SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-3777
PETRIE STORES LIQUIDATING TRUST
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
NEW YORK 22-6679945
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
70 ENTERPRISE AVENUE
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07094
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (201) 422-0496
FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR, IF
CHANGED SINCE LAST REPORT:
N/A
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: X No:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of
the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest
practicable date: As of November 11, 1996, there were
52,350,238 Units of Beneficial Interest outstanding.
PETRIE STORES LIQUIDATING TRUST
(SUCCESSOR TO PETRIE STORES CORPORATION)
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation -
September 30, 1996 and January 22, 1996 . . . 2
Statements of Changes in Net Assets in
Liquidation - For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 1996 and October 28,
1995, the Period from January 23, 1996 to
September 30, 1996 and the Nine Months
Ended October 28, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements . . . 4
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . 16
PETRIE STORES LIQUIDATING TRUST
(SUCCESSOR TO PETRIE STORES CORPORATION)
STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS IN LIQUIDATION
(IN THOUSANDS)
September 30, January 22,
1996 1996 (Pre-
(Unaudited) decessor)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 56,625 $ 63,647
Cash and cash equivalents held in escrow 70,029 67,470
Investments in common stock (including
3,493,450 shares of Toys "R" Us
common stock held in escrow) 147,244 106,799
________ ________
Total assets 273,898 237,916
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 44,762 35,322
Total liabilities 44,762 35,322
Commitments and contingencies _________ _______
Net assets in liquidation $ 229,136 $202,594
========= ========
See accompanying notes.
PETRIE STORES LIQUIDATING TRUST
(SUCCESSOR TO PETRIE STORES CORPORATION)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS IN LIQUIDATION
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER UNIT AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period From January
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended 23, 1996 to Nine Months Ended
September 30, October 28, 1995 September 30, October 28, 1995
1996 (Predecessor) 1996 (Predecessor)
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net assets in liquidation at beginning of
period $ 225,070 $ 340,524 $ 202,594 $ 836,470
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Investment income 1,760 291 4,742 658
Corporate overhead (854) (17,681) (18,645) (20,433)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on Toys "R" Us common stock 3,160 (78,051) 40,445 (241,167)
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before income tax credit 4,066 (95,441) 26,542 (260,942)
Income tax credit --- 21,970 --- 85,956
------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) for the period 4,066 (73,471) 26,542 (174,986)
Distribution of 5,235,035 and 31,408,753 shares,
respectively, of Toys "R" Us common stock,
net of related deferred taxes --- (85,168) --- (479,599)
------------ -------------- ------------- -----------
Increase (decrease) in net assets 4,066 (158,639) 26,542 (654,585)
------------ -------------- ---------- -----------
Net assets in liquidation at
end of period $ 229,136 $ 181,885 $ 229,136 $ 181,885
=========== ============ ========= =========
Net income (loss) per unit or share $ 0.08 $ (1.40) $ 0.51 $ (3.34)
============ ============ ========= ==========
Weighted average number of units
or shares 52,350 52,350 52,350 52,350
============ ============= =========== ===========
See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
PETRIE STORES LIQUIDATING TRUST
(SUCCESSOR TO PETRIE STORES CORPORATION)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
1. INTERIM REPORTING
The accompanying unaudited financial statements of the Petrie
Stores Liquidating Trust (the "Liquidating Trust") have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q
and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include
all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the
opinion of the Liquidating Trust, all adjustments (consisting of only
normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presenta-
tion have been included. Results for the period from January 23,
1996 to September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for the current fiscal year. For
further information, reference is made to the financial statements
and footnotes thereto included in the Liquidating Trust's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 22, 1996.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Liquidating Trust is the successor to Petrie Stores Corpora-
tion ("Petrie"). Prior to December 9, 1994, Petrie operated a chain
of retail stores that specialized in women's apparel and were located
throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands). At Petrie's Annual Meeting, held on December 6,
1994, Petrie's shareholders approved the sale of Petrie's retail
operations (the "Sale"). On December 9, 1994, pursuant to a Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 23, 1994 and amended as of
November 3, 1994 (the "Retail Operations Stock Purchase Agreement"),
PS Stores Acquisition Corp. ("PS Stores") purchased all of the stock
of Petrie Retail, Inc., a former subsidiary of Petrie to which all of
Petrie's retail operations had been transferred ("Petrie Retail").
At Petrie's Reconvened Annual Meeting, held on January 24, 1995,
Petrie's shareholders approved (i) an exchange of shares of Toys "R"
Us, Inc. ("Toys 'R' Us") common stock ("Toys Common Stock") with Toys
"R" Us (Note 3) and (ii) the liquidation and dissolution of Petrie
pursuant to a plan of liquidation and dissolution (the "Plan of
Liquidation").
Pursuant to the Plan of Liquidation, and the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, dated as of December 6, 1995 (the "Liquidating
Trust Agreement"), between Petrie and the trustees named therein (the
"Liquidating Trustees"), effective as of the close of business on
January 22, 1996 (the "Succession Date"), Petrie transferred its
remaining assets (then consisting of approximately $131 million in
cash and cash equivalents and 5,055,576 shares of Toys Common Stock)
to, and its remaining fixed and contingent liabilities were assumed
by (the "Succession"), the Liquidating Trust.
Since the Succession Date, Petrie has been preparing for its
dissolution. On November 6, 1996, Petrie submitted a Certificate of
Dissolution with the New York State Department of Taxation and
Finance. The Certificate of Dissolution will be filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of New York and become effective upon
the receipt of all necessary consents and clearances. Petrie is
otherwise inactive.
Beginning with the period ending December 31, 1996, the Liqui-
dating Trust has adopted the calendar year as its fiscal year. A
liquidation basis of accounting was implemented as of January 28,
1995. The statements of net assets in liquidation at September 30,
1996 and January 22, 1996 do not distinguish between current and
long-term balances as would be reflected if such statements had been
prepared on a going-concern basis.
The Liquidating Trust is a complete pass-through entity for
federal income taxes and, accordingly, is not subject to income tax.
Instead, each holder of Units of Beneficial Interest in the Liquidat-
ing Trust is required to take into account, in accordance with such
holder's method of accounting, his pro rata share of the Liquidating
Trust's items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit, regardless
of the amount or timing of distributions to such holder.
3. INVESTMENTS IN COMMON STOCK
The Liquidating Trust's investments in common stock consist of
shares, which are carried at market value, of Toys "R" Us, which
operates a chain of specialty retail stores principally engaged in
the sale of toys and children's clothing in the United States and
abroad.
On January 24, 1995, pursuant to the terms of an Acquisition
Agreement dated as of April 20, 1994 and amended as of May 10, 1994
(the "Toys Acquisition Agreement"), between Petrie and Toys "R" Us,
Petrie exchanged (the "Exchange") with Toys "R" Us all of its shares
of Toys Common Stock (39,853,403 shares), plus $165 million in cash,
for 42,076,420 shares of Toys Common Stock (approximately 15.0% of
the outstanding Toys Common Stock at January 28, 1995).
Simultaneously with the closing of the Exchange, Petrie placed
3,493,450 shares of its Toys Common Stock into an escrow account (the
"Escrow Account") pursuant to the terms of an escrow agreement, dated
as of January 24, 1995, between Petrie and Custodial Trust Company,
as Escrow Agent (the "Escrow Agreement"). The shares of Toys Common
Stock placed into the Escrow Account pursuant to the Escrow Agreement
secure the payment of certain obligations of the Liquidating Trust,
as successor to Petrie, to Toys "R" Us arising (i) under (x) the Toys
Acquisition Agreement, (y) the Seller Indemnification Agreement,
dated as of December 9, 1994, among Petrie, Toys "R" Us, Petrie
Retail, PS Stores and certain subsidiaries of PS Stores and (z) the
Retail Operations Stock Purchase Agreement and (ii) otherwise.
Petrie had also placed 3,200,082 shares of Toys Common Stock in
a collateral account (the "Collateral Account") pursuant to the terms
of an Amended and Restated Cash Collateral and Pledge Agreement,
dated as of December 9, 1994 and amended as of January 24, 1995,
among Petrie, PS Stores, certain subsidiaries of PS Stores, and
Custodial Trust Company, as Collateral Agent (the "Amended and
Restated Cash Collateral Agreement"). On December 19, 1995, the
Amended and Restated Cash Collateral Agreement was further amended
and restated and, pursuant thereto, the 3,200,082 shares of Toys
Common Stock held in the Collateral Account were released to Petrie
in exchange for Petrie's deposit of $67.5 million in cash equivalents
into the Collateral Account. The cash equivalents and accrued
interest thereon placed in the Collateral Account pursuant to the
Amended and Restated Cash Collateral Agreement secure the payment of
certain obligations of the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie,
to PS Stores arising under (i) the Retail Operations Stock Purchase
Agreement and (ii) the Cross-Indemnification and Procedure Agreement,
dated as of December 9, 1994, between Petrie and PS Stores (Note 4).
The assets of the Liquidating Trust are subject to the terms of
a letter agreement, dated as of January 24, 1995, pursuant to which
Petrie agreed with Toys "R" Us that, until such time as a hedge or
similar arrangement which would protect the value of the Toys Common
Stock is in place, Petrie will retain, either individually or in
combination, (i) cash in an amount of at least $177.5 million (the
"Reserved Amount") or (ii) shares of Toys Common Stock having a
market value (as of January 20, 1995) of at least twice the Reserved
Amount, to secure the payment of Petrie's contingent liabilities
(Note 4). At November 11, 1996, the Liquidating Trust, as successor
to Petrie, was required to retain substantially all of its assets.
The price per share of Toys Common Stock, as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange Composite Tape, increased from $28-1/2 per share
at June 28, 1996 (the last business day prior to the end of the
quarter ended June 30, 1996) to $29-1/8 per share at September 30,
1996 .
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As successor to Petrie, the Liquidating Trust has certain
contingent liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims,
lawsuits and other proceedings, which primarily relate to (i) guaran-
tees of certain retail store leases, expiring at various times
through 2011, to which Petrie Retail or an affiliate thereof is a
party, and certain other liabilities that were assumed by Petrie
Retail (but as to which Petrie's liability has not been released) in
connection with the Sale (collectively, the "Assumed Obligations") to
the extent that Petrie Retail fails to perform, (ii) Petrie's agree-
ment with Petrie Retail to indemnify it for certain liabilities
relating to Petrie Retail's withdrawal from the United Auto Workers
District 65 Security Plan Pension Fund (the "Multiemployer Plan") and
(iii) an ongoing dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (the
"IRS") relating to the manner in which Petrie computed the basis of
shares of Toys Common Stock transferred in connection with the
exchange of certain of Petrie's exchangeable subordinated debentures
in fiscal year 1989. The Liquidating Trust accrues liabilities when
it is probable that future costs will be incurred and when such costs
can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments
to date, the Liquidating Trust's estimates of the outcome of these
matters and its experience (including that of its predecessor,
Petrie) in contesting, litigating and settling matters. At September
30, 1996, the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, has accrued
approximately $42 million for contingent liabilities. As the scope
of these liabilities becomes better defined, there may be changes in
the estimates of future costs, which could have a material effect on
the Liquidating Trust's financial condition or liquidity.
On October 12, 1995, Petrie Retail filed a voluntary petition
for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy
Code with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern Dis-
trict of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court"). As a result of its
bankruptcy filing, Petrie Retail has failed to perform or make
payment with respect to certain of the Assumed Obligations, includ-
ing, but not limited to, Assumed Obligations relating to store leases
to which Petrie Retail or an affiliate thereof is a party, state
taxes, employment agreements and certain other claims and contractual
obligations. Accordingly, the Liquidating Trust has been and may
continue to be required to make payments in respect of certain of the
Assumed Obligations. The Liquidating Trust intends to file a claim
in the Bankruptcy Court against Petrie Retail in respect of any such
payments. Additionally, the Liquidating Trust intends to assert a
right of setoff in respect of any such payments against any claims
Petrie Retail and its affiliates may have against Petrie and the
Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie. The Liquidating Trust is
unable to predict the timing or probability of the collection of
these claims against Petrie Retail.
Since filing its petition for bankruptcy protection, Petrie
Retail has closed approximately 600 of the roughly 1600 stores it
operated prior to filing the petition, and in connection with the
going-out-of-business sales described below (and the subsequent lease
rejections), additional stores are expected to be closed. Of the 600
closed stores, 403 relate to rejected leases and the remainder of the
leases generally have expired or were terminated by mutual landlord
and tenant consent. The Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie,
is a guarantor of approximately 52 of the rejected leases and its
aggregate guarantee liability on those leases is approximately $24
million, which the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, has
included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompany-
ing financial statements at September 30, 1996. Such aggregate
guarantee liability has been reduced by approximately $5 million to
take into account settlement agreements entered into and releases
obtained by the Liquidating Trust. The Liquidating Trust's lease
guarantee liability will be further reduced by, among other things,
the extent to which new rent-paying tenants are found for the closed
stores.
During 1996, Petrie Retail has obtained approval from the
Bankruptcy Court to conduct going-out-of-business sales at an aggre-
gate of 615 stores. Of the leases relating to such stores, 403 have
been rejected (as discussed above), 53 have been terminated by mutual
consent of the landlord and tenant, 21 have been assigned to new
tenants and approximately 81 have expired The Liquidating Trust
expects that Petrie Retail will reject the remainder of these leases
in the near future. The Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie,
is a guarantor of three of these remaining leases. If Petrie Retail
were to close all three of the stores under such leases, the Liqui-
dating Trust's aggregate guarantee liability on these leases would be
approximately $4 million, which amount has been included in the
Liquidating Trust's accrued expenses and other liabilities at Septem-
ber 30, 1996.
No assurance can be given as to the number of additional stores
to be closed by Petrie Retail with respect to which the Liquidating
Trust has guarantee liability. If Petrie Retail were to close every
store for which the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie,
believes it has liability as a lease guarantor (giving effect to all
the lease guarantee releases executed by landlords) and every store
for which the Liquidating Trust disputes its guarantor liability (as
more fully discussed in the following paragraph), assuming that no
mitigation or defense were successful, the Liquidating Trust's
theoretical exposure relating to such leases, without giving effect
to any present value discount, would be approximately $115 million,
with approximately $4 million coming due in the year ending December
31, 1996, approximately $16 million due in 1997, approximately $15
million due in 1998 and approximately $80 million due thereafter.
Such exposure includes the $24 million in aggregate liability relat-
ing to the rejected leases and the $4 million in aggregate liability
relating to the going-out-of-business sales described above. As
discussed below, landlords under leases relating to 135 stores (which
number represents a reduction from the 146 stores previously report-
ed) operated by Petrie Retail or an affiliate thereof have alleged in
a complaint that the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, has
liability as a guarantor of certain leases notwithstanding Petrie's
receipt from these landlords of releases of guarantees with respect
to such leases. Based on the complaint, such alleged guarantor
liability represents approximately $85 million in lease payments,
without giving effect to any present value discount or rental pay-
ments made by Petrie Retail since the complaint was filed and assum-
ing that all of the 135 stores which are the subject of these
landlords' claims are closed and that the landlord in each case is
unable to mitigate its damages. The Liquidating Trust believes it
has substantial legal defenses to these landlords' claims and is
vigorously contesting such claims. Although the Liquidating Trust
considers it unlikely, a decision by a court in favor of these
landlords could have a material adverse effect on the Liquidating
Trust's liquidity and financial condition.
The amounts described in the preceding three paragraphs include
amounts relating to a dispute between the Liquidating Trust, on the
one hand, and Petrie Retail and its affiliates, on the other, as to
whether the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, or Petrie
Retail and its affiliates is responsible as guarantor of 43 leases.
The maximum theoretical exposure relating to such disputed leases
(which exposure is included in the amounts described in the preceding
three paragraphs), based on the same assumptions set forth in the
three preceding paragraphs and without giving effect to any present
value discount, would be approximately $29 million, with approximate-
ly $1.5 million coming due in the year ending December 31, 1996,
approximately $5 million due in 1997, approximately $4.5 million due
in 1998 and approximately $18 million due thereafter. The $24
million accrual with respect to rejected leases includes $7.5 million
in respect of 11 of the disputed leases which have been rejected.
The Liquidating Trust's lease exposure calculations reflect the
estimated sum of all base rent and additional rent (such as taxes and
common area charges) due under a lease through the end of the current
lease term, but do not reflect potential penalties, interest and
other charges to which a landlord may be entitled. Such additional
charges (which may in part be unenforceable) are not expected to
materially increase the Liquidating Trust's lease guarantee liability.
A significant number of leases discussed above under which a
landlord might claim that the Liquidating Trust, as successor to
Petrie, has liability as a lease guarantor either expressly contain
mitigation provisions or relate to property in states that imply such
provisions as a matter of law. Mitigation generally requires, among
other things, that a landlord of a closed store seek to reduce its
damages, including by attempting to locate a new tenant.
On October 23, 1995, Petrie Retail notified two former execu-
tives of Petrie (one of whom is a current director of Petrie) and the
current President and Chief Executive Officer of Petrie (who is also
a current director of Petrie) that, as a result of Petrie Retail's
bankruptcy filing, Petrie Retail would no longer honor its obliga-
tions under the employment agreements each executive had entered into
with Petrie which had been assumed by Petrie Retail in connection
with the sale of the retail operations. On April 25, 1996, the
Liquidating Trust, while preserving its rights against Petrie Retail,
entered into settlement agreements with one of the former executives
and the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Petrie.
Pursuant to the settlement agreements, the Liquidating Trust agreed
to pay each substantially all the amounts due under their respective
agreements with Petrie. The total cost of these settlements to the
Liquidating Trust was approximately $2.9 million (accrued for at
January 22, 1996) of which approximately $2.0 million has been paid.
Effective January 31, 1995, Petrie Retail withdrew from the
Multiemployer Plan. Due to underfunding of the Multiemployer Plan,
Petrie Retail and its affiliates have incurred liability under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. By
letter dated May 30, 1996, the Multiemployer Plan assessed withdrawal
liability against Petrie Retail in the amount of approximately $9.4
million plus interest, to be paid in quarterly installments of
approximately $317,000 commencing August 1, 1996 through and includ-
ing August 1, 2006, with a final payment of approximately $18,000 due
on November 1, 2006. In addition, the Multiemployer Plan assessed
liability against Petrie Retail of approximately $2 million attribut-
able to the Multiemployer Plan's failure to meet certain Internal
Revenue Code minimum funding standards, which amount was payable on
August 1, 1996. To the knowledge of the Liquidating Trust, as of
November 11, 1996, Petrie Retail has not yet paid any amounts for its
liabilities in connection with the Multiemployer Plan. In the event
of a mass withdrawal by contributing employers from the Multiemployer
Plan, the withdrawal liability allocated to Petrie Retail and its
affiliates may be higher. Pursuant to the Retail Operations Stock
Purchase Agreement, Petrie Retail and its affiliates are responsible
for the first $10 million in withdrawal and related liabilities, with
the next $50 million of such liabilities allocated 75 percent to the
Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, and 25 percent to Petrie
Retail and its affiliates. It is unclear what effect, if any, Petrie
Retail's bankruptcy filing may have upon the timing and amount of any
payments the Liquidating Trust may be required to make under the
agreement with respect to the Multiemployer Plan, but in no event
does the Liquidating Trust believe that its maximum contractual
liability will be increased as a result of Petrie Retail's bankruptcy
filing.
In connection with an audit being conducted by the IRS, the
agent examining Petrie's federal tax return for its fiscal year ended
January 28, 1989 raised an issue regarding the manner pursuant to
which Petrie computed the basis of its Toys Common Stock transferred
in connection with the exchange of certain of its exchangeable
subordinated debentures. The examining agent has proposed an adjust-
ment to Petrie's taxable income which would result in an additional
federal tax liability, including interest, of approximately $53
million. The Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, is contest-
ing the agent's proposed adjustment in administrative proceedings.
If the Liquidating Trust and the IRS are unable to resolve this
matter in administrative proceedings, the Liquidating Trust intends
to litigate its position. The Liquidating Trust believes that the
agent's proposed adjustment is incorrect as a matter of law. Depend-
ing on how and when this issue is resolved with the IRS, there also
may be due state and local taxes (and interest thereon).
The Liquidating Trust believes that adequate accruals have been
established in the accompanying financial statements to provide for
any losses that may be incurred with respect to the aforementioned
contingencies.
Set forth below are the principal suits to which Petrie and the
Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, are defendants.
As previously disclosed, actions were commenced in the New York
State Supreme Court against Petrie, its directors and certain former
members of its senior management alleging that, among other things,
Petrie's directors violated their fiduciary duties of loyalty and
fair dealing in connection with the sale of Petrie's retail opera-
tions, Petrie's directors failed to adequately explore third-party
interest and thus did not maximize shareholder value and PS Stores
was in possession of non-public information that allowed it to
purchase the retail operations at an inadequate price. On March 29,
1996, the New York State Supreme Court dismissed the consolidated
action with prejudice. On May 10, 1996, the plaintiffs filed a
notice of appeal with the Appellate Division, First Department, of
New York State Supreme Court with respect to the dismissal.
As previously disclosed, a complaint was filed in New Mexico
District Court against Petrie by a landlord for a retail store which
had been operated by an affiliate of Petrie Retail prior to Petrie
Retail's rejection of the underlying lease in Bankruptcy Court. The
complaint alleged that, in light of Petrie Retail's failure to
perform its obligations under the lease, Petrie has liability as a
guarantor for the amount due under the lease. Petrie answered the
complaint, denying liability. The parties agreed to a settlement,
effective as of November 4, 1996, and the complaint was dismissed.
As previously disclosed, a complaint was filed in New York State
Supreme Court against Petrie, the Liquidating Trust and the Liquidat-
ing Trustees by five landlords and certain of their affiliates
seeking declaratory relief and unspecified damages for breach of
contract and fraud with respect to 146 store leases (which number was
subsequently reduced to 135 store leases in an amended complaint).
The complaint alleges that the Liquidating Trust, as successor to
Petrie, has liability as a guarantor of certain of these leases,
notwithstanding Petrie's receipt from these landlords of releases
with respect to substantially all of the purported lease guarantees.
On March 11, 1996, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the
complaint. On September 18, 1996, plaintiffs represented to the
court that they intended to file an amended complaint, and, as a
result, defendants withdrew their motion to dismiss. Defendants are
required to answer or otherwise move with respect to the proposed
amended complaint by December 2, 1996. While no assurance can be
given, the defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously and
believe that they have meritorious defenses to this action.
In June 1988, a complaint was filed in California Superior Court
against Petrie, as successor-in-interest on a lease, and other
defendants by a landlord for cleanup costs associated with a gasoline
leakage from storage tanks at the site of a former gas station. On
June 16, 1992, the trial court found Petrie liable for $470,000 in
compensatory damages and $163,284 in costs and attorneys' fees, plus
interest on such amounts from October 1, 1992 (which, as of November
15, 1996, will be approximately $261,121). On September 19, 1996,
the trial court's decision was affirmed by the California Court of
Appeals. The Liquidating Trust intends to seek reimbursement from
certain of the other defendants for all or a portion of the foregoing
amounts, but there can be no assurance that the Liquidating Trust
will be able to obtain reimbursement of any of such amounts.
On or about October 30, 1996, a complaint was filed in New York
Supreme Court by an insurance company and its affiliates against
Petrie and the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, seeking
payment of retrospective premium adjustments relating to insurance
coverage from 1988 through 1995. The plaintiffs seek damages in the
amount of $1,728,183 with interest from October 31, 1996, plus
damages in respect of anticipatory breach of obligations to pay
future premium adjustments and attorneys' fees and costs. The
Liquidating Trust is required to answer the complaint by November 20,
1996.
In addition to the foregoing, the Liquidating Trust is involved
in other legal proceedings relating to its liquidation and defaults
by Petrie Retail in respect of Assumed Obligations. The Liquidating
Trust believes, based on available information, that, except as
described above, it is unlikely that these items, individually or in
the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Liquidating
Trust's liquidity or financial position.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto provided herein.
As previously disclosed, Petrie sold its retail operations to PS
Stores on December 9, 1994, and on January 24, 1995 (the date on
which Petrie's shareholders approved the Plan of Liquidation), Petrie
commenced its liquidation. As a result, effective January 28, 1995,
Petrie changed its basis of accounting from a going-concern basis to
a liquidation basis. Following the receipt of all necessary con-
sents, approvals and clearances, Petrie will dissolve. For financial
statement purposes, the Liquidating Trust is deemed to be the succes-
sor to Petrie, and the results of operations of Petrie for the
relevant periods are presented in the financial statements of the
Liquidating Trust. Beginning with the period ending December 31,
1996, the Liquidating Trust has adopted the calendar year as its
fiscal year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Liquidating Trust's net income for the three months ended
September 30, 1996 and the period from January 23, 1996 to September
30, 1996 was $ 4,066,000 and $26,542,000, respectively, as compared
to net loss of $73,471,000 and $174,986,000 incurred by Petrie for
the three months and nine months ended October 28, 1995.
As of November 11, 1996, the closing price per share of Toys
Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Tape was $36-3/8 per share. In applying a liquidation basis of
accounting, the Liquidating Trust has given effect in its results of
operations to fluctuations in the market price of its Toys Common
Stock, and has recorded an unrealized gain on the Toys Common Stock
of $3,160,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996 and
$40,445,000 for the period from January 23, 1996 to September 30,
1996, respectively, compared with a net realized and unrealized loss
of $78,051,000 for the three months ended October 28, 1995 and
$241,167,000 for the nine months ended October 28, 1995. As a result
of the net realized and unrealized loss for the three and nine months
ended October 28, 1995, Petrie recorded an income tax credit of
$21,970,000 and $85,936,000, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 1996 and the period
from January 23, 1996 to September 30, 1996, the Liquidating Trust
incurred corporate overhead of $854,000 and $18,645,000, respective-
ly, compared with $17,681,000 and $20,433,000 for the three months
and nine months ended October 28, 1995. Corporate overhead generally
consists of costs and expenses related to the liquidation and disso-
lution of Petrie including, but not limited to, costs and expenses
that the Liquidating Trust may have incurred as a result of Petrie
Retail's bankruptcy, legal fees, insurance, accounting fees, sala-
ries, real estate advisory fees, transfer agent fees, and printing
and shareholder communications expenses. The decrease in corporate
overhead for the three months ended September 30, 1996 as compared to
the three months ended October 28, 1995 resulted primarily from the
accrual in 1995 of $15 million related to Petrie's liability as
guarantor of certain leases to which Petrie Retail or one of its
subsidiaries is a party and $2 million related to certain other
liabilities Petrie may have incurred as a result of Petrie Retail's
bankruptcy filing. The Liquidating Trust intends to file a claim
against Petrie Retail in the Bankruptcy Court in respect of any
payments which are made by the Liquidating Trust for obligations that
Petrie Retail or an affiliate thereof fails to perform as a result of
Petrie Retail's bankruptcy filing. Additionally, the Liquidating
Trust will assert a right of setoff in respect of any such payments
against any claims Petrie Retail and its affiliates may have against
Petrie or the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie. The Liqui-
dating Trust is unable to predict the timing or probability of the
collection of these claims against Petrie Retail. See "-- Liquidity
and Capital Resources."
During the three months ended September 30, 1996 and the period
from January 23, 1996 to September 30, 1996, the Liquidating Trust
earned $1,760,000 and $4,742,000, respectively, in investment income,
compared with $291,000 and $658,000 earned during the three months
and nine months ended October 28, 1995. The increase in investment
income earned during the period ended September 30, 1996, as compared
to the nine months ended October 28, 1995, is the result of the
Liquidating Trust's sale of shares of Toys Common Stock and the
investment of the proceeds therefrom in short-term investments.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As previously disclosed, Petrie has placed 3,493,450 shares of
Toys Common Stock into an escrow account and $67.5 million in cash
equivalents (the interest on which has subsequently been withdrawn
and reinvested outside of the collateral account by the Liquidating
Trust, as permitted by the applicable agreement) into a collateral
account. These assets were placed into these accounts to secure
Petrie's obligations relating to certain contingent liabilities
pursuant to the terms of the Toys Acquisition Agreement, the Retail
Operations Stock Purchase Agreement and other agreements with Toys
"R" Us and/or PS Stores. See "-- Contingent Liabilities."
The assets of the Liquidating Trust are subject to the terms of
a letter agreement dated as of January 24, 1995, pursuant to which
Petrie agreed with Toys "R" Us that, until such time as a hedge or
similar arrangement which protects the value of the Toys Common Stock
is in place, Petrie would retain, either individually or in combina-
tion, (i) cash in an amount of at least $177.5 million (the "Reserved
Amount") or (ii) shares of Toys Common Stock having a market value
(as of January 20, 1995) of at least twice the Reserved Amount, to
secure the payment of Petrie's contingent liabilities. Pursuant to
the terms of this letter agreement, the Liquidating Trust, as succes-
sor to Petrie, is presently required to retain substantially all of
its assets.
As of November 11, 1996, the Liquidating Trust's 5,055,576
shares of Toys Common Stock had a market value of approximately
$183.9 million, based upon a closing price per share of $36-3/8, as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape. During the
fifty-two weeks prior to the date of this report, the price per share
of Toys Common Stock has fluctuated from a high of $37-5/8 to a low
of $20-1/2. No assurance can be given as to the future market prices
of Toys Common Stock.
As of November 11, 1996, the Liquidating Trust had approximately
$126 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Liquidating Trust
believes that it has sufficient liquid funds available to satisfy the
liabilities of the Liquidating Trust that are likely to occur (in-
cluding, without limitation, costs and expenses related to the
administration of the Liquidating Trust such as legal fees, insur-
ance, accounting fees, salaries, real estate advisory fees, transfer
agent fees and printing and shareholder communication expenses). To
the extent that the Liquidating Trust's liquid funds are insufficient
to satisfy such liabilities, however, the Liquidating Trust will
liquidate some or all of the remaining shares of Toys Common Stock
that it holds. The Liquidating Trustees have determined not to
approve any further distributions of shares of Toys Common Stock
until the status of the Liquidating Trust's contingent liabilities is
clarified.
As more fully described in Item 1 of Part I, the Liquidating
Trust's contingent liabilities primarily include liabilities relating
to (i) guarantees of certain retail store leases, expiring at various
times through 2011, to which Petrie Retail or an affiliate thereof is
a party, and certain other liabilities that were assumed by Petrie
Retail (but as to which Petrie's liability has not been released) in
connection with the Sale to the extent that Petrie Retail fails to
perform; (ii) Petrie's agreement with Petrie Retail to indemnify it
for certain liabilities relating to Petrie Retail's withdrawal from
the Multiemployer Plan; and (iii) an ongoing dispute with the IRS
relating to the manner in which Petrie computed the basis of shares
of Toys Common Stock transferred in connection with the exchange of
certain of Petrie's exchangeable subordinated debentures in Petrie's
1989 fiscal year. See "Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements."
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF
THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Except for historical matters, the matters discussed in this
Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, statements relating to the status of the Liquidating
Trust's contingent liabilities contained above in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Opera-
tions" and "Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements."
The Liquidating Trust wishes to caution readers that in addition
to factors that may be described elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, the
following important factors, among others, could cause the Liquidat-
ing Trust's assets and liabilities to differ materially from those
expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of,
the Liquidating Trust, and could materially affect the Liquidating
Trust's financial condition and liquidity:
(1) A decision by Petrie Retail to close additional stores for
which the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, has liability as
a guarantor;
(2) A decision by Petrie Retail to liquidate while in Chapter
11 or the conversion of Petrie Retail's bankruptcy case from Chapter
11 to a case under Chapter 7;
(3) Other actions by Petrie Retail which cause the default of
obligations assumed by Petrie Retail in connection with the Sale for
which the Liquidating Trust, as successor to Petrie, may be deemed to
have liability as the primary obligor;
(4) A decision by a court that the Liquidating Trust, as
successor to Petrie, has liability as a guarantor of certain leases
notwithstanding Petrie's receipt from the landlords thereunder of
releases of guarantees with respect to such leases;
(5) An unfavorable resolution of the Liquidating Trust's
dispute with the IRS with respect to the manner in which Petrie
computed the basis of its Toys Common Stock transferred in its fiscal
year ended January 28, 1989 in connection with the exchange of
certain of its exchangeable subordinated debentures;
(6) A material decline in the price per share of Toys Common
Stock;
(7) An adverse material change in general economic conditions
and the interest rate environment;
(8) The effects of, and changes in, laws and regulations and
other activities of federal and local governments, agencies and
similar organizations; and
(9) The costs and other effects of other legal and administra-
tive cases and proceedings, settlements and claims relating to the
Liquidating Trust's contingent liabilities.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The description of legal proceedings involving
the Liquidating Trust provided in Item 1 of Part I is
herein incorporated by reference as though fully set
forth herein.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 27 -- Financial Data Schedule
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
None.
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS
BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
PETRIE STORES LIQUIDATING TRUST
Dated: November 13, 1996 By /s/ STEPHANIE R. JOSEPH
_______________________
Stephanie R. Joseph
Manager and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: November 13, 1996 By /s/ H. BARTLETT BROWN
_________________________
H. Bartlett Brown
Assistant Manager, Chief Financial
Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
EXHIBIT 27
PETRIE STORES LIQUIDATING TRUST
FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
the Liquidating Trust's statement of net assets in liquidation at
September 30, 1996 and the Liquidating Trust's statements of changes
in net assets in liquidation for the period from January 22, 1996 to
September 30, 1996, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<CASH> 126,654
<SECURITIES> 147,244
<RECEIVABLES> 0
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0
<PP&E> 0
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 273,898
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 44,762
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 0
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 229,136
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 273,898
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 0
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 18,645
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 0
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 26,542
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 26,542
<EPS-PRIMARY> .51
<EPS-DILUTED> .51
</TABLE>
