the repair of the home. These costs could be material and in in excess of the Company’s $5.0 million accrual as of June 30, 2024.
Part I
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Item 1.
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Business (Continued)
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B.
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Organization of the Company
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On the Plan Effective Date, the Plan was implemented, and the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity were formed.
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The Trust
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The Trust was established for the benefit of its Interestholders and for the purpose of collecting, administering, distributing and
liquidating the Trust assets in accordance with the Plan and the Trust Agreement, to resolve disputed claims asserted against the Debtors, to litigate and/or settle the Causes of Action, and to pay certain allowed claims and statutory fees, in
each case to the extent required by the Plan. The Trust has no objective to continue or engage in the conduct of a trade or business, except to the extent reasonably necessary to, and consistent with, the purpose of the Trust as set forth in the
Plan.
By operation of the Plan, (i) the real estate assets of the Debtors were automatically vested in the Wind-Down Group; (ii) all existing
equity interests in Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC and Woodbridge Mortgage Investment Fund 1, LLC (together, the “Remaining Debtors”) were cancelled and extinguished and new equity interests in the Remaining Debtors, representing all
of the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Remaining Debtors, were issued to the Trust; and (iii) all of the Debtors other than the Remaining Debtors were automatically dissolved.
As of the Plan Effective Date, each of the Debtors’ directors, officers and managers was terminated and the Trust succeeded to all of
their powers in respect of the assets vested in the Trust. Each of the Debtors, other than the Remaining Debtors, was automatically dissolved on the Plan Effective Date pursuant to the Plan.
By operation of the Plan, the following assets were transferred to the Trust on the Plan Effective Date:
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an aggregate of $5.0 million in cash from the Debtors for the purpose of funding the Trust’s initial expenses of operation;
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the following Causes of Action: (i) all claims and causes of action formerly held or acquired by the Debtors and (ii) all causes of action contributed by Noteholders or Unitholders (as defined in Section C
of this Item 1) to the Trust as “Contributed Claims” pursuant to the Plan;
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all of the outstanding membership interests of the Wind-Down Entity; and
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certain other non-real estate related assets and entities.
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2.
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The Wind-Down Entity
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On the Plan Effective Date and by operation of the Plan, the Wind-Down Entity became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trust. The
Wind-Down Entity was organized for the purpose of accepting, holding, and administering the Debtors’ real estate assets and distributing the net proceeds of liquidating such real estate assets to the Trust in accordance with the Plan and the
Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Wind-Down Entity (as amended, the “Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement”), consistent with the purposes of the Trust. As of the Plan Effective Date, the Wind-Down Group received, in the aggregate,
assets consisting of approximately $31.34 million in cash and approximately $585.01 million of real estate and other assets.
Part I
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Item 1.
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Business (Continued)
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| C. |
Material Developments Leading to Confirmation of the Plan
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Prior to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases, the Debtors were part of a group of more than 275 affiliated entities formed by, and
formerly controlled by, Robert Shapiro (“Shapiro”) which were used by Shapiro to perpetrate a large-scale “Ponzi” scheme. As part of the scheme, Shapiro is believed to have used the group of affiliated entities to raise more than $1.22
billion from over 10,000 investors nationwide. Money was raised in the form of one of two primary products: (1) five-year private placement products that were styled, marketed or sold as “units” in Woodbridge Mortgage Investment Fund 1, LLC,
Woodbridge Mortgage Investment Fund 2, LLC, Woodbridge Mortgage Investment Fund 3, LLC, Woodbridge Mortgage Investment Fund 3a, LLC, Woodbridge Mortgage Investment Fund 4, LLC, Woodbridge Commercial Bridge Loan Fund 1, LLC, and Woodbridge
Commercial Bridge Loan Fund 2, LLC (each, a “Fund Debtor”) and (2) purportedly secured promissory products of 12 to 18 months that were styled, marketed or sold as “notes,” “mortgages” or “loans” by one or more Fund Debtors. In this Annual
Report, any and all investments, interests or other rights with respect to any of the Fund Debtors that were styled, marketed or sold as “units” are referred to as “Units” and the holders of Units are referred to as “Unitholders.”
Similarly, in this Annual Report, any and all investments, interests or other rights with respect to any of the Fund Debtors that were styled, marketed or sold as “notes,” “mortgages” or “loans” are referred to as “Notes” and the holders
of Notes are referred to as “Noteholders.”
The proceeds of the sale of Units and Notes were not used for the purposes that were represented to investors, but were instead used to
pay (i) over $400 million of “interest” and “principal” to existing investors, (ii) approximately $64.5 million in commissions to sales agents engaged in the sale of the investments, and (iii) at least $21.2 million for the personal benefit of
Shapiro or his related entities or family members (including, for example, the purchase of luxury items, travel, wine, and the like). Additionally, the Debtors and Shapiro used investor funds to purchase at least 193 residential and commercial
properties located primarily in Los Angeles, California, and Carbondale, Colorado. The Debtors had one segment, known as “Riverdale” which did, in fact, originate loans to unrelated third parties, but the dollar amount of these third-party loans
was a fraction of the amount of the loans made to disguised affiliates.
In the years leading up to the commencement of their Bankruptcy Cases, the Debtors faced a variety of inquiries from state and federal
regulators. In particular, in or around September 2016, the SEC began investigating certain of the Debtors (and certain non-debtor affiliates) in connection with possible securities law violations, including the alleged offer and sale of
unregistered securities, the sale of securities by unregistered brokers, and the commission of fraud in connection with the offer, purchase, and sale of securities.
In late 2017, the Debtors found it increasingly difficult to raise new capital from investors. The Debtors were unable to make the
December 1, 2017 interest and principal payments due on the Notes. Shapiro hired an outside financial restructuring firm and a chief restructuring officer to manage the Debtors on or about December 1, 2017, and on December 4, 2017 chapter 11
bankruptcy cases for 279 of the Debtors were commenced (cases for the 27 other Debtors were filed on later dates). An immediate effect of commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases was the imposition of the automatic stay under Bankruptcy Code section
362(a), which, with limited exceptions, enjoined the commencement or continuation of all collection efforts by creditors, the enforcement of liens against property of the Debtors, and the continuation of litigation against the Debtors during the
pendency of the Bankruptcy Cases. Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, a company may continue to operate its business under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court while it attempts to reorganize.
As of the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases, certain discovery-related disputes regarding administrative subpoenas issued by the SEC
were proceeding before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, but the SEC had not yet asserted any claims against any of the Debtors or their affiliates. Subsequent to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases, the
SEC commenced legal proceedings in the Florida district court against, among other defendants, Shapiro, a trust related to Shapiro or his family, and the Debtors.
In addition to the SEC investigation, certain of the Debtors received information requests from state securities regulators in
approximately 25 states. As of the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases, regulators in eight states had filed civil or administrative actions against one or more of the Debtors and certain of their sales agents, alleging they engaged in the
unregistered offering of securities in their respective jurisdictions and unlawfully acted as unregistered investment advisors or broker-dealers. Six states—Massachusetts, Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Michigan—entered permanent
cease and desist orders against one or more of the Debtors related to their alleged unregistered sale of securities. Several of these inquiries were resolved prior to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases through settlements, which included
the entry of consent orders. Certain of the Debtors entered into consent orders with California, Arizona, Michigan, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado during the Bankruptcy Cases.
On December 14, 2017, the Office of the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware (the “U.S. Trustee’s Office”) formed
the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Unsecured Creditors’ Committee”). On December 20, 2017, the SEC filed its action in the Florida district court, as discussed above, detailing much of the massive fraud perpetrated by
Shapiro before the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases. The SEC asked the Florida district court to appoint a receiver who would displace the Debtors’ management in the Bankruptcy Cases, but the Florida district court declined to immediately act
on this request in light of the pending Bankruptcy Cases.
Part I
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Item 1.
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Business (Continued)
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On December 28, 2017, the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee filed a motion seeking appointment of a chapter 11 trustee to replace the
Debtors’ management team, arguing that the team was “hand-picked by Shapiro, and ha[d] done his bidding both before and after the filing of these cases.” The SEC later made a similar request, arguing that the new “independent” management team was
“completely aligned [with Shapiro] in controlling this bankruptcy.”
On or about January 23, 2018, the Debtors, the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee, the SEC, and groups of Noteholders and Unitholders
entered into a term sheet (the “Joint Resolution”) that resolved the trustee motions and several other matters. The Joint Resolution included, among other provisions, the following key provisions:
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A new board of managers (with no ties whatsoever to Shapiro) was formed to govern the Debtors (the “New Board”). The New Board consisted of Richard Nevins, M. Freddie Reiss, and Michael Goldberg.
|
| • |
The New Board was empowered to select a CEO or CRO, subject to the consent of the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee and the SEC.
|
| • |
The New Board was empowered, subject to the SEC’s consent, to select new counsel for the Debtors or to re-confirm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP as counsel for the Debtors.
|
| • |
The holders of Units were permitted to form a single one- or two-member fiduciary Unitholder committee (the “Unitholder Committee”) to advocate for the interests of Unitholders.
|
| • |
The holders of Notes were permitted to form a single six- to nine-member fiduciary Noteholder committee (the “Noteholder Committee”) to advocate for the interests of Noteholders.
|
As authorized by the Joint Resolution, the New Board selected Frederick Chin to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Bradley D.
Sharp to serve as the Chief Restructuring Officer during the pendency of the Bankruptcy Cases. Under the direction of the New Board, the Debtors also retained and employed Development Specialists, Inc. as the Debtors’ restructuring advisor and
Klee, Tuchin, Bogdanoff & Stern LLP (n/k/a KTBS Law LLP) as new bankruptcy co-counsel to represent them in the Bankruptcy Cases with Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP.
On April 16, 2018, the Debtor defendants in the Florida proceedings entered into a consent agreement with the SEC and consented to the
entry of a judgment. Under the consent agreement and the judgment, the Debtors agreed, among other things, that (i) the Debtor defendants would be permanently enjoined from violations of certain sections of the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act; (ii) upon motion of the SEC, the Florida district court would determine whether it was appropriate to order disgorgement and/or a civil penalty against the Debtor defendants, and if so, the amount of any such disgorgement and/or civil
penalty; and (iii) in connection with any hearing regarding disgorgement and/or a civil penalty, inter alia, the Debtor defendants would be precluded from arguing that they did not violate the federal
securities laws as alleged in the SEC action and the Debtor defendants would not challenge the validity of the consent agreement or judgment. On May 1, 2018, the Bankruptcy Court approved the consent agreement and the judgment. On May 21, 2018,
the Florida district court entered the judgment against the Debtor defendants in the SEC action and entered an order administratively closing such action. The Debtors reached a settlement with the SEC to resolve the disgorgement and civil penalty
claims asserted by the SEC against the Debtor defendants.
During the Bankruptcy Cases, the Debtors sold numerous parcels of owned real property, in each case with Bankruptcy Court approval.
Additionally, the major constituencies in the Bankruptcy Cases reached agreements on several matters, including new management for the Debtors, the manner and timing of the liquidation of the Debtors’ assets, and the relative priorities to such
distributions among creditors, certain of which agreements were embodied in the Plan.
Under the Plan, on the Plan Effective Date, former Noteholders, Unitholders, and general unsecured creditors holding allowed claims were
granted Class A Interests in exchange for their claims. Pursuant to a compromise in the Plan, former Unitholders also received Class B Interests (Unitholders received Class A Interests on account of only 72.5% of their allowed Unit Claims and
received Class B Interests on account of the remaining 27.5% of their allowed Unit Claims).
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
The Plan incorporated a “netting” mechanism for Note and Unit investors whereby such investors received Liquidation Trust Interests
based on their “Net” Note Claim (defined as claims arising from or in connection with any Notes) or their “Net” Unit Claim (defined as claims arising from or in connection with any Units). The netting was achieved by reducing the Note or Unit
claim by the aggregate amount of all pre-bankruptcy distributions received by the Noteholder or Unitholder (other than return of principal). For example, a Noteholder holding a Note with a face amount of $100,000 who received $10,000 of
“interest” before the Debtors filed bankruptcy would be deemed to hold a Net Note Claim of $90,000. Such Noteholder would receive Class A Interests on account of a $90,000 Net Note Claim.
On December 24, 2019, the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 became effective under the Exchange Act. The trading symbol for the
Trust’s Class A Interests is WBQNL. Bid and ask prices for the Trust’s Class A Interests are quoted on the OTC Link® ATS, the SEC-registered alternative trading
system. The Class A Interests are eligible for the Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration (DRS) services. The Class B Interests are not registered with the SEC.
| D. |
Plan Provisions Regarding the Company
|
| 1. |
Corporate governance provisions
|
Under the Plan and the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement, the Trust is required at all times to be the sole and exclusive owner of all
membership interests of the Wind-Down Entity. The Trust is prohibited from selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of its membership interests in the Wind-Down Entity without approval of the Bankruptcy Court, and the Wind-Down Entity is
prohibited from issuing any equity interest to any other person.
Formerly under the Plan and the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement, the Wind-Down Entity was required to be managed by a three-member Board
of Managers, one of whom was required to be the Chief Executive Officer. On November 30, 2022, the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement was amended to reduce the Wind-Down Entities’ Board of Managers to two members and to eliminate the requirement that
the Chief Executive Officer serve as a member of the Board of Managers. On March 27, 2023, following the sale of the last single-family home, the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement was further amended to reduce the Board of Managers to one person.
The Wind-Down Entity is required to advise the Trust regarding its affairs on at least a monthly basis, reasonably make available such
information as is necessary for any reporting by the Trust and advise the Trust of material actions. Excess cash of the Wind-Down Entity (cash that is in excess of budgeted reserve for ongoing operations and other anticipated obligations
including potential construction defect claims and expenses as determined by the Board of Managers) is required to be remitted to the Trust on a quarterly basis, and the Wind-Down Entity is restricted in its ability to invest or gift any of its
assets or make asset acquisitions.
The Bankruptcy Court has retained certain jurisdiction regarding the Trust, the Liquidation Trustee, the Supervisory Board, the
Wind-Down Entity, the Board of Managers, and assets of the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity, including the determination of all disputes arising out of or related to administration of the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity.
| 2. |
Treatment under the Plan of holders of claims against and equity interests in the Debtors
|
The Plan identified 12 types of Claims against and equity interests in the Debtors, eight of which were “classified” (i.e., placed into formalized classes under the Plan) and four of which are not. Claims required to be paid in full under the Plan are referred to as “Unimpaired Claims.” Four types of claims are not
classified—(i) claims arising under Bankruptcy Code sections 503(b), 507(a)(2), 507(b), or 1114(e)(2) (“Administrative Claims”), (ii) claims by professionals employed in the Bankruptcy Cases pursuant to Bankruptcy Code sections 327, 328,
1103, or 1104 for compensation or reimbursement of costs and expenses relating to services provided during the period from the Petition Date through and including the Plan Effective Date (“Professional Fee Claims”), (iii) tax claims
entitled to priority under Bankruptcy Code section 507(a)(8) (“Priority Tax Claims”), and (iv) debtor-in-possession financing claims (“DIP Claims”). The foregoing claims are all Unimpaired Claims and have been or will be paid in
full. Although the amounts may be subject to negotiation based on the Debtors’ and creditors’ records, and to ultimate determination, if necessary, in the Bankruptcy Court, liabilities resulting from any such Administrative Claims, Professional
Fee Claims, Priority Tax Claims, and DIP Claims that are allowed are analogous, in substance, to accounts payable. As of September 27, 2024, there were no allowed and unpaid DIP Claims. As of September 27, 2024, there were no unpaid
Administrative Claims, approximately $.11 million of unpaid Priority Tax Claims and no remaining unpaid Administrative Claims or Professional Fee Claims.
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
The remaining eight types are claims and equity interests that have been classified. Classified claims and equity interests are treated
in accordance with the priorities established under the Bankruptcy Code.
The classified claims and equity interests under the Plan are the following (each, a “Class” of claims or interests):
| • |
“Class 1 Claims” or “Other Secured Claims,” which are claims, other than DIP Claims, that are secured by a valid, perfected, and enforceable lien on property in which the Debtors have an interest, which
lien is valid, perfected, and enforceable under applicable law and not subject to avoidance under the Bankruptcy Code or applicable non-bankruptcy law.
|
| • |
“Class 2 Claims” or “Priority Claims,” which are claims that are entitled to priority under Bankruptcy Code section 507(a), other than Administrative Claims and Priority Tax Claims.
|
| • |
“Class 3 Claims” or “Standard Note Claims,” which are any Note Claims other than Non-Debtor Loan Note Claims (as defined below).
|
| • |
“Class 4 Claims” or “General Unsecured Claims,” which are unsecured, non-priority claims that are not Note Claims, Subordinated Claims (as defined below), or Unit Claims.
|
| • |
“Class 5 Claims” or “Unit Claims,” which are Unit Claims (as defined in Item 1, Section C of this Annual Report).
|
| • |
“Class 6 Claims” or “Non-Debtor Loan Note Claims,” which are any Note Claims that are or were purportedly secured by an unreleased assignment or other security interest in any loans or related interests as
to which the lender was a Debtor and the underlying borrower actually is or actually was a person that is not a Debtor.
|
| • |
“Class 7 Claims” or “Subordinated Claims,” which are collectively, (a) any claim, secured or unsecured, for any fine, penalty, or forfeiture, or for multiple, exemplary, or punitive damages, to the extent
such fine, penalty, forfeiture, or damages are not compensation for actual pecuniary loss suffered by the holder of such claim and (b) any other claim that is subordinated to General Unsecured Claims, Note Claims, or Unit Claims pursuant
to Bankruptcy Code section 510, a final order of the Bankruptcy Court, or by consent of the creditor holding such claim.
|
| • |
“Class 8” or “Equity Interests,” which are all previously issued and outstanding common stock, preferred stock, membership interests, or other ownership interests in any of the Debtors outstanding
immediately prior to the Plan Effective Date.
|
Holders of Class 1 Claims are creditors of the Wind-Down Entity, and holders of Class 2 Claims are creditors of the Trust. Although the
amounts may be subject to negotiation based on the Debtors’ and creditors’ records, and to ultimate determination, if necessary, in the Bankruptcy Court, liabilities resulting from any such claims that are allowed are analogous, in substance, to
accounts payable. As of September 27, 2024, there were no allowed and unpaid Class 1 Claims or Class 2 Claims.
Under the Plan, three Classes of claims, when the claims are allowed under the Plan, entitle the holders thereof to become holders of
Liquidation Trust Interests. The holders of these claims belonged, as of the Petition Date, to one or more of the following categories:
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
| • |
Standard Note Claims (Class 3)
|
| • |
General Unsecured Claims (Class 4)
|
| • |
Unit Claims (Class 5)
|
Standard Note Claims are Claims arising from any and all investments, interests or other rights with respect to any of the seven Debtors
identified as a “Fund Debtor” under the Plan that were styled, marketed or sold as “notes,” “mortgages,” or “loans.” As of September 27, 2024, the aggregate outstanding amount of allowed Class 3 Standard Note Claims (net of prepetition
distributions of interest) was approximately $702.68 million, including those Class 6 Non-Debtor Loan Note Claims that were reclassified as Class 3 Standard Note Claims in accordance with the Plan. See
“Holders of Non-Debtor Loan Note Claims” below. The Trust’s estimate of the aggregate outstanding amount of disputed Class 3 Standard Note Claims as of September 27, 2024 is approximately $0.06 million (in each case, net of prepetition
distributions of interest).
General Unsecured Claims include any unsecured, non-priority claim asserted against any of the Debtors that is not a Note Claim,
Subordinated Claim or Unit Claim, and generally include the claims of trade vendors, landlords, general liability claimants, utilities, contractors, employees and numerous others. As of September 27, 2024, the aggregate outstanding amount of
allowed Class 4 General Unsecured Claims was approximately $6.04 million, and the Trust estimates that the aggregate outstanding amount of disputed Class 4 General Unsecured Claims as of September 27, 2024 was approximately $0.10 million.
Unit Claims are Claims arising from any and all investments, interests or other rights with respect to any of the seven Debtors
identified as a “Fund Debtor” under the Plan that were styled, marketed or sold as “units.” As of September 27, 2024, the aggregate outstanding amount of allowed Class 5 Unit Claims was approximately $178.86 million, and the Trust estimates that
there are no outstanding disputed Class 5 Unit Claims as of September 27, 2024 (in each case, net of prepetition distributions of interest).
Holders of allowed claims in Classes 3, 4 and 5 are deemed to hold an amount and class of Liquidation Trust Interests that is prescribed
by the Plan based on the amount of their respective claims, as follows:
| • |
Each holder of an allowed claim in Class 3 (Standard Note Claims) is deemed to hold one (1) Class A Interest for each $75.00 of Net Note Claims held by the
applicable Noteholder with respect to its Allowed Note Claims.
|
| • |
Each holder of an allowed claim in Class 4 (General Unsecured Claims) is deemed to hold one (1) Class A Interest for each $75.00 of allowed General Unsecured Claims
held by the applicable creditor.
|
| • |
Each holder of an allowed claim in Class 5 (Unit Claims) is deemed to hold 0.725 of a Class A Interest and 0.275 of a Class B Interest for each $75.00 of Net Unit
Claims held by the applicable Unitholder with respect to its allowed Unit Claims.
|
In addition, under the Plan, holders of Standard Note Claims and Unit Claims were permitted, at the time they cast their votes on the
Plan, to elect to contribute their causes of action against any non-released persons to the Trust for prosecution (the “Contributed Claims”). The relative share of the Trust recoveries for any so electing Noteholder or Unitholder in
respect of its respective Class 3 Claim or Class 5 Claim has been enhanced by having the amount that otherwise would be the applicable Net Note Claim or Net Unit Claim increased by a multiplier of 105%, referred to as the “Contributing Claimant’s
Enhancement Multiplier.” The Plan releases the Debtors, the members of the New Board, the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee, the Noteholder Committee, and the Unitholder Committee, and any party related to such persons from liability, but generally
excludes from such release any prepetition insider of any of the Debtors, any non-debtor affiliates of the Debtors or insider of any such non-debtor affiliates, any prepetition employee of any of the Debtors involved in the marketing or sale of
Notes or Units, and any other person involved in such marketing, including certain persons identified on a schedule attached to the Plan.
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
Distributions of cash by the Trust on account of Class A Interests and Class B Interests are required to be made in accordance with a
prescribed priority, referred to as the “Liquidation Trust Interests Waterfall.” (See “Part I, Item 1. Business, D. Plan Provisions Regarding the Company, 4. Liquidation Trust Interests under the Plan.”) Fractional Liquidation Trust Interests, if
any, are rounded in accordance with the rounding convention established by the Plan.
Other Classes under the Plan include Subordinated Claims, Non-Debtor Loan Note Claims, and Equity Interests. Although holders of
Subordinated Claims are not Interestholders of the Trust, they are deemed to have retained a residual right to receive any cash that remains in the Trust after the final administration of all the Trust assets and payment in full to holders of
both Class A Interests and Class B Interests, including interest at the rate and to the extent set forth in the Plan. The Trust does not expect that there will be any such residual cash.
| 3. |
Assets and liabilities of the Company
|
The following is the Company’s consolidated statements of net assets in liquidation as of the Plan Effective Date and June 30, 2024 ($
in millions):
|
Plan
|
||||||||
|
Effective
|
||||||||
|
Date
|
June 30, 2024
|
|||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
$
|
36.02
|
$
|
56.01
|
||||
|
Restricted cash
|
0.32
|
4.91
|
||||||
|
Other assets:
|
||||||||
|
Net real estate assets held for sale, net
|
582.71
|
0.50
|
||||||
|
Miscellaneous
|
2.29
|
1.96
|
||||||
|
Subtotal other assets
|
585.00
|
2.46
|
||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
621.34
|
$
|
63.38
|
||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
5.78
|
0.02
|
||||||
|
Distributions payable
|
-
|
0.79
|
||||||
|
Accrued liquidation costs
|
232.07
|
22.70
|
||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
237.85
|
$
|
23.51
|
||||
|
Net assets in liquidation:
|
||||||||
|
Restricted for Qualifying Victims
|
-
|
4.11
|
||||||
|
All Interestholders
|
383.49
|
35.76
|
||||||
|
Total net assets in liquidation
|
$
|
383.49
|
$
|
39.87
|
||||
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
The status of outstanding Unimpaired and Impaired Claims as of September 27, 2024 is summarized below, with amounts in millions:
|
Estimated
|
Disputed Claims
|
||||||||
|
Allowed
|
at Asserted
|
||||||||
|
Claims
|
Amount
|
||||||||
|
Unimpaired Claims (Liabilities)
|
$
|
0.05
|
$
|
0.11
|
|||||
|
Impaired Claims (Beneficial Interests)
|
$
|
887.66
|
(a)
|
$
|
0.16
|
||||
| (a) |
Includes an estimated $0.08 million of additional claims expected to be allowed from the approximate $0.16 million of
disputed claims.
|
| 4. |
Liquidation Trust Interests under the Plan
|
Each holder of an allowed claim in the Plan’s Class 3 (Standard Note Claims), Class 4 (General Unsecured Claims) and Class 5 (Unit
Claims) was granted one or more beneficial interests in the Trust (a Liquidation Trust Interest) of a class (i.e. either Class A and/or Class B) and in an amount prescribed by the Plan and the Trust
Agreement, as follows:
| • |
In the case of an allowed claim in the Plan’s Class 3 (Standard Note Claims), the holder was granted one (1) Class A Interest in the Trust for each $75.00 of Net Note Claims held by the applicable
Noteholder with respect to its Allowed Note Claims. Allowed Net Note Claims are determined as the outstanding principal amount of Note Claims held by a particular Noteholder, minus the aggregate amount of all prepetition distributions
(other than return of principal) received by such Noteholder.
|
| • |
In the case of an allowed claim in the Plan’s Class 4 (General Unsecured Claims), the holder was granted one (1) Class A Interest in the Trust for each $75.00 of allowed General Unsecured Claims held by the
applicable creditor.
|
| • |
In the case of an allowed claim in the Plan’s Class 5 (Unit Claims), the holder was granted 0.725 of a Class A Interest in the Trust and 0.275 of a Class B Interest in the Trust for each $75.00 of Net Unit
Claims held by the applicable Unitholder with respect to its allowed Unit Claims. Allowed Net Unit Claims were determined as the outstanding principal amount of Unit Claims held by a particular Unitholder, minus the aggregate amount of
all prepetition distributions (other than return of principal) received by such Unitholder.
|
The Plan permitted Noteholders and Unitholders to contribute certain causes of action (the Contributed Claims) to the Trust. In the case
of any Noteholder or Unitholder that elected, on such holder’s Plan ballot, to contribute such holder’s Contributed Claims to the Trust, the relative share of Liquidation Trust Interests granted to any so electing Noteholder or Unitholder has
been enhanced by increasing the amount that otherwise would be the applicable Net Note Claim or Net Unit Claim by the Contributing Claimant’s Enhancement Multiplier of 105% before converting such Net Note Claim or Net Unit Claim to Liquidation
Trust Interests.
With respect to disputed claims, upon resolution of any disputed claims and to the extent such claims become allowed claims, holders of
such Claims in the Plan’s Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 will be granted Liquidation Trust Interests.
As of September 27, 2024, approximately $887.58 million of Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 Claims are allowed. The Trust estimates, as of
September 27, 2024, that approximately $0.08 million of additional Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 Claims will ultimately be allowed. As more such claims become allowed, additional Liquidation Trust Interests will be granted. The percentage recovery
to be received by each Class A Interestholder will be based on (i) the amount of cash ultimately available for distribution to such holders; and (ii) the actual amount of Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 Claims that ultimately become allowed.
The Plan provides for a Liquidation Trust Interests Waterfall that specifies the priority and manner of distribution of available cash,
excluding distributions of the net proceeds from Forfeited Assets. On each distribution date, the Liquidation Trustee is required to distribute available cash as follows:
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
| • |
First, to each Interestholder of Class A Interests pro rata based on such Interestholder’s number of Class A Interests, until the aggregate amount of all such distributions on account of the Class A
Interests equals the product of (i) the total number of all Class A Interests and (ii) $75.00;
|
| • |
Thereafter, to each Interestholder of Class B Interests pro rata based on such Interestholder’s number of Class B Interests, until the aggregate amount of all such distributions on account of the Class B
Interests equals the product of (i) the total number of all Class B Interests and (ii) $75.00;
|
| • |
Thereafter, to each Interestholder of a Liquidation Trust Interest (whether a Class A Interest or a Class B Interest) pro rata based on such Interestholder’s number of Liquidation Trust Interests until the
aggregate amount of all such distributions on account of the Liquidation Trust Interests equals an amount equivalent to interest, at a per annum fixed rate of 10%, compounded annually, accrued on the aggregate principal amount of all Net
Note Claims, allowed General Unsecured Claims, and Net Unit Claims outstanding from time to time on or after December 4, 2017, treating each distribution of available cash made after the Plan Effective Date pursuant to the immediately
preceding two subparagraphs as reductions of such principal amount; and
|
| • |
Thereafter, pro rata to the holders of allowed Subordinated Claims until such claims are paid in full, including interest, at a per annum fixed rate of 10% or such higher rate as may be specified in any
consensual agreement or order relating to a given Interestholder, compounded annually, accrued on the principal amount of each allowed Subordinated Claim outstanding from time to time on or after December 4, 2017.
|
On August 3, 2023, the Supervisory Board, at
the recommendation of the Liquidation Trustee, suspended the making of additional Trust distributions to Interestholders, pending the result of the investigation of a construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity by
the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity. Holders of Liquidation Trust Interests are advised that to date, the Trust has liquidated substantially all of its real estate assets, and given the pending construction defect
claim, the Trust is unable to estimate the timing and amount of future distributions, other than the distribution described below solely in respect of Forfeited Assets to be made to Qualifying Victims.
On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100,000 was approved which represents a distribution of
approximately $4.65 per $1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the last Forfeited Asset, which is
expected to occur by December 31, 2024.
Sections 7.6 and 7.18 of the Plan provide that distributions that have not been cashed within 180 calendar days of their issuance shall
be null and void and the holder of the associated Liquidation Trust Interests “shall be deemed to have forfeited its rights to any reserved and future distributions under the Plan,” with such amounts to become “Available Cash” of the Trust for
all purposes. On February 1, 2022, the Trust sent letters to the holders of the Class A Interests who had failed to cash distribution checks in respect of prior distributions, which checks were issued more than 180 days prior to the date of the
letter. The letter informed each recipient that, unless the Trust was contacted on or before February 28, 2022, such recipient’s reserved and future distribution would be deemed forfeited in accordance with the Plan. The Trust provided this final
notice simply as a one-time courtesy and reserved its rights to strictly enforce the Plan’s forfeiture provisions, and any other provision of the Plan, against any person (including any recipient of the final notice) at any time in the future,
without further notice.
The following tables summarize the distributions declared, distributions paid and the activity in the restricted cash account for the
periods from February 15, 2019 (inception) through June 30, 2024 and from February 15, 2019 through September 27, 2024:
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
|
During the Period from
February 15, 2019 (inception) through June 30, 2024 ($ in Millions)
|
During the Period from
February 15, 2019 (inception) through September 27, 2024 ($ in Millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Date Declared
|
$ per
Class A Interest |
Total Declared
|
Paid
|
Restricted Cash Account
|
Total Declared
|
Paid
|
Restricted Cash Account
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Declared
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
First
|
3/15/2019
|
$
|
3.75
|
$
|
44.70
|
$
|
42.32
|
$
|
2.38
|
$
|
44.70
|
$
|
42.32
|
$
|
2.38
|
||||||||||||||
|
Second
|
1/2/2020
|
4.50
|
53.44
|
51.20
|
2.24
|
53.44
|
51.20
|
2.24
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Third
|
3/31/2020
|
2.12
|
25.00
|
24.19
|
0.81
|
25.00
|
24.19
|
0.81
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fourth
|
7/13/2020
|
2.56
|
29.97
|
29.24
|
0.73
|
29.97
|
29.24
|
0.73
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fifth
|
10/19/2020
|
2.56
|
29.96
|
29.21
|
0.75
|
29.96
|
29.21
|
0.75
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sixth
|
1/7/2021
|
4.28
|
50.01
|
48.67
|
1.34
|
50.01
|
48.67
|
1.34
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Seventh (a)
|
5/13/2021
|
2.58
|
30.04
|
29.35
|
0.69
|
30.04
|
29.35
|
0.69
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Eighth
|
10/8/2021
|
3.44
|
40.02
|
39.14
|
0.88
|
40.02
|
39.14
|
0.88
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ninth
|
2/4/2022
|
3.44
|
39.98
|
39.15
|
0.83
|
39.98
|
39.15
|
0.83
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Tenth
|
6/15/2022
|
5.63
|
65.02
|
64.19
|
0.83
|
65.02
|
64.19
|
0.83
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Eleventh
|
5/10/2023
|
2.18
|
25.02
|
24.90
|
0.12
|
25.02
|
24.90
|
0.12
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Subtotal
|
$
|
37.04
|
$
|
433.16
|
$
|
421.56
|
$
|
11.60
|
$
|
433.16
|
$
|
421.56
|
$
|
11.60
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Returned / (Reversed)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Disallowed/cancelled (b)
|
(6.68
|
)
|
(6.68
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Returned (c)
|
0.74
|
0.74
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Forfeited (d)
|
(1.13
|
)
|
(1.13
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Subtotal
|
(7.07
|
)
|
(7.07
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Paid from Reserve Account (e)
|
(3.75
|
)
|
(3.82
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Payable, Net
|
as of 6/30/2024:
|
$
|
0.78
|
as of 9/27/2024:
|
$
|
0.71
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) |
The seventh distribution included the cash the Trust received from Fair Funds.
|
| (b) |
As a result of claims being disallowed or Class A Interests cancelled.
|
| (c) |
Distribution checks returned or not cashed.
|
| (d) |
Distributions forfeited as Interestholders did not cash checks that were over 180 days old.
|
| (e) |
Paid as claims are allowed or resolved.
|
As claims are resolved, additional Class A Interests may be issued or cancelled (see “Part 1, Item 1. Business, D. Plan Provisions
Regarding the Company, 2. Treatment under the Plan of holders of claims against and equity interests in the Debtors and 3. Assets and liabilities of the Company”). Therefore, the total amount of a distribution declared may change. In addition,
distributions may change if Interestholders that were previously deemed to have forfeited their rights to receive Class A Interest distributions subsequently respond and if overpaid distributions are returned.
| E. |
Operations and Management of the Company
|
| 1. |
The Trust
|
Michael I. Goldberg, Esq. is the Liquidation Trustee. The Liquidation Trustee was unanimously selected by the Unsecured Creditors’
Committee, the Noteholder Committee, and the Unitholder Committee and approved by the Bankruptcy Court.
The Trust is also required to have a trustee that has its principal place of business in the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Trustee”).
The Delaware Trustee is Wilmington Trust Company, National Association, who has been appointed for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.
The Trust does not have directors, executive officers or employees. Subject to supervision by the Supervisory Board, the Liquidation
Trustee has the full power, right, authority and discretion, unless otherwise provided in the Plan, to carry out and implement all applicable provisions of the Plan.
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
In addition to other actions that the Liquidation Trustee has the authority to take, the Liquidation Trustee may do any and all of the
following:
| • |
review, reconcile, compromise, settle, or object to claims and resolve such objections as set forth in the Plan, free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or applicable bankruptcy rules;
|
| • |
calculate and make distributions and calculate and establish reserves under and in accordance with the Plan;
|
| • |
retain, compensate, and employ professionals and other persons to represent the Liquidation Trustee with respect to and in connection with its rights and responsibilities;
|
| • |
establish, maintain, and administer documents and accounts of the Debtors as appropriate, which are to be segregated to the extent appropriate in accordance with the Plan;
|
| • |
maintain, conserve, collect, settle, and protect the Trust’s assets (subject to the limitations described in the Plan);
|
| • |
sell, liquidate, transfer, assign, distribute, abandon, or otherwise dispose of the assets of the Trust or any part of such assets or interest in such assets upon such terms as the Liquidation Trustee
determines to be necessary, appropriate, or desirable;
|
| • |
negotiate, incur, and pay the expenses of the Trust;
|
| • |
prepare and file any and all informational returns, reports, statements, tax returns, and other documents or disclosures relating to the Debtors that are required under the Plan, by any governmental unit,
or by applicable law;
|
| • |
compile and maintain the official claims register, including for purposes of making initial and subsequent distributions under the Plan;
|
| • |
take such actions as are necessary or appropriate to wind-down and dissolve the Debtors;
|
| • |
comply with the Plan, exercise the Liquidation Trustee’s rights, and perform the Liquidation Trustee’s obligations; and
|
| • |
exercise such other powers as deemed by the Liquidation Trustee to be necessary and proper to implement the Plan.
|
The powers and authority of the Liquidation Trustee are subject to limitations under the Trust Agreement. On behalf of the Trust or the
Interestholders, the Liquidation Trustee is prohibited from doing any of the following:
| • |
entering into or engaging in any trade or business (other than the management and disposition of the assets of the Trust), and no part of the Trust’s assets or the proceeds, revenue or income therefrom may
be used or disposed of by the Trust in furtherance of any trade or business;
|
| • |
except as expressly permitted in the Trust Agreement, reinvesting any assets of the Trust;
|
| • |
selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of the Trust’s membership interests in the Wind-Down Entity without further approval of the Bankruptcy Court; or
|
| • |
incurring any indebtedness except as contemplated by the Plan or the Trust Agreement.
|
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
The Liquidation Trustee is permitted to invest cash of the Trust, including any earnings thereon or proceeds therefrom, any cash
realized from the liquidation of the assets of the Trust, or any cash that is remitted to the Trust from the Wind-Down Entity or any other person. Investments by the Liquidation Trustee are not required to comply with Bankruptcy Code section
345(b). Accordingly, the Liquidation Trustee will not be required to obtain a secured bond from financial institutions at which Trust funds are deposited or invested. However, investments must be investments that are permitted to be made by a
“liquidating trust” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 301.7701-4(d), as reflected in such regulation, or under applicable guidelines, rulings, or other controlling authorities. Accordingly, cash not available for distribution and
cash pending distribution is expected to be held in demand and time deposits, such as short-term certificates of deposit, in banks or other savings institutions, or other temporary, liquid investments such as Treasury bills.
The Liquidation Trustee is subject to removal and replacement following notice to the SEC and upon a determination by the Bankruptcy
Court that “cause” exists for such removal and replacement, using the standard set forth under Bankruptcy Code Section 1104.
Pursuant to the Plan and the Trust Agreement, the activities of the Liquidation Trustee are subject to the supervision of the
Supervisory Board. Under the Plan, the Supervisory Board has the rights and powers of a duly elected board of directors of a Delaware corporation. The Supervisory Board is charged with supervision of the Liquidation Trustee in accordance with the
Plan and the Trust Agreement, determination of the Liquidation Trustee’s incentive compensation, if any, and approval of the appointment of any successor Liquidation Trustee. In the event that votes or consents by the Supervisory Board for and
against any matter (other than any matter regarding the supervision, evaluation or compensation of the Liquidation Trustee) are equally divided, the Liquidation Trustee has the power to cast the deciding vote.
Additionally, approval by the Supervisory Board or, in the absence of such approval, an order of the Bankruptcy Court, is necessary
concerning any of the following matters:
| • |
any sale or other disposition of an asset of the Trust, or any release, modification or waiver of existing rights as to an asset of the Trust, if the asset at issue exceeds $500,000 in estimated value;
|
| • |
any compromise or settlement of litigation or controverted matter proposed by the Liquidation Trustee involving claims in excess of $500,000; and
|
| • |
any retention by the Liquidation Trustee of professionals.
|
Members of the Supervisory Board may resign following written notice to the Liquidation Trustee and the other members of the Supervisory
Board. Such resignation will become effective on the later to occur of (i) the day specified in such written notice and (ii) the date that is thirty (30) days after the date such notice is delivered. A member of the Supervisory Board may be
removed only by entry of a Bankruptcy Court order finding that cause exists to remove such member.
In the event that a member of the Supervisory Board is removed, dies, becomes incapacitated, resigns or otherwise becomes unavailable
for any reason, such member’s replacement shall be appointed in accordance with the Plan, which establishes procedures for the appointment of such replacements. If a member of the Supervisory Board nominated by the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee
is no longer available for any reason, then the remaining member(s) selected by the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee are to select the replacement member(s). If a member of the Supervisory Board nominated by either the Noteholder Committee or the
Unitholder Committee is no longer available for any reason, then the available former members of the Noteholder Committee or Unitholder Committee, as applicable, are to be requested to, and may, select a replacement. If no former members of the
Noteholder Committee or the Unitholder Committee, as applicable, are reasonably available and willing to make the selection, then the remaining members of the Supervisory Board are to select the replacement member(s). The Supervisory Board
decided not to replace the member that resigned on March 5, 2024.
Holders of Liquidation Trust Interests have no voting rights with respect to the selection or replacement of the Liquidation Trustee or
the Delaware Trustee and have no other voting rights.
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
The Audit Committee of the Trust was appointed by the Supervisory Board to oversee (i) the integrity of the annual, quarterly and other
financial statements of the Trust, (ii) the independent auditor’s qualification and independence, (iii) the performance of the Trust’s independent auditor, and (iv) the compliance by the Trust with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit
Committee also is authorized, subject to final review by all disinterested members of the Supervisory Board in each case, to review and approve all related person transactions in which the Trust is a participant as provided for in the Trust’s
Related Person Transaction Policy. The Audit Committee is comprised of M. Freddie Reiss, who also serves as Chairman of the committee.
The Cybersecurity Committee of the Trust was formed on May 9, 2024. The Cybersecurity Committee oversees compliance with the SEC’s
cybersecurity rule, including assessing and managing cybersecurity risks, and monitoring the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. M. Freddie Reiss is the sole member of the committee.
| 2. |
The Wind-Down Group
|
The Board of Managers is charged with the administration of the Wind-Down Entity, including the power to carry out any and all acts
necessary, convenient or incidental to or for the furtherance of the purposes of the Wind-Down Entity. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan and the Wind-Down LLC Agreement, no individual member of the Board, in his or her capacity as such,
has any authority to bind the Wind-Down Entity.
Members of the Board of Managers serve until they resign, die, become incapacitated or are removed for Cause by the Trust. “Cause” is
defined in the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement, with respect to any Manager, as (i) the embezzlement, misappropriation of any property or other asset of the Wind-Down Entity; (ii) the commission of, or the entering of a plea of nolo contendere or
guilty with respect to, any felony whatsoever or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or (iii) any willful and material breach of the terms of the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement or the terms of the Plan applicable to such Manager. Any
member of the Board of Managers may resign by giving not less than thirty (30) calendar days’ prior notice of resignation to the other members. Vacancies on the Board of Managers are required to be filled by the Trust.
Subject to the Plan and the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement, the Board of Managers also is charged with the supervision and oversight of
the Chief Executive Officer. In addition to the Chief Executive Officer, the Wind-Down Entity had three employees as of September 27, 2024.
Subject to the supervision of the Board of Managers as described above, the Chief Executive Officer has the authority, except as
otherwise provided in the Plan, to carry out and implement all applicable provisions of the Plan for the ultimate benefit of the Trust, including the authority to do the following:
| • |
retain, compensate, and employ professionals and other persons to represent the Wind-Down Entity in connection with its rights and responsibilities;
|
| • |
establish, maintain, and administer accounts of the Debtors as appropriate;
|
| • |
maintain, develop, improve, administer, operate, conserve, supervise, collect, settle, and protect the assets of the Wind-Down Entity;
|
| • |
sell, liquidate, transfer, assign, distribute, abandon, or otherwise dispose of the assets of the Wind-Down Entity, including through the formation on or after the Plan Effective Date of any new or
additional legal entities to be owned by the Wind-Down Entity to own and hold particular assets of the Wind-Down Entity separate and apart from any other assets of the Wind-Down Entity, upon such terms as the Chief Executive Officer
determines to be necessary, appropriate, or desirable;
|
| • |
invest cash of the Debtors and their estates, including any cash realized from the liquidation of the assets of the Wind-Down Entity;
|
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
| • |
negotiate, incur, and pay the expenses of the Wind-Down Entity;
|
| • |
exercise and enforce all rights and remedies regarding any loans or related interests as to which the lender was a Debtor and the underlying borrower actually is or actually was a person or organization
that is not a Debtor, including any such rights or remedies that any Debtor or any estate was entitled to exercise or enforce prior to the Plan Effective Date on behalf of a holder of a Non-Debtor Loan Note Claim, and including rights of
collection, foreclosure, and all other rights and remedies arising under any promissory note, mortgage, deed of trust, or other document with such underlying borrower or under applicable law;
|
| • |
comply with the Plan, exercise the Chief Executive Officer’s rights, and perform the Chief Executive Officer’s obligations; and
|
| • |
exercise such other powers as deemed by the Chief Executive Officer to be necessary and proper to implement the provisions of the Plan.
|
Each of the Wind-Down Subsidiaries is managed by the Wind-Down Entity, its sole member. The Wind-Down Entity’s Chief Executive Officer
serves as Chief Executive Officer of each of the Wind-Down Subsidiaries.
Distributions of cash or other assets of the Wind-Down Group are to be made as and when determined by the Board of Managers in its sole
discretion, provided however that on the first business day that is 30 calendar days after each calendar quarter-end, the Wind-Down Entity is to remit to the Trust as of such quarter-end any cash in excess of its budgeted amount for ongoing
operations, reserves for contingent liabilities, including potential construction defect claims, other anticipated expenses and other Plan obligations.
| 3. |
Current year plan of operations
|
Trust
During the remainder of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Trust’s primary activities will primarily consist of resolving its
remaining claims, including Priority Tax Claims filed against the Debtors; closing out the remaining unresolved Causes of Action relating to avoidance actions; distributing the net sale proceeds of the Forfeited Assets to the Qualifying Victims;
and other trust activities. In accordance with the Plan, the Trust periodically evaluates its ability to make future distributions.
On August 3, 2023, the Supervisory Board, at
the recommendation of the Liquidation Trustee, suspended the making of additional Trust distributions to Interestholders, pending the result of the investigation of a construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity by
the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity. Holders of Liquidation Trust Interests are advised that to date, the Trust has liquidated substantially all of its real estate assets, and given the pending construction defect
claim, the Trust is unable to estimate the timing and amount of future distributions, other than the distribution described below solely in respect of Forfeited Assets to be made to Qualifying Victims.
On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100,000 was approved which
represents a distribution of approximately $4.65 per $1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the
last Forfeited Asset, which is expected to occur by December 31, 2024.
Wind-Down Group
During the remainder of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Wind-Down Group will continue to address the construction defect claim
asserted against the Development Entity by the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity. The Development Entity is planning for necessary repairs, including working with third-party engineers and consultants to obtain
governmental approval of the initial repair plans. When the repair plans are approved, the Development Entity expects to coordinate the completion of initial repairs with third-party contractors and consultants. Following the initial repairs,
additional time will be necessary to monitor the home and evaluate the need for additional repairs. The Development Entity also intends to continue to pursue its claims against its insurance carriers and other potential responsible parties.
Part I
|
Item 1.
|
Business (Continued)
|
The Wind-Down Group will also manage the liquidation of its few remaining assets, which includes a performing secured loan which matures
on December 15, 2024, and other activities as needed. The Wind-Down Group expects to fund its operating costs primarily with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments on hand.
| 4. |
Termination and dissolution of the Company
|
The Trust is required to be terminated, and the Liquidation Trustee discharged from duties, at such time as: (i) the Liquidation Trustee
determines that the pursuit of additional Causes of Action held by the Trust is not likely to yield sufficient additional proceeds to justify further pursuit of such Causes of Action and (ii) all distributions required to be made by the
Liquidation Trustee to the holders of allowed claims and to the Interestholders under the Plan and the Trust Agreement have been made. Notwithstanding the above, the Trust has a limited life and was originally to be terminated no later than
February 15, 2024 unless the Bankruptcy Court, upon motion made within the six-month period before such date, determines that a fixed period extension is necessary to facilitate or complete the recovery on, and liquidation of, the Trust’s assets.
However, the Bankruptcy Court may not grant an extension that, together with any prior extensions, exceeds three years unless the Trust has obtained a favorable letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the further
extension would not adversely affect the status of the Trust as a liquidating trust for federal income tax purposes.
During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Company concluded that its liquidation activities would not be completed by February 15, 2024
for a number of reasons. First, there had been significant delays in certain legal proceedings where the Company was the plaintiff. Second, a construction defect claim was asserted against the Development Entity by the buyer of a single-family
home sold by the Development Entity. Based on these factors, the Company projected a revised estimated completion date for the Company’s operations of approximately March 31, 2026 and filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court to extend the
termination date of the Trust to that date. This motion was granted by the Bankruptcy Court on December 20, 2023. However, the Company may seek one or more additional extensions of the termination date if it deems it necessary or appropriate to
facilitate the orderly liquidation of the Trust’s assets, the resolution of the construction defect claim against the Development Entity, the resolution of the Company’s claims against its insurers and other third parties in connection with the
construction defect claim, or for other reasons.
The Trust may not be terminated at any time by the Interestholders. Upon any termination of the Trust, any remaining assets of the Trust
that exceed the amounts required to be paid under the Plan may be transferred by the Liquidation Trustee to the American Bankruptcy Institute Endowment Fund.
Pursuant to its Limited Liability Company Agreement, the Wind-Down Entity shall dissolve upon the first to occur of the following: (i)
the written consent of the Trust, (ii) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under Section 18-802 of the Delaware LLC Act and (iii) the sale or other disposition of all of the Wind-Down Assets.
| F. |
Access to Information
|
The Trust’s website is located at www.woodbridgeliquidationtrust.com. The information on the Trust’s website is not part of this Annual
Report. Through its website, the Trust makes available, free of charge, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished to the SEC. These reports
are available as soon as reasonably practicable after the Trust electronically files these reports with the SEC. The Trust also posts on its website its Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy, Code of Ethics, Insider Trading Policy and
other corporate governance materials required by SEC regulation. These documents are also available in print to any Interestholder requesting a copy from the Liquidation Trustee.
An investment in the Liquidation Trust Interests involves various risks. An investor should carefully consider the risks and
uncertainties described below and the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report before deciding to invest in the Liquidation Trust Interests. Any of the risk factors set forth below could significantly and
adversely affect the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. As a result, the trading price of the Liquidation Trust Interests could decline, and an investor could lose a part or all of his or her investment.
Risks Relating to the Liquidation Trust Interests
The Trust cannot predict the timing or amount of future distributions to the Interestholders, if any. The Trust will make distributions to the Interestholders only if and to the extent that it receives remittances from the Wind-Down Entity, proceeds from the limited remaining unresolved Causes of
Action or Forfeited Assets, and then only to the extent that such remittances or proceeds and its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments exceed any amounts withheld by the Liquidation Trustee for, among other things, payment of, and
reserves for, Trust expenses and funding of the prosecution of unresolved Causes of Action. Such cash receipts, payments and reserves cannot be predicted with certainty because they are subject to conditions beyond the Trust’s control, or which
are inherently uncertain. Remittances by the Wind-Down Entity will depend on the amount and timing of the Wind-Down Group’s operating expenses and potential construction defect claims costs and reserves for contingent liabilities. Cash proceeds
from Causes of Action will depend on the Trust obtaining, and recovering on, favorable judgments or settlements with respect to Causes of Action. On August 3, 2023, the Supervisory Board, at the recommendation of the Liquidation Trustee, suspended the making of additional Trust distributions to Interestholders, pending the result of the investigation of a
construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity by the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity. Holders of Liquidation Trust Interests are advised that to date, the Trust has liquidated substantially
all of its real estate assets, and given the pending construction defect claim, the Trust is unable to estimate the timing and amount of future distributions, other than the distribution solely in respect of Forfeited Assets to be made to
Qualifying Victims. On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100,000 was approved which represents a distribution of
approximately $4.65 per $1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the last Forfeited Asset, which is
expected to occur by December 31, 2024.
The Liquidation Trust Interests are not suitable as a long-term investment. The Company intends to complete the liquidation in as short a time as is consistent with the maximization of the value of its assets. The Company currently projects an estimated completion date for
the Company’s operations of approximately March 31, 2026, which date may be extended, subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court, if the Company deems it necessary or appropriate to facilitate the orderly liquidation of the Trust’s assets, the
resolution of the construction defect claim against the Development Entity, or the resolution of the Company’s claims against its insurers and other third parties in connection with the construction defect claim. If the estimated termination
date is extended, additional accrued liquidation costs will need to be recorded.
The Liquidation Trust Interests are subject to forfeiture of their right to further distributions if a
holder fails to promptly cash a distribution check or fails to promptly claim a distribution check that is returned to the Trust as undeliverable. The Plan provides that if the Trust
mails a distribution check to an Interestholder and the Interestholder fails to cash the check within 180 calendar days, or if the Trust mails a distribution check to an Interestholder and such check is returned to the Trust as undeliverable
and is not claimed by the Interestholder within 180 days, then the Interestholder not only loses its right to the amount of that distribution, but also is deemed to have forfeited its right to any reserved and future distributions under the
Plan. It is the responsibility of the Interestholders to promptly cash all distribution checks received by them and to contact the Trust’s transfer agent to ensure that the Trust has complete and accurate information.
The Trust cannot predict with certainty the percentage of distributions to which each holder of a Class A
Interest will be entitled. Such percentage will depend on the total number of Liquidation Trust Interests that ultimately are granted. Additional Liquidation Trust Interests will be
granted to holders of disputed claims as and when the Trust resolves such claims, at which time they become allowed claims under the Plan. To the extent that additional Liquidation Trust Interests are granted to the holders of allowed claims,
the percentage of distributions to which each holder of a Class A Interest is entitled will decrease. To the extent that additional claims are not allowed, no additional Liquidation Trust Interests will be granted in respect thereof and the
percentage of distributions to which each holder of a Class A Interest is entitled will increase. As of September 27, 2024, $887.58 million of Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 Claims have become allowed claims. The Trust estimates, as of September
27, 2024, that approximately $0.08 million of additional Class 3 and Class 4 Claims will ultimately be allowed. However, the actual amount of allowed claims may be materially different from the estimate.
Part I
|
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors (Continued)
|
The Class A Interests are thinly traded. The
Class A Interests are not listed on any national securities exchange, but instead are traded on the over-the-counter market (OTC Link® ATS) under the symbol WBQNL.
Accordingly, the Class A Interests may not be suitable for investors preferring highly liquid securities and may present challenges in profit-taking and other trading risks.
The market price for Class A Interests may be volatile. Many factors could cause the market price of Class A Interests to rise and fall, including the following:
| • |
Declaration and payment of distributions;
|
| • |
Timing and costs necessary to address the construction defect claim.
|
| • |
Developments affecting the prosecution of the unresolved Causes of Action;
|
| • |
Actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Trust’s or the Wind-Down Group’s quarterly or annual financial results;
|
| • |
Various market factors or perceived market factors, including rumors, whether or not correct, involving the Trust and the Wind-Down Group;;
|
| • |
Sales, or anticipated sales, of large blocks of Liquidation Trust Interests, including short selling by investors;
|
| • |
Additions or departures of key personnel;
|
| • |
Regulatory or political developments;
|
| • |
Litigation and governmental or regulatory investigations;
|
| • |
Changes in real estate market conditions; and
|
| • |
General economic, political, and financial market conditions or events.
|
To the extent that there is volatility in the price of Class A Interests, the Trust may also become the
target of securities litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert the Trustee’s and the Supervisory Board’s attention and the Company’s resources as
well as depress the value of Liquidation Trust Interests.
Certain holders of Class A Interests, deemed under the Bankruptcy Code to be “underwriters,” may not be
able to sell or transfer their Class A Interests in reliance upon the Bankruptcy Code’s exemption from the registration requirements of federal and state securities laws. Such
“statutory underwriters” may include members of the Supervisory Board and holders of ten percent (10%) or more of the Liquidation Trust Interests. Statutory underwriters may not be able to offer or sell their Class A Interests without
registration under the Securities Act or applicable state securities (i.e., “blue sky”) laws unless such offer and sale is exempted from the registration requirements of such laws. The offer and sale of
Class A Interests by statutory underwriters in reliance upon an exemption from registration under the Securities Act may require compliance with the requirements and conditions of Rule 144 of such law, including those regarding the holding
period, the adequacy of current public information regarding the Trust, sale volume restrictions, broker transactions, and the filing of a notice.
Potential conflicts of interest exist among the classes of Liquidation Trust Interests. The existence of separate classes of Liquidation Trust Interests could give rise to occasions when the interests of the Interestholders could diverge, conflict or appear to diverge or conflict.
Operational and financial decisions by the Liquidation Trustee regarding litigation could favor one class (i.e., Class A or Class B) of Interestholders over another, adversely affecting the market value
of a particular class of Liquidation Trust Interests or the distribution to that particular class of Liquidation Trust Interests.
Part I
|
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors (Continued)
|
The Class A Interests may become the subject of third-party tender offers. The Trust believes that one or more institutional investors have, or in the future may acquire, an interest in conducting a tender offer for the Class A Interests. Such tender offers may be
commenced without the offeror having negotiated with the Trust to make price or other terms of the offer more attractive, and without the offeror having sought the Trust’s recommendation of the offer to its holders. As a result of thin trading
of the Class A Interests on the over-the-counter market, the liquidity of such securities may be limited, and it may be difficult to establish a market price for such securities. Holders of Class A Interests presented with a tender offer may be
at a disadvantage in evaluating such offer.
Risks Relating to Real Estate Assets
The Wind-Down Group may remain subject to potential liabilities for construction defects for an extended
period of time following the sale of its properties. In connection with its sales of developed real properties and pursuant to applicable law, the Wind-Down Group may face potential
claims for construction defects for up to 10 years following the completion of construction. There can be no assurance that contractors’ guaranties and warranties will be adequate to indemnify the Wind-Down Group against all such claims. In the
ordinary course of business, the Wind-Down Group obtained liability insurance in order to address its potential liability for construction defects. If contractors’ guaranties and insurance policies were to prove insufficient, or insurance
carriers continue to refuse providing coverage under our policies, the Wind-Down Group may become exposed to further costs, including potentially expensive litigation and significant adverse judgments. Any significant liabilities resulting from
such post-sale obligations may adversely affect the Wind-Down Group’s financial position, net assets in liquidation and cash flow which could, in turn adversely affect the Trust’s ability to make distributions to its
Interestholders. Furthermore, the amount of cash available for distribution to the Trust upon completion of the Wind-Down Group’s activities may be affected by reserves that the Wind-Down Group may set aside in order to make reasonable
provision for future or unknown construction defect claims. There is also no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be sufficient to cover unknown future liabilities.
The Wind-Down Group’s working capital may not be sufficient to cover construction defect claims and its
liquidation activities and the Wind-Down Group has no ability to access third-party capital. As of August 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, the Wind-Down Group had existing unrestricted cash
and cash equivalents of approximately $9.10 million and $9.36 million, respectively. The Wind-Down Group does not have access to any line of credit.
The Wind-Down Group has liquidated substantially all of its real estate assets. The Wind-Down Group’s real estate asset portfolio as of June 30, 2024, consisted of a performing secured loan and single-family home subject to a life estate, with an aggregate net carrying value
of $0.50 million. The Company does not expect to add any new real estate assets to its portfolio. The Company expects to receive the remaining payments on its performing secured loan, including the principal balance of $0.26 million, upon its
maturity on December 15, 2024. The Company is uncertain when the single-family home will be liquidated, or the amount it will receive upon its liquidation, which may be less than its carrying value. Accordingly, the Wind-Down Group’s real
estate assets represent a very limited source of future distributions to the Trust.
The Wind-Down Group may suffer environmental liabilities which could result in substantial costs. Under various environmental laws, the current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances, including
asbestos-containing materials that are located on or under the property. These laws often impose liability whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of those substances. In connection with the Wind-Down Group’s
ownership and operation of properties, it may be liable for these costs, which could be substantial. In addition, the Wind-Down Group may become subject to claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental
contamination at or emanating from the properties.
Risks Relating to Limited Purpose
The Trust has a limited purpose. The Trust
cannot conduct any trade or business for profit. The Trust was formed pursuant to a chapter 11 bankruptcy plan. The Trust’s purpose is to prosecute Causes of Action, to litigate and resolve claims filed against the Debtors, to pay Allowed
Administrative Claims and Priority Claims against the Debtors (including professional fees), to receive cash from certain sources and, in accordance with the Plan, to make distributions of cash to Interestholders.
Part I
|
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors (Continued)
|
The Trust does not expect to generate or receive cash other than from limited sources. Currently, the Trust’s primary source of cash is from interest income. The Trust no longer expects to receive significant remittances from the Wind-Down Entity because the Wind-Down Entity’s
remaining portfolio, and substantially all of the Causes of Action have been resolved.
The Trust’s cash may be invested only in investments permissible under applicable Treasury regulations. Cash is expected to be held in demand and time deposits, such as short-term deposits in banks or other savings institutions or other temporary, liquid investments such as Treasury bills. Such
investments are likely to bear only low rates of interest. There can be no assurance that cash will earn interest or dividends at a rate in excess of inflation, or at all. The Liquidation Trustee will not be liable in the event of the
insolvency or failure of any institution in which deposits are held.
Risks Relating to Uncertainties Relating to Causes of Action
The amount and timing of receipts, if any, from Causes of Action is inherently speculative and risky and
cannot be predicted with certainty. The Trust does not expect to receive the proceeds of the limited remaining unresolved Causes of Action unless and until it successfully obtains
judgments or concludes settlements with respect to such unresolved Causes of Action and is successful in recovering on such judgments or settlements. The Trust may not be successful in litigating unresolved Causes of Action or, if it is
successful, there could be a significant delay before any recovery is obtained). The outcome of litigation is inherently speculative and uncertain, and there can be no assurance that the Trust will obtain a favorable judgment or settlement with
respect to any particular unresolved Cause of Action. Due to the speculative and risky nature of litigation and settlement efforts, the Company is unable to make any meaningful determination of the potential outcome or value, in the aggregate,
of the unresolved Causes of Action.
Even if there is a recovery based on the unresolved Causes of Action, there can be no assurances that there
will be sufficient funds to make any distributions to Interestholders. Even if the Trust obtains a judgment or settlement based on the unresolved Causes of Action and successfully
recovers funds on account of such judgment or settlement, there can be no assurance that the Interestholders will receive any proceeds from such judgment or settlement. Before Interestholders receive distributions, the Liquidation Trustee must
pay Trust expenses and may set aside funds for future expenses, contingent liabilities, including potential construction defect claims.
Risks Relating to Deposits with Financial Institutions
Our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash may be exposed to the failure of
banking institutions. While we seek to minimize our exposure to third-party losses of our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash, we hold our balances in a
number of financial institutions. Notwithstanding their size and reserves, such institutions remain subject to the risk of failure. If, in the future, the financial institutions with which we maintain deposits or transact business enter into
receivership or become insolvent, there can be no guarantee that the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC will intercede to protect depositors and customers. If, at any time, our deposits with any financial institution
exceed the FDIC insurance limit, the Company’s deposits may be subject to loss. The Company’s access to its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments could also become limited, impairing the Company’s ability to fund its remaining
liquidation activities. In addition, if any parties with which we conduct business are unable to access funds pursuant to lending relationships or their deposit accounts with such a financial institution, the ability of such parties to continue
to perform their obligations to us could be adversely affected, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidation activities and changes in net assets in liquidation.
Part I
|
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors (Continued)
|
Risks Relating to Management and Control
The Trust is controlled by the Liquidation Trustee and the Interestholders have no voting rights regarding
decisions made on behalf of the Trust. All decisions concerning the unresolved Causes of Action and distribution of assets of the Trust are to be made by the Liquidation Trustee, in
accordance with the terms of the Plan and the Trust Agreement, with approval by the Supervisory Board for certain decisions as set forth in the Trust Agreement. The Interestholders have no right to elect or remove the Liquidation Trustee. The
Liquidation Trustee may be removed by Bankruptcy Court order upon the motion of the Supervisory Board and a showing of good cause; provided, however, that the proposed removal and replacement of Michael Goldberg as Liquidation Trustee will
require a determination by the Bankruptcy Court that “cause” exists for such removal and replacement using the standard under Bankruptcy Code section 1104 made after notice of such proposed removal and replacement has been provided to the SEC.
Interestholders have only limited rights against the Liquidation Trustee and the Liquidation Trustee has
limited liability to the Trust. The Trust Agreement provides that the Liquidation Trustee and the Delaware Trustee (and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees and
representatives) and any officer, employee or agent of the Trust or its affiliates have no liability to the Trust or the Interestholders except for acts or omissions of the Liquidation Trustee or the Delaware Trustee undertaken with the
deliberate intent to injure the Interestholders or with reckless disregard for the best interests of the Interestholders. Any liability of the Liquidation Trustee will be limited to actual, proximate and quantifiable damages. The Trust
Agreement further provides that the Liquidation Trustee shall not incur any liability for any act or omission under the Trust Agreement unless the Liquidating Trustee has acted with gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct. The Trust
Agreement provides that the Interestholders have no voting rights (except in connection with certain amendments to the Trust Agreement).
The Trust has limited control over the Wind-Down Entity. The business and affairs of the Wind-Down Entity are managed by its Board of Managers. The Trust, as the sole member of the Wind-Down Entity, has only limited approval rights over decisions by the Board of Managers. Under the Wind-Down
Entity LLC Agreement, the Trust may remove members of the Board of Managers only for Cause, as defined in the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement. In the event of a dispute between the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity as to any matter that cannot be
resolved between the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity, the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement requires that the matter be resolved by the Bankruptcy Court.
The Company’s success depends on the continuing contributions of its key personnel. The Wind-Down Group has a skilled management team to oversee the resolution of construction defect claims, the liquidation of its remaining real estate assets and the accounting and financial
reporting for the Trust. However, it does not have agreements with any key personnel that hinders such individuals’ ability to quit at will and, thus, any executive officer or key employee may terminate his or her relationship with the
Wind-Down Group at any time upon relatively short notice.
Being a public company is expensive and administratively burdensome. The Trust is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. The Trust’s status as a reporting company under the Exchange Act causes the Trust to incur additional legal, accounting, financial reporting
and other expenses.
Risks Relating to Taxes
If the Trust is not treated as a liquidating trust for federal tax purposes, there may be adverse tax
consequences to the Trust and the Interestholders. Pursuant to the Plan and the Trust Agreement, the Trust was organized with the intention that it conform to the requirements of a
liquidating trust under applicable IRS rules. However, not all aspects of the formation of the Trust are expressly addressed in such rules, and the requirements of such rules are not always specific. No legal opinions have been requested from
counsel, and no rulings have been or will be requested from the IRS, as to the tax treatment of the Trust. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not determine that the Liquidation Trust does not qualify as a liquidating
trust. If the Trust does not qualify as a liquidating trust, there may be adverse federal income tax consequences, including taxation of the income of the Trust at the entity level, which could reduce the amount of Trust cash available for
distributions to Interestholders or result in tax assessments of Interestholders upon their receipt of distributions.
As a liquidating trust, the Trust is subject to federal tax rules that limit its operations. To maintain its status as a liquidating trust, the Trust needs to comply with IRS regulations and revenue procedures applicable to the operation of liquidating trusts. The Trust is prohibited or
restricted from, among other activities, engaging in the conduct of a trade or business, unreasonably prolonging its liquidation activities, or allowing business activities to obscure the liquidating purpose of the Trust. Furthermore, the Trust
is subject to restrictions on its ability to retain net income or the net proceeds from the sale of assets from year to year and to make investments. Due to the lack of specificity and indeterminate nature of the applicable requirements, there
can be no assurance that the Trust will be able to comply with the IRS rules. If the Trust fails to comply with such rules, the IRS may determine that the Trust’s status as a liquidating trust may be revoked. Revocation of such status may
entail adverse federal income tax consequences to the Trust and the Interestholders.
Part I
|
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors (Continued)
|
The Trust may be restricted under applicable federal tax rules from retaining cash, cash equivalents,
short-term investments or restricted cash. Under applicable IRS rules, liquidating trusts are not permitted to receive or retain cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments or
restricted cash in excess of a “reasonable” amount to meet claims and contingent liabilities or to maintain the value of the assets during liquidation. It is unclear whether the Trust’s retained cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments or
restricted cash, will be determined to be an amount in excess of such limit.
An Interestholder’s tax liability could exceed distributions. If the Trust has income for a taxable year, the appropriate portion of that income may be includable in an Interestholder’s taxable income, whether or not any cash is actually distributed to the Interestholder by the Trust. The
Plan and the Trust Agreement permit the Trust to reserve certain amounts to fund, among other things, operating and other expenses, and do not contain a mandatory tax distribution provision. Therefore, for any particular year, there may be no
distribution or a distribution that is less than an Interestholder’s tax liability on its share of the income of the Trust. Interestholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the acquisition, ownership and disposition of
Liquidation Trust Interests.
Purchasers of Liquidation Trust Interests may be required to make special calculations to determine tax
gain or loss on the sale of Liquidation Trust Interests. The Trust does not maintain a separate basis account for any purchaser of a Liquidation Trust Interest in an open market
transaction. However, to the extent the Trust is treated as a grantor trust, the purchaser may be treated as though such purchaser purchased the Liquidation Trust Interest deemed to have been owned by the selling Interestholder. The new
purchaser may receive a new tax basis in the acquired Liquidation Trust Interests equal to such purchaser’s purchase price of the Liquidation Trust Interests. Upon the sale of assets by the Trust and its related entities, the basis of the
Liquidation Trust Interest on the books and records of the Trust may be different than the new purchaser’s basis, requiring the new purchaser to make special calculations to report the correct gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
Interestholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Liquidation Trust Interests.
Expenses incurred by the Trust may not be deductible by Interestholders. Expenses incurred by the Trust generally are deemed to have been proportionately paid by each Interestholder. As such, these expenses may not be deductible or be subject to limitations on
deductibility. Interestholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Liquidation Trust Interests.
Before purchasing Liquidation Trust Interests, investors are urged to engage in careful tax planning with a
tax professional. The federal income tax treatment of the Liquidation Trust Interests is complex and may not be clear in all cases. For example, in the case of an investor who purchases
Liquidation Trust Interests in more than one transaction at different times and for different prices, and subsequently sells a portion of such Liquidation Trust Interests, there appears to be no clear guidance as to whether such purchaser can
use average-cost basis in all of its Liquidation Trust Interests or instead may claim a higher or lower tax basis depending on the specific price of each lot. Additionally, the federal income tax treatment of the Liquidation Trust Interests may
vary depending on the investor’s particular facts and circumstances. Investors other than individual citizens or residents of the U.S., and certain other persons subject to special treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, should consider the
impact of their status on the tax treatment of such an investment. Persons subject to such special treatment under the Internal Revenue Code may include foreign companies, family trusts, 401(k) or individual retirement accounts, non-citizens of
the U.S., tax-exempt organizations, real estate investment trusts, small business investment companies, regulated investment companies, governmental entities, entities exercising governmental authority, banks and certain other financial
institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies, and persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.
Part I
|
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors (Continued)
|
Risks Relating to Accounting, Financial Reporting and Information Management
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared on the Liquidation Basis of Accounting, which
requires the estimation of the future value of assets and the amount of projected expenses. Estimates by management may be based on, among other things, the estimated termination date
of the Trust, the forward yield curve and future cash balances, the levels of general and administrative expenses (such as payroll, legal and professional fees, and other expenses) and
costs of potential construction defect claims. However, the actual realized value of the Company’s assets and the Company’s actual expenses are likely to differ from the estimated amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements, and such differences may be material and possibly adverse.
The Wind-Down Entity’s and the Trust’s operating costs, including reserves for construction defect claims that are included in accrued liquidation costs may be more than anticipated. The projected costs may be less than the actual costs, and the length of time
required to complete the liquidation process may be longer than the time that was estimated. The actual amount of costs will likely be different than the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements and may be materially more than
estimated.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include any future recoveries from unresolved Causes
of Action, stipulated and default judgments. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared using the Liquidation Basis of Accounting, under which future recoveries are
recorded only if the Company has executed an agreement, final court approval is received (if applicable) and collectability is reasonably assured. Because the Company is unable to reasonably estimate future recoveries, if any, from unresolved
Causes of Action, stipulated and default judgments and future Fair Fund recoveries are expected, such items have not been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Therefore, the Company’s consolidated financial statements
are not expected to provide prospective investors in the Liquidation Trust Interests with meaningful information regarding such future recoveries.
If the Trust is unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, the
accuracy and timeliness of its financial reporting may be adversely affected. If the Trust identifies one or more material weaknesses in the Trust’s internal control over financial
reporting and such weakness remains uncorrected at fiscal year-end, the Trust may be required to disclose that such internal control is ineffective at fiscal year-end. Were this to occur, the Trust could lose investor confidence in the accuracy
and completeness of its financial reports, which could have a material adverse effect on the Trust’s reputation and the value of the Liquidation Trust Interests.
Information technology, data security breaches and other similar events could harm the Company. The Company relies on information technology and other computer resources to perform operational activities as well as to maintain its business records and financial data. The Company’s computer
systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer attacks by hackers, viruses, catastrophes, hardware and software failures and breach of data security protocols by its personnel or third-party service providers.
Although the Company has implemented administrative and technical controls and taken other actions to minimize the risk of cyber incidents and otherwise protect its information technology, computer intrusion efforts are becoming increasingly
sophisticated and even the controls that the Company has installed might be breached. Further, most of these computer resources are provided to the Company or are maintained on behalf of the Company by third-party service providers pursuant to
agreements that specify certain security and service level standards, but which ultimately are outside of the Company’s control. Additionally, security breaches of the Company’s information technology systems could result in the
misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure of proprietary, personal and confidential information which could result in significant financial or reputational damages to the Company.
None.
Risk Management and Strategy
The Company maintains IT general controls to identify, assess, monitor and control current and future potential risks, which include cybersecurity risks.
The Company’s cybersecurity program is generally designed to prevent, identify, and respond to security incidents and threats in a timely manner to minimize the loss or compromise of sensitive information and to ensure regulatory compliance as
applicable. The program is reasonably designed to protect our information, and that of our Interestholders, from unauthorized access and is based on recognized frameworks established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The Company engages consultants, or other third parties, in connection with our risk assessment processes. These service providers assist us in designing and
implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures, as well as to monitor and test our safeguards.
The Company has a risk management program designed to assess risks associated with third-party providers based on the services they provide and the data they
have access to. Our process for assessment of risks includes evaluation of our processes and data types, classification of data types by risks related to privacy, confidentiality and availability, and identification of internal parties and
external vendors with access to these risks. Risk management includes access administration, change management, and data center operations considerations practiced internally and assessed for appropriateness in our vendor review process, which
includes review of the System and Organization Controls (“SOC”) reports and IT audit testing for requirements which are not covered by SOC reports.
In addition to quarterly reporting to the Cybersecurity Committee, the Company has protocols by which certain security incidents are escalated within the
Company and, where appropriate, reported in a timely manner to both the Cybersecurity and Audit Committees. All employees with network access receive cybersecurity awareness training.
The Company maintains a cyber insurance policy with a one-million-dollar aggregate limit. The coverage includes network security and privacy liability,
regulatory investigations, fines and penalties, media liability, breach management expenses, business interruption, contingent business interruption, digital asset destruction, data retrieval and system restoration, system failure coverage,
social engineering and cyber-crime coverage, reputational loss coverage, cyber extortion and ransomware coverage, breach response and remediation expenses and court attendance costs.
As of the date of this filing, we have not encountered cybersecurity challenges that have materially impaired our operations or financial standing and we are
not aware of any cybersecurity risks that are reasonably likely to materially affect our operations or financial standing. However, we may not be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity incident that could have a material adverse
effect on our operations or financial standing. For additional information regarding risks from cybersecurity threats, please refer to “Item 1A “Risk Factors,” in this annual report on Form 10-K.
The Board’s Oversight of Cybersecurity Risk
The Supervisory Board has delegated governance and oversite of cybersecurity matters to the Cybersecurity Committee. The sole member of the Cybersecurity
Committee is M. Freddie Reiss. The Cybersecurity Committee’s responsibilities include reviewing and discussing with management the Company’s privacy and data security, including cybersecurity, risk exposures, policies and practices, and the
steps management has taken to detect, monitor and control such risks and the potential impact of those exposures on our business, financial results, operations, and reputation.
Part I
|
Item 1C.
|
Cybersecurity (Continued)
|
The Cybersecurity Committee will receive prompt updates from officers regarding material cybersecurity incidents that come to management’s attention. The
Cybersecurity Committee will receive quarterly updates which address relevant cybersecurity issues and risks, if any. These reports are provided by the officers of the Wind-Down Entity, which include our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Operating Officer.
Management’s Involvement in Cybersecurity Risk Oversight
Officers of the Wind-Down Entity are responsible for establishing the policies, standards, and requirements for the security of computing and network
environments, protecting against the risk of unauthorized access by monitoring potential security threats, and overseeing the execution of corrective actions, including third party vendor compliance. The Company has engaged a third-party IT
provider to manage our internal network and provide cybersecurity incident prevention and detection. This IT provider is an audit certified vendor (CISA) that evaluates and advises management on cybersecurity issues.
The Company’s officers report significant cybersecurity risks and incidents directly to the Cybersecurity Committee and Audit Committee on a quarterly basis
or more frequently if warranted under the circumstances.
SEC Reporting
If a cyber incident is identified, the Company will conduct an objective analysis of both quantitative and qualitative factors to determine if the cyber
incident is material. An incident is considered material if there’s a substantial likelihood that a reasonable Interestholder would consider it important. If a cyber incident is identified, the Company will assess materiality on a timely basis.
If the incident is determined material, the company will file a Form 8-K within four business days of determining the event was material. The disclosure would include the material aspects of the incident’s nature, scope, and timing as well as
the material impact on the Company.
Financial reports (10-Q and 10-K) will include disclosure of cybersecurity risks, governance, and any material incidents. The cybersecurity disclosures are
reviewed and approved by the Cybersecurity Committee, Audit Committee, the officers of the Wind-Down Entity, and the Liquidation Trustee as part of the overall approval of all applicable 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K filings.
Part I
| Item 2. |
Properties
|
As of September 27, 2024, the Company’s real estate consists of one performing loan secured by a property located in the state of Ohio
and one single-family home subject to a life estate located in the state of Florida.
| Item 3. |
Legal Proceedings
|
Below are descriptions of pending litigation. In matters in which the Company is the plaintiff, the Company does not have the ability to
estimate the ultimate recovery amount until they are settled, and in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, no recoveries have been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for these legal proceedings, other than for
settlements for which the Trust has entered into a signed settlement agreement and collectability is reasonably assured. In matters in which the Company is the defendant, the Company records a liability when a loss is probable and the Company can
reasonably estimate the amount of the loss.
Trust Litigation - Avoidance Actions
The Trust has pursued over 500 avoidance actions, many of which have been resolved. As of September 27, 2024, the Trust
has entered into settlements in approximately 247 legal actions, with 20 actions still pending. In addition, as of September 27, 2024, the Trust has settled approximately 245 potential avoidance claims for which litigation was not filed. Since inception and as of September 27, 2024, the resolution of avoidance actions has resulted in aggregate settlements of approximately $22.63 million of cash
payments made or due to the Trust and approximately $11.28 million in reductions of claims against the Trust. Additionally, as of September 27, 2024, the Trust has obtained judgments of approximately $169.07 million, including default
judgments of approximately $152.89 million and stipulated judgments of approximately $16.18 million. It is unknown at this time how much, if any, will ultimately be collected on these judgments, as stipulated and default judgments are
commonly obtained where the defendant has insufficient assets, if any, to satisfy a judgment. The Trust is currently prosecuting several legal actions to recover preferential payments, fraudulent transfers, and other funds subject to recovery
by the bankruptcy estate. These actions were filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”), are pending before the Honorable J. Kate Stickles, and generally fall into the following
categories:
| • |
Preferential transfers and/or fraudulent transfers (Noteholders and Unitholders).
Certain of the actions include claims arising under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code and seek to avoid or recover payments made by the Debtors: (1) during the 90 days prior to the December 4, 2017 bankruptcy filing, including payments
to former Noteholders and Unitholders; and/or (2) during the course of the Ponzi scheme (from July 2012 through the December 4, 2017 bankruptcy filing) for interest paid to former Noteholders and Unitholders.
|
| • |
Fraudulent transfers and fraud (against former agents). Certain of the actions,
which arise under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable state law governing fraudulent transfers, seek to avoid and recover payments made by the Debtors during the course of the Ponzi scheme (from July 2012 through the
December 4, 2017 bankruptcy filing) for commissions to former agents, as well as for fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, and the unlicensed sale of securities asserted by the Trust based on claims contributed to the Trust by defrauded
investors. These actions were filed by the Trust in the Bankruptcy Court between November 15, 2019 and December 4, 2019. Actions of this type are also being pursued by the SEC, and it is the Trust’s understanding that any recoveries
obtained by the SEC will be transmitted to the Trust pursuant to a Fair Fund established by the SEC.
|
Wind-Down Group Litigation
As disclosed above, during the year ended June 30, 2023, a construction defect claim was asserted against the Development Entity by the buyer of a
single-family home sold by the Development Entity. The Company believes that all or substantially all of the alleged construction defects are attributable to design and construction work performed by third parties. The following is a summary of
the two legal proceedings recently commenced by the Development Entity in connection with the alleged construction defects:
Part I
|
Item 3.
|
Legal Proceedings (Continued)
|
| • |
On May 28, 2024, the Development Entity filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against 13 different parties that it alleges are responsible for the alleged construction defects. The lawsuit seeks, among other relief, contribution
from these parties for the costs that the Development Entity has incurred, and may incur, in connection with the investigation and repair of the alleged construction defects.
|
| • |
On August 9, 2024, the Development Entity filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against two of its insurers from whom it had purchased primary and excess liability insurance to protect against the risks associated with the
development of the single-family home. The primary insurer has not agreed to provide coverage for the construction defect claim and, further, has not reimbursed the Development Entity for costs it has incurred to date. The lawsuit
seeks, among other relief, damages from the primary insurer for amounts the Development Entity has incurred, and may incur, in connection with the investigation and repair of the alleged construction defects, as well as declaratory relief
against both the primary and excess insurers.
|
In addition, in early July, the Liquidation Trustee received two summonses which named a Debtor as a defendant. Both complaints,
filed in the Lucas County Prosecutors Office in the State of Ohio, relate to delinquent real estate taxes on properties that serve as collateral for a loan that is owned by a Wind-Down Subsidiary. In August, the Company responded to both
complaints.
| Item 4. |
Mine Safety Disclosures
|
Not applicable.
Part II
Market Information
The Trust has two classes of common equity: Class A Interests and Class B Interests. Neither class is listed on any national securities
exchange.
Class A Interests are traded on the over-the-counter market (OTC Link® ATS) under the trading symbol WBQNL. Over-the-counter quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. As of September 27, 2024,
there were approximately 7,130 holders of record of the Class A Interests.
Since issuance, Class B Interests have not been transferable except by operation of law or by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. Accordingly, there has not been any established public trading market for the Class B Liquidation Trust Interests or any available price quotations. As of September 27, 2024, there were approximately 1,183 holders of record of the
Class B Interests.
Dividends and Distributions
Liquidation Trust Interests represent a right to receive a pro rata portion of distributions by the Trust pursuant to the terms of the
Plan and the Trust Agreement. Since the Plan Effective Date, the Liquidation Trustee has authorized eleven cash distributions to the holders of Class A Interests. See “Item 1. Business – A. Overview” of this Annual Report. The Liquidation Trustee
will continue to assess the adequacy of funds held and determine the availability of funds for additional distributions to Interestholders but does not currently know the timing or amount of any such distributions, if any.
Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, distributions to Interestholders are made after giving effect to the payment of costs and expenses
incurred by the Trust, including the cost of collecting, administering, distributing, and liquidating the Trust assets such as fees and expenses of the Liquidation Trustee, premiums for directors’ and officers’ insurance, fees and expenses of
attorneys and consultants and the retention of reserves. Furthermore, cash received by the Trust from the Wind-Down Group is net of the payment of Wind-Down Group costs and the retention of reserves by the Wind-Down Group for contingent
liabilities, including potential construction defect claims.
Distributions will be made by the Trust only to the extent that the Trust has sufficient net assets to make such payments in accordance
with the Plan and the Trust Agreement. No distribution is required to be made to any Interestholder unless such Interestholder is to receive in such distribution at least $10.00. If the Trust mails a distribution check to an Interestholder and
the Interestholder fails to cash the check within 180 calendar days, or if the Trust mails a distribution check to an Interestholder and such check is returned to the Trust as undeliverable and is not claimed by the Interestholder within 180
days, then the Interestholder may not only lose its right to the amount of that distribution, but also may be deemed to have forfeited its right to any reserved and future distributions under the Plan.
On August 3, 2023, the Supervisory Board, at
the recommendation of the Liquidation Trustee, suspended the making of additional Trust distributions to Interestholders, pending the result of the investigation of a construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity by
the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity. Holders of Liquidation Trust Interests are advised that to date, the Trust has liquidated substantially all of its real estate assets, and given the pending construction defect
claim, the Trust is unable to estimate the timing and amount of future distributions, other than the distribution described below solely in respect of Forfeited Assets to be made to Qualifying Victims.
On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100,000 was approved which
represents a distribution of approximately $4.65 per $1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the
last Forfeited Asset, which is expected to occur by December 31, 2024.
As claims are resolved, additional Class A Interests may be issued or cancelled (see “Part 1, Item 1. Business, D. Plan Provisions
Regarding the Company, 2. Treatment under the Plan of holders of claims against and equity interests in the Debtors and 3. Assets and liabilities of the Company”). Therefore, the total amount of a distribution declared may change between the date
declared and the date paid. In addition, distributions may change if Interestholders that were previously deemed to have forfeited their rights to receive Class A Interest distributions subsequently respond and if overpaid distributions are
returned.
Part II
|
Item 5.
|
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (Continued)
|
Sales of Unregistered Securities
In accordance with the Plan, all Liquidation Trust Interests have been issued without registration under the Securities Act. The
Liquidation Trust Interests have been issued only to holders of allowed claims in Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 entirely in exchange for such claims. See “Item 1. Business - D. Plan Provisions Regarding the Company - 2. Treatment under the Plan of holders of claims against and equity interests in the Debtors” of this Annual Report. During the period from February 15, 2019 (inception) through June 30, 2024, the Trust has issued an
aggregate of 11,544,753 Class A Interests and an aggregate of 678,123 Class B Interests. As of June 30, 2024, the Trust has 11,516,474 Class A Interests and 675,951 Class B Interests outstanding. All Liquidation Trust Interests were issued on the
Plan Effective Date or from time to time thereafter as soon as practicable as and when claims in Class 3, Class 4 or Class 5 have become allowed.
During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Trust issued the following Liquidation Trust Interests:
|
Number of
|
Number of
|
|||||||||
|
Class A
|
Class B
|
Nature of the
|
Consideration
|
|||||||
|
Date of Sale
|
Interests Sold
|
Interests Sold
|
Transaction
|
Received
|
||||||
|
May 1, 2024
|
1,812.15
|
333.35
|
Allowance of
claims
|
Allowance of
claims
|
||||||
|
Total
|
1,812.15
|
333.35
|
||||||||
The issuance of Liquidation Trust Interests without registration under the Securities Act has occurred in reliance upon the exemption
from such registration afforded by Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 1145(a)(1) exempts the offer and sale of securities under a plan of reorganization from registration under the Securities Act and state securities laws and
regulation if (i) the securities are offered and sold under a plan of reorganization and are securities of the debtor, of an affiliate of the debtor participating in a joint plan with the debtor, or of a successor to the debtor under the plan;
(ii) the recipients of the securities hold a pre-petition or administrative claim against the debtor or an interest in the debtor; and (iii) the securities are issued entirely in exchange for the recipient’s claim against or interest in the
debtor, or principally in such exchange and partly for cash or property. The Trust believes that the Liquidation Trust Interests are securities of a “successor” to the Debtors within the meaning of Section 1145(a)(1), and such securities were
issued under the Plan entirely in exchange for allowed claims in Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5.
| Item 6. |
[Reserved]
|
Part II
The following discussion and analysis of changes in net assets and net assets in liquidation should be read in conjunction with “Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of Part II of this Annual Report, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities
Act and the Exchange Act. All such forward-looking statements are based upon the Trust’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements” included at the beginning of this Annual Report for a description of these risks and uncertainties. The Trust, the Remaining Debtors, the Wind-Down Entity and the
Wind-Down Subsidiaries, as used herein, are defined in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”.
Overview
Pursuant to the Plan, the Trust was formed on February 15, 2019 to hold, either directly or indirectly through the Wind-Down Entity and
the Wind-Down Subsidiaries, the assets and equity interests formerly owned by the Debtors. Each of the real properties formerly owned by the Debtors was transferred, on the effective date of the Plan to one of the Wind-Down Subsidiaries. The
purpose of the Wind-Down Group is to develop (as applicable), market, and sell those properties to generate cash. Assets formerly owned by the Debtors other than real estate assets and certain cash were transferred to the Trust on the Plan
Effective Date. The purpose of the Trust is to receive remittances of cash from the Wind-Down Entity, to resolve disputed claims, to prosecute the Causes of Action, to pay Allowed Administrative Claims and Priority Claims and subject to the
payment of Trust expenses and the retention of various reserves, to make distributions of cash to Interestholders in accordance with the Plan.
The Trust operates pursuant to the Plan and the Trust Agreement. The Trust was formed as a Delaware statutory trust and is administered
by the Liquidation Trustee under the supervision of its Supervisory Board. The Wind-Down Entity, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trust, operates pursuant to the Plan and the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement. The Wind-Down Entity was formed as a
Delaware limited liability company and is administered by its Board of Managers. The current sole member of the Board of Managers is also a member of the Supervisory Board of the Trust.
The Bankruptcy Court has retained certain jurisdiction regarding the Trust, the Liquidation Trustee, the Supervisory Board, the
Wind-Down Entity, the Board of Managers, and assets of the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity, including the determination of all disputes arising out of or related to administration of the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity and its subsidiaries.
As of June 30, 2024, the number of Liquidation Trust Interests outstanding in each class is as follows:
|
Class A Liquidation Trust Interests
|
|
11,516,474
|
||||||
|
Class B Liquidation Trust Interests
|
|
675,951
|
For each of the classes of Liquidation Trust Interests, the number of Liquidation Trust Interests outstanding will increase to the
extent that the disputed claims become allowed claims. In addition, the number of Liquidation Trust Interests outstanding will decrease to the extent that disputed claims are settled by cancelling previously issued Liquidation Trust Interests.
Since the Plan Effective Date through June 30, 2024, the Wind-Down Subsidiaries have disposed of approximately 149 properties for
aggregate net sales proceeds of approximately $576.00 million. As of June 30, 2024, the Company owned two real estate assets with a net carrying value of approximately $0.50 million. Going forward, the Company’s most significant activity will be
overseeing the resolution of the construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity. The Company’s most significant sources of cash are expected to be from interest income and potentially from litigation proceeds from insurance
carriers and other responsible parties. The Company currently expects to complete its liquidation activities during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, although the Company may require additional time to facilitate the orderly liquidation of
the Trust’s assets, the resolution of the construction defect claim against the Development Entity, the resolution of the Company’s claims against its insurers and other third parties in connection with the construction defect claim, or for other
reasons.
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
Discussion of the Company’s Operations
For the Year ended June 30, 2024
The following is a summary of the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation for the year ended June 30, 2024 ($ in
thousands):
|
Restricted for
|
All
|
|||||||||||
|
Qualifying Victims
|
Interestholders
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Net assets in liquidation as of beginning of year
|
$
|
3,491
|
$
|
3,282
|
$
|
6,773
|
||||||
|
Change in assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Restricted for Qualifying Victims -
|
||||||||||||
|
change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
619
|
-
|
619
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
|
All Interestholders-
|
||||||||||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
-
|
32,070
|
32,070
|
|||||||||
|
Distributions (declared) reversed, net
|
-
|
407
|
407
|
|||||||||
|
Net change in assets and liabilities
|
-
|
32,477
|
32,477
|
|||||||||
|
Net assets in liquidation, as of end of year
|
$
|
4,110
|
$
|
35,759
|
$
|
39,869
|
||||||
Net assets in liquidation – Restricted for Qualifying Victims increased by approximately $0.62 million during the year ended June 30,
2024.
Net assets in liquidation – All Interestholders increased by approximately $32.48 million during the year ended June 30, 2024. This
increase was due to an increase in the net carrying value of assets and liabilities of approximately $32.07 million, and an increase from net distributions (declared) reversed of approximately $0.41 million for claims being disallowed or Class A
Interests being cancelled.
The components of the changes in the carrying value of assets and liabilities, net are as follows ($ in thousands):
|
Restricted for
|
All
|
|||||||||||
|
Qualifying Victims
|
Interestholders
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Settlement recoveries, net (1)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
35,096
|
$
|
35,096
|
||||||
|
Remeasurement of assets and liabilities, net
|
633
|
(3,052
|
)
|
(2,419
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Gain (loss) on sale
|
(14
|
)
|
25
|
11
|
||||||||
|
Other
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
$
|
619
|
$
|
32,070
|
$
|
32,689
|
||||||
| (1) |
Net of 5% payable to the Liquidation Trustee of approximately $2,734,000 and an increase in the allowance for uncollectible settlement installment receivables of approximately $78,000 during the year ended
June 30, 2024.
|
During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company:
| • |
Received additional Forfeited Assets of approximately $0.56 million from the DOJ.
|
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
| • |
Received net proceeds from the sale of Forfeited Assets of approximately $0.29 million.
|
| • |
Reversed distributions of approximately $0.41 million from claims being disallowed.
|
| • |
Received net proceeds of approximately $0.50 million from the sale of the Hawaii property.
|
| • |
Recorded approximately $35.10 million from the settlement of other Causes of Action, net of 5% payable to the Liquidation Trustee and an increase in the allowance for uncollectible settlement installment
receivables.
|
| • |
Accrued interest earnings for the period from July 1, 2024 through March 31, 2026 of approximately $2.26 million of which approximately $0.12 million relates to Forfeited Assets’ restricted cash and
approximately $2.14 million relates to the Company’s remaining cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments.
|
| • |
The Company accrued an estimate of the initial costs to be incurred relating to the construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity of approximately $5.0 million. The costs are primarily estimated construction and
related costs for an initial phase of work as well as legal and professional fees for pursuing litigation related to the construction defect and insurance claims. Following the initial repairs, additional costs will be necessary; however,
the scope of work and costs are yet to be determined and will be subject to the completion of the initial scope of work.
|
| • |
Paid construction costs of approximately $0.66 million relating to single-family homes under development.
|
| • |
Paid holding costs of approximately $0.04 million.
|
| • |
Paid general and administrative costs of approximately $9.90 million, including approximately $0.27 million of board member fees and expenses, approximately $1.92 million of payroll and other general and
administrative costs, approximately $4.96 million of professional fees and approximately $2.75 million paid to the Liquidation Trustee.
|
For the year ended June 30, 2023
The following is a summary of the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation for the year ended June 30, 2023 ($ in
thousands):
|
Restricted for
|
All
|
|||||||||||
|
Qualifying Victims
|
Interestholders
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Net assets in liquidation as of beginning of period
|
$
|
3,485
|
$
|
30,910
|
$
|
34,395
|
||||||
|
Change in assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Restricted for Qualifying Victims -
|
||||||||||||
|
change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
|
All Interestholders-
|
||||||||||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
-
|
(5,197
|
)
|
(5,197
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Distributions (declared) reversed, net
|
-
|
(22,431
|
)
|
(22,431
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Net change in assets and liabilities
|
-
|
(27,628
|
)
|
(27,628
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Net assets in liquidation, as of end of period
|
$
|
3,491
|
$
|
3,282
|
$
|
6,773
|
||||||
Net assets in liquidation – Restricted for Qualifying Victims increased by approximately $6,000 during the year ended June 30, 2023.
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
Net assets in liquidation – All Interestholders decreased approximately $27.63 million during the year ended June 30, 2023. This
decrease was due to a decrease in the net carrying value of assets and liabilities of approximately $5.20 million and a decrease from net distributions (declared) reversed of approximately $22.43 million (distributions declared of $25.03 million,
less distributions reversed of $2.60 million for claims being disallowed or Class A Interests being cancelled).
The components of the change in the carrying value of assets and liabilities, net are as follows ($ in thousands):
|
Restricted for
|
All
|
|||||||||||
|
Qualifying Victims
|
Interestholders
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Remeasurement of assets and liabilities, net
|
$
|
6
|
$
|
(5,066
|
)
|
$
|
(5,060
|
)
|
||||
|
Carrying value in excess of sales proceeds
|
-
|
(1,555
|
)
|
(1,555
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Settlement recoveries (1)
|
-
|
206
|
206
|
|||||||||
|
Other (2)
|
-
|
1,218
|
1,218
|
|||||||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
$
|
6
|
$
|
(5,197
|
)
|
$
|
(5,191
|
)
|
||||
| (1) |
Net of 5% payable to the Liquidation Trustee of approximately $33,000 and an increase in the allowance for uncollectible installment receivables of approximately $57,000 during the year ended June 30, 2023.
|
| (2) |
The components of Other are as follows ($ in thousands):
|
|
Sales of furniture, net
|
$
|
635
|
||
|
Cash interest earned
|
531
|
|||
|
Miscellaneous
|
52
|
|||
|
Total
|
$
|
1,218
|
During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Company:
| • |
Declared one distribution of $2.18 per Class A Interest, which totaled approximately $25.02 million. Distributions declared were also reduced by approximately $22,000 relating to claims that were denied
after the tenth distribution was paid. Distributions declared were reduced by approximately $20,000 that was received from Interestholders that had been overpaid on prior distributions. Distributions declared were increased by
approximately $60,000 relating to the first through tenth distributions for a claim that was allowed and for which the Company had not accrued a distribution.
|
| • |
Reversed distributions of approximately $2.63 million from claims being disallowed or Class A Interests being cancelled. Distributions that had been previously reversed were recorded of approximately $0.03
million for Interestholders that were previously deemed to have forfeited their rights to receive Class A Interest distributions but had subsequently responded.
|
| • |
Sold Forfeited Assets, including an automobile, jewelry, handbags, clothing and shoes for net proceeds of approximately $0.81 million.
|
| • |
Sold one single-family home, one other property and settled one secured loan for net proceeds of approximately $26.95 million.
|
| • |
Recorded approximately $0.30 million from the settlement of other Causes of Action, net of 5% payable to the Liquidation Trustee.
|
| • |
Accrued interest earnings for the period from July 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026 of approximately $1.63 million of which approximately $0.06 million relates to Forfeited Assets’ restricted cash and
approximately $1.57 million relates to the Company’s remaining cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments.
|
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
| • |
As a result of the expected additional time required for the Company to complete its liquidation activities from February 15, 2024 to March 31, 2026, the Company accrued additional accrued liquidation costs
of approximately $7.7 million. The additional costs are primarily legal and other professional fees and payroll and payroll-related costs. A portion of the accrued liquidation costs relate to estimated reserves for contingent liabilities,
including potential construction defect claims and the administration of such claims after its liquidation activities are completed.
|
| • |
Paid construction costs of approximately $1.99 million relating to single-family homes under development.
|
| • |
Paid holding costs of approximately $0.68 million.
|
| • |
Paid general and administrative costs of approximately $13.25 million, including approximately $0.53 million of board member fees and expenses, approximately $6.92 million of payroll and other general and
administrative costs and approximately $5.80 million of professional fees.
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
The Company’s primary sources for meeting its capital requirements are its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, receipt of
interest earned, and proceeds from liquidating its other remaining assets. The Company’s primary uses of funds are and will continue to be for distributions, if any, and operating costs, including costs related to construction defect claims and
other costs. The Company expects to be able to adequately fund its operations over the next twelve months from its primary sources of capital. However, no assurance can be made in that regard due to the construction defect claim asserted against
the Development Entity. At this time, the amount of the liability exposure for this claim cannot be determined and may be in excess of the $5.0 million that has been accrued.
Capital Resources
In addition to consolidated cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2024 of approximately $60.92 million (of
which approximately $4.91 million is restricted), the capital resources available to the Company are as follows:
| • |
Interest Earnings: During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company recorded interest earnings of approximately $2.26 million. Unless there is a
change in the forward yield curve the Company used to estimate the interest rates to be earned or there is a change in its expected future cash balances, the Company does not expect to record a significant amount of interest earnings in
the year ending June 30, 2025. At June 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $1.83 million of accrued interest recorded. The Company expects to receive approximately $1.57 million of this accrued interest during the year ending June
30, 2025.
|
| • |
Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions: As of June 30, 2024, the Company owned two real estate assets with an estimated carrying value of
approximately $0.50 million. Based on the remaining real estate assets of the Company, future net proceeds will be negligible as compared to the proceeds the Company has realized in prior periods.
|
| • |
Causes of Action Recoveries: During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized approximately $37.91 million from the settlement of Causes
of Action. Based on the limited remaining Causes of Action, future recoveries will be negligible as compared to the proceeds the Company has realized in prior periods.
|
| • |
Forfeited Assets: Forfeited Assets consist of cash and other assets. During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Trust sold most of its remaining
Forfeited Assets and received net proceeds of approximately $0.29 million. On February 23, 2024, the Trust received approximately $0.56 million in cash from the DOJ that was received from a co-defendant of Robert Shapiro. As noted
earlier, net sale proceeds from Forfeited Assets are to be distributed only to Qualifying Victims. The Company does not expect to receive any additional Forfeited Assets or generate more than nominal proceeds from the Forfeited Assets
held by as of June 30, 2024.
|
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
Uses of Liquidity
The primary uses of the Company’s liquidity are to pay distributions payable, operating costs, and costs related to construction defect
claim(s). As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s total liabilities were approximately $23.51 million. The total liabilities recorded as of June 30, 2024 may not be indicative of the costs paid in future periods, which may vary materially from the
current estimate.
Given current cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash balances, distributions payable, and expected cash
needs, the Company does not expect a deficiency in liquidity in the next twelve months. Due to the uncertain nature of future proceeds from real estate transactions, potential recoveries from insurance claims and costs to be incurred, including
costs related to construction defect claims and other costs, it is not possible to be certain that the current liquidity will be adequate to cover all future financial needs of the Company.
Distributions
Distributions will be made at the sole discretion of the Liquidation Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and the Trust
Agreement. On August 3, 2023, the Supervisory Board, at the recommendation of the Liquidation Trustee, suspended the making of
additional Trust distributions to Interestholders, pending the result of the investigation of a construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity by the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity. Holders of
Liquidation Trust Interests are advised that to date, the Trust has liquidated substantially all of its real estate assets, and given the pending construction defect claim, the Trust is unable to estimate the timing and amount of future
distributions, other than the distribution described below solely in respect of Forfeited Assets to be made to Qualifying Victims.
On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100,000 was approved which
represents a distribution of approximately $4.65 per $1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the
last Forfeited Asset, which is expected to occur by December 31, 2024.
As of September 27, 2024, the Liquidation Trustee has declared eleven distributions to the Class A Interestholders. The distributions
include a cash distribution on account of the then-allowed claims and a deposit is made into a restricted cash account for amounts that are or may become payable (a) in respect of Class A Interests that may be issued in the future upon the
allowance of unresolved bankruptcy claims, (b) in respect of Class A Interests on account of recently allowed claims, (c) for holders of Class A Interests who failed to cash distribution checks mailed in respect of prior distributions, (d) for
distributions that were withheld due to pending avoidance actions and (e) for holders of Class A Interests for which the Trust is waiting for further beneficiary information.
As claims are resolved, additional Class A Interests may be issued or cancelled (see “Part 1, Item 1. Business, D. Plan Provisions
Regarding the Company, 2. Treatment under the Plan of holders of claims against and equity interests in the Debtors and 3. Assets and liabilities of the Company”). Therefore, the total amount of a distribution declared may change. In addition,
distributions may change if Interestholders that were previously deemed to have forfeited their rights to receive Class A Interest distributions subsequently respond, and if overpaid distributions are returned.
Sections 7.6 and 7.18 of the Plan provide that distributions that have not been cashed within 180 calendar days of their issuance shall
be null and void and the holder of the associated Liquidation Trust Interests “shall be deemed to have forfeited its rights to any reserved and future Distributions under the Plan,” with such amounts to become “Available Cash” of the Trust for
all purposes. On February 1, 2022, the Trust sent letters to the holders of the Class A Interests who had failed to cash distribution checks in respect of prior distributions, which checks were issued more than 180 days prior to the date of the
letter. The letter informed each recipient that, unless the Trust was contacted on or before February 28, 2022, such recipient’s reserved and future distributions would be deemed forfeited in accordance with the Plan. The Trust provided this
final notice simply as a one-time courtesy and reserves its rights to strictly enforce the Plan’s forfeiture provisions, and any other provision of the Plan, against any person (including any recipient of the final notice) at any time in the
future, without further notice.
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
The following tables summarize the distributions declared, distributions paid and the activity in the restricted cash account for the
periods from February 15, 2019 (inception) through June 30, 2024 and from February 15, 2019 (inception) through September 27, 2024:
|
During the Period from
February 15, 2019 (inception)
through
June 30, 2024 ($ in Millions)
|
During the Period from
February 15, 2019 (inception) through
September 27, 2024 ($ in Millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Date Declared
|
$ per
Class A
Interest
|
Total
Declared
|
Paid
|
Restricted
Cash Account
|
Total
Declared
|
Paid
|
Restricted
Cash Account
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Declared
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
First
|
3/15/2019
|
$
|
3.75
|
$
|
44.70
|
$
|
42.32
|
$
|
2.38
|
$
|
44.70
|
$
|
42.32
|
$
|
2.38
|
||||||||||||||
|
Second
|
1/2/2020
|
4.50
|
53.44
|
51.20
|
2.24
|
53.44
|
51.20
|
2.24
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Third
|
3/31/2020
|
2.12
|
25.00
|
24.19
|
0.81
|
25.00
|
24.19
|
0.81
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fourth
|
7/13/2020
|
2.56
|
29.97
|
29.24
|
0.73
|
29.97
|
29.24
|
0.73
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fifth
|
10/19/2020
|
2.56
|
29.96
|
29.21
|
0.75
|
29.96
|
29.21
|
0.75
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sixth
|
1/7/2021
|
4.28
|
50.01
|
48.67
|
1.34
|
50.01
|
48.67
|
1.34
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Seventh (a)
|
5/13/2021
|
2.58
|
30.04
|
29.35
|
0.69
|
30.04
|
29.35
|
0.69
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Eighth
|
10/8/2021
|
3.44
|
40.02
|
39.14
|
0.88
|
40.02
|
39.14
|
0.88
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ninth
|
2/4/2022
|
3.44
|
39.98
|
39.15
|
0.83
|
39.98
|
39.15
|
0.83
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Tenth
|
6/15/2022
|
5.63
|
65.02
|
64.19
|
0.83
|
65.02
|
64.19
|
0.83
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Eleventh
|
5/10/2023
|
2.18
|
25.02
|
24.90
|
0.12
|
25.02
|
24.90
|
0.12
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Subtotal
|
$
|
37.04
|
$
|
433.16
|
$
|
421.56
|
$
|
11.60
|
$
|
433.16
|
$
|
421.56
|
$
|
11.60
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Returned / (Reversed)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Disallowed/cancelled (b)
|
(6.68
|
)
|
(6.68
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Returned (c)
|
0.74
|
0.74
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Forfeited (d)
|
(1.13
|
)
|
(1.13
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Subtotal
|
(7.07
|
)
|
(7.07
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Paid from Reserve Account (e)
|
(3.75
|
)
|
(3.82
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions Payable, Net
|
as of 6/30/2024:
|
$
|
0.78
|
as of 9/27/2024:
|
$
|
0.71
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) |
The seventh distribution included the cash the Trust received from recoveries of Fair Funds.
|
| (b) |
As a result of claims being disallowed or Class A Interests cancelled.
|
| (c) |
Distribution checks returned or not cashed.
|
| (d) |
Distributions forfeited as Interestholders did not cash checks that were over 180 days old.
|
| (e) |
Paid as claims are allowed or resolved.
|
Since its inception, the Wind-Down Entity has made substantial progress toward completion of its liquidation
activities and has liquidated all but two real estate assets with a net carrying value of approximately $0.50 million. Holders of Liquidation Trust Interests are advised that given the pending construction defect claim, in particular, the Trust
is unable to estimate the timing and amount of future distributions, other than the distribution described below solely in respect of Forfeited Assets, to be made to Qualifying Victims.
On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100,000 was approved which
represents a distribution of approximately $4.65 per $1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the
last Forfeited Asset, which is expected to occur by December 31, 2024.
Contractual Obligations
The Company had an office lease that expired on January 31, 2024. On December 18, 2023, the Company entered into a new month-to-month
lease for office space commencing January 1, 2024. The Company expects that it will continue to lease office space until the liquidation process is completed.
The Wind-Down Entity has part-time employment agreements with its two executive officers that are renewed automatically on an annual
basis, subject to the right of either party to terminate the agreement at any time and for any reason on thirty days’ advance written notice.
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
Critical Accounting Policies and Practices
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accounting policies and practices that the Company believes are the most critical are discussed below. These accounting policies and practices require management to make decisions on subjective and/or complex
matters that may inherently be uncertain. Estimates are required to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Significant estimates, judgments and assumptions are required in a number of areas, including, but not
limited to, general and administrative costs to be incurred until the completion of the liquidation activities of the Company, the cost of potential construction defect claims, estimated reserves for contingent liabilities, and the administration
of such claims after the Company’s liquidation activities are completed. In many instances, changes in the accounting estimates are likely to occur from period to period. Actual results may differ from the estimates. The Company believes the
current assumptions and other considerations used in preparing the consolidated financial statements are appropriate. However, if actual experience differs from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating amounts reflected in the
Company’s consolidated financial statements, the resulting changes could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net assets in liquidation.
Liquidation Basis of Accounting
Under the Liquidation Basis of Accounting, all assets are recorded at their estimated net realizable value or liquidation value, which
represents the estimated amount of net cash that may be received upon the disposition of the assets (on an undiscounted basis). Liabilities are measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP that otherwise applies to those liabilities.
Other Assets
The Company recognizes recoveries from the settlement of unresolved Causes of Action when an agreement is executed, final court approval
is received (if required) and collectability is reasonably assured. An allowance for uncollectible settlement installment receivables is recorded when there is doubt about the collectability of the receivable. The Company records escrow
receivables at the amount that is expected to be received when the escrow receivable is released. The Forfeited Assets received from the DOJ, other than cash, have been recorded at their estimated net realizable value.
The Company accrues expected interest earnings when it can forecast the interest rate to be paid on its cash on deposit. The Company
uses a forward yield curve to estimate the interest rates to be earned and its expected future cash balances to estimate the dollar amount that will earn interest through the currently expected Trust termination date of March 31, 2026.
The measurement of real estate assets is based on current contracts (if any), if contingencies have been removed, estimates and other
indications of sales value, net of estimated selling costs. The performing loan is recorded at the amount of the contractual interest payments and principal repayment of the loan.
In addition, the Company recognizes other amounts to be received based on contractual terms or when the amounts to be received are
certain.
Accrued Liquidation Costs
The estimated costs associated with implementing and completing the Company’s plan of liquidation are recorded as accrued liquidation
costs. The Company has also recorded the estimated remaining development costs and estimated costs to address potential construction defect claims as well as the estimated general and administrative costs to be incurred until the completion of
the liquidation of the Company, and an accrual for the administration of construction defect claims.
Part II
|
Item 7.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
|
Changes in Carrying Value
On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the estimated net realizable values, liquidation costs and the estimated date of the
completion of the liquidation of the Company and records any significant changes. If the Company has a change in its plan for the disposition of an asset, the carrying value will be adjusted to reflect this change in the period that the change is
approved. The change in value may also include a change to the accrued liquidation costs related to the asset.
All changes in the estimated liquidation value of the Company’s assets, real estate assets, or other assets and liabilities, are
reflected as a change to the Company’s net assets in liquidation.
| Item 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
|
Not applicable, as the Company is a “smaller reporting company” within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Part II
| Item 8. |
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
|
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Item 15 of Part
IV of this Annual Report, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules”.
| Item 9. |
Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
|
None
| Item 9A. |
Controls and Procedures
|
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, management and the Liquidation Trustee have evaluated the effectiveness of the
design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon, and as of the date of, the evaluation, management and the Liquidation Trustee concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the
period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. Disclosure controls and procedures
include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the
Liquidation Trustee, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
In connection with the preparation of our Form 10-K, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting as of June 30, 2024. In making that assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework (2013).
Based on its assessment, our management believes that, as of June 30, 2024, our internal control over financial reporting was effective
based on those criteria. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
| Item 9B. |
Other Information
|
| Item 9C. |
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections
|
None.
The Liquidation Trustee
The Trust does not have directors or executive officers. All of the management and executive authority over the Trust resides in the
Liquidation Trustee, subject to the supervision of the Supervisory Board.
Michael I. Goldberg, Esq., the Liquidation
Trustee, age 60, has served as the Liquidation Trustee since inception of the Trust on February 15, 2019. Prior to that time, Mr. Goldberg served as a member of the Debtors’ independent board of managers and had been the SEC’s designee to that
Board. Mr. Goldberg was unanimously selected to be the Liquidation Trustee by the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee, the Noteholder Committee, and the Unitholder Committee in the Debtors’ Bankruptcy Cases. Mr. Goldberg has been a partner in the
law firm of Akerman LLP since 1997, where he is chair of the Fraud & Recovery Practice Group, a comprehensive fraud management team focusing on Ponzi schemes, receiverships, and EB-5 fraud. Mr. Goldberg has managed some of the largest Ponzi
scheme liquidation recoveries in United States history and routinely testifies as a qualified expert witness on Ponzi schemes in federal and state court cases. Mr. Goldberg currently is the Receiver for Jay Peak and Q Resort, Inc., the owners
and operators of a ski resort in northern Vermont, and for the Champlain Towers South condominium association in Surfside, Florida. For over 25 years, Mr. Goldberg has practiced law in the area of fraud and recovery and bankruptcy and
reorganizations, regularly serving as a court-appointed fiduciary in unwinding Ponzi schemes. Mr. Goldberg holds Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Boston University and a Master of Business Administration from New York University.
He is admitted to practice law in state and federal courts in Florida and New York.
The Liquidation Trustee serves for the duration of the Trust, subject to earlier death, resignation or removal. The Liquidation Trustee
may resign at any time by giving the Interestholders and the Supervisory Board at least sixty (60) days written notice of his or her intention to do so. A Liquidation Trustee may be removed and replaced by an order of the Bankruptcy Court upon
the motion of the Supervisory Board and a showing of good cause, except that any proposed removal and replacement of Michael Goldberg as Liquidation Trustee will require a determination by the Bankruptcy Court that “cause” exists for such removal
and replacement using the standard under Bankruptcy Code section 1104 made after notice of such proposed removal and replacement has been provided to the SEC. Under Bankruptcy Code section 1104, “cause” includes fraud, dishonesty, incompetence,
or gross mismanagement of the affairs of the Trust.
The Supervisory Board of the Trust
The Liquidation Trustee is subject to the supervision, to the extent provided in the Plan, of the Supervisory Board, which currently
consists of five members. Except as otherwise indicated below, during the past five years none of the following named individuals has served or held a position with any company that is a parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Trust.
Jay Beynon, age 77, has been a member of the
Supervisory Board since inception of the Trust and was appointed to such office in accordance with the Plan and Trust Agreement. Beginning in February 2018 and continuing until February 15, 2019, Mr. Beynon served as a member of the Ad Hoc
Noteholder Group in the Bankruptcy Cases. Mr. Beynon is a real estate investor and, prior to his retirement in 2011, was a businessman with over 27 years’ experience, including as founder and chief executive officer of The Beynon Company, a
graphic design agency, and the founder of Hot Rod Speed Works, the designer and fabricator of custom automobiles.
Raymond C. Blackburn, M.D., age 75, has been a
member of the Supervisory Board since inception of the Trust and was appointed to such office in accordance with the Plan and Trust Agreement. Beginning in January 2018 and continuing until February 15, 2019, Dr. Blackburn served as a member of
the Ad Hoc Unitholder Committee in the Bankruptcy Cases. Dr. Blackburn is a licensed physician in Texas and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Oakwood University and a Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
Dr. Blackburn specialized in and practiced dermatology in Dallas, Texas for nearly 38 years. Retired since August 2016, Dr. Blackburn maintains an active medical license in Texas. He is a retired member of the Dallas County Medical Society, the
Texas State Medical Society and the American Academy of Dermatology.
Part III
|
Item 10.
|
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance (Continued)
|
Lynn Myrick, age 80, has been a member of the Supervisory Board since inception of the Trust and was appointed to such office in
accordance with the Plan and Trust Agreement. Ms. Myrick was appointed to the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee in the Bankruptcy Cases on April 3, 2018 by the U.S. Trustee’s Office, succeeding to her husband Ron Myrick’s position after his
death, and continued to serve on that committee until February 15, 2019. Retired since 2013, Ms. Myrick worked as an elementary school teacher and has experience in charitable fund-raising for the Boston Ballet and the Southwest Florida
Symphony Society. Ms. Myrick holds an Associate of the Arts in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisville.
John J. O’Neill, age 81, has been a member of the Supervisory Board since inception of the Trust and was appointed to such office
in accordance with the Plan and Trust Agreement. Beginning in December 2017 and continuing until February 15, 2019, Mr. O’Neill served as a member of the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee in the Bankruptcy Cases, having been appointed to such
position by the U.S. Trustee’s Office. Retired since 2014, Mr. O’Neill is a former account executive at Merrill Lynch and the former president of an independently owned beverage distributor. Mr. O’Neill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business
Administration from Dickinson State University.
M. Freddie Reiss, age 77, has been a member of the Supervisory Board since August 21, 2019, at which time he was appointed to such
office by the Supervisory Board. Mr. Reiss currently serves as the sole member of the Audit Committee and the sole member of the Cybersecurity Committee of the Supervisory Board. Additionally, Mr. Reiss has been a member of the Board of
Managers since its inception and was appointed to such office under the Plan. Prior to that time, Mr. Reiss served as a member of the Debtors’ Board of Managers during the Bankruptcy Cases. Mr. Reiss is the former Senior Managing Director of
the Corporate Finance/Restructuring Practice at FTI Consulting, an independent global business advisory firm, a position from which he retired in 2013. Mr. Reiss is currently an Independent Director of Blackrock TCP Tennenbaum Capital Corp.
(August 2016 to current), Blackrock Direct Lending Corp. (December 2020 to current), Epsilyte Inc. (March 2024 to current), and QLESS Inc. (June 2024 to current). Mr. Reiss was an independent director of Peer Street Inc. (April 2023 to July
2024), Amyris Inc. (August 2023 to March 2024), Eva Automation Inc. (March 2020 to January 2024), and Arclight and Pacific Theatres (August 2020 to July 2021). Mr. Reiss has over thirty years’ experience in strategic planning, cash
management, liquidation analysis, covenant negotiations, forensic accounting and valuation. He specializes in advising on bankruptcies, reorganizations, business restructurings and providing expert witness testimony in respect of
underperforming companies. Mr. Reiss is a certified insolvency and restructuring advisor, a certified public accountant in New York and California and a certified turnaround professional. He has been inducted into the American College of
Bankruptcy and the Turnaround Management Association’s Hall of Fame. Mr. Reiss is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has completed the Director Education and Certification Program at the John E. Anderson
School of Management of the University of California at Los Angeles. He holds a B.B.A. from City College of New York’s Bernard Baruch School of Business and a Master of Business Administration from City University of New York’s Baruch
College.
Management of the Wind-Down Group
Marion W. Fong, age 60, has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Wind-Down Entity since January 1, 2023 and the Chief Financial
Officer of the Wind-Down Entity since February 2019. Ms. Fong serves in the same capacity for the Wind-Down Subsidiaries. Ms. Fong is the founder and principal of Mariposa Real Estate Advisors, LLC (January 2001 to present), which provides
real estate financial consulting services to public and private real estate companies, institutional investors, developers, operators and lenders. Ms. Fong has over 35 years’ experience in the real estate industry, including knowledge of many
aspects of real estate development, acquisitions, dispositions, transaction structuring, workouts and restructuring and capital access. Ms. Fong was a partner in the Real Estate Advisory Service Group of Ernst & Young LLP and was a Senior
Manager at Kenneth Leventhal & Company. Ms. Fong was admitted to the Counselors of Real Estate in 2000 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Occidental College.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Wind-Down Entity is subject to the supervision of a Board of Managers. As of September 27, 2024, M. Freddie Reiss (whose biography is
above) is the sole member of the Board of Managers.
Part III
|
Item 10.
|
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance (Continued)
|
David Mark Kemper II, age 46, has been the Chief Operating Officer of the Wind-Down Entity since February 2019 and was the Chief
Investment Officer of the Wind-Down Entity from February 2019 through December 31, 2022. Mr. Kemper serves in the same capacity for the Wind-Down Subsidiaries. Prior to such appointment, Mr. Kemper served as financial advisor at Province,
Inc., a nationally recognized financial advisory firm focusing on growth opportunities, restructurings and fiduciary-related services (March 2017 to February 2019), where he represented unsecured creditors in corporate bankruptcies and
provided management and restructuring services to various companies. During the past five years, Mr. Kemper also has served as managing director of LandCap Advisors, a company engaged in providing real estate consulting services, where Mr.
Kemper provided clients with real estate management and restructuring, lease advisory, valuation and feasibility, transaction advisory, portfolio, and project management services. Mr. Kemper has over 20 years’ experience in financial
advisory, real estate and accounting services. Mr. Kemper holds a B.A. in Accounting from St. Mary’s University.
Summary Compensation Table
|
Name and Princpal Position at
|
Fiscal
|
All Other
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
June 30, 2024 (1)
|
Year
|
Base
|
Bonus
|
Compensation (2)
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Michael I. Goldberg, Esq.
|
2024
|
$
|
140,334
|
$
|
2,733,568
|
(3)
|
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
2,873,902
|
||||||||||
|
Liquidation Trustee
|
2023
|
$
|
186,333
|
$
|
33,344
|
(3)
|
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
219,677
|
||||||||||
|
Marion W. Fong
|
2024
|
$
|
420,000
|
$
|
-
|
(4)
|
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
420,000
|
||||||||||
|
Wind-Down Entity, CEO & CFO
|
2023
|
$
|
544,030
|
$
|
638,550
|
(4)
|
|
$
|
216,402
|
$
|
1,398,982
|
||||||||||
|
David Mark Kemper II
|
2024
|
$
|
300,000
|
$
|
-
|
(4)
|
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
300,000
|
||||||||||
|
Wind-Down Entity, COO
|
2023
|
$
|
409,801
|
$
|
496,650
|
(4)
|
|
$
|
168,813
|
$
|
1,075,264
|
||||||||||
| (1) |
Includes all individuals who may be considered the executive officers of the Trust or the Wind-Down Entity.
|
| (2) |
In addition to salary and bonus, the named executive officers (other than Mr. Goldberg) may receive other annual compensation in the form of health, dental, vision and life insurance coverages, paid
vacation, paid time off, and other personal benefits. For fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the total value of health, dental, vision, life insurance coverages and other personal benefits did not exceed $10,000 in the
aggregate for any named executive officer. The amount indicated is for paid vacation and paid time off which were due and payable upon the termination of the full-time employment agreements.
|
| (3) |
Mr. Goldberg is eligible for incentive compensation equal to 5% of total gross settlement amounts by the Trust from the pursuit of Causes of Action as further discussed below. Bonus amounts are
attributed to the fiscal year in which they are settled. During fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, $2,747,446 and $83,160, respectively, were paid.
|
| (4) |
Bonuses are attributed to the fiscal year in which they are earned. Ms. Fong and Mr. Kemper each were eligible for bonuses through December 31, 2022. The part-time employment agreements that became
effective on January 1, 2023 do not provide for bonuses.
|
Liquidation Trustee of the Trust
As compensation in respect of service as Liquidation Trustee, Mr. Goldberg is entitled to (i) base compensation at an hourly rate of $598.95 per hour for calendar years 2024 and 2023 (these
rates are net of a negotiated 10% discount of Mr. Goldberg’s customary rates) and (ii) incentive compensation equal to 5% of total gross amounts recovered by the Trust from the pursuit of Causes of Action. Mr. Goldberg is not entitled to
equity compensation, perquisites or personal benefits.
Mr. Goldberg’s base compensation was not determined by the Supervisory Board, but instead was established by, and the amount is fixed under, the Trust Agreement. Such base compensation cannot
be modified except by amendment of the Trust Agreement. Amendment of the Trust Agreement effecting a modification of the compensation of the Supervisory Board would require either (a) an order of the Bankruptcy Court or (b) a written
amendment signed by the Liquidation Trustee, which amendment has received the prior written approval of a majority of the members of the Supervisory Board. It is the understanding of the Supervisory Board that the base compensation is
intended to compensate Mr. Goldberg for his time spent performing services as Liquidation Trustee. The Supervisory Board believes that base compensation at an hourly rate is standard and customary for bankruptcy and insolvency trustees, and
that $665.50 does not exceed Mr. Goldberg’s customary hourly rate for legal services performed by him as a partner of Akerman LLP.
Part III
|
Item 11.
|
Executive Compensation (Continued)
|
Mr. Goldberg’s incentive compensation has been determined by the Supervisory Board, in the exercise of its discretion as authorized by the Trust Agreement, as five percent (5%) of the total
gross proceeds recovered by the Trust from the pursuit of Causes of Action by the Trust. Such incentive compensation is intended to compensate Mr. Goldberg for services performed above and beyond the time commitment required of the
Liquidation Trustee. The Supervisory Board believes that incentive compensation based on the value of recoveries on Causes of Action is standard and customary for bankruptcy and insolvency trustees and is designed to maximize the value of
recoveries on Causes of Action and appropriately align the economic interests of the Liquidation Trustee with those of the Trust.
Payment of compensation to the Liquidation Trustee or his professionals in connection with any individual request for compensation is subject to the following procedures, specified in the
Trust Agreement:
| • |
the Liquidation Trustee must submit to the Supervisory Board an itemized statement or statements reflecting all fees and itemized costs to be reimbursed;
|
| • |
after seven (7) days after the delivery of the statements, the amount reflected in the statements may be paid by the Trust unless, prior to the expiration of such seven-day period, the Supervisory Board has objected in writing to
any compensation reflected in the Statement; and
|
| • |
in the case of any Supervisory Board objection to payment, the undisputed amounts may be paid, and the disputed amounts may only be paid by agreement of the Supervisory Board, or pursuant to order of the Bankruptcy Court, which
retains jurisdiction over all disputes regarding the Liquidation Trustee’s and his or her professionals’ compensation.
|
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Wind-Down Entity
Since January 1, 2023, the Wind-Down Entity and its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Marion W. Fong, have been parties to an agreement providing for Ms. Fong’s part-time
employment as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, which was entered into on November 30, 2022 (the “Fong Part-Time Agreement”). Pursuant to the Fong Part-Time Agreement, the Wind-Down Entity agreed to employ Ms. Fong
on a part-time, non-exclusive basis as the Wind-Down Entity’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2023.
The Fong Part-Time Agreement established an initial term of part-time employment commencing on January 1, 2023 and expiring on December 31, 2023, unless terminated earlier. The initial term
thereafter is subject to automatic renewal until terminated. The Fong Part-Time Agreement sets forth Ms. Fong’s duties as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and her compensation and rights to reimbursement of costs and
expenses and indemnification. The Fong Part-Time Agreement is terminable by the death of Ms. Fong or by either the Wind-Down Entity or Ms. Fong at any time and for any reason on at least 30 days’ advance written notice.
Under the Fong Part-Time Employment Agreement, Ms. Fong is entitled to a monthly salary of $35,000. Additionally, during the term of the Fong Part-Time Employment Agreement, Ms. Fong and her
eligible spouse and dependents are entitled to participation in the Wind-Down Entity’s health, dental, vision and life insurance coverages, but Ms. Fong will not accrue any paid vacation. Ms. Fong is not eligible for any discretionary bonus
during the part-time employment term.
The Wind-Down Entity is obligated, under the Fong Part-Time Employment Agreement, the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement and indemnification agreements with Ms. Fong, to indemnify and hold
harmless Ms. Fong from and against certain liabilities, losses, damages and expenses incurred by either of them by reason of acts or omissions as an officer of the Wind-Down Entity.
Part III
|
Item 11.
|
Executive Compensation (Continued)
|
Chief Operating Officer of Wind-Down Entity
Since January 1, 2023, Mr. Kemper has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Wind-Down Entity pursuant to an employment agreement entered into on November 30, 2022 (the “Kemper Part-Time
Agreement”). Pursuant to the Kemper Part-Time Agreement, the Wind-Down Entity employs Mr. Kemper on a part-time, non-exclusive basis as the Wind-Down Entity’s Chief Operating Officer.
The Kemper Part-Time Agreement establishes an initial term of part-time employment commencing on January 1, 2023 and expiring on December 31, 2023, unless terminated earlier. The initial term
thereafter is subject to automatic renewal until terminated. The Kemper Part-Time Agreement sets forth Mr. Kemper’s duties as Chief Operating Officer and his compensation and rights to reimbursement of costs and expenses and
indemnification. The Kemper Part-Time Agreement is terminable by the death of Mr. Kemper or by either the Wind-Down Entity or Mr. Kemper at any time and for any reason on at least 30 days’ advance written notice.
Under the Kemper Part-Time Employment Agreement, Mr. Kemper is entitled to a monthly salary of $25,000. Additionally, during the term of the Kemper Part-Time Employment Agreement, Mr. Kemper
and his eligible spouse and dependents are entitled to participation in the Wind-Down Entity’s health, dental, vision and life insurance coverages, but Mr. Kemper will not accrue any paid vacation. Mr. Kemper is not eligible for any
discretionary bonus during the part-time employment term.
The Wind-Down Entity is obligated, under the Kemper Part-Time Employment Agreement, the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement and indemnification agreements with Mr. Kemper, to indemnify and hold
harmless Mr. Kemper from and against certain liabilities, losses, damages and expenses incurred by either of them by reason of acts or omissions as an officer of the Wind-Down Entity.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Neither the Trust nor the Wind-Down Entity has a compensation committee or other board committee performing equivalent functions
On November 30, 2022, the Board of Managers, without participation by Ms. Fong and Mr. Kemper approved the Fong Part-Time Employment Agreement and the Kemper Part-Time Employment
Agreement. These agreements were entered into in order to consolidate management functions and reduce management costs in light of the substantially reduced real estate portfolio. The award of equity-based compensation was not considered, as
the Company’s legal structure does not permit such compensation. The Company did not consider the results of any shareholder advisory vote on the compensation of Ms. Fong or Mr. Kemper, as no such vote was required.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, there were no deliberations by the Supervisory Board regarding the compensation of Mr. Goldberg.
Compensation of Supervisory Board and Board of Managers
Each member of the Supervisory Board that does not serve on the Audit Committee receives (or received), as compensation in respect of service on the Supervisory Board, (i) $10,000 per month
through January 31, 2020, (ii) $7,500 per month from February 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021, (iii) $5,000 per month from February 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022, and (iv) $2,500 per month for each calendar month thereafter until
termination of the Trust in accordance with the Plan (prorated as appropriate if a member commences his or her service other than on the first day of a month or terminates his or her service other than on the last day of a month). The sole
member of the Supervisory Board that serves on the Audit Committee receives, as compensation in respect of service, $7,500 per month. Further, the sole member of the Supervisory Board that serves on the Cybersecurity Committee receives
additional compensation of $5,000 per month. All Supervisory Board members also are entitled to reimbursement by the Trust of all actual, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their service on the
Supervisory Board.
Part III
|
Item 11.
|
Executive Compensation (Continued)
|
The compensation of the Supervisory Board was not determined by the Supervisory Board, but instead was established by, and is fixed under, the Trust Agreement and cannot be modified except by
amendment of the Trust Agreement. An amendment of the Trust Agreement effecting a modification in the compensation of the Supervisory Board would require either (a) an order of the Bankruptcy Court or (b) a written amendment signed by the
Liquidation Trustee, which amendment has received the prior written approval of a majority of the members of the Supervisory Board.
Each member of the Board of Managers (other than the CEO) received, as compensation in respect of service on the Board of Managers, (i) $20,000 per month through January 31, 2020 and (ii)
$15,000 per month for each calendar month of service thereafter. The Wind-Down Entity is required to reimburse each Manager in respect of all actual, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Manager in accordance with
Wind-Down Entity policies. Effective December 31, 2022, the number of members of the Board of Managers was reduced from three to two.
Effective April 1, 2023, the two remaining members of the Board of Managers agreed to voluntarily reduce their monthly compensation from $15,000 per month per manager for each calendar month
of service to $10,000 per month per manager for each calendar month of service.
The Board of Managers was further reduced from two to one effective upon the resignation of Mr. Nevins on April 29, 2023. Following Mr. Nevins’ resignation, Mr. Reiss became the sole member
of the Board of Managers. Effective May 1, 2023, Mr. Reiss ceased to be entitled to receive compensation for being a member of the Board of Managers. Mr. Reiss continues to be entitled to reimbursement for actual, reasonable, and documented
out-of-pocket costs and expenses related to his service as a manager.
Indemnification of the Liquidation Trustee
Under Delaware law, the Trust has the power to indemnify and hold harmless any person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever, subject to such standards and restrictions,
if any, as are set forth in its governing instrument. The Trust is governed by the Trust Agreement, which states that the Liquidation Trustee, the Supervisory Board and each of their respective accountants, agents, assigns, attorneys,
bankers, consultants, directors, employees, executors, financial advisors, investment bankers, real estate brokers, transfer agents, managers, members, officers, partners, predecessors, principals, professional persons, representatives, and
successors (each, a “Trustee Indemnified Party”) will be indemnified for, and defended and held harmless against, any loss, liability, damage, judgment, fine, penalty, claim, demand, settlement, cost, or expense, including the
reasonable fees and expenses of their respective professionals (collectively “Damages”) incurred without gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud on the part of the applicable Trustee Indemnified Party (which gross negligence,
willful misconduct, or fraud, if any, must be determined by a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction) for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by the Trustee Indemnified Parties in connection with the
acceptance, administration, exercise, and performance of their duties under the Plan or the Trust Agreement, as applicable. An act or omission taken with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, and not inconsistent therewith, will be
conclusively deemed not to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.
In addition, the Trust Agreement provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Trustee Indemnified Party shall be indemnified for, and defended and held harmless against, any
and all Damages arising out of or due to their actions or omissions, or consequences of such actions or omissions, with respect to the Trust or the implementation or administration of the Plan if the applicable Trustee Indemnified Party acted
in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Trust or its Interestholders.
The Trust Agreement also authorizes, but does not require, the Liquidation Trustee to obtain all reasonable insurance coverage for itself, its agents, representatives, employees or independent contractors, including coverage with respect to the liabilities, duties and obligations of the Liquidation Trustee and its agents, representatives, employees or independent contractors under the Trust Agreement and the Plan. The cost of any such insurance coverage will be an expense of the Trust.
Part III
|
Item 11.
|
Executive Compensation (Continued)
|
Indemnification of the Board of Managers, the CEO and Executive Officers of the Wind-Down Entity
The Wind-Down Entity and the Trust are required to indemnify the members of the Board of Managers, the Chief Executive Officer, and the other officers of the Wind-Down Group, and each of
their respective accountants, agents, assigns, attorneys, bankers, consultants, directors, employees, executors, financial advisors, investment bankers, brokers, managers, members, officers, partners, predecessors, principals, professional
persons, representatives, and successors (each, a “WDE Indemnified Party”) for, and shall defend and hold them harmless against, Damages incurred without gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the applicable WDE
Indemnified Party (which gross negligence or willful misconduct, if any, must be determined by a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction) for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by the WDE Indemnified
Parties in connection with the acceptance, administration, exercise, and performance of their duties under the Plan or the Wind-Down Entity LLC Agreement, as applicable. An act or omission taken with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, and
not inconsistent therewith, will be conclusively deemed not to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.
In addition, the Wind-Down Entity and the Trust are required, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the WDE Indemnified Parties, from and against and
with respect to any and all Damages arising out of or due to their actions or omissions, or consequences of such actions or omissions, with respect to the Wind-Down Entity or the implementation or administration of the Plan if the applicable
WDE Indemnified Party acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Wind-Down Entity.
The Wind-Down Entity is a party to indemnification agreements with its former Chief Executive Officer Frederick Chin, its current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Marion W.
Fong, and its Chief Operating Officer and former Chief Investment Officer David Mark Kemper II. Under these agreements, the Wind-Down Entity has agreed to indemnify each of these individuals, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
and the Wind-Down Entity’s certificate of formation and limited liability company agreement, and the Plan, if such individual becomes a party to or a witness or other participant in any proceeding (other than a derivative action) by reason of
the fact that such individual is or was an officer, manager or employee of the Wind-Down Entity, or by reason of anything done or not done by him in any such capacity, against all expenses and liabilities incurred without gross negligence or
willful misconduct by such individual.
Under these indemnification agreements, the Wind-Down Entity has also agreed to indemnify Mr. Chin, Ms. Fong and Mr. Kemper, with respect to any derivative action to which such individual
becomes a party or a witness or in which such individual becomes a participant, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, provided that such individual acted in good faith
and in a manner such individual reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. These indemnification agreements provide for proportional contribution to the Wind-Down Entity based on relative benefit and
relative fault where indemnification is held by a court to be unavailable to the individual and for the advancement by the Wind-Down Entity of the individual’s expenses under certain circumstances.
Part III
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the equity securities of the Trust beneficially owned by each member of the Supervisory Board, the Liquidation Trustee and each
executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table (see “Item 11. Executive Compensation” of this Annual Report), and all members of the Supervisory Board, the Liquidation Trustee and all executive officers of the Wind-Down Entity as a
group on September 27, 2024:
|
Name of and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
|
Class of
Liquidation
Trust Interest
|
|
Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Interest
|
|
|
Percent of
class(2)
|
|
||
|
Jay Beynon
|
Class A
|
|
|
6,666.67
|
(3)
|
|
Less than 1%
|
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
Raymond C. Blackburn, M.D.
|
Class A
|
|
|
35,788.06
|
(4)
|
|
Less than 1%
|
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
13,574.78
|
(5)
|
|
|
2.01%
|
|
|
|
Lynn Myrick
|
Class A
|
|
|
23,819.17
|
(6)
|
|
Less than 1%
|
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
1,590.81
|
(7)
|
|
Less than 1%
|
|
||
|
John J. O’Neill
|
Class A
|
|
|
8,786.60
|
(8)
|
|
Less than 1%
|
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
M. Freddie Reiss
|
Class A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
Michael I. Goldberg
|
Class A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
Marion W. Fong
|
Class A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
David Mark Kemper II
|
Class A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
All Supervisory Board members and the executive officers, as a group
|
Class A
|
|
|
75,060.50
|
|
|
Less than 1%
|
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
15,165.59
|
|
|
|
2.24%
|
|
|
| (1) |
A business address for each of the named beneficial owners is c/o Woodbridge Liquidation Trust, 201 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 200, Glendale, California 91203.
|
| (2) |
Based on 11,516,474 Class A Interests and 675,951 Class B Interests outstanding as of September 27, 2024.
|
| (3) |
As trustee of a family trust.
|
| (4) |
Of which 25,485.81 are held individually and the remainder is beneficially owned in an individual retirement account.
|
| (5) |
Of which 9,667.03 are held individually and the remainder is beneficially owned in an individual retirement account.
|
| (6) |
Of which 13,449.54 are held in an individual retirement account and 10,369.63 are held by a family trust of which Ms. Myrick is a beneficiary.
|
| (7) |
Held by a limited liability company, of which Ms. Myrick is a member.
|
| (8) |
Beneficially owned together with spouse.
|
The Trust does not have any compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of the Trust are authorized for issuance.
Part III
The Supervisory Board has chosen the director independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) to determine the independence of the members of the Supervisory Board.
The Trust is not, however, a company listed with the NYSE and does not intend to apply for listing with the NYSE. Furthermore, the Trust believes that, if it were a NYSE-listed company, the Supervisory Board would be exempt from the director
independence requirements of the NYSE by reason of one or more available exemptions from such requirements, including exemptions for companies in bankruptcy proceedings, passive business organizations in the form of trusts, and the issuers of
special purpose securities.
Applying the NYSE independence standard, the Supervisory Board has determined that all of its current members are independent. In making this determination, the Supervisory Board concluded
that neither the fees paid by the Trust in respect of service on the Supervisory Board nor the ownership of Liquidation Trust Interests by any member of the Supervisory Board precluded a finding of independence.
Michael I. Goldberg, the Liquidation Trustee, is a partner of Akerman LLP, a law firm based in Miami, Florida. In November 2019, the Trust entered into an arrangement with Akerman LLP with
the prior approval of the Supervisory Board, including the Audit Committee. Under the arrangement, Akerman LLP from time to time will provide, at the option of the Trust on an as-needed basis, e-discovery and related litigation support
services in connection with the Trust’s prosecution of the Causes of Action. “E-discovery” (also known as electronic discovery) refers to discovery in legal proceedings, including litigation, where the information sought, such as e-mails,
documents, records and files, is in electronic format. E-discovery services assist litigants to manage potentially large amounts of data in compliance with the technical requirements of court rules designed to preserve metadata and prevent
spoliation.
Under the arrangement, services available to the Trust include data processing, hosting, professional services, and forensic collection and analysis. The services are provided on a
“stand-alone” basis (i.e., they are made available to the Trust regardless of whether Akerman LLP is representing the Trust in connection with the subject litigation or any litigation). Currently,
Akerman LLP does not represent the Trust in connection with any Causes of Action or act as counsel to the Trust in any matter.
The Trust is charged for the services at scheduled rates per task which, depending on the specific task, include flat rates, rates based on the volume of data processed, rates based on the
number of data users, the hourly rates of Akerman LLP personnel, or other rates. The scheduled rates are believed to be the same as those charged by Akerman LLP to clients utilizing its legal services generally. The Supervisory Board,
including the Audit Committee, approved the arrangement after determining that Akerman LLP’s rates would be more favorable to the Trust than those proposed to be charged by at least one other major alternative provider of legal support
services. Due to uncertainty regarding the number, length and complexity of cases and the volume of discoverable documents, the Trust currently is unable to estimate the aggregate approximate dollar value of either Akerman LLP’s fees under
this arrangement or Mr. Goldberg’s interest in this arrangement. During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, approximately $432,000 and $428,000, respectively, had been paid related to these services.
On March 10, 2023, as a result of the failure of two large financial institutions, as a protective measure, the Company deposited the restricted cash relating to Forfeited Assets and
distribution reserves into two separate Akerman LLP trust accounts for the benefit of the Company (the “Trust Accounts”). The balance deposited in these accounts was approximately $3,170,000 and $1,222,000, respectively. On April 5,
2023, the Company transferred approximately $25,000 relating to the distribution reserves and on May 11, 2023, the Company transferred the remaining balances in the Trust Accounts to one of the banking institutions with which it has a
depositor relationship.
The Trust has a written Related Person Transaction Policy. It requires that any “Related Person Transaction” to which the Trust is a participant must be reviewed and approved in advance by
the Supervisory Board and any “Related Person Transaction” to which the Wind-Down Group is a participant must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Board of Managers (the applicable board, in each instance, whether the Supervisory Board
or the Board of Managers, the “Applicable Board”). Under the policy, a “Related Person Transaction” is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) that occurred
since the beginning of the Trust’s most recent fiscal year in which the Trust (including any of its subsidiaries) was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any Related Person had, has or will have
a direct or indirect material interest. For purposes of this policy, a “Related Person” means:
Part III
|
Item 13.
|
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Supervisory Board Member Independence (Continued)
|
| • |
any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of the Trust’s last fiscal year was, the Liquidation Trustee, a member of the Supervisory Board, a member of the Board of Managers, an executive officer of the Wind-Down Entity
or a nominee to become a member of the Board of Managers or a more than 5% beneficial owner of the Trust;
|
| • |
any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the
Liquidation Trustee, a member of the Board of Managers, an executive officer of the Wind-Down Entity, or a nominee to become a member of the Board of Managers, or a more than 5% beneficial owner of the Trust, and any person (other
than domestic employees or tenants) sharing the household of any such person; and
|
| • |
any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
|
The following transactions are not considered Related Person Transactions for purposes of this policy: (a) base compensation for services rendered as the Liquidation Trustee, paid in
accordance with the Liquidation Trust Agreement; (b) compensation for services rendered as a member of the Supervisory Board, paid in accordance with the Liquidation Trust Agreement; (c) in accordance with the Liquidation Trust Agreement,
reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Liquidation Trustee or any member of the Supervisory Board incurred in the ordinary course of carrying out their respective responsibilities in such capacities; (d) any transaction where the rates or
charges involved in the transaction are determined by competitive bids; or (e) any transaction that involves the rendering of services at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority.
Under the policy, the Applicable Board is to consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available, including (if applicable), but not limited to:
| • |
The benefits to the Trust and the Wind-Down Entity;
|
| • |
The impact on the independence of a member of the Supervisory Board or the Board of Managers in the event the Related Person is a member of the Supervisory Board, a member of the Board of Managers, an immediate family member of any
such member, or an entity in which any such member is a director, officer, manager, principal, member, partner, shareholder or executive officer;
|
| • |
The availability of other sources for comparable products or services;
|
| • |
The terms of the transaction; and
|
| • |
The terms available to unrelated third parties and employees generally.
|
The policy prohibits any member of the Applicable Board from participating in any review, consideration or approval of any Related Person Transaction with respect to which such member or any
of his or her immediate family members is the Related Person. The Applicable Board may approve only those Related Person Transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Trust and its stakeholders, as the
Applicable Board determines in good faith. In addition, no immediate family member of the Liquidation Trustee or any member of the Supervisory Board, member of the Board or Managers, or executive officer of the Wind-Down Group may be hired as
an employee of the Trust or the Wind-Down Group unless the employment arrangement is approved in advance by the Applicable Board. In the event a person becomes a director or executive officer of the Trust or the Wind-Down Group and an
immediate family member of such person is already an employee of the Trust or the Wind-Down Group, no material change in the terms of employment, including compensation, may be made without the prior approval of the Applicable Board (except,
if the immediate family member is himself or herself an executive officer of the Trust or the Wind-Down Group, any proposed change in the terms of employment must be reviewed and approved in the same manner as other executive officer
compensatory arrangements).
Part III
|
Item 13.
|
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Supervisory Board Member Independence (Continued)
|
The Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board has the authority, subject to a final review by all disinterested members of the Supervisory Board, to review and approve all Related Person
Transactions in which the Trust is a participant.
Principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees
Set forth below are aggregate fees for professional accounting services for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
|
Years Ended June 30,
|
|||||||||
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
|||||||
|
Audit Fees
|
$
|
199,800
|
$
|
207,900
|
|||||
|
Audit-related fees
|
$ |
-
|
$ |
-
|
|||||
|
Tax fees
|
$ |
-
|
$ |
-
|
|||||
|
All other fees
|
$ |
-
|
|
$ |
-
|
||||
|
Total
|
$
|
199,800
|
$
|
207,900
|
|||||
For purposes of the preceding table, the professional fees are classified as follows:
| • |
Audit Fees: These fees for professional services performed for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, the required review of quarterly
consolidated financial statements, registration statements and other procedures performed by independent auditors in order for them to be able to form an opinion on our consolidated financial statements.
|
| • |
Audit-Related Fees: These are fees for assurance and related services that traditionally are performed by independent auditors that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audit or review of the consolidated financial statements, such as due diligence related to acquisitions and dispositions, attestation services that are not required by statute or regulation, internal control
reviews, and consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.
|
| • |
Tax Fees: These are fees for all professional services performed by professional staff in our independent auditor’s tax division, except those services related to the
audit of our consolidated financial statements. These include fees for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice, including federal, state, and local issues. Services may also include assistance with tax audits and appeals before
the IRS and similar state and local agencies, as well as federal, state and local tax issues related to due diligence.
|
| • |
All Other Fees: These are fees for any services not included in the above-described categories, including assistance with internal audit plans and risk assessments.
|
Pre-Approval Policies
In order to ensure that the provision of services by our independent registered public accounting firm does not impair the auditors’ independence, the Audit Committee pre-approves all
auditing services performed for the Company by our independent auditors, as well as all permitted non-audit services. In determining whether or not to pre-approve services, the Audit Committee considers whether the service is a permissible
service under the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC.
All services rendered by Baker Tilly for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the policies and procedures described above.
| (1) |
Consolidated Financial Statements
|
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are included in a separate section of this Annual Report commencing on the page numbers specified below:
Woodbridge Liquidation Trust and Subsidiaries
|
Page
|
|
|
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-1
|
|
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements As of and For the Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 23)
|
F-2
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation as of June 30, 2024 and 2023
|
F-3
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation for the Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
|
F-4
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-5
|
| (2) |
Financial Statement Schedules
|
Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are either not required or not applicable, or because the information required to be presented is included in the consolidated
financial statements or the notes thereto included in this Annual Report.
| (3) |
Exhibits
|
Exhibit Number and Description
|
First Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Liquidation of Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC and its Affiliated Debtors dated August 22, 2018, incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement
on Form 10 filed by the Trust on October 25, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Trust of Woodbridge Liquidation Trust dated February 14 and effective February 15, 2019, incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by the Trust on
October 25, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liquidation Trust Agreement of Woodbridge Liquidation Trust dated February 15, 2019, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated August 21, 2019 and Amendment No. 2 dated September 13, 2019, incorporated herein
by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by the Trust on October 25, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amendment No. 3 to Liquidation Trust Agreement dated as of November 1, 2019, incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by the Trust on December 13,
2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amendment No. 4 to Liquidation Trust Agreement dated as of February 5, 2020, incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Trust on February 6, 2020.
|
|
|
Amendment No. 5 to Liquidation Trust Agreement dated as of May 9, 2024, incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q filed by the Trust on May 13, 2024.
|
|
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Woodbridge Liquidation Trust effective August 21, 2019, incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by the Trust on October 25, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC dated February 15, 2019, incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by the Trust on October
25, 2019.
|
Part IV
|
Item 15.
|
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (Continued)
|
|
First Amendment to Limited Liability Agreement of Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC dated November 30, 2022, incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Trust on
December 1, 2022.
|
|
|
|
Second Amendment to Limited Liability Agreement of Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC dated as of March 27, 2023, incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Trust on
March 29, 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
Third Amendment to Limited Liability Agreement of Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC dated as of April 28, 2023, incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Trust on May
1, 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indemnification Agreement dated November 12, 2019 between Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC and Marion W. Fong, incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 10
filed by the Trust on December 13, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part-Time Employment Agreement dated November 30, 2022 between Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity and Marion W. Fong, incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Trust on
December 1, 2022.
|
|
|
Part-Time Employment Agreement dated November 30, 2022 between Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity and David Mark Kemper, incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Trust on
December 1, 2022.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indemnification Agreement dated November 12, 2019 between Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC and David Mark Kemper, incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 10
filed by the Trust on December 13, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stipulation and Settlement Agreement between the United States and Woodbridge Liquidation Trust, as approved by order of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware entered September
17, 2020, incorporated herein by reference to the Form 10-K filed by the Trust on September 28, 2020.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certification of Liquidation Trustee pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certification of Liquidation Trustee pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order Confirming the First Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Liquidation of Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC and its Affiliated Debtors, entered October 26,
2018, incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by the Trust on October 25, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
101
|
The following financial statements from the Woodbridge Liquidation Trust Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i)
consolidated statements of net assets in liquidation as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, (ii) consolidated statements of changes in net assets in liquidation for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, (iii) the notes to the consolidated
financial statements. XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
|
|
|
|
|
104
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File (Formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
|
* Filed herewith.
|
Page
|
|
|
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-1 |
|
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements As of and For the Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
|
|
|
F-2
|
|
|
F-3
|
|
|
F-4
|
|
|
F-5
|
To the Supervisory Board and Liquidation Trustee of Woodbridge Liquidation Trust and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of net assets in liquidation of Woodbridge Liquidation Trust and Subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of changes in net assets in liquidation for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial
statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets in liquidation of the Company as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, and the changes in net assets in liquidation for the years
ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America applied on the basis described below.
As described in Note 2, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the liquidation basis of accounting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over
financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error
or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Baker Tilly US, LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditors since 2019.
September 27, 2024
Part IV
|
Item 15.
|
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (Continued)
|
Woodbridge Liquidation Trust and Subsidiaries
As of June 30, 2024 and 2023
($ in Thousands)
|
6/30/2024
|
6/30/2023
|
|||||||
|
Assets
|
||||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Restricted cash (Note 3)
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other assets (Note 4)
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Liabilities
|
||||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Distributions payable
|
|
|
||||||
| Accrued liquidation costs (Note 5) |
||||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
|
||||||||
|
Net Assets in Liquidation
|
||||||||
|
Restricted for Qualifying Victims (Note 6)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
All Interestholders
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total net assets in liquidation
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Financial Statements (Continued)
Woodbridge Liquidation Trust and Subsidiaries
For the Years Ended June 30, 2024
and 2023
($ in Thousands)
|
Year Ended June 30, 2024
|
Year Ended June 30, 2023
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted | Restricted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| For Qualifying | All | For Qualifying | All | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Victims
|
Interestholders
|
Total
|
Victims
|
Interestholders
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Net Assets in Liquidation as of beginning of period
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Change in assets and liabilities (Note 7):
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted for Qualifying Victims -
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
All Interestholders:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Distributions (declared) reversed, net
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Net change in assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Net Assets in Liquidation as of end of period
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
|
1)
|
Formation, Organization and Description of Business
|
Formation
Woodbridge Liquidation Trust (the “Trust”) was established (i) for the purpose of collecting, administering, distributing and liquidating the
Trust assets for the benefit of the Trust beneficiaries in accordance with the Liquidation Trust Agreement of the Trust and the First Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Liquidation of Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC and its chapter 11 affiliated debtors each a “Debtor” (and collectively, the “Debtors”) dated August 22, 2018 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from
time to time, the “Plan”); (ii) to resolve disputed claims asserted against the Debtors; (iii) to litigate and/or settle causes of action (“Causes of Action”); and (iv) to pay certain allowed claims and statutory fees, as required by the Plan. The
Trust was formed on February 15, 2019 (the “Plan Effective Date”) as a statutory trust under Delaware law.
On the Plan Effective Date, in accordance with the Plan, (a) the following assets automatically vested in the Trust: (i) an aggregate $5,000 ,000 in cash from the Debtors for the purpose of funding the Trust’s initial expenses of operation; (ii) certain claims and Causes of Action; (iii)
all of the outstanding equity interests of the Wind-Down Entity (as defined below); and (iv) certain other non-real estate related assets, (b) the equity interests of Woodbridge Group of Companies, LLC and Woodbridge Mortgage Investment Fund 1, LLC
(together, the “Remaining Debtors”) were cancelled and new equity interests representing all of the newly issued and outstanding equity interests in the Remaining Debtors were issued to the Trust, (c) all of the other Debtors other than the
Remaining Debtors were dissolved and (d) the real estate-related assets of the Debtors were automatically vested in the Trust’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Woodbridge Wind-Down Entity LLC (the “Wind-Down Entity”) or one of the Wind-Down Entity’s 43 wholly-owned single-member limited liability companies (the “Wind-Down Subsidiaries”) formed to own the respective real estate assets. The Trust, the
Remaining Debtors, the Wind-Down Entity and the Wind-Down Subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”.
As further discussed in Note 8, the Trust has two
classes of liquidation trust interests: Class A Liquidation Trust Interests (the “Class A Interests”) and Class B Liquidation Trust Interests (the “Class B Interests”). The holders of Class A Interests and Class B Interests are collectively
referred to as “All Interestholders”. Class A Interests and Class B Interests are collectively referred to as “Liquidation Trust Interests”.
On December 24, 2019, the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 became effective under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange
Act”). The trading symbol for the Trust’s Class A Interests is WBQNL. Bid and asked prices for the Trust’s Class A Interests are quoted on the OTC Link® ATS, the SEC-registered alternative
trading system. The Class A Interests are eligible for the Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System services. The Class B Interests are not registered with the SEC.
Organization
The Trust does not have directors, executive officers, or employees. All of the management and executive authority of the Trust resides with the
Liquidation Trustee, subject to the supervision of a five -member supervisory board (the “Supervisory Board”). The Wind-Down Entity is
separately managed by its board of managers.
The Liquidation Trust Interests are non-voting. The holders of the Class A Interests and the Class B Interests have the same rights, except with
respect to certification, transferability and payment of distributions. See Note 9 regarding the priority and manner of distribution of available cash.
The Wind-Down Entity, from time to time, makes distributions to the Trust, as available. The Trust in turn makes distributions, from time to time,
to the Trust beneficiaries, as available.
The Trust will be terminated upon the first to occur of (i) the making of all distributions required to be made and a determination by the Liquidation Trustee that the pursuit of additional Causes of Action held by the Trust is not
justified or (ii) March 31, 2026, subject to the extension of such date with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Company concluded that its liquidation activities would not be completed by February
15, 2024, which was the original outside termination date of the Trust, for a number of reasons. First, there had been significant delays in certain legal proceedings where the Company was the plaintiff. Second, a construction defect claim
was asserted against one of the Wind-Down Subsidiaries (the “Development Entity”) by the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity (see Notes 5, 12 and 13). Based on these factors, the Company projected a revised estimated
completion date for the Company’s operations of approximately March 31, 2026 and filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court to extend the termination date of the Trust to that date. This motion was granted by the Bankruptcy Court on December
20, 2023. However, the Company may seek one or more additional extensions of the termination date if it deems it necessary, or appropriate to facilitate the orderly liquidation of the Trust’s assets, the resolution of the construction defect
claim against the Development Entity, or the resolution of the Company’s claims against its insurers and other third parties in connection with the construction defect claim or other reasons.
F-5
Pursuant
to the Wind-Down Entity’s Limited Liability Company Agreement, the Wind-Down Entity shall dissolve upon the first to occur of the following: (i) the written consent of the Trust, (ii) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under
Section 18-802 of the Delaware LLC Act and (iii) the sale or other disposition of all of the Wind-Down Assets.
Description of Business
The Company is required to liquidate its assets and distribute available cash to the Trust beneficiaries. The liquidation activities are carried
out by the Trust, the Wind-Down Entity and the Wind-Down Subsidiaries. The Company currently operates as one reportable segment.
The Trust is prosecuting various Causes of Action acquired by the Trust pursuant to the Plan and is resolving claims asserted against the Debtors.
As of June 30, 2024, the Company is the plaintiff in several pending lawsuits. During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded settlement recoveries of approximately $37,908 ,000 and $296 ,000, respectively, (see Note 11 for additional
information). The Company also recorded liabilities of 5 % of the settlement recoveries as amounts payable to the Liquidation Trustee.
The Company has accrued an estimate of the amount of legal costs to be incurred to pursue this litigation, excluding contingent fees. As more fully discussed in Note 2, the Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include any estimate of
future net recoveries from litigation and settlement, since the Company cannot reasonably estimate them.
The
Wind-Down Entities’ operations are almost complete. As of June 30, 2024, the Wind-Down Subsidiaries owned one performing secured loan
and one single-family home subject to a life estate (see Note 4 for additional information).
As more fully discussed in Note 2, the Company uses the Liquidation Basis of Accounting. Net assets in liquidation represent the remaining
estimated aggregate value available to Trust beneficiaries upon liquidation, with no discount for the timing of proceeds (undiscounted). Net liquidation proceeds, other recoveries and actual liquidation costs may differ materially from the
estimated amounts due to the uncertainty in the timing of completing the liquidation activities.
The Trust’s expectations about the amount of any additional distributions and when they will be paid are subject to risks and uncertainties and
are based on certain estimates and assumptions, one or more of which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, the actual amount of any additional distributions may differ materially, perhaps in adverse ways, from the Trust estimates. Furthermore, it
is not possible to predict the timing of any additional distributions, and any such distributions may not be made within the timing referenced in the consolidated financial statements. See Note 9 for information relating to the suspension of
distributions, other than distributions solely in respect of Forfeited Assets, which will be made solely to Qualifying Victims (see Note 6).
No assurance can be given that total distributions will equal or exceed the estimate of net assets in liquidation presented
in the consolidated statements of net assets in liquidation.
F-6
| 2) |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These consolidated financial statements have been presented in accordance with Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 205-30, “Liquidation Basis of Accounting”, as amended by Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Liquidation Basis of Accounting”.
All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and for the period then ended. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities are revised in the period that available information supports a change in the carrying amount.
Liquidation Basis of Accounting
Under the liquidation basis of accounting, all assets are recorded at their estimated net realizable value or liquidation value, which represents
the estimated amount of net cash that will be received upon the disposition of the assets (on an undiscounted basis). The measurement of real estate assets was based on current contracts (if any), if contingencies have been removed, estimates and
other indications of sales value, net of estimated selling costs.
Liabilities, including estimated costs associated with implementing and completing the Plan, are measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP that
otherwise applies to those liabilities. The Company has recorded estimated development costs, estimated reserves for contingent liabilities including potential construction defect claims, and the estimated general and administrative costs to be
incurred until the completion of the liquidation of the Company. When estimating development costs, primarily construction costs and professional fees, the Company considered estimates of costs to complete punch list items and to address potential
construction defect claims and other costs. Projected general and administrative cost estimates take into account operating costs through the completion of the liquidation of the Company, currently estimated to be approximately March 31, 2026, and
an accrual for the administration of potential construction defect claims.
These estimated amounts are presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of net assets in liquidation. All changes in the estimated
liquidation value of the Company’s real estate or other assets and liabilities are reflected as a change to the Company’s net assets in liquidation.
On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the estimated net realizable values, liquidation costs and the estimated date of the completion of the
liquidation of the Company and records any significant changes. If the Company has a change in its plan for the disposition of an asset, the carrying value will be adjusted to reflect this change in the period that the change is approved. The
change in value may include the accrued liquidation costs related to the asset.
F-7
Other Assets
The Company recognizes recoveries from the settlement of unresolved Causes of Action when an agreement is executed, final court approval is
received (if required), and collectability is reasonably assured. The amount recovered may be material to the Company’s net assets in liquidation.
An allowance for uncollectible settlement installment receivables is recorded when there is doubt about the collectability of the receivable. The
Company records escrow receivables at the amount that is expected to be received when the escrow receivable is released. The Forfeited Assets (Note 6) received from the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), other than cash, have been
recorded at their estimated net realizable value.
The Company accrues expected interest earnings when it can reasonably estimate the amount to be received. The Company uses a forward yield curve
to estimate the interest rates to be earned and its expected future cash balances to estimate the dollar amount that will earn interest through the expected Trust termination date of March 31, 2026.
The measurement of real estate assets is based on current contracts (if any), if contingencies have been removed, estimates and other indications
of sales value, net of estimated costs. The performing loan is recorded at the amount of the contractual interest payments and principal repayment of the loan.
In addition, the Company recognizes other
amounts to be received based on contractual terms or when the amounts to be received are certain.
Accrued Liquidation Costs
The Company accrues estimated liquidation costs to the extent they are reasonably determinable. These costs consist of (a) estimated development
costs including construction costs and professional fees, the costs to complete punch list items, bond refunds and estimated reserves for contingent liabilities including potential construction defect claims and other costs and (b) estimated
general and administrative costs including payroll, legal and other professional fees, trustee and board fees, rent and other office related expenses, and other general and administrative costs to operate the Company and the administration of
construction defect claims.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
The Company considers certificates of deposit that have a maturity date of 90 days or less at the time of investment to be cash equivalents. The
Company’s considers certificates of deposit that have a maturity date of more than 90 days to be short-term investments.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes cash that can only be used for certain specified purposes as described in Note 3.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents,
short-term investments and restricted cash, which are held as deposits in several financial institutions. The deposit balances in any one financial institution may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance limit of
$250,000. The Company mitigates this risk by using sweep accounts, when available, to reduce deposit balances at any one financial institution consistent with FDIC insurance limits.
F-8
Income Taxes
The Trust is intended to be treated as a grantor trust for income tax purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to federal or state income tax on
any income earned or gain recognized by the Trust. The Trust’s beneficiaries will be treated as the owner of a pro rata portion of each asset, including cash and each liability received by and held by the Trust. Each beneficiary will be required to
report on his or her federal and state income tax return his or her pro rata share of taxable income, including gains and losses recognized by the Trust. Accordingly, there is no provision for federal or state income taxes recorded in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The Company regularly analyzes its various federal and state filing positions and only recognizes the income tax effect in the consolidated
financial statements when certain criteria regarding uncertain income tax positions have been met. The Company believes that its income tax positions would more likely than not be sustained upon examination by all relevant taxing authorities.
Therefore, no provision for uncertain income tax positions has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements.
Net Assets in Liquidation - Restricted for Qualifying Victims
The Company separately presents the portion of net assets in liquidation that are restricted for Qualifying Victims from the net assets in
liquidation that are available to All Interestholders (see Note 6).
Reclassifications
The Company has reclassified certain amounts related to its prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to
its current period presentation.
| 3) |
Restricted Cash
|
The Company’s restricted cash as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, is as follows ($ in thousands):
|
June 30, 2024
|
June 30, 2023
|
|||||||
|
Forfeited Assets (Note 6)
|
$ | $ |
||||||
|
Distributions restricted by the Company related to unresolved claims, distributions for recently allowed claims, uncashed distribution checks, distributions withheld
due to pending avoidance actions and distributions that the Trust is waiting for further beneficiary information
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Total restricted cash
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
F-9
| 4) |
Other Assets
|
The Company’s other assets as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, are as follows ($ in thousands):
|
June 30, 2024
|
June 30, 2023
|
|||||||
| Accrued interest (a) | $ |
$ |
||||||
| Real estate assets, net (b) | ||||||||
|
Settlement receivables, net (c)
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Forfeited Assets (Note 6) (a)
|
|
|
||||||
| Escrow receivable (d) | ||||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total other assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
| (a) |
| (b) |
During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold the real property located in Hawaii for net proceeds of approximately $500 ,000. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Company sold one single-family home, sold one other property, and settled one secured loan for net proceeds of approximately $26,958 ,000
in the aggregate.
| (c) |
|
| (d) |
|
F-10
| 5) |
Accrued Liquidation Costs
|
The following is a summary of accrued liquidation costs as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 ($ in thousands):
|
June 30, 2024
|
June 30, 2023
|
|||||||
| Development and holding costs | $ | $ | ||||||
|
General and administrative costs:
|
||||||||
|
Legal and other professional fees
|
|
|
||||||
|
Directors and officers insurance
|
|
|
||||||
|
Payroll and payroll-related
|
|
|
||||||
|
Board fees and expenses
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total general and administrative costs
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total accrued liquidation costs
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the Company accrued development costs of approximately $5.0 million relating to the construction defect claim asserted against one of the Wind-Down Subsidiaries. The development costs are an estimate of the costs to be incurred in the initial
phase of repair. The costs are primarily comprised of estimated construction and related costs for an initial phase of repair as well as legal and professional fees for pursuing litigation related to the construction defect and related insurance
claims. The Company is currently unable to estimate the costs to complete subsequent phases of repair. See Notes 12 and 13.
As discussed in Note 1, during the year ended June 30, 2024, due to significant delays in certain legal proceedings brought by the Company
and a construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity by the buyer of a single-family home, the Company requested, and the Bankruptcy Court granted, an extension of the termination date of the Trust from February 15, 2024 to
March 31, 2026.
The change of the estimated completion date of the Company’s liquidation activities resulted in an additional accrual of accrued liquidation costs of approximately $7.7 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The additional costs were primarily comprised of legal and other professional fees and payroll and
payroll-related costs. A portion of the accrued liquidation costs relate to estimated reserves for contingent liabilities including potential construction defect claims and the administration of such claims after the Company’s liquidation
activities are completed.
| 6) |
Forfeited Assets - Restricted for Qualifying Victims
|
The Trust entered into a resolution agreement with the DOJ which provided that the Trust would receive the assets forfeited (“Forfeited Assets”)
by Robert and Jeri Shapiro. The agreement provided for the release of specified Forfeited Assets by the DOJ to the Trust and for the Trust to liquidate those assets and distribute the net sale proceeds to Qualifying Victims. Qualifying Victims
consist of the former holders of allowed Class 3 and 5 claims as of the Plan Effective Date and their permitted assigns, but do not include former holders of Class 4 claims. Distributions to Qualifying Victims are to be allocated pro-rata based on
their net allowed Class 3 and Class 5 claims (“Net Allowed Class 3 and Class 5 Claims”) plus unresolved Class 3 and Class 5 claims without considering the (i) 5 % enhancement for contributing their Causes of Action and (ii) 72.5 % Class 5 coefficient. As of June
30, 2024, the Net Allowed Class 3 and Class 5 Claims were approximately $881,540 ,000 and net unresolved Class 3 and Class 5 claims were
approximately $50 ,000 (together referred to as the “Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims”). See Note 13.
In March 2021, the Trust received certain Forfeited Assets from the DOJ, including cash, wine, jewelry, handbags, clothing, shoes, art, gold, an
automobile and other assets. The Company recorded the total estimated net realizable value of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $3,459 ,000.
During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold the remaining handbags and art and most of the jewelry. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Company sold the automobile, some of the jewelry, handbags, clothing, shoes and art.
F-11
On February 23, 2024, the Trust received approximately $560 ,000 in cash from the DOJ that was forfeited by a co-defendant of Robert Shapiro. These additional Forfeited Assets are also to be distributed to Qualifying Victims.
The Forfeited Assets included in the Company’s June 30, 2024 and 2023 consolidated financial statements are as follows ($ in thousands):
|
June 30, 2024
|
June 30, 2023
|
|||||||
|
Restricted cash (Note 3)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Other assets (Note 4)
|
|
|
||||||
|
Accrued liquidation costs - primarily legal and professional fees
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Net assets in liquidation - restricted for Qualifying Victims
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
The Company
presently expects to distribute the proceeds of the Forfeited Assets to Qualifying Victims as soon as practicable following the sale of the last Forfeited Asset, which is expected to occur by December 31, 2024.
| 7) |
Net Change in Assets and Liabilities
|
Restricted for Qualifying Victims
The following is a summary of the change in the carrying value of assets and liabilities, net during the year ended June 30, 2024 ($ in
thousands):
| Cash | Remeasure- | |||||||||||
|
Activities
|
ment
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||||
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Other assets
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Accrued liquidation costs
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
F-12
The following is a summary of the change in the carrying value of assets and liabilities, net during the year ended June 30, 2023 ($ in thousands):
|
Cash
|
Remeasure-
|
|||||||||||
|
Activities
|
ment
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||||
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Other assets
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Accrued liquidation costs
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
All Interestholders
The following provides details of the change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net during the year ended June 30, 2024 ($ in
thousands):
| Cash | Remeasure- | |||||||||||
|
Activities
|
ment
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||||
|
Restricted cash
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Other assets
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Accrued liquidation costs
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
The following provides details of the distributions declared, net during the year ended June 30, 2024 ($ in thousands):
|
Distributions declared
|
$
|
|
||
|
Distributions reversed
|
|
|||
|
Distributions (declared) reversed, net
|
$
|
|
Distributions payable decreased during the year ended June 30, 2024 by approximately $499 ,000.
F-13
The following provides details of the change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net during the year ended June 30, 2023 ($ in
thousands):
| Cash | Remeasure- | |||||||||||
|
Activities
|
ment
|
Total
|
||||||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||||
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Other assets
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Accrued liquidation costs
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Change in carrying value of assets and liabilities, net
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
The following provides details of the distributions declared, net during the year ended June 30, 2023 ($ in thousands):
|
Distributions declared
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
Distributions reversed
|
|
|||
|
Distributions (declared) reversed, net
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
Distributions payable decreased during the year ended June 30, 2023 by approximately $67,484 ,000.
| 8) |
Liquidation Trust Interests
|
The following table summarizes the Liquidation Trust Interests (rounded) for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
| For the Year Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
|
2024
|
2023
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Liquidation Trust Interests
|
Class A
|
Class B
|
Class A
|
Class B
|
||||||||||||
|
Outstanding at beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Allowed claims
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Settlement of claims by cancelling Liquidation Trust Interests
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||||
|
Outstanding at end of year
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
F-14
At the Plan Effective Date, certain claims were disputed. As the claims are resolved, additional Class A Interests and (if applicable) Class B
Interests are issued on account of allowed claims and no Class A Interests or (if applicable) Class B Interests are issued on account of disallowed claims. The following table summarizes the Trust’s unresolved claims against the Debtors as
they relate to Liquidation Trust Interests (rounded) for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
| For the Year Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
|
2024
|
2023
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Liquidation Trust Interests
|
Class A
|
Class B
|
Class A
|
Class B
|
||||||||||||
|
Reserved for unresolved claims at beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Allowed claims
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Disallowed claims
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||||
|
Reserved for unresolved claims at end of year
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| 9) |
Distributions
|
The Plan provides for a distribution waterfall that specifies the priority and manner of distribution of available cash to all Interestholders,
excluding distributions of the net sales proceeds from Forfeited Assets (see Note 6). Distributions are to be made (a) to the Class A Interests until they have received distributions of $75.00 per Class A Interest; thereafter (b) to the Class B Interests until they have received distributions of $75.00 10 %, compounded annually, accrued on the aggregate
principal amount of all Net Note Claims, Allowed General Unsecured Claims and Net Unit Claims, all as defined in the Plan, treating each distribution pursuant to (a) and (b) above as reductions of such principal amount; and thereafter (d) to the
holders of Allowed Subordinated Claims, as defined in the Plan, until such claims are paid in full, including interest, at a per annum fixed rate of 10 %
or such higher rate as may be agreed to, as provided for in the Plan, compounded annually, accrued on the principal amount of each Allowed Subordinated Claim, as defined.
On August 3, 2023, the Supervisory
Board, at the recommendation of the Liquidation Trustee, suspended the making of additional distributions, pending the results of the Company’s investigation of a construction defect claim asserted against the Development Entity
by the buyer of a single-family home sold by the Development Entity, other than the distribution solely in respect of Forfeited Assets to be made to Qualifying Victims (see Note 13). There were no
The following distributions were paid during the year ended June 30, 2023 ($ in millions, except for $ per Class A
Interest):
|
Year Ended June 30, 2023
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Deposits Into
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
$ per
|
Restricted
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Date |
Class A
|
Total
|
Cash
|
|||||||||||||||
| Declared |
Interest
|
Declared
|
Paid
|
Account
|
||||||||||||||
| Eleventh |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Tenth
|
|
(a) |
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||||
|
(a)
|
|
F-15
As claims are resolved, additional Class A Interests may be issued or cancelled. Therefore, the total amount of a distribution declared may
change. In addition, distributions may change if Interestholders that were previously deemed to have forfeited their rights to receive Class A Interest distributions subsequently respond and if overpaid distributions are returned.
For every distribution, a deposit is made into a restricted cash account for amounts (a) payable for Class A Interests that may be issued in the
future upon the allowance of unresolved claims, (b) in respect of Class A Interests issued on account of recently allowed claims, (c) for holders of Class A Interests who failed to cash distribution checks mailed in respect of prior distributions,
(d) for distributions that were withheld due to pending avoidance actions, and (e) for holders of Class A Interests for which the Trust is waiting for further beneficiary information.
During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, as (a) claims were resolved, (b) claims were recently allowed, (c) addresses for holders of
uncashed distribution checks were obtained, (d) pending avoidance actions were resolved and (e) further beneficiary information was received, distributions of approximately $92 ,000 and $789 ,000, respectively, were paid to holders of Class A Interests
from the restricted cash account and distributions payable were reduced by the same amount.
During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, as a result of claims being disallowed or Class A Interests being cancelled, approximately $407 ,000 and $2,629 ,000, respectively,
were released from the restricted cash account and distributions payable were reduced by the same amount.
During the year ended June 30, 2023, approximately $20 ,000
was received from Interestholders that had been overpaid on prior distributions. During the year ended June 30, 2024, no Interestholders
repaid amounts related to prior distributions.
As a result of
distribution checks that had not been cashed within 180 days of their issuance, Interestholders were deemed to have forfeited their rights to reserved and future Class A Interest distributions. During the year ended June 30, 2023,
some Interestholders that had previously been deemed to have forfeited their rights to receive Class A Interest distributions responded and therefore approximately $27 ,000 was added to the restricted cash account and distributions payable were increased by the same amount. During the year ended June 30, 2024, no Interestholders that had previously been deemed to have forfeited their rights to receive Class A Interest distributions responded.
| 10) |
Related Party Transactions
|
Terry Goebel, who was a member of the Supervisory Board until his resignation on March 5, 2024, is president and a
principal owner of G3 Group LA (“G3”), a construction firm specializing in the development of high-end luxury residences. G3 is owned by Terry Goebel and his son Kelly Goebel. During the year ended June 30, 2023, G3 completed its contract for the
development of one single-family home in Los Angeles, California. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no 220 ,000 was paid by the Company to G3 related to this contract. During the year ended June 30, 2024, no payments were paid by the Company to G3 related to this contract.
The Liquidation Trustee of the Trust is entitled to receive 5 % of the total gross amount recovered by the Trust from the pursuit of the Causes of Action. During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, approximately $2,734 ,000 and $33 ,000, respectively,
were accrued as amounts due to the Liquidation Trustee, respectively. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, approximately $18 ,000 and $32 ,000, respectively, were payable to the Liquidation Trustee. These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the
accompanying consolidated statements of net assets in liquidation. During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, approximately $2,747 ,000
and $83 ,000, respectively, were paid to the Liquidation Trustee.
F-16
In November 2019, the Trust entered into an arrangement with Akerman LLP, a law firm based in Miami, Florida of which the
Liquidation Trustee is a partner, for the provision, at the option of the Trust on an as-needed basis, of e-discovery and related litigation support services in connection with the Trust’s prosecution of the Causes of Action. Under the
arrangement, the Trust is charged for the services at scheduled rates per task which, depending on specific task, include flat rates, rates based on volume of data processed, rates based on the number of data users, the hourly rates of Akerman
LLP personnel, or other rates. During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, approximately $432 ,000 and $428 ,000, respectively, were paid related to these services and there are no
On March 10, 2023, as a result of the failure of two large financial institutions, as a protective measure, the Company
deposited the restricted cash relating to Forfeited Assets and distribution reserves into two separate Akerman LLP trust accounts for
the benefit of the Company (the “Trust Accounts”). The balance deposited in these accounts was approximately $3,170 ,000 and $1,222 ,000, respectively. On April 5, 2023, the Company transferred approximately $25 ,000 relating to the distribution reserves and on May 11, 2023, the Company transferred the remaining balances in the Trust Accounts to one of the banking institutions with
which it has a depositor relationship.
The executive officers of the Wind-Down Entity were entitled to a bonus based on the Wind-Down Entity achieving certain
specified cumulative amounts of distributions to the Trust. Effective January 1, 2023, there were no remaining bonus arrangements for
the executive officers. Accordingly, no no amounts were paid related to bonuses. During the year ended June 30, 2023, approximately $3,273 ,000 was paid related to bonuses.
| 11) |
Causes of Action
|
One of the Trust’s liquidation activities is to litigate and/or settle Causes of
Action. The main areas of litigation have involved actions against Comerica Bank, nine law firms and 10 individual attorneys. As of June 30, 2024, the case against Comerica Bank was settled and the cases against eight law firms and nine individual
attorneys had been settled or dismissed. See Note 13. The Company recognizes recoveries from settlements when an agreement is executed, final court approval is received (if required), and collectability is reasonably assured.
The Trust has also filed numerous avoidance actions, most of which have been
resolved, resulting in settlement recoveries by or judgments in favor of the Trust. As of June 30, 2024, 30 legal actions remain
pending. Additionally, since February 15, 2019 and as of June 30, 2024, the Trust has obtained default and stipulated judgments related to certain avoidance actions. It is unknown at this time how much, if any, will ultimately be collected on the
judgments. Therefore, the Company has not recognized any recoveries from these judgments.
During the years
ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded approximately $37,908 ,000 and $296 ,000, respectively, from the settlement of Causes of Action. The Company also recorded liabilities of 5 % of the settlements as amounts payable to the Liquidation Trustee and an allowance for uncollectible settlement installment receivables. See Note 4 for information about the settlement
receivables, net as of June 30, 2024 and 2023.
|
12)
|
Commitments and Contingencies
|
Since the Company
uses the liquidation basis of accounting, the Company has accrued estimated liquidation costs to the extent they are reasonably determinable, which includes the items discussed in this footnote.
On December 18, 2023, the Company
entered into a new month-to-month lease for office space commencing on January 1, 2024. The lease may be terminated with no less than one month’s notice from the first day of any calendar month. The monthly rent is approximately $2 ,000. On December 20, 2023, the Company paid a deposit of approximately $2 ,000 related to the new office lease and on March 22, 2024, the Company paid an additional deposit of approximately $2 ,000 related to the lease. The amount of rent paid, including common area maintenance and parking charges, during the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, was approximately $42 ,000 and $55 ,000, respectively.
F-17
The Wind-Down Entity has part-time employment agreements with its two executive officers which renew automatically on an annual basis, subject to the right of either party to terminate the agreement at any time and for any reason on thirty days ’ advance written notice.
In June 2023, the owner of a single-family home sold by the Development
Entity asserted a construction defect claim against the Development Entity. The Development Entity’s soil and geotechnical engineers have developed an initial plan to repair the site. See Note 13. Following
the initial repairs, additional costs will be necessary to monitor the home and complete additional repairs; however, the scope of work for subsequent phase(s) will depend on the outcome of the initial repairs. The Development Entity is
currently unable to estimate the cost necessary to complete subsequent phase(s) of the repairs and these costs could be material. The amount of the liability exposure in excess of the $5.0 million recorded as of June 30, 2024 is currently unknown.
The Development Entity had purchased insurance policies for risks arising out of the Development Entity’s development of the aforementioned
single-family home. The Development Entity tendered the claim to one of its insurance carriers on June 28, 2023; however, the carrier has not yet accepted the claim (see Note 13).
On May 28, 2024, the Development Entity filed a lawsuit against the prior owner, contractors, including G3, and other professionals involved in
the development of the site and the construction of the home, seeking to have them pay for or contribute to the costs incurred to address the construction defect claim.
Other than that discussed in Note 13 below, the Company is not presently the defendant in any material litigation nor, to the Company’s
knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against the Company other than as described herein.
| 13) |
Subsequent Events
|
The Company evaluates subsequent events up until the date the consolidated financial statements are issued.
Causes of Action
During the period from July 1,
2024 through September 27, 2024, the Company recognized approximately $3,447 ,000, net of litigation costs and attorney fees,
from the settlement of Causes of Action including the settlement with Haight, Brown & Bonesteel LLP and Ted Handel on July 3, 2024, which were the last remaining law firm and individual attorney
against whom the Trust was litigating in the action Goldberg v. Halloran & Sage LLP et el., Case No. 19STCV42900 (Cal. Super. Ct., L.A. Cnty., filed December 2, 2019).
During the period from July 1, 2024 through September 27, 2024, the Company recorded
approximately $256 ,000 payable to the Liquidation Trustee, related to the settlement of Causes of Action.
Distributions
During the period from July 1, 2024 through September 27,
2024, as (a) claims were resolved, (b) claims were recently allowed, (c) addresses for holders of uncashed distribution checks were obtained, (d) pending avoidance actions were resolved and (e) further beneficiary information was received,
distributions of approximately $70 ,000, were paid to holders of Class A Interests from the restricted cash account and
distributions payable were reduced by the same amount.
F-18
Forfeited Assets
During the period from July 1, 2024 through September 27, 2024, the Company realized net proceeds of approximately $21 ,000 from the sale of Forfeited Assets.
On September 19, 2024, a distribution of the net sales proceeds of the Forfeited Assets of approximately $4,100 ,000 was approved which represents a distribution of approximately $4.65
per $1,000 of Total Net Qualifying Victim Claims. The Trust expects to make the distribution, which is to be paid solely to Qualifying Victims, as soon as practicable following the sale of the last Forfeited Asset, which is expected to occur by December
31, 2024.
Construction Defect Claim
On August 7, 2024, the initial repair plans were submitted to the
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (“LADBS”) for their review and approval. After the plan is approved, the Development Entity will contract to have the repair work performed. During LADBS’ review process, changes to the
initial plan could be required. The Development Entity is unable to estimate the increase in costs, if any, resulting from this review process and these costs could be material.
On August 9, 2024, the Development Entity filed a lawsuit against its insurance
carriers seeking to have the insurance carriers pay for or contribute to the costs incurred to address the construction defect claim.
Litigation
In July 2024, the Liquidation Trustee received two summonses which named a Debtor as a defendant. Both complaints relate to delinquent real estate taxes on properties located in the state of Ohio
that serve as collateral for a loan that is owned by a Wind-Down Subsidiary. In August, the Company responded to both complaints.
Bond Refunds
During the period from July 1, 2024 through September 27, 2024, the Company
received approximately $15 ,000 of bond refunds.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, this 27th day of September, 2024.
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Michael I. Goldberg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
Michael I. Goldberg
|
|
|
Title:
|
Liquidation Trustee
|
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Liquidation Trustee pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Michael I. Goldberg, certify that:
| 1. |
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Woodbridge Liquidation Trust;
|
| 2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which
such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
|
| 3. |
Based on my knowledge, the consolidated financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the net assets in liquidation and changes in net
assets in liquidation of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
|
| 4. |
I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have:
|
| a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant,
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
| b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
| c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
| d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in
the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
|
| 5. |
I have disclosed, based on my recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing
the equivalent functions):
|
| a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
| b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
Date: September 27, 2024
|
By:
|
/s/ Michael I. Goldberg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael I. Goldberg,
|
|
|
|
Liquidation Trustee
|
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of Liquidation Trustee pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350,
as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Woodbridge Liquidation Trust (the “Registrant”) for the year ended June 30, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the
date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Michael I. Goldberg, Trustee of the Registrant, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his
knowledge and belief:
| 1. |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
|
| 2. |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the net assets in liquidation and changes in net assets in liquidation of the Registrant.
|
|
Date: September 27, 2024
|
By:
|
/s/ Michael I. Goldberg
|
|
Michael I. Goldberg,
|
||
|
Liquidation Trustee
|