The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risk and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks materialize, the financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Risk Related to the Chapter 11 Proceedings
The Company Will Be Subject To The Uncertainties Of The Bankruptcy Process
For the duration of the Chapter 11 Proceedings, the Company will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with our being in bankruptcy. These risks include:
Syms will also be subject to risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions and decisions of the creditors and third parties who have interests in the Chapter 11 Proceedings that may be inconsistent with Syms’ restructuring or liquidation and business goals.
These risks and uncertainties could affect the Company’s business and operations in various ways. Because of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Chapter 11 Proceedings, Syms cannot predict or quantify the ultimate impact that events occurring during the liquidation or reorganization process will have on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
| 7 |
| SYMS CORP. |
Among other bankruptcy risks are costs and expenses of the Chapter 11 process that may exceed the Company’s projections and diminish recoveries for creditors and shareholders; the costs and uncertainties of litigation associated with disputed claims and other bankruptcy issues; and the possibility that creditor claims against Filene’s, LLC might be determined to be, or otherwise might be treated as, liabilities of Syms and thereby reduce value available to Syms shareholders.
As a result of the Chapter 11 Proceedings, the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities are subject to uncertainty. While operating as debtors-in-possession, and subject to approval of the Court, or otherwise as permitted in the normal course of business, the Company may sell or otherwise dispose of assets and liquidate or settle liabilities for amounts other than those reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Further, a confirmed plan of reorganization could materially change the amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities reported in the consolidated financial statements. The historical consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the reported amounts of assets or liabilities that might be necessary as a result of confirmation of a plan of reorganization.
The Company also expects that in the bankruptcy case, various claims may be asserted against it, and it cannot give any assurances that these claims will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or the market price of its securities.
Risks related to Current Operations
Capital market, regional and general economic conditions, especially in the retail sector, could adversely affect the value of the Company’s real estate portfolio and its results of operations and, consequently, its ability to service current debt and to pay dividends to stockholders.
The value of the real estate owned by Syms may be affected by volatility and illiquidity in the financial and credit markets and other market or economic challenges experienced by the U.S. economy or real estate industry as a whole. For instance, as a result of the economic downturn and global recession that began in the second half of 2007, demand for retail space such as that owned by Syms declined nationwide due to industry slowdowns, bankruptcies, downsizing, layoffs and cost cutting. Real estate transactions and development opportunities lessened compared to the period prior to the current economic downturn. A return to the strong real estate conditions that prevailed in the first half of 2007 is not expected in the near term, and demand for retail space such as the real estate owned by Syms may continue to be flat or decline further. Given the current economic conditions, it may be difficult to lease space, collect rent, and attract new tenants for the real estate owned by Syms, and it may become more difficult to market and sell any particular parcel of the real estate owned by Syms. Further, the cost and availability of credit may be adversely affected by, illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads, which may adversely affect the liquidity and financial condition of Syms tenants.
The real estate owned by Syms is located predominately in the New York City metropolitan area, as well as in markets in the Southeastern section of the United States. A downturn in the economies of any these local markets could reduce demand for retail space even in the event of a general market upswing. Because the Syms portfolio consists primarily of retail space (as compared to a more diversified real estate portfolio), a decrease in demand for retail space in turn could adversely affect the value of the real estate owned by Syms.
It may be difficult to sell real estate quickly, and transfer restrictions apply to some of the Company’s properties.
Real estate investments are relatively illiquid, and as a result, Syms' ability to sell one or more parcels of its real estate may be limited. There can be no assurance that Syms will be able to dispose of any particular parcel of its real estate within a stated time period or for a stated price. In addition, significant carrying costs are associated with each parcel of real property, such as insurance, real estate taxes and maintenance costs.
The Company may be unable to renew leases or relet space as leases expire.
The value of the real estate owned by Syms will depend in part on whether the properties are leased up with long term credit worthy tenants. Therefore, if current tenants decide not to renew their leases when such leases expire, Syms may have difficulty finding replacement tenants for those leases. Moreover, even if existing tenants do renew their leases or Syms can relet the space, it may not be able to retain favorable economic terms because of, among other factors, the cost of required renovations for any particular property. If Syms is unable to promptly renew the leases or relet the space at similar rates, the value of the affected real property could be adversely affected.
| 8 |
The Company depends on leasing space to tenants on economically favorable terms and collecting rent from tenants who may not be able to pay.
The value of the real estate owned by Syms will depend in part on tenants' ability to remain current on their rent. If a significant number of tenants cannot pay their rent or if Syms is not able to maintain occupancy levels on favorable terms the sale value of the affected property may decline. In addition, if a tenant does not pay its rent, Syms may incur costs to enforce its rights as landlord. During economic downturns in the economy, there may be an increase in the number of tenants that cannot pay their rent and a corresponding increase in vacancy rates.
Real estate is a competitive business.
The real estate owned by Syms is located in various locations across the United States, some of which are highly competitive environments. In operating its properties, Syms will compete with a large number of property owners and developers, some of which may be willing to accept lower returns on their investments. Principal competitive factors include rents charged, attractiveness of location, the quality of the property and the breadth and quality of services provided.
The value of the real estate owned by Syms depends upon, among other factors, trends in the national, regional and local economies, financial condition and operating results of current and prospective tenants and customers, availability and cost of capital, construction and renovation costs, taxes, governmental regulation, legislation and population trends.
The Company may suffer adverse consequences if its revenues decline, since its operating costs do not necessarily decline in proportion to its revenue.
Pending disposition of the real estate owned by Syms, Syms will earn a substantial majority of its income from renting its properties. Its operating costs, however, do not fluctuate in relation to changes in rental revenue. As a result, costs will not necessarily decline even if revenues do. Similarly, operating costs could increase while revenues stay flat or decline. In either such event, Syms may be forced to borrow to cover costs, it may incur losses or it may not have cash available for distributions to creditors or shareholders.
The Company relies on a small number of properties for a significant portion of its revenue.
The Company currently owns 18 properties, and its revenue and cash available for distribution to creditors and dividends to shareholders would be materially adversely affected if any of its properties were materially damaged or destroyed. Additionally, revenue and cash available for distribution could be materially adversely affected if tenants at these properties fail to make timely rental payments due to adverse financial conditions or otherwise default under their leases or file for bankruptcy.
The Company may be required to incur costs in order to comply with various environmental laws.
Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances released at a property, and may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage or personal injuries and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by the parties in connection with the contamination. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of the hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or lease real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral.
Other federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations require abatement or removal of asbestos-containing materials in the event of demolition or certain renovations or remodeling, the cost of which may be substantial for certain redevelopment projects that a potential purchaser would want to undertake with respect to any particular parcel of real estate owned by Syms. Such laws, ordinances and regulations also govern emissions of and exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. Federal and state laws also regulate the operation and removal of underground storage tanks. In connection with the ownership and management of certain properties, Syms could be held liable for the costs of remedial action with respect to these regulated substances or related claims.
| 9 |
The Company is subject to risks associated with natural or other disasters.
A number of the parcels comprising the real estate owned by Syms are located in areas which could be subject to natural or other disasters, including hurricanes, severe tropical storms and tornados.
The Company is subject to potential uninsured losses and/or claims.
Syms carries comprehensive liability, fire, flood, earthquake, extended coverage and rental loss insurance on all properties, which it believes will be adequate and appropriate. There are, however, some types of losses, including lease and other contract claims, which may not be covered by insurance. If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs, such loss could have a negative impact on Syms and/or the anticipated future revenue from any particular parcel of real estate owned by Syms.
Possible terrorist activity or other acts of violence could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Future terrorist attacks in the United States or other acts of violence may result in declining economic activity, which could harm the demand for goods and services offered by Syms tenants and the value of its properties. Such a resulting decrease in retail demand could make it difficult for Syms to renew, re-lease or sell Syms properties.
Terrorist activities or violence also could directly affect the value of the Company’s properties through damage, destruction or loss, and the availability of insurance for such acts, or of insurance generally, might be lower or cost more, which could increase Syms' operating expenses and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations. To the extent that Syms' tenants are affected by future attacks, their businesses similarly could be adversely affected, including their ability to continue to meet obligations under their existing leases. These acts might erode business and consumer confidence and spending and might result in increased volatility in national and international financial markets and economies. Any one of these events might decrease demand for real estate and decrease or delay the occupancy of Syms' new or redeveloped properties.
Inflation or deflation may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Increased inflation could have a pronounced negative impact on Syms' general and administrative expenses, as these costs could increase at a rate higher than Syms' rents. Conversely, deflation could lead to downward pressure on rents and other sources of income.