Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks. Some of these risks are described below, and stockholders should take such risks into account when evaluating us or any investment decision involving us. This section does not describe all risks that may be applicable to us, our industry or our business, and it is intended only as a summary of certain material risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know about or that we currently believe are not material may also adversely affect our business. More detailed information concerning certain of the risk factors described below is contained in other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Stockholders should also refer to the other information contained in our periodic reports, including the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section, our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section for a further discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our business.
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Risk Factors Related to the Company
After the Steel Transaction, we have limited cash resources, our only source of funds is the Steel Promissory Note, and are reliant on external sources of capital to fund ongoing operations.
Our prior revenue generating activities did not produce sufficient funds for profitable operations and working capital. Accordingly, our continued operation will require raising additional capital on acceptable terms. We have relied and will continue to rely substantially upon equity and debt financing and draws under the Steel Promissory Note to fund our ongoing operations. There can be no assurance that additional sources of capital will be available to us on commercially favorable terms. In addition, our inability to access the capital markets on favorable terms, because of a low stock price, unfavorable market conditions or otherwise, will affect our ability to execute our business plan as scheduled. If we are unable to raise capital on market terms, our ability to run our operations and/or grow through new acquisitions and investments, and thus become profitable, will be materially adversely impacted.
We have not generated an operating profit and consequently our business plan is difficult to evaluate and our long-term viability cannot be assured.
Since our formation, we have generated limited revenues and had negative cash flow from operations. The development of our business plan has required, and may continue to require, substantial capital expenditures. There can be no assurance that our business will be successful, that we will be able to achieve or maintain a profitable operation, or that we will not encounter unforeseen difficulties that may deplete our capital resources more rapidly than anticipated. There can be no assurance that we will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flows from our operating activities.
We are subject to risks associated with TPHGreenwich, including that we may not receive any distributions from TPHGreenwich.
Joint venture investments involve risks not otherwise present for investments made or owned solely, including the possibility that our joint venture partner might become bankrupt, or may take action contrary to our instructions, requests, policies or objectives. We own a 95% interest in TPHGreenwich, with the JV Investor owning the other 5% interest. However, under the Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement, JV Investor, in its capacity as manager of TPHGreenwich, manages, controls and conducts the affairs of TPHGreenwich, subject only to certain limited major decisions set forth in the Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement. In addition, distributions under the Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement first will be paid to the Investor until it has received its initial distribution amount in full (including, but not limited to, all amounts due under the CCF and 77G Mezzanine Loan), following which such distributions will be distributed pro rata pursuant to the members’ respective percentage interests in TPHGreenwich.
The Company may not receive any distributions from TPHGreenwich, including if the JV Investor does not receive repayment of its initial distribution amount in full or if the Asset Management Agreement is terminated, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
TPHGreenwich’s revenues and the value of its portfolio are affected by a number of factors that affect investments in leased commercial and residential real estate generally.
We are subject to the general risks of investing in leasable real estate in connection with TPHGreenwich’s existing retail and residential properties. These risks include the ability of TPHGreenwich to secure leases with new tenants, renew leases with existing tenants, the non-performance of lease obligations by tenants, leasehold improvements that will be costly or difficult to remove or certain upgrades that may be needed should it become necessary to re-rent the leased space for other uses, rights of termination of leases due to events of casualty or condemnation affecting the leased space or the property or due to interruption of the tenant’s quiet enjoyment of the leased premises, and obligations of a landlord to restore the leased premises or the property following events of casualty or condemnation, and potentially, as occurred at 237 11 th , damages arising from defective construction. The occurrence of any of these events, particularly with respect to leases at the commercial real estate property, or issues that affect numerous residential units, could impact, and in the case of 237 11 th , has impacted, our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
In addition, if TPHGreenwich’s competitors offer space at net effective rental rates below our current net effective rental rates or market rates, TPHGreenwich may lose current or potential tenants to other properties in our markets. Additionally,
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TPHGreenwich may need to reduce net effective rental rates below current rates or offer incentives in order to retain tenants upon expiration of their leases or to attract new tenants. Our results of operations and cash flow may be adversely affected as a result of these factors.
The loss of key personnel upon whom we depend to operate our business would adversely affect our business.
Our ability to continue to operate depends in large part on our ability to retain key personnel. Key personnel who have already left or are scheduled to leave would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to utilize our NOLs to reduce future tax payments may be limited as a result of future transactions.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $329.0 million of federal NOLs and $291.3 million of state NOLs and New York State and New York City prior NOL conversion subtraction pools of approximately $27.9 million and $22.9 million, respectively. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), limits the ability of a company to utilize its NOLs after an ownership change. For purposes of Section 382, an ownership change occurs if the percentage of the stock of the company owned by persons holding 5% or more of the stock increases by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three year lookback period. Generally, if an ownership change occurs, the annual taxable income limitation on our use of NOLs is equal to the product of the applicable long-term tax exempt rate and the value of our stock immediately before the ownership change. If we undergo an ownership change, our ability to utilize our NOLs would be subject to significant limitations. In addition, the 2017 tax legislation known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) limited the deductibility of NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 to 80 percent of taxable income (computed without regard to the net operating loss deduction) for the taxable year, and eliminated the ability of taxpayers to carryback such NOLs to prior years.
Political and economic uncertainty, and developments related to outbreaks of contagious diseases could have an adverse effect on us.
We cannot predict how current and future political and economic uncertainty, including uncertainty related to taxation and increases in interest rates, will affect TPHGreenwich’s critical tenants, joint venture partners, lenders, financial institutions and general economic conditions, including consumer confidence and the volatility of the stock market and real estate market. In addition, we cannot predict the potential outbreak of contagious diseases in the future.
These issues may cause consumers to postpone discretionary spending in response to tighter credit, reduced consumer confidence and other macroeconomic factors affecting consumer spending behavior, resulting in a downturn in the business of TPHGreenwich’s tenants and an impact on potential purchases of our residential condominium units. In the event political and economic uncertainty results in financial turmoil affecting the banking system and financial markets or significant financial service institution failures, there could be a new or incremental tightening in the credit markets, low liquidity, and extreme volatility in fixed income, credit, currency and equity markets. Each of these could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Breaches of information technology systems could materially harm our business and reputation.
We collect and retain on information technology systems certain financial, personal and other sensitive information provided by third parties, vendors and employees. We also rely on information technology systems for the collection and distribution of funds.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information or the unauthorized distribution of funds. Any loss of this information or unauthorized distribution of funds as a result of a breach of information technology systems may result in loss of funds to which we are entitled, legal liability and costs (including damages and penalties), as well as damage to our reputation, that could materially and adversely affect our business and financial performance.
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We may be deemed to be a transient investment company.
We are not engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, and we do not hold ourselves out as being engaged in those activities. However, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, a company may be deemed an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act if the value of its investment securities is more than 40% of its total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis.
In connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the JV Investor acquired a five percent (5%) interest in and was appointed the initial manager of TPHGreenwich, which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company holding directly or indirectly substantially all of the Company’s non-cash assets prior to the Recapitalization Transactions. Since we no longer hold a controlling interest in TPHGreenwich, the membership interest we hold in the JV could be deemed under the Investment Company Act to be an investment in investment securities, and, if such investment were to exceed 40% of our total assets, exclusive of U.S. government securities cash items on an unconsolidated basis, and accordingly, we could be deemed to be an inadvertent investment company under such section 3(A)(1)(C). In that case, whether or not another exemption or exclusion from the Investment Company Act is available, we may choose to treat the Company as a transient investment company under Rule 3A-2 under the Investment Company Act.
Rule 3a-2 under the Investment Company Act, allows a transient investment company a grace period of one year from the earlier of (a) the date on which an issuer owns securities and/or cash having a value exceeding 50% of the issuer’s total assets on either a consolidated or unconsolidated basis and (b) the date on which an issuer owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of such issuer’s total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis to become compliant with Section 3(A)(1)(C) or otherwise find another exemption or exclusion from the definition of an investment company.
We believe that for purposes of valuing the membership interest we hold in the JV, the substantial indebtedness attributable to the real property assets owned directly or indirectly by the JV would materially reduce the value of such membership interest. In the event we are deemed to be an inadvertent investment company as a result of the Recapitalization Transactions, we believe would qualify for the grace period. We may take actions to cause any investment securities held by us to be less than 40% of our total assets, which may include acquiring assets, engaging in one or more strategic transactions or liquidating our investment securities.
As Rule 3a-2 is available to a company no more than once every three years, and assuming no other exclusion were available to us, we would have to keep within the 40% limit for at least three years after the grace period expires under such rule. This may limit our ability to make certain investments or enter into joint ventures that could otherwise have a positive impact on our earnings. In any event, we do not intend to become an investment company engaged in the business of investing and trading securities.
Classification as an investment company under the Investment Company Act requires registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). If an investment company fails to register, it would have to stop doing almost all business, and its contracts would become void or potentially voidable. Registration is time consuming and restrictive and would require a restructuring of our operations, and we would be very constrained in the kind of business we could do as a registered investment company. Further, we would become subject to substantial regulation concerning management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons and portfolio composition, and would need to file reports under the Investment Company Act regime. The cost of such compliance would result in our incurring substantial additional expenses, and the failure to register if required would have a materially adverse impact to conduct our operations.
Additional Risks Related to TPHGreenwich and the Properties
TPHGreenwich and its subsidiaries are subject to leverage and face risks generally associated with such debt, including an increased risk of default on such entity’s obligations and an increase in debt service requirements that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Historically, we have incurred substantial indebtedness in furtherance of our activities, at both the parent company level and subsidiary level, resulting in an increased risk of default on our obligations and in an increase in debt service
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requirements, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Following the Recapitalization Transactions, a majority of the indebtedness is held by TPHGreenwich and/or its subsidiaries. As a result, TPHGreenwich is subject to the risks associated with debt financing, including the risk that its cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest, the risk that TPHGreenwich may fail to repay or refinance existing debt as it matures, which may result in forced disposition of assets on disadvantageous terms or have other adverse consequences, and the risk that if TPHGreenwich refinances any of its debt, it may do so on refinancing terms less favorable than the terms of the existing debt.
Covenants in the loan agreements could limit TPHGreenwich’s flexibility and adversely affect its financial condition.
The loan agreements contain a number of financial and other restrictive covenants, including restrictions on debt, liens, business activities, equity repurchases, distributions and dividends, disposition of assets and transactions with affiliates, as well as financial covenants regarding loan to value and net worth. These covenants may limit TPHGreenwich’s flexibility to incur additional debt. If TPHGreenwich fails to meet or satisfy any of these covenants, it would be in default under these agreements and the indebtedness could be declared due and payable. In addition, the lenders could terminate their commitments, require the posting of additional collateral and enforce their interests against existing collateral. If TPHGreenwich were to default under the loan agreements, its financial condition would be adversely affected.
The Legacy Investor is the lender under the CCF, and an affiliate of the Legacy Investor and JV Investor is the lender under the 77G Mezzanine Loan, which could create a conflict of interest.
The Legacy Investor is the lender under the CCF, and an affiliate of the Legacy Investor and JV Investor is the lender under the 77G Mezzanine Loan. The JV Investor manages and controls TPHGreenwich, and as a result the Investor controls both the borrower and lender under these loan agreements , and accordingly conflicts of interest could arise. There is no assurance that any future actions by or transactions with the Investor or any of its affiliates will be on the same terms as those available with unaffiliated third parties or that these actions, agreements or relationships will be maintained at all or will not otherwise impact the Company in a manner that is adverse to us or our stockholders.
A significant part of TPHGreenwich’s current business plan is focused on completion of and the sale of condominiums at 77 Greenwich. An inability to execute this business plan due to adverse trends in the New York City residential condominium market or otherwise would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The business plan of TPHGreenwich includes in particular completion of the development of and the sale of condominiums at 77 Greenwich, which currently is its largest asset. As a result, TPHGreenwich’s, and in turn our, distribution of earnings from investments, are heavily dependent on the success of implementing the business plan for 77 Greenwich.
77 Greenwich consists of 90 luxury residential condominium apartments, in addition to a retail condominium unit and a New York City elementary school condominium unit. A variety of factors determine New York City residential condominium trends and will impact the sales and pricing of the residential condominium units at 77 Greenwich. These factors include, among others, available supply, changes in interest rates, the availability of home mortgages, foreign exchange rates, foreign buyer patterns, local employment trends, and prices and velocity of sales. Sales of residential condominium units in general, and in particular in New York City, have historically experienced greater volatility than detached single family houses, which may expose TPHGreenwich to more risk. These and other factors fluctuate over time. Based on a number of reports, there is a historically high number of unsold units in newly constructed luxury residential condominiums in New York City, which has resulted in demand and pricing pressures. When we commenced sales in the spring of 2019, the New York City market, in particular downtown Manhattan, was in a period of softness. This was exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to current market conditions in New York City, several competing residential condominium projects located in downtown Manhattan, specifically in the Financial District, have been put on hold while others have restarted construction. The status of residential condominium units in 2025 and beyond is inherently uncertain. on sales commenced in September 2021 and are ongoing. An to execute the business plan with respect to 77 Greenwich would likely have a material effect on TPHGreenwich’s financial condition and results of operations.
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Due to the TPHGreenwich’s core business of investing in, developing and operating real estate assets, there is an inherent risk that the development and sales of residential condominiums may be subject to unknown potential changes in internal and external financial and economic conditions, such as inflation and rising interest rates, and general market conditions which could impact the Company's business and potential buyers of the residential condominiums for sale. The Company believes it is possible for TPHGreenwich to incur real estate impairment charges in the future in the event these conditions deteriorate.
Investment returns from 77 Greenwich may be less than anticipated.
The development of 77 Greenwich is exposed to risks, including the following:
TPHGreenwich may sell residential condominium units at 77 Greenwich at prices that are less than were projected;
the velocity of condominium sales at 77 Greenwich may fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including market and economic conditions, and may result in the investment being less profitable than expected or not profitable at all; and
operating expenses and real estate taxes may be greater than projected, resulting in the investment being less profitable than were expected.
TPHGreenwich’s investment in property development for 77 Greenwich may be more costly than anticipated.
The current development and construction activities, including with respect to 77 Greenwich, may be exposed to the following risks:
TPHGreenwich may incur construction costs for a development project that exceed our original estimates due to increases in interest rates, increased materials, labor, leasing or other costs, and increases in unforeseen costs such as those related to the supply chain disruption, which could make completion of the project less profitable because market rents or condominium unit sales prices, as applicable, may not increase sufficiently to compensate for the increase in construction costs;
TPHGreenwich may be unable to obtain, or face delays in obtaining, required zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other governmental permits and authorizations, which could result in increased costs and could require it to abandon its activities entirely with respect to a project;
TPHGreenwich may expend funds on and devote management’s time to projects which it does not complete;
TPHGreenwich may be unable to complete construction and/or leasing of its rental properties and sales of its condominium projects (currently limited to 77 Greenwich) on schedule, or at all due to unforeseen construction issues; and
TPHGreenwich may suspend development projects after construction has begun due to changes in economic conditions or other factors, and this may result in the write-off of costs, payment of additional costs or increases in overall costs when the development project is restarted.
TPHGreenwich may be unable to lease vacant space, renew current leases, or re-lease space as current leases expire.
Leases at the properties owned by TPHGreenwich may not be renewed or such properties may not be re-leased at favorable rental rates. If the rental rates for the properties decrease, tenants do not renew their leases or TPHGreenwich does not re-lease a significant portion of available space, tenant defaults or space that is currently unoccupied, and space for which leases are scheduled to expire, its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. There are numerous commercial developers, real estate companies, financial institutions and other investors with greater financial resources that compete with TPHGreenwich in seeking tenants who it desires to lease space in the properties.
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The bankruptcy of, or a downturn in the business of, any of the major tenants at the commercial real estate properties that causes them to reject their leases, or to not renew their leases as they expire, or renew at lower rental rates, may adversely affect TPHGreenwich’s cash flows and property values. In addition, retailers at the properties face increasing competition from e-commerce, outlet malls, discount shopping clubs, direct mail and telemarketing, which could reduce rents payable to TPHGreenwich and reduce TPHGreenwich’s ability to attract and retain tenants at the properties leading to increased vacancy rates.
In addition, if TPHGreenwich is unable to renew leases or re-lease a property, the resale value of that property could be diminished because the market value of a particular property will depend in part upon the value of the leases of such property.
The properties owned, or previously owned, by TPHGreenwich may be subject to known and unknown liabilities and with limited or no recourse to the seller.
Properties owned by TPHGreenwich may be subject to known or unknown liabilities with no or minimal recourse to the seller. As a result, if a property is damaged, TPHGreenwich may need to pay to have it repaired, and its ability to recover any such payments through insurance, indemnities, litigation or otherwise is uncertain. The Company acquired one property subject to unknown construction defects due to water penetration in the walls at 237 11 th , which was subsequently contributed to TPHGreenwich in the Recapitalization Transactions (and subsequently sold). During the pendency of repairs at 237 11 th , units were unable to be leased, and following completion of repairs, they needed to be re-leased. If a liability was asserted against us or TPHGreenwich arising from the ownership of a property, we or TPHGreenwich might have to pay substantial sums to settle it. Unknown liabilities with respect to properties acquired might include:
liabilities for repair of damaged properties or faulty construction;
claims by tenants, vendors or other persons arising from dealing with the former owners of the properties;
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business;
claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties; and
liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination and/or repair or other remediation of construction defects.
Any of these occurrences could adversely affect our cash flow, even if some or all of the costs are ultimately borne by a third party, and the impact could be material.
Multi-family residential properties may be subject to rent stabilization regulations, which limit TPHGreenwich’s ability to raise rents above specified maximum amounts and could give rise to claims by tenants that their rents exceed such specified maximum amounts.
The Rent Stabilization Law and Code imposes rent control or rent stabilization on certain apartment buildings. The rent stabilization regulations applicable to TPHGreenwich’s multi-family residential properties set maximum rates for annual rent increases, entitle tenants to receive required services from TPHGreenwich and entitle tenants to have their leases renewed. The limitations established by present or future rent stabilization regulations may impair TPHGreenwich’s ability to maintain rents at market levels at its properties subject to such regulations.
Pursuant to the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which is a set of New York State laws, vacancy lease increases were eliminated, whereby the landlord was permitted to increase the rent by as much as 20% for a tenant moving into a vacant apartment, to which significant increases in rent for New York City properties were historically attributed.
With respect to certain types of properties in New York City, solely by virtue of the real estate tax exemption under RPTL Section 421-a, the Rent Guidelines Board of New York City, approves renewal lease rent increases. In 2024, the Rent Guidelines Board approved a 2.75% increase on 12-month lease renewals and a 5.25% increase for 24-month lease renewals.
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The application of rent stabilization to apartments in TPHGreenwich’s multi-family residential properties will limit the amount of rent TPHGreenwich is able to collect, which could have a material adverse effect on its ability to fully take advantage of the investments that it is making in the properties. In addition, there can be no assurances that changes to rent stabilization laws will not have a similar or greater negative impact on TPHGreenwich’s ability to collect rents.
TPHGreenwich may not receive or be able to maintain certain tax benefits if it is not in compliance with certain requirements of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
TPHGreenwich may not receive or be able to maintain certain existing or anticipated tax benefits related to the 237 11 th property if it is not in compliance with certain requirements of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (“HPD”). This property currently benefits from a real estate tax exemption under New York Real Property Tax Law (the “RPTL”) Section 421-a, as a result of a specified percentage of the units in such building being designated as affordable rate units or market rate units and/or subject to rent stabilization guidelines, among other requirements. Section 421-a of the New York RPTL provides an exemption from real estate taxes on the amount of the assessed value of newly constructed improvements if certain requirements are met. A property cannot maintain or continue to receive Section 421-a tax benefits without HPD’s determination that all Section 421-a eligibility requirements have and continue to be met. Although HPD has issued final Certificates of Eligibility with respect to the Section 421-a tax benefits for 237 11 th and TPHGreenwich is currently in compliance with all applicable Section 421-a requirements for this property, there can be no assurance that compliance with the Section 421-a requirements for this property will continue to be maintained. If TPHGreenwich is not able to maintain compliance with the requirements of the Section 421-a partial tax exemption program, as applicable to this property, HPD may find that such property is to receive the tax exemption benefits related to the Section 421-a partial tax exemption program.
TPHGreenwich’s ability to develop or redevelop the properties and enter into new leases with tenants will depend on its obtaining certain permits, site plan approvals and other governmental approvals from local municipalities, which it may not be able to obtain on a timely basis or at all.
In order to develop or redevelop the properties, TPHGreenwich will be required to obtain certain permits, site plan approvals or other governmental approvals from local municipalities. TPHGreenwich may not be able to secure all the necessary permits or approvals on a timely basis or at all, which may prevent TPHGreenwich from developing or redeveloping the properties according to its business plan. Additionally, potential acquirers or tenants may also need to obtain certain permits or approvals in order to utilize the properties in the manner they intend to do so. The specific permit and approval requirements are set by the state and the various local jurisdictions, including but not limited to city, town, county, township and state agencies having control over the specific properties. TPHGreenwich’s inability to obtain permits and approvals to develop or redevelop the properties, or the inability of potential purchasers and tenants of the properties to obtain necessary permits and approvals, could severely and adversely affect our business.
TPHGreenwich may incur significant costs to comply with environmental laws and environmental contamination may impair the ability to lease and/or sell real estate.
TPHGreenwich’s operations and properties are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, including air and water quality, hazardous or toxic substances and health and safety. Under some environmental laws, 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. The owner or operator may also 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 those parties because of the contamination. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of the release of the substances or caused the release. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may impair TPHGreenwich’s ability to sell or lease real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral. Other laws and regulations govern indoor and outdoor air quality including those that can require the abatement or removal of asbestos-containing materials in the event of , , renovation or remodeling and also govern emissions of and exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. The maintenance and removal of lead paint and certain electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are also regulated by federal and state laws. TPHGreenwich is also subject to risks associated with human exposure to chemical or biological contaminants such as molds, pollens, viruses and bacteria which, above certain levels, can be to be connected to allergic or other health effects and symptoms in individuals. TPHGreenwich could incur for environmental compliance and be
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held liable for the costs of remedial action with respect to the foregoing regulated substances or related claims arising out of environmental contamination or human exposure to contamination at or from the properties.
Each of the properties has been subject to varying degrees of environmental assessment. To date, these environmental assessments have not revealed any environmental condition material to our business. However, identification of new compliance concerns or undiscovered areas of contamination, changes in the extent or known scope of contamination, human exposure to contamination or changes in clean-up or compliance requirements could result in significant costs to TPHGreenwich.
Compliance or failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) or other safety regulations and requirements could result in substantial costs.
The ADA generally requires that public buildings, including our properties, meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. These rules are subject to interpretation and change. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or the award of damages to private litigants and/or legal fees to their counsel. If, under the ADA, TPHGreenwich is required to make substantial alterations and capital expenditures in one or more of the operating properties, including the removal of access barriers, it could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The properties are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements. If TPHGreenwich fails to comply with these requirements, it could incur fines or private damage awards. We do not know whether existing requirements will change or whether compliance with future requirements will require significant unanticipated expenditures that will affect TPHGreenwich’s cash flow and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our common stock is thinly traded and the price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly.
Our common stock, currently quoted on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Markets, is thinly traded. Because our common stock is thinly traded, even small trades can have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock, especially when there are limited buyers in the market. We cannot assure stockholders that an active market for our common stock will develop in the foreseeable future or, if developed, that it will be sustained. As a result of these factors, stockholders may not be able to resell their common stock. Volatility in the market price of our common stock and lack of liquidity may prevent stockholders from being able to sell their shares at or above the price paid for such shares. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, many of which are beyond our control, including:
our ability to raise additional capital to fund our cash needs, obtain additional financing and refinance existing loans and on favorable terms or evaluate and realize the anticipated benefits of our recently completed strategic transaction;
the potential issuance of additional shares of common stock including at prices that are below the then-current trading price of our common stock;
changes in the real estate markets in which TPHGreenwich operates, especially New York City;
TPHGreenwich’s ability to develop or redevelop or successfully sell units in 77 Greenwich or at other properties in the future;
volatility in global and/or U.S. equities markets;
our financial results or those of other companies in our industry;
the public’s reaction to our press releases and other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;
new laws or regulations or new interpretations of laws or regulations applicable to our business;
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changes in general conditions in the United States and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from inflation, rising interest rates, tariffs, war, incidents of terrorism or responses to such events;
sales of common stock by our executive officers, directors and significant stockholders;
changes in generally accepted accounting principles, policies, guidance, or interpretations; and
other factors described in our filings with the SEC, including among others in connection with the risks noted in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In addition, while our common stock remains thinly traded, small sales or purchases may cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate dramatically up or down without regard to our financial health or business prospects. Downward fluctuations can impair, and have impaired, our ability to raise equity capital on acceptable terms.
We currently have fewer than 300 stockholders of record and, therefore, terminated the registration of our common stock under the Exchange Act and suspended being a U.S. public company with reporting obligations.
Under the Steel Stock Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to use reasonable efforts to complete the deregistration from the reporting obligations under Section 12 and Section 15 of the Exchange Act, including all associated reporting obligations, Section 12(g)(4) of the Exchange Act allows for the registration of any class of securities to be terminated after a company files a certification with the SEC that the number of holders of record of such class of security is fewer than 300 persons. As of February 18, 2025, there were 128 stockholders of record of our common stock. This does not include the number of shareholders that hold shares in “street name” through banks, brokers and other financial institutions. Accordingly, we were eligible to deregister our common stock and suspend our reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and, on February 18, 2025, filed a Form 15 with the SEC. As a result, we are no longer required to comply with U.S. public company disclosure requirements under the Exchange Act, including, but not limited to, annual and quarterly report filings, proxy statement filings and filings by insiders to disclose the acquisition and disposition of our securities. This annual report on Form 10-K is our final periodic report filed under the Exchange Act.
Stockholders have experienced dilution of their ownership interests upon the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or securities convertible into shares of our common stock.
We may issue additional equity securities in capital raising transactions or otherwise, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our present stockholders. We are currently authorized to issue an aggregate of 120,000,000 shares of capital stock consisting of 79,999,997 shares of common stock, two shares of a class of preferred stock (which were redeemed in accordance with their terms and may not be reissued), one share of a class of special stock and 40,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. As of December 31, 2024, there were 65,314,726 shares of our common stock and one share of special stock outstanding.
We have in the past and we may in the future raise additional capital through public or private offerings of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock. Any future issuance of our equity or equity-linked securities may dilute then-current stockholders’ ownership percentages and could also result in a decrease in the fair market value of our equity securities, because our assets would be owned by a larger pool of outstanding equity. We may also issue such securities in connection with hiring or retaining employees and consultants, as payment to providers of goods and services, in connection with future acquisitions and investments, development, redevelopment and repositioning of assets, or for other business purposes. Our board of directors may at any time authorize the issuance of additional common stock without stockholder approval, unless the approval of our common stockholders is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, or our certificate of incorporation. The terms of preferred or other equity or equity-linked securities we may issue in future transactions may be more favorable to new investors, and may include dividend and/or liquidation preferences, anti-dilution protection, pre-emptive rights, superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, among other terms, which may have a further dilutive effect. Our previously outstanding warrants also contained these types of provisions. Also, the future issuance of any such additional shares of common stock or other securities may create pressure on the trading price of our common stock. There can be no assurance that any such future issuances will not be at a price or have conversion or exercise prices below the price at which shares of the common stock are then traded.
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A decline in the price of our common stock, including as a result of a sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, may impair our ability to raise capital in the future.
A decline in the price of our common stock, whether as a result of market conditions, sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, or other reasons, may make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate, which would impair our ability to raise capital.
Capital-raising transactions resulting in a large amount of newly issued shares that become readily tradable, or other events that cause current stockholders to sell shares, could place downward pressure on the trading price of our stock. In addition, the lack of a robust resale market may require a stockholder who desires to sell a large number of shares of common stock to sell the shares in increments over time to mitigate any adverse impact of the sales on the market price of our stock.
If our stockholders sell, or the market perceives that our stockholders intend to sell for various reasons, including the ending of restrictions on resale of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, the market price of our common stock could fall. A significant number of restricted shares previously issued by us had been registered for resale on registration statements filed with the SEC.
More than 60% of our shares of common stock are currently controlled by three of our stockholders who may have the ability to influence the election of directors and the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders.
More than 60% of our shares of common stock are controlled by three of our stockholders, including approximately 40% of our common stock being owned by Steel Purchaser since February 18, 2025. As a result, these stockholders may have the ability to significantly influence the outcome of issues submitted to our stockholders for a vote. The interests of these stockholders may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders, and they may act in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of other stockholders. The concentration of ownership could also deter unsolicited takeovers, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices.
The holder of our special stock and the Steel Purchaser each have rights to appoint directors to our board of directors and, consequently, the ability to exert influence over us.
In connection with the investment in us by Third Avenue Trust, on behalf of Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund (“Third Avenue”), Third Avenue was issued one share of a class of special stock and our certificate of incorporation was amended to provide that, subject to the other terms and conditions of our certificate of incorporation, from the issuance of the one share of special stock and until the “Special Stock Ownership Threshold” of 2,345,000 shares of common stock is no longer satisfied, Third Avenue has the right to elect one director to the board of directors. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Steel Purchaser Stockholders’ Agreement, so long as Steel Purchaser owns at least 20% of the Company’s outstanding capital stock, the Company will take all action reasonably necessary to cause the Board to remain at five (5) members, which shall include (A) one (1) director who shall qualify as independent and is mutually agreed upon by Purchaser and the Company and (B) two (2) directors designated solely by Steel Purchaser. As a result, for so long as these board appointment rights are in effect, Third Avenue and Steel Purchaser may be able to exert influence over our policies and management, potentially in a manner which may not be in our best interests or the best interests of the other stockholders.
In order to protect our ability to utilize our NOLs and certain other tax attributes, our certificate of incorporation includes certain transfer restrictions with respect to our stock, which may limit the liquidity of our common stock.
To reduce the risk of a potential adverse effect on our ability to use our NOLs and certain other tax attributes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our certificate of incorporation contains certain transfer restrictions with respect to our stock by substantial stockholders. These restrictions may adversely affect the ability of certain holders of our common stock to dispose of or acquire shares of our common stock and may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of our stock generally.
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We have not paid dividends on our common stock in the past and do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Any return on investment may be limited to the value of our common stock.
We have never paid a cash dividend on our common stock. We expect that any income received from operations will be devoted to our future operations and growth. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the near future. Payment of dividends in the future will depend upon our profitability at the time, cash available for those dividends, and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because a return on an investor’s investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates.
Our charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also reduce the market price of our stock.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of us. These provisions could also make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. In addition to the matters identified in the risk factors above relating to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, these provisions include:
a classified board of directors with two-year staggered terms;
limitations in our certificate of incorporation on acquisitions and dispositions of our common stock designed to protect our NOLs and certain other tax attributes; and
authorization for blank check preferred stock, which could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to our common stock.
These and other provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of common stock and result in the market price of the common stock being lower than it would be without these provisions.
Our certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain actions or proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could discourage claims or limit stockholders’ ability to make a claim against the Company, our directors, officers, and employees.
The Company’s certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on the Company’s behalf; any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; any action asserting a claim against the Company arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws; or any action asserting a claim against the Company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision is not intended to apply to claims arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. To the extent the provision could be construed to apply to such claims, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce the provision in such respect, and the Company’s stockholders will not be deemed to have waived the Company’s compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The exclusive forum provision may discourage claims or limit stockholders’ ability to submit claims in a judicial forum that they find favorable and may create additional costs as a result. If a court were to determine the exclusive forum provision to be inapplicable and unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs in conjunction with our efforts to resolve the dispute in an alternative jurisdiction, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Because we are a U.S. real property holding corporation, non-U.S. holders of our common stock could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from its sale, exchange or other disposition.
Because we are a U.S. real property holding corporation, which we refer to as "USRPHC," under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 and applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, which we refer to collectively as the "FIRPTA Rules," unless an exception applies, certain non-U.S. investors in our common stock could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock, and such non-U.S. investors could be required to file a United States federal income tax return. In addition, the purchaser of such common stock may be required to withhold 15% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
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Under the FIRPTA Rules, we are a USRPHC because our interests in U.S. real property comprise at least 50% of the fair market value of our assets. Our common stock is now traded on the OTC markets. As a result, our common stock is no longer treated as "regularly traded on an established securities market" (within the meaning of the FIRPTA Rules). As a result, (i) a non-U.S. investor who, actually or constructively, holds no more than 5% of our common stock may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock under the FIRPTA Rules, and (ii) a purchaser of such stock from a non-U.S. investor may be required to withhold any portion of the purchase price of such stock, depending on the percentage of our common stock held by such non-U.S. investor. Any of our common stockholders that are non-U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors to determine the consequences of investing in our common stock.
