000183767112/312023FYFALSE00018376712023-01-012023-12-3100018376712023-12-31xbrli:shares0001837671us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-01-012023-12-31iso4217:USD0001837671srt:RetailSiteMember2023-12-31cpt:propertycpt:stateutr:sqft00018376712022-12-3100018376712022-01-012022-12-3100018376712021-01-302021-12-31iso4217:USDxbrli:shares0001837671cpt:TrustCertificatesMember2021-01-300001837671us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-01-300001837671us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-01-3000018376712021-01-300001837671us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-01-312021-12-3100018376712021-01-312021-12-310001837671cpt:TrustCertificatesMember2021-12-310001837671us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-12-310001837671us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-12-3100018376712021-12-310001837671us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001837671cpt:TrustCertificatesMember2022-12-310001837671us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-12-310001837671us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-12-310001837671cpt:TrustCertificatesMember2023-12-310001837671us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2023-12-310001837671us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-12-310001837671srt:RetailSiteMember2021-01-300001837671srt:WarehouseMember2021-01-30cpt:lease0001837671srt:WarehouseMember2021-12-310001837671us-gaap:SeniorNotesMembercpt:OldCopperMembercpt:FirstLienNotesMember2020-10-28xbrli:pure00018376712021-01-302021-01-300001837671cpt:DIPFacilityMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2021-01-300001837671cpt:FirstLienNotesMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2021-01-300001837671cpt:PropCosMember2021-01-300001837671us-gaap:RelatedPartyMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671us-gaap:RelatedPartyMember2022-01-012022-12-310001837671us-gaap:RelatedPartyMember2021-01-012021-12-3100018376712021-01-012021-12-31cpt:segment0001837671us-gaap:AboveMarketLeasesMember2023-12-310001837671us-gaap:LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMember2023-12-3100018376712023-01-012023-06-300001837671us-gaap:LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671us-gaap:LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMember2022-01-012022-12-310001837671us-gaap:LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMember2021-01-312021-12-310001837671us-gaap:AboveMarketLeasesMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671us-gaap:AboveMarketLeasesMember2022-01-012022-12-310001837671us-gaap:AboveMarketLeasesMember2021-01-312021-12-310001837671cpt:TemeculaCAMember2023-03-220001837671cpt:TemeculaCAMember2023-03-222023-03-220001837671cpt:KatyTXMember2023-08-090001837671cpt:KatyTXMember2023-08-092023-08-090001837671cpt:SouthJordanUTMember2023-12-060001837671cpt:SouthJordanUTMember2023-12-062023-12-060001837671cpt:TemeculaCAKatyTXSouthJordanUTMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TemeculaCAKatyTXSouthJordanUTMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671cpt:QueensNYMember2021-12-012021-12-310001837671cpt:QueensNYMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671cpt:CulverCityCAMember2022-01-060001837671cpt:CulverCityCAMember2022-01-062022-01-060001837671cpt:PleasantonCAMember2022-07-200001837671cpt:PleasantonCAMember2022-07-202022-07-200001837671cpt:FranklinTNMember2022-07-250001837671cpt:FranklinTNMember2022-07-252022-07-250001837671cpt:NashuaNHMember2022-08-250001837671cpt:NashuaNHMember2022-08-252022-08-250001837671cpt:SterlingVAMember2022-08-290001837671cpt:SterlingVAMember2022-08-292022-08-290001837671cpt:MartinDiamondPortfolioMember2022-09-090001837671cpt:MartinDiamondPortfolioMember2022-09-092022-09-090001837671cpt:WestminsterCAMember2022-10-050001837671cpt:WestminsterCAMember2022-10-052022-10-050001837671cpt:AustinTXMember2022-11-300001837671cpt:AustinTXMember2022-11-302022-11-300001837671cpt:LafayetteLAMember2022-12-060001837671cpt:LafayetteLAMember2022-12-062022-12-060001837671cpt:TheWoodlandsTXMember2022-12-150001837671cpt:TheWoodlandsTXMember2022-12-152022-12-150001837671srt:RetailSiteMembercpt:MartinDiamondPortfolioMember2022-09-090001837671cpt:SanDiegoCAMember2021-07-090001837671cpt:SanDiegoCAMember2021-07-092021-07-090001837671cpt:LoneTreeCOMember2021-07-290001837671cpt:LoneTreeCOMember2021-07-292021-07-290001837671cpt:FriscoTXMember2021-07-290001837671cpt:FriscoTXMember2021-07-292021-07-290001837671cpt:SanBrunoCAMember2021-09-140001837671cpt:SanBrunoCAMember2021-09-142021-09-140001837671cpt:CarsonCAMember2021-09-300001837671cpt:CarsonCAMember2021-09-302021-09-300001837671cpt:HoustonTXMember2021-11-030001837671cpt:HoustonTXMember2021-11-032021-11-030001837671cpt:SanAntonioTXMember2021-11-050001837671cpt:SanAntonioTXMember2021-11-052021-11-050001837671cpt:PhoenixAZMember2021-11-170001837671cpt:PhoenixAZMember2021-11-172021-11-170001837671cpt:TexasPortfolioMember2021-11-190001837671cpt:TexasPortfolioMember2021-11-192021-11-190001837671cpt:DistributionCenterPortfolioMember2021-12-170001837671cpt:DistributionCenterPortfolioMember2021-12-172021-12-170001837671cpt:QueensNYMember2021-12-230001837671cpt:QueensNYMember2021-12-232021-12-230001837671cpt:WoodburyMNMember2021-12-290001837671cpt:WoodburyMNMember2021-12-292021-12-290001837671cpt:TexasPortfolioMembersrt:RetailSiteMember2021-12-310001837671cpt:DistributionCenterPortfolioMembersrt:WarehouseMember2021-12-310001837671us-gaap:AboveMarketLeasesMembercpt:GroundLeaseholdMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671us-gaap:AboveMarketLeasesMembercpt:GroundLeaseholdMember2022-01-012022-12-310001837671us-gaap:AboveMarketLeasesMembercpt:GroundLeaseholdMember2021-01-312021-12-310001837671cpt:GroundLeaseholdMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671cpt:GroundLeaseholdMember2022-01-012022-12-310001837671cpt:GroundLeaseholdMember2021-01-312021-12-310001837671srt:RetailSiteMember2021-01-302021-01-300001837671srt:RetailSiteMember2022-01-012022-12-310001837671srt:RetailSiteMember2023-01-012023-12-310001837671us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMembercpt:LeaseIncomeBenchmarkMemberstpr:CA2023-01-012023-12-310001837671us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMembercpt:LeaseIncomeBenchmarkMemberstpr:TX2023-01-012023-12-310001837671us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMembercpt:LeaseIncomeBenchmarkMemberstpr:CA2022-01-012022-12-310001837671us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMembercpt:LeaseIncomeBenchmarkMemberstpr:TX2022-01-012022-12-310001837671us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMembercpt:LeaseIncomeBenchmarkMemberstpr:CA2021-01-312021-12-310001837671us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMembercpt:LeaseIncomeBenchmarkMemberstpr:TX2021-01-312021-12-310001837671us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2024-01-012024-01-310001837671us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2024-02-012024-02-290001837671us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2024-03-012024-03-3100018376712023-10-012023-12-310001837671cpt:AlderwoodMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:AllianceTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:AntelopeValleyMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ArdenFairMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ArrowheadTowneCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:AshlandTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:BaybrookMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:BellisFairMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:BoiseTowneSquareMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:BreaMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:CenterAtOwassoMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:CherryHillMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ClackamasTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ColumbiaCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:CoralRidgeMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:CorbinParkMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:CoronadoCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:CottonwoodMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:DadelandMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:DanburyFairMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:DeerbrookMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ElMercadoPlazaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:FairmontCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:FirstMainTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:FirstColonyMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:FlorenceMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:FoxRiverMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:FreeholdRacewayMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:GalleriaAtSunsetMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:GalleriaAtTylerMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:GatewayShoppingCenterIIIMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:GlendaleGalleriaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:GoldenTriangleMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:GrandTraverseMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:HamiltonTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:HawthornSCMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:HighPointeCommonsMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:HuntingtonParkCBDMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ImperialValleyMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:KilleenMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:LakelineMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:LakesideMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MallDelNorteMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MallOfLouisianaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MayaguezMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MeadowoodMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MeadowsMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MiamiInternationalMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MidRiversMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MidlandParkMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:MokenaMarketplaceMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:NewBraunfelsTCAtCreeksideMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:NewnanCrossingMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:NewportCentreMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:NorthRiversideParkMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:NorthridgeFashionCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:NorthshoreMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:OakParkMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:OaklandMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:OakridgeCourtMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:OrlandSquareMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PacificViewMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PalmValleyCornerstoneMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PembrokeLakesMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PeninsulaTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PennSquareMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PierParkMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PlazaAtWestCovinaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PlazaCentroMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PolarisFashionPlaceMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:PostOakMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:RivertownCrossingsMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:RockawayTownsquareMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:RosedaleSCMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:RossParkMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ShacklefordCrossingMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ShermanTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ShopsAtMooreMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SolanoTownCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SouthPointSCMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SouthavenTowneCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SouthlandsSCMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SouthParkCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SouthparkMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SouthparkMeadowsSCMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:StCharlesTowneCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:StatenIslandMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:StoneCreekTowneCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:StonesRiverMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SunriseMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:SuperstitionSpringsMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TeasCrossingMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheLoopWestMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheMallAtBayPlazaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheMallAtRobinsonTCMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheMallAtRockinghamParkMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheMallAtTurtleCreekMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheMallAtTuttleCrossingMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheMallAtWellingtonGreenMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheOaksMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheOrchardAtSlattenRanchMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheParksAtArlingtonMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ThePlazaAtShoalCreekMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheShoppesAtBucklandHillsMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheShopsAtFallenTimbersMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheShopsAtMontebelloMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheShopsAtStoneParkMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TheStreetsAtSouthpointMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TownCenterAtAuroraMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:TwelveOaksMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ValleVistaMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:ValleyPlazaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:VictoriaGardensMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WatersideMarketplaceMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WaxahachieTowneCenterCrossingMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfarmsMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldBrandonMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldBrowardMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldCountrysideMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldGalleriaAtRosevilleMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldNorthCountyMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldPalmDesertMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldPlazaBonitaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldSantaAnitaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestfieldSouthcenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WestmorelandMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WhiteMarshMallMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WolfchaseGalleriaMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:WoodbridgeCenterMember2023-12-310001837671cpt:YumaPalmsRegionalCenterMember2023-12-310001837671srt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember2023-12-310001837671srt:MaximumMemberus-gaap:BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember2023-12-3100018376712020-12-31

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
or
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                  to
Commission File Number: 000-56236
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 85-6822811
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3 Second Street, Suite 206 Jersey City, NJ 07311-4056
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(201) 839-2200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
N/A N/A N/A
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☐  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes   No ☐



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
 Smaller reporting company
   Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.

Index to Exhibits begins on page 64.



COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
  
  
  

 
 
  
 
 
PART III



PART I
All dollar amounts in this Form 10-K in Items 1. through 7A. are stated in thousands with the exception of per share, per square foot and per unit amounts

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General and Operating History

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust, a New York common law trust (the “Trust,” “we,” “our” or “us”) was formed on December 12, 2020, in connection with the reorganization of Old Copper Company, Inc. (f/k/a J. C. Penney Company, Inc.) (“Old Copper”), and became effective on January 30, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) pursuant to the terms of the Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Old Copper and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) (the “Plan of Reorganization”).

On the Effective Date, through separate wholly-owned property holding companies (the “PropCos”), we owned 160 retail properties (the “Retail Properties”) and six distribution centers (the “Warehouses” and, together with the Retail Properties, the “Properties”), all of which were leased under two Master Leases to one or more subsidiaries of Copper Retail JV LLC (“OpCo Purchaser”) (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC”), an entity formed by and under the control of a joint venture formed by Simon Property Group, L.P. and Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold three Retail Properties for proceeds of $21,283. As a result of these sales, we recorded a gain on sales of investment properties of $1,612.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid distributions to Certificateholders of $126,002, which includes the net proceeds of sales from December 2022 that were distributed in January 2023 and excludes the net proceeds from sales from December 2023 that were distributed in January 2024.

As of December 31, 2023, we owned 130 Retail Properties in the United States across 35 states and Puerto Rico, comprising 17.3 million square feet of leasable space.

Business Objectives and Strategies

Our operations consist primarily of (i) owning the Properties, (ii) operating and leasing the Properties under the terms of the Master Leases to Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC as the sole tenant and (iii) subject to market conditions and the conditions set forth in the Trust Agreement, selling the Properties to third-party purchasers.

The Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”) dated as of the Effective Date, created a series of equity trust certificates designated as “Copper Property CTL Pass Through Certificates” (the “Trust Certificates”), 75 million of which were issued on the Effective Date. Each Trust Certificate represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the Trust and represents the interests of the holders of the Trust Certificates (“Certificateholders”) in the Trust.

GLAS Trust Company, LLC serves as our independent third-party trustee (the “Trustee”) pursuant to the terms of the Trust Agreement. The Trustee performs trust administration duties, including treasury management and certificate administration.

Hilco JCP LLC, an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC, serves as our independent third-party manager (the “Manager”) pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) dated as of the Effective Date. The Manager performs asset management duties with respect to the Properties, primarily including collection of rents and other charges from Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC, enforcement of the terms of the Master Leases, arranging for the sale of the Properties, coordinating with the Trustee in connection with the

4


administration of the Trust, reporting to the Certificateholders, distribution of funds to vendors and Certificateholders, and performing duties necessary to support our day-to-day operations.

Tax Status

We intend to qualify as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation (hereinafter “Treasury Regulation”) Section 301.7701-4(d) or, in the event we are not so treated, a partnership other than a partnership taxable as a corporation under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

Competition

From a real estate sales perspective, we compete with other retail properties, which could impact our ability to sell the Properties and the sale price that can be achieved for such sales. We compete for buyers based on a number of factors that include location, rental rates and suitability of the property’s design to prospective users’ needs.

We may compete for tenants with other entities advised or sponsored by affiliates of Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC. Our ability to compete is also impacted by national and local economic trends, availability and cost of capital, maintenance and renovation costs, existing laws and regulations, new legislation and population trends.

Government Regulation

General

Compliance with various governmental regulations has an impact on our business, including on our capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position, which could be material. We monitor and take actions to comply with governmental regulations that are applicable to our business, which include, among others, federal securities laws and regulations, tax laws and regulations, environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, local zoning, usage and other regulations relating to real property, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”). In addition to the discussion above regarding our tax status and below regarding the ADA and certain environmental matters, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for a discussion of material risks to us, including risks relating to governmental regulations, and see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” together with our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes included therein, for a discussion of material information relevant to an assessment of our financial condition and results of operations, including, to the extent material, the effects that compliance with governmental regulations may have on our capital expenditures and earnings.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Our properties must comply with Title III of the ADA to the extent that such properties are “public accommodations” as defined by the ADA. The ADA may require removal of structural barriers to allow access by persons with disabilities in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable. We believe our existing properties are substantially in compliance with the ADA and that we will not be required to incur significant capital expenditures to address the requirements of the ADA. Refer to Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for more information regarding compliance with the ADA.


5


Environmental Matters

The Properties are subject to various environmental laws regulating, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges and the release of, or exposure to, hazardous materials (including asbestos). Failure to comply could result in material fines and penalties. Certain environmental laws can impose joint and several liability without regard to fault of responsible parties, including current and former owners and operators of real property, related to contamination. We could be liable with respect to contamination at currently owned properties for contamination that occurred prior to our ownership, at a formerly owned or operated property for contamination caused during our ownership or operation or with respect to a site which our tenant previously sent wastes for disposal. Based on Phase I environmental site assessments prepared in connection with the acquisition of the Properties, we do not believe that environmental liabilities presently known will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we carry customary environmental liability insurance coverage. However, we cannot predict the impact of unforeseen environmental liabilities or new or changed laws or regulations on properties in which we hold an interest. The Tenant and the Lease Guarantors have entered into an Environmental Indemnity Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2020, pursuant to which they are required to comply with applicable environmental laws with respect to the Properties from and after the effective date of the Master Leases and to indemnify us if their noncompliance results in losses or claims against us. Refer to Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for more information regarding environmental matters.

Human Capital Resources

We do not have any employees. We are externally managed by the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. Our principal executive officers are employed by an affiliate of the Manager.

Insurance

The Master Lease requires the Tenant to maintain insurance, including (i) “replacement cost” casualty insurance coverage insuring against customary hazards, including earthquake and flood coverage, (ii) commercial liability coverage and (iii) environmental liability coverage.

In addition, the Trust maintains (a) business interruption / contingent loss of rents and property insurance to protect the Trust for real property and loss of rents if primary insurance maintained by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC fails, is inadequate or is not obtained by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC, (b) contingent lessors’ risk insurance to protect the Trust against exposure for third party bodily injury and property damage claims if primary insurance maintained by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC fails, is inadequate or is not obtained by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC, (c) customary professional liability insurance with respect to services provided by the Manager to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement, (d) customary directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage and (e) customary environmental liability insurance coverage.

Access to Company Information

The Trust’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the Company’s website at www.ctltrust.net as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained on our website, or other websites linked to our website, is not part of this document. Our reports may also be obtained by accessing the EDGAR database at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.


6


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Set forth below are the risks that we believe are material to our Certificateholders and careful consideration should be given to these risk factors, in addition to the other information included in this annual report. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect our business operating results and/or financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of our Certificates. In addition to the following disclosures, please refer to the explanation of qualification and limitations on forward-looking statements beginning on page 21 and you should also refer to the other information contained in this report, including the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the related notes.

Risks Relating to Limited Purpose and Recent Formation

The Trust has a limited purpose and does not expect to generate or receive cash other than from limited sources. Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the Trust was established and exists for the purpose of collecting, holding, administering, distributing and liquidating the Properties for the benefit of the Certificateholders. The Trust Agreement further provides that the Trust shall have no objective or authority to continue or to engage in the conduct of a trade or business, except to the extent reasonably necessary to carry out the purpose of the Trust as set forth therein. The Trust does not expect to receive material cash other than through lease payments from the Tenant and from sales of the Properties.

The Trust has a limited operating history. The Trust was established in December 2020 and capitalized in January 2021 when it acquired the Properties. The Trust's limited operating history makes it difficult to forecast, among other things, its future cash proceeds from sales of the Properties. In assessing its business prospects, you should consider various risks and difficulties encountered by newly organized companies. These risks include the Trust’s ability to implement and execute its business plan and respond effectively to operational and competitive challenges.

The Trust incurs significant costs as a result of the registration of the Trust Certificates under the Exchange Act and the Trust being a reporting issuer under the Exchange Act. As a reporting entity under the Exchange Act, the Trust incurs significant legal, accounting and other expenses that a non-reporting entity would not incur. In addition, the Exchange Act imposes various requirements on reporting entities that requires the Principal Executive Officer, the Principal Financial Officer and the Manager’s employees, management and other personnel to devote a substantial amount of time to compliance initiatives.

Risks Relating to Real Estate Assets

There is limited liquidity in real estate investments. Real estate is a relatively illiquid asset. The Trust may not be able to sell the Properties at the optimal time or for an optimal price in order to maximize its recovery. The number of potential buyers for the Retail Properties may be limited by the presence of such properties in retail or mall complexes. In addition, the Trust’s ability to sell or dispose of the Properties may be hindered by the fact that such Properties are subject to the leasehold rights of the Tenant which may make such Properties less attractive to a potential buyer than alternative properties that may be for sale.

Disruptions in the financial markets and deteriorating economic conditions could adversely affect the values of our investments and our ability to find buyers of our assets. The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption. These disruptions in the financial markets as well as deteriorating economic and geopolitical conditions could adversely affect the values of our investments. This turmoil in the capital markets has constrained equity and debt capital available for investment in commercial real estate, resulting in fewer buyers seeking to acquire commercial properties and possibly lowering property values. Rising interest rates have likewise caused cap rates to increase, which results in lower property values. These deteriorating economic conditions may also have various other negative effects for the portfolio of our investments, such as declining sales for the Tenant and its affiliates, which in turn would increase the likelihood of a default by the Tenant under the Lease.


7


The Trust’s real estate asset portfolio’s tenant base is not diversified. The Properties consist entirely of retail stores leased to Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC under the Master Lease. Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the Trust will not acquire new real estate assets to diversify the tenants in its portfolio. This lack of diversification means that the Trust is particularly sensitive to the risks and fluctuations in the price of retail-related real estate, and any worsening of this particular market would result in a significant and outsized negative impact on the Trust. In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession or declining demand for real estate in the United States, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in property values, which could materially adversely affect the Trust’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flow. This could, in turn, adversely affect the Trust’s ability to make distributions to the Certificateholders.

If the Trust is unable to sell the Properties within a reasonable period of time, it may need to consider bulk marketing and disposition. The pool of potential buyers for the Properties is limited and, depending on market conditions, price reductions or bulk sales may be necessary. One or more bulk sales of the Properties may not yield as high an aggregate value as individual property sales, and a bulk sale may possibly depress prices in the market for the Properties, negatively affecting the Trust’s ability to recover the highest value for its remaining properties.

If the Trust is unable to sell the Properties within the approved sale period, the Properties may be transferred into a REIT. The Trust may not be able to sell all of the Properties by December 10, 2025, or any extended sale period approved by the Certificateholders (the “approved sale period”). Should the Trust be unable to sell all of the Properties within the approved sale period, the Manager may develop a plan for the conversion of one or more subsidiaries of the Trust to a REIT, the contribution of one or more of the Properties to an existing REIT, or the transfer of the Properties to an alternative investment vehicle. If the remaining Properties are held by a newly-formed REIT, the requirements applicable to such a REIT may delay further sales of Properties. Upon transfer of properties into a REIT, the amount or timing of distributions may be negatively affected.

Competition from other sellers of commercial real properties in the markets in which the Properties are located may adversely affect the Trust’s financial condition and net assets in liquidation. The addition of new retail properties in the markets where the Properties are located may increase the available supply of similar properties, creating downward pressure on sales prices and protracted sales periods for the Properties. In addition, any sales that do not satisfy the guidelines set out in the Trust Agreement may require the consent of up to two-thirds of the Certificateholders. Other sellers of retail properties will generally not be subject to similar selling restrictions, which may put the Trust at a competitive disadvantage relative to other sellers.

Furthermore, competition may begin to emerge on the basis of information technology infrastructure as well. We expect our competitors to continue to improve their information technology systems, including with the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning solutions, possibly to interact with lessees and buyers, provide regular updates on maintenance status and predict maintenance requirements for their properties, sell their properties and support and grow their customer base. Our ability to innovate our own technology infrastructure and appropriately address user experience will affect our ability to compete.

The land underlying some of the Properties is subject to ground leases, which could limit our use of such Properties, and a breach or termination of the ground leases could materially and adversely affect us. We lease the land underlying some of the Properties from third parties through ground leases covering such land. As a lessee under a ground lease, we are exposed to the possibility of losing the right to use the portion of the Properties covered by the ground lease upon termination, or upon an earlier breach by us, of the ground lease. The ground lease may also restrict our use of such Properties, which may limit our flexibility in renting such Properties and may adversely impact our ability to sell such Properties. In addition, certain ground leases contain options in favor of the ground lessor to purchase the ground lessee’s leasehold interest under certain circumstances, including cessation of the operation of retail business at the applicable Property.



8


Environmental compliance costs and liabilities associated with the Properties may materially impair the value of those assets. As an owner of real property, the Trust is subject to various federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations which are becoming increasingly stringent. Although the Trust does not operate or manage the Properties, the Trust may be held primarily or jointly and severally liable for costs relating to the investigation and clean-up of any property from which there has been a release or threatened release of a regulated material as well as other affected properties, regardless of whether the Trust knew of or caused the release. The failure to properly clean a Property may adversely affect our ability to lease, sell or rent the Property or to borrow funds using the Property as collateral. Further, some environmental laws create a lien on a contaminated site in favor of the government for damages and the costs the government incurs in connection with such contamination. In addition, the presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may adversely affect the Trust’s ability to sell the Properties.

These laws and regulations governing environmental, health and safety issues continue to evolve. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) recently issued a final rule that will sharply reduce emissions of methane and other harmful air pollution from oil and natural gas operations, including from existing sources nationwide. The final rule includes New Source Performance Standards, to reduce methane and smog-forming volatile organic compounds from new, modified and reconstructed sources, and Emissions Guidelines, which set procedures for states to follow as they develop plans to limit methane from existing sources, including oil and natural gas operations. While we cannot be certain of this rule’s impact as we wait for states to submit their plans to the EPA for approval, we anticipate that this could increase costs of compliance, reduce occurrence of operations that drive demand for our properties and have an adverse impact on our business. Additionally, the SEC is considering implementing new climate change disclosure rules and other federal or state agencies may do the same. These new reporting rules may be difficult to comply with, increase costs of operation and influence customer behavior and demand.

Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters could adversely affect the Trust’s operations and results. The Trust may not be able to obtain insurance at reasonable rates for natural disasters and other events that are beyond its control. Although the Tenant is required to maintain property insurance coverage, such coverage is subject to deductibles and limits on maximum benefits. We cannot assure you that the Tenant or the Trust will be able to fully insure such losses or that, in the case of business interruption coverage, such insurance will be maintained at all, or that the Tenant or the Trust will be able to fully collect, if at all, on claims resulting from such natural disasters. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors also may make it infeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace the damaged property. Furthermore, the Tenant or the Trust may not be able to obtain insurance for these types of events for all of the Properties at reasonable rates.

Our business may be materially affected by changes to other policies governing the Properties, our sales and services. It is expected that laws and regulations around the use of AI and machine learning tools will increase over the next few years but it is unknown at this time what these laws and regulations will address and how and whether they will be adopted globally. If we introduce AI or machine learning into our information technology systems (as well as those of our customers through provision of our services), we could become subject to these new regulations, which may be difficult to comply with. Some of our competitors may not be required to comply, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Further, if we fail to adopt these new technologies we may face price pressure from competitors using lower-cost AI systems.

9


Risks Relating to Leasing to the Tenant

The Trust is dependent on Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC as a tenant until the Properties are sold. Therefore, an event that has a material adverse effect on Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC’s businesses, financial positions or results of operations could have a material adverse effect on the Trust’s business, financial position or results of operations. Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC is currently the sole lessee of the Properties pursuant to the Master Lease. Together with the proceeds from sales of the Properties, the rent and other payment obligations under the Master Lease will account for all of the Trust’s revenues. Additionally, because the Master Lease is a triple-net lease, the Trust will depend on Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC to pay insurance, taxes, utilities and maintenance and repair expenses in connection with the Properties and to indemnify, defend and hold the Landlord harmless from and against various claims, litigation and liabilities arising in connection therewith. Although the Lease Guarantors guarantee the Tenant's obligations under the Master Lease, there can be no assurance that the Lease Guarantors and the Tenant will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable them to satisfy their payment obligations on account of the Master Lease. The inability or unwillingness of the Tenant and the Lease Guarantors to meet their rent and other obligations under the Master Lease and the related Lease Guaranty could materially adversely affect the Trust’s business, financial position or results of operations, including the Trust’s ability to make distributions to the Certificateholders. Such an event could also affect both the ability of the Trust to sell the Properties as well as the sales prices obtainable. In addition, due to the Trust’s dependence on rental payments from the Tenant as a primary source of revenues (in addition to sales proceeds from the sale of Properties), the Trust may be limited in its ability to enforce its rights under the Master Lease or to terminate the Master Lease. Failure by a Tenant and the Lease Guarantors to comply with their obligations under the Master Lease and the Lease Guaranties, as applicable, could require the Trust to find another tenant for such Property, and there could be a decrease or cessation of rental payments. In such event, the Trust may be unable to locate a suitable tenant at similar rental rates or at all, which would have the effect of reducing the Trust’s rental revenues.

The bankruptcy or insolvency of the Tenant and the Lease Guarantors could result in the termination of the Master Lease and material losses to the Trust. A bankruptcy or insolvency of the Tenant (which is the Trust’s sole tenant) and the Lease Guarantors (which are the Trust’s sole source of credit support for the Tenant’s obligations under the Master Leases) could result in a loss of a substantial portion of the Trust’s revenue and materially and adversely affect the Trust. Such an event could also affect both the ability of the Trust to sell the Properties as well as the sales prices obtainable. Each Master Lease is a single, unitary lease of all of the applicable Properties, such that in the event of a bankruptcy proceeding, the Tenant shall only be entitled to assume, reject or assign the entire Master Lease and not merely a portion thereof. Any claims against a bankrupt Tenant for unpaid future rent are subject to statutory limitations that would likely result in the Landlord’s receipt, if at all, of rental revenues that are substantially less than the contractually specified rent owed. In addition, any claim such Landlord has for any unpaid past rent would likely not be paid in full. If a Tenant becomes bankrupt or insolvent, federal law may prohibit the Landlord from evicting such Tenant based solely upon such bankruptcy or insolvency. The Trust may also be unable to re-lease a terminated or rejected space or re-lease it on comparable or more favorable terms. If the Trust does re-lease rejected space, it will likely incur significant costs for brokerage, marketing and tenant inducement expenses. In addition, although the Trust believes that the Master Leases are “true leases” for purposes of bankruptcy law, it is possible that a bankruptcy court could re-characterize the lease transactions set forth in the Master Leases as a secured lending transaction, in which case the Trust would not be treated as the owner of the property and could lose certain rights as the owner in the bankruptcy proceeding.

The Trust is dependent on the retail industry and may be susceptible to the risks associated with it, which could materially adversely affect its business, financial position or results of operations. As the landlord of retail stores, the Trust is impacted by the risks associated with the retail industry, which may be adversely affected by economic conditions in general, changes in consumer trends and preferences and other factors over which the Trust has no control. As the Trust is subject to risks inherent in having substantial real estate concentration in a single industry, a decline in the retail industry would likely have a greater adverse effect on its revenues than if the Trust owned a more diversified real estate portfolio, particularly because the ability of the Tenant and the Lease Guarantors to pay the rent under the Master Lease is based, over time, on the performance of the retail stores operated by Penney

10


Intermediate Holdings LLC at the Properties and Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC’s other locations. The retail industry is characterized by a high degree of competition among a large number of participants, and competition is intense in most of the markets where the Properties are located. Additionally, decreases in discretionary consumer spending brought about by weakened general economic conditions such as lackluster recoveries from recessions, high unemployment levels, higher income taxes, a rise in inflation in the U.S., low levels of consumer confidence, cultural and demographic changes, increased stock market volatility, shipping delays and global supply chain issues may negatively impact the Trust’s revenues and operating cash flows.

Inflation and increased interest rates may increase our operating and capital costs. In 2022, inflationary pressures resulting from COVID-19 relief and aid programs, supply chain constraints and generally improved economic conditions increased our costs for third-party compensation and other costs necessary to operate our business, and our customers’ costs of living. The general economy in 2022 was also affected by the war in Ukraine and associated increase in energy costs. While the global inflation rate began to stabilize and, in some cases decline, in 2023 as a result of central bank policy tightening, core inflation has proved persistent as a result of the preceding factors, in addition to others such as the escalating number of significant conflicts throughout the globe. We expect these inflationary pressures to continue to impact our margins and, more generally, our business in 2024.

After almost 10 years of low interest rate environments, inflationary pressures and efforts in the U.S. and around the world to combat inflation have resulted in increased interest rates by central banks globally. As a result, to the extent we incur any indebtedness, the interest rates we are charged may be significantly higher than what would have been expected in prior years. Furthermore, the increased interest rates could affect our Tenant's businesses and borrowing costs, which in turn could impact their ability to make timely payments to us. Given that core inflation has proved persistent, there is no telling if interest rates will stabilize, continue to increase or decrease.


Risks Relating to the Trust Certificates

The Trust cannot predict with certainty the timing or amount of distributions to the Certificateholders. It is not possible to predict with certainty the timing and amount of future distributions to the Certificateholders. The cash receipts that distributions are based on cannot be predicted with certainty because they are subject to conditions that are beyond the Trust’s control or that are inherently uncertain, such as the amount and timing of the Trust’s sale of the Properties. As the Trust continues to sell Properties, the cash available from lease payments will decrease and therefore, so will distributions to the Certificateholders. In addition, as such payments decrease, it is possible that these will not be sufficient to cover expenses, which must be paid prior to distributions to the Certificateholders. It is therefore possible that for any distribution date there may be a limited distribution or no distribution to Certificateholders. Further, the Trust’s objective is to sell all Properties to third-party investors as promptly as practicable after the Effective Date, and the Trust is not permitted to acquire new or additional properties, which may increase certain of the risks discussed herein.

The Trust Certificates are not suitable as a long-term investment. The Trust intends to complete the sale of the Properties in as short a time as is consistent with the maximization of the value of its assets, without regard to the potential long-term capital appreciation of the Properties.

The value of the Trust Certificates is expected to decrease over time. The value of the Trust Certificates will depend primarily on the anticipated net liquidation value of the assets of the Trust, which is expected to decrease with each distribution of the proceeds of Property sales.



11


The market for our Trust Certificates is thinly traded and you may find it difficult to dispose of your Trust Certificates, which could cause you to lose all or a portion of your investment in the Trust. Although our Trust Certificates trade over the counter, only limited trading in our Trust Certificates has developed and we expect to have only a limited trading market for the foreseeable future. As a result, you may find it difficult to dispose of our Trust Certificates and you may suffer a loss of all or a substantial portion of your investment in our Trust Certificates.

If a trading market for Trust Certificates develops, the market price may be volatile. Given the limited trading of the Certificates, the market price for the Certificates may be volatile, potentially influenced by the following:

sales of Properties held by the Trust;
changes in real estate market conditions;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Trust’s quarterly or annual financial results;
the financial guidance and projections the Trust may provide to the public, any changes in such guidance and projections, or the failure to meet such guidance and projections;
changes in the market valuations of other companies in the same industry as the Trust;
various market factors or perceived market factors, including rumors, whether or not correct, involving the Trust, the Properties, potential buyers of the Properties, the Tenant, the Lease Guarantor, the impact of the preferential offer rights held by the Tenant and the Trust’s or Tenant's competitors;
sales, or anticipated sales, of large blocks of Trust Certificates, including short selling by investors;
regulatory developments;
litigation and governmental or regulatory investigations; and
general economic, political and financial market conditions or events.

To the extent that there is volatility in the price of Trust Certificates, the Trust may also become the target of securities litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert the Trustee’s and Manager's attention and the Trust’s resources as well as depress the value of the Trust Certificates.

Certain Certificateholders may be deemed under the Bankruptcy Code to be “underwriters” and may not be able to sell or transfer their Trust Certificates in reliance upon the Bankruptcy Code’s exemption from the registration requirements of federal and state securities laws provided by Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code. The issuance of the Trust Certificates is expected to be exempt pursuant to Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code. However, any initial recipient thereof that (i) is an “affiliate” of the Debtors or the Trust, as defined in Rule 144(a)(1) under the Securities Act, (ii) has been such an “affiliate” within 90 days of such transfer, or (iii) is an entity that is an “underwriter,” as defined in subsection (b) of Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code will not be permitted to freely sell their Trust Certificates. Such persons may include holders of 10% or more of the Trust Certificates, and such persons may not be able to offer or sell their Trust Certificates without registration under the Securities Act or applicable state securities (i.e., “blue sky”) laws unless such offer and sale is exempted from the registration requirements of such laws. The offer and sale of Trust Certificates by statutory underwriters in reliance upon an exemption from registration under the Securities Act may require compliance with the requirements and conditions of Rule 144 of such law, including those regarding the holding period, the adequacy of current public information regarding the Trust, sale volume restrictions, broker transactions and the filing of a notice. The Trust has entered into a cooperation agreement and agreed to register the Trust Certificates for resale in certain circumstances, but delays in connection with such registration statement becoming effective could delay sales of Trust Certificates beyond the time when a statutory underwriter wishes to sell its Trust Certificates.



12


The Trust Agreement includes provisions that limit the Certificateholders’ approval rights. Under the Trust Agreement, the Certificateholders have limited approval rights and the Trust will not have Certificateholder meetings. The Certificateholders take no part in the management or control of the Trust. Accordingly, the Certificateholders do not have the right to authorize actions, appoint service providers or take other actions as may be taken by shareholders of other trusts or companies where shares carry such rights. The Certificateholders’ limited voting rights give significant control under the Trust Agreement to the Manager and the Trustee. The Manager and the Trustee may take actions in the operation of the Trust that may be adverse to the interests of the Certificateholders and may adversely affect the value of the Trust Certificates.

Certificateholders have limited rights to institute any suit, action or proceeding at law or in equity or otherwise with respect to this Trust Agreement or the Certificates. A Certificateholder shall not have the right to institute any suit, action or proceeding at law or in equity or otherwise with respect to this Trust Agreement or the Certificates or otherwise, or for the appointment of a receiver or for the enforcement of any other remedy under the Trust Agreement or the Certificates or otherwise, unless, among other items, Certificateholders holding Certificates evidencing Fractional Undivided Interests aggregating not less than 25% of the Trust Interests shall have requested the Trustee in writing to institute such suit, action or proceeding and shall have offered to the Trustee indemnity as provided in the Trust Agreement. The Trust believes that this provision is applicable to both initial certificate holders and purchasers in secondary transactions.

Certificateholders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the Trust Agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any action under the Trust Agreement. The Trust Agreement provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties to the agreement waive the right to a trial by jury in any legal proceeding directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to the Trust Agreement, any Certificate or any of the transactions contemplated thereby. The Trust believes that this waiver is applicable to both initial Certificateholders and purchasers in secondary transactions.

If the Trust opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with the applicable state and federal law. To our knowledge, the enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated. However, we believe that a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable, including under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the Trust Agreement, by a federal or state court in the City of New York, which has non-exclusive jurisdiction over matters arising under the Trust Agreement. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. The Trust believes that this is the case with respect to the Trust Agreement and the Certificates.

If any Certificateholder brings a claim against the Trust in connection with matters arising under the Trust Agreement or the Certificates, including claims under federal securities laws, such Certificateholder may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against the Trust. If a lawsuit is brought against the Trust under the Trust Agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different outcomes than a trial by jury would have had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver provision is not permitted by applicable law, an action could proceed under the terms of the Trust Agreement with a jury trial. No condition, stipulation or provision of the Trust Agreement or the Certificates serves as a waiver by any Certificateholder or the Trust of compliance with any substantive provision of the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.



13


The value of the Trust Certificates may be adversely affected if the Trust is required to indemnify the Trustee or the Manager under the Trust Agreement. Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee and the Manager each has a right to be indemnified by the Trust for certain liabilities or expenses that it incurs without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part. If the Trust is required to indemnify the Trustee or the Manager under the Trust Documents, it could reduce the value of the Trust Certificates.

Risk Relating to the Trustee, the Manager and Brokers

Certificateholders will have only limited rights against the Trustee, and the Trustee has limited liability to the Trust. The Trust Agreement provides that the Trustee (and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and representatives) and any officer, employee or agent of the Trust or its affiliates shall not incur any liability to the Trust or the Certificateholders for any act or omission thereunder unless the Trustee has acted with gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. The Certificateholders will therefore have no recourse to such parties for actions taken or not taken for which they disagree, absent such gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

The Trust’s success depends on the efforts of third-party managers and real estate brokers. The Trust has retained the Manager, who is an independent third party, to perform asset management duties with respect to the Properties, and the Manager will retain third-party real estate brokers to sell the Properties. Any of these third-party service providers may terminate their relationship with the Trust at any time upon relatively short notice or no notice. In addition, the Certificateholders may disagree with the third parties chosen by the Manager but will not have the ability to change or remove such third parties other than pursuant to limited approval rights.

The Manager has a limited history of managing investment vehicles like the Trust and its experience may be inadequate or unsuitable to manage the Trust. Although the Manager has a significant history of asset and property management, the past performances of the Manager in other investment vehicles is not an indication of its ability to manage an investment vehicle such as the Trust. If the experience of the Manager and its employees is inadequate or unsuitable to manage the Trust, the operations of the Trust may be adversely affected.

The Trust may need to find and appoint a replacement Manager quickly, which could pose a challenge to the operations of the Trust. The Majority Certificateholders could decide to replace the current Manager. Transferring responsibilities to another party will likely be complex and could subject the Trust to the risk of loss during the transfer, which could have a negative impact on the value of the Trust Certificates or result in loss of the Trust’s assets and the Manager may also resign. The Trustee and the Certificateholders may not be able to find a party willing to serve as the Manager under the same terms as the current Management Agreement. To the extent that the Trustee and the Certificateholders are not able to find a suitable party willing to serve as the Manager, or to the extent that doing so requires entering into a modified Management Agreement that is less favorable for the Trust, the value of the Trust Certificates could be adversely affected.


Risks Relating to Taxes

If the Trust is not treated as a liquidating trust for federal tax purposes, there may be adverse tax consequences to the Trust and the Certificateholders. Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the Trust was organized with the intention that it qualify as a liquidating trust under applicable federal income tax rules. A liquidating trust is treated as a grantor trust, which is a pass-through entity for federal income tax purposes. However, no legal opinions have been requested from counsel, and no rulings have been or will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), as to the tax treatment of the Trust. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert, and that a court would not conclude, that the Trust does not qualify as a liquidating trust. If the Trust does not qualify as a liquidating trust, it is intended that the Trust be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (which would also be a pass-through entity for federal income tax purposes although the tax consequences of owning a partnership may differ from those of owning a grantor trust in some respects, possibly adversely); however, that treatment as a partnership is also not certain. Because a significant proportion of the Trust’s income is

14


expected to be real property rents received from Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC or an assignee or sub-lessee thereof, the Trust Agreement includes restrictions on the transferability of Trust Certificates to Certificateholders that directly or indirectly own 4.9% or more of the Trust Certificates, which restrictions are intended to ensure that the Trust’s rental income is not treated as received from a lessee or sub-lessee that is treated as related to the Trust for purposes of the publicly traded partnership “qualifying income” rules. These restrictions are intended to preserve the status of the Trust’s rental income as “qualifying income” and thus, preserve the Trust’s status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the event that the Trust is not treated as a grantor trust. However, Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC is permitted to transfer its rights and obligations under the Master Leases in a variety of situations and the Trust may be unable to control who becomes a lessee or sublessee thereunder. Accordingly, even if the Trust Agreement’s transfer restrictions are complied with, they may not prevent some or all of the Trust’s rental income from being treated as related party rent for purposes of the publicly traded partnership rules, which could cause the Trust to fail to qualify as a partnership. If the Trust does not qualify as a liquidating trust and is not treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, there may be adverse federal income tax consequences, including taxation of the income of the Trust at the entity level, which could reduce the amount of cash available for distributions to the Certificateholders, and additional tax payable by the Certificateholders upon their receipt of distributions.

A Certificateholder’s tax liability could exceed distributions. Given the intended treatment of the Trust as a liquidating trust treated as a grantor trust for federal income tax purposes, the Certificateholders will be subject to tax on their share of the Trust’s income, regardless of whether any distributions are made by the Trust. Therefore, for any particular year, taxable income recognized by a Certificateholder with respect to its Trust Certificates may exceed the amount of distributions, if any, that are made, in which case such Certificateholder would need to satisfy any tax liabilities arising from the ownership of Trust Certificates from such Certificateholder’s own funds.

Before purchasing Trust Certificates, investors are urged to engage in careful tax planning with a tax professional. The federal income tax treatment of the Trust Certificates is complex and may not be clear in all cases. Additionally, the federal income tax treatment of the Trust Certificates may vary depending on the investor’s particular facts and circumstances. Investors other than individual citizens or residents of the United States or United States corporations should consider the impact of their status on the tax treatment of such an investment.

Purchasers of Trust Certificates may be required to make special calculations to determine tax gain or loss on the sale of Trust Certificates. The owner of beneficial interests in a grantor trust (like a Trust Certificate) for most federal income tax purposes is treated as owning its proportionate share of the trust’s assets, incurring its proportionate share of the trust’s liabilities and earning its proportionate share of the income of the trust. The Trust does not maintain a separate basis account for any subsequent purchaser of a Trust Certificate in an open market transaction. However, to the extent the Trust is treated as a grantor trust, such a subsequent purchaser may be treated as though such purchaser purchased the assets of the Trust deemed to have been owned by the selling Certificateholder by reason of owning Trust Certificates. The subsequent purchaser should have a fair market value tax basis in the acquired Trust Certificates equal to such purchaser’s purchase price of the Trust Certificates. However, the books and records of the Trust may not reflect this new basis. Upon the sale of assets by the Trust, such a subsequent purchaser may need to make special calculations to report correctly its share of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. Investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Trust Certificates.

The ownership and disposition of Trust Certificates may give rise to adverse tax consequences for non-U.S. and certain tax-exempt Certificateholders. The Trust is expected to sell or otherwise dispose of its assets as quickly as commercially possible. Until individual assets are sold, such assets will generate rental income pursuant to the Master Leases. Such income will be allocated to the Certificateholders, and each Certificateholder should assume this income may be treated as income from the active conduct of a trade or business in the United States for federal income tax purposes. As a result, a non-U.S. Certificateholder that is not otherwise required to file federal income tax returns or pay federal income tax may be deemed engaged in such a U.S. trade or business and required to file a federal income tax return and pay federal income tax with respect to income (including income allocated to it by the

15


Trust) that is connected to such trade or business. If the rental income is not treated as income from the active conduct of a U.S. trade or business, a non-US. Certificateholder generally would be subject to 30% gross basis withholding tax (or such lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty) on distributions that are attributable to such rental income unless a special election is made to treat such rental income as income from a U.S. trade or business. In addition, gain arising in connection with the disposition of Properties is expected to be treated as gain from the disposition of a U.S. real property interest, subject to federal income tax for a non-U.S. Certificateholder. A withholding agent may withhold at the highest applicable rate on distributions to non-U.S. Certificateholders that are attributable to any such dispositions, and non-U.S. Certificateholders will be required to file federal income tax returns and pay federal income tax, to the extent not previously withheld, on their allocable share of any gain. A Certificateholder that is a non-U.S. corporation may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax (or such lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for each taxable year, as adjusted for certain taxes.
If a Certificateholder disposes of Trust Certificates, such disposition generally will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a disposition of an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets of the Trust. As such, unless the Trust Certificates are considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (“FIRPTA”), any amounts received on the disposition of the Trust Certificates that are attributable to a non-U.S. Certificateholder’s deemed disposition of a U.S. real property interest held by the Trust generally will be taxed on a net income basis in the manner described above. In addition, a buyer of Trust Certificates generally would be required to withhold 15% of the purchase price for such Trust Certificates to the extent the disposition of such Trust Certificates by the seller is attributable to the deemed disposition of underlying assets that constitute U.S. real property interests. If the Trust Certificates are considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of FIRPTA, the disposition of the Trust Certificates generally would be subject to the rules under FIRPTA that govern publicly traded interests in publicly traded corporations. In such case, a non-U.S. Certificateholder that is not otherwise required to file federal income tax returns or pay federal income tax generally would only be subject to federal income tax under FIRPTA if such non-U.S. Certificateholder owned more than 5% of the Trust Certificates at any time during an applicable measuring period. It is not clear whether the Trust Certificates will be considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of FIRPTA. These restrictions and the restrictions described below may make ownership and disposition of the Trust Certificates less attractive.

Certain tax-exempt Certificateholders may be subject to tax with respect to their share of the Trust’s income if such income is unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”), including income treated as “debt financed” income. Tax-exempt Certificateholders are strongly encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding all aspects of UBTI.

The Certificateholders may be subject to state and local income taxes and may have to file tax returns in each jurisdiction where a Property is located. The Trust owns real property located in a significant number of U.S. states. Many U.S. states impose income taxes on income earned with respect to real property located in such jurisdiction, including on gains resulting from the disposition of such property. States or localities that respect the pass-through nature of the Trust for tax purposes may require a Certificateholder to file a tax return and pay income tax in their jurisdiction. Because the Trust owns properties in 35 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, this could result in the Certificateholders being required to file tax returns and paying taxes in a large number of jurisdictions.

Expenses incurred by the Trust may not be deductible by the Certificateholders. Expenses incurred by the Trust generally will be deemed to have been proportionately paid by each Certificateholder. As such, these expenses may not be deductible or may be subject to limitations on deductibility. Investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Trust Certificates.


16


Risks Relating to Accounting, Financial Reporting and Information Management

The Properties may be subject to impairment charges that may materially affect our financial results. Economic and other conditions may adversely impact the valuation of our assets, resulting in impairment charges that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and earnings. On a regular basis, we evaluate our assets for impairments based on various triggers, including changes in the projected cash flows of such assets and market conditions. If we determine that an impairment has occurred, then we would be required to make an adjustment to the net carrying value of the asset, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the accounting period in which the adjustment is made. Furthermore, changes in estimated future cash flows due to a change in our plans, policies or views of market and economic conditions could result in the recognition of additional impairment losses for already impaired assets, which, under the applicable accounting guidance, could be material.

If the Trust is unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, the accuracy and timeliness of its financial reporting may be adversely affected. If the Trust identifies one or more material weaknesses in the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting, the Trust may be required to disclose that its internal control over financial reporting is ineffective. Were this to occur, the Trust could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of its financial reports, which could have a material adverse effect on the Trust’s reputation and the value of the Trust Certificates.

Any decision on the part of the Trust, as an emerging growth company, to choose reduced disclosures applicable to emerging growth companies could make the Trust Certificates less attractive to investors. The Trust is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Securities Act, and for so long as it continues to be an emerging growth company, it may choose to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies, including the extended transition period for complying with new or revised financial accounting standards. As a result of our reduced reporting, investors may be unable to compare our business with other companies in our industry if they believe that our financial accounting is not as transparent or complete as other companies in our industry. No assurance can be given that this reduced reporting will not have an impact on the price of the Trust Certificates. We are not required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to auditor's attestation reports on the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting, accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.

The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for emerging growth companies, including certain requirements relating to accounting standards and compensation disclosure. We are classified as an emerging growth company. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years, unlike other public companies, we are not required to (1) provide an auditor's attestation report on the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (2) comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards applicable to public companies until such standards are also applicable to private companies under Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act, (3) comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer, (4) comply with any new audit rules adopted by the PCAOB after April 5, 2012 unless the SEC determines otherwise, (5) provide certain disclosures regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies or (6) hold stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation.

Once we are no longer an emerging growth company, so long as shares of common stock are not traded on a securities exchange, we will be deemed to be a “non-accelerated filer” under the Exchange Act, and as a non-accelerated filer, we will be exempt from compliance with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, so long as we are externally managed by the Manager and we do not directly compensate our executive officers, or reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for salaries, bonuses, benefits and

17


severance payments for any persons who also serve as one of our executive officers or as an executive officer of the Manager, we do not have any executive compensation, making the exemptions listed in (5) and (6) above generally inapplicable.

We cannot predict if investors will find the Trust Certificates less attractive because we choose to rely on any of the exemptions discussed above.

Information technology, data security breaches and other similar events could harm the Trust. The Trust and its service providers, including the Manager, rely on information technology and other computer resources to perform operational activities as well as to maintain the Trust’s business records and financial data. These computer systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer attacks by hackers, viruses, catastrophes, hardware and software failures and breach of data security protocols by its personnel or third-party service providers. Cyber incidents have been increasing in sophistication and frequency and can include third parties gaining access to employee or customer data using stolen or inferred credentials, computer malware, viruses, spamming, phishing attacks, ransomware, card skimming code, and other deliberate attacks and attempts to gain unauthorized access. Although the Trust has implemented administrative and technical controls and taken other actions to minimize the risk of cyber incidents and otherwise protect its information technology, computer intrusion efforts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, thereby increasing the difficulty of detecting and defending against them, and even the controls that the Trust has installed might be breached. The techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyberattacks and compromise information technology systems, as well as the sources and targets of these attacks, change and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for some time. In addition, there has been an increase in state sponsored cyberattacks which are often conducted by capable, well-funded groups. The rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies amplifies these concerns.

Additionally, security breaches of the Trust’s information technology systems could result in the misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure of proprietary, personal and confidential information, which could result in significant financial or reputational damages to the Trust. Further, most of these computer resources are provided to the Trust or are maintained on behalf of the Trust by third-party service providers pursuant to agreements that specify certain security and service level standards, but which ultimately are outside of the Trust’s control. The Trust's third-party service providers or business partners’ information technology systems, or hardware/software provided by such third parties for use in our information technology systems, may be vulnerable to similar threats and our business could be affected by those or similar third-party relationships.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

We rely on our technology infrastructure and information systems to perform operational activities as well as to maintain the Trust’s business records and financial data. Our internally developed system and processes, may be susceptible to damage or interruption from cybersecurity threats, which include any unauthorized access to our information systems that may result in adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of such systems or the related information. Potential cybersecurity threats include terrorist or hacker attacks, the introduction of malicious computer viruses, ransomware, falsification of banking and other information, insider risk, or other security breaches. Such attacks have become more and more sophisticated over time, especially as threat actors have become increasingly well-funded by, or themselves include, governmental actors with significant means. We expect that sophistication of cyber-threats will continue to evolve as threat actors increase their use of AI and machine-learning technologies. Many threat actors are well funded.

We have implemented controls and processes to assess, identify, and manage cybersecurity risks, including potentially material risks, related to our internal information systems and our products. The Trust’s management,

18


including its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has direct oversight of the management of cybersecurity risks.

Management oversees our enterprise risk management process. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we conduct an annual comprehensive enterprise risk assessment, which includes details of our management of enterprise-wide risk topics, such as those related to cybersecurity risks. Management receives the full results of the annual enterprise risk assessment, including an evaluation of cybersecurity risks presented, a detailed description of the actions we have taken to mitigate these risks and an analysis of cybersecurity threats and incidents across the industry. Management reviews the results of the enterprise risk assessment in detail on a regular basis.

We have adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework to continually evaluate and enhance our cybersecurity procedures. Activities include technical security controls, enhanced data protection, the maintenance of backup and protective systems, policy review and implementation and periodic assessments of third-party service providers to assess cyber preparedness of key vendors.

We are not aware of any risks from cybersecurity threats, including any cybersecurity incidents, which have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Trust, including its business, results of operations or financial condition. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, specifically “Information technology, data security breaches and other similar events could harm the Trust,” for additional discussion about cybersecurity-related risks.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

For summary information regarding our owned and ground-leased Retail Properties as of December 31, 2023, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Square feet and annual base rent are presented in thousands. For additional details on our Retail Properties, see “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Schedule III)” herein.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject, from time to time, to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Neither the Trust nor any of its subsidiaries are currently a party as plaintiff or defendant to and none of our properties are the subject of any pending legal proceedings that we believe to be material or that individually or in the aggregate would be expected to have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations if determined adversely to us. We are not aware of any similar proceedings that are contemplated by governmental authorities.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.




19


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

There is currently a limited trading market for the Trust Certificates.

Holders

At March 8, 2024, we had one Certificateholder of record because all our Certificates are in book entry form through the Depository Trust Company. The number of beneficial owners is substantially greater than the number of record holders, because all of our Certificates are held in “street name” by banks and brokers.

Dividend Policy

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Trust paid distributions to the Certificateholders of $126,002 or $1.68 per certificate and $824,215 or $10.99 per certificate, respectively.

The Trust is required to distribute on a monthly basis the proceeds from lease payments under the Master Leases (until such time as all of the Properties have been sold) and all sales proceeds from the disposition of Properties, in each case pro rata, to the Certificateholders as of the record date immediately preceding the applicable distribution date. Such distributions shall be net of tax payments to be made by the Trust, fees and expenses of the Trustee, the Manager and any other professional advisors, and funds to be set aside for the Trustee’s and Manager’s reserve accounts pursuant to the Trust Agreement.

Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Trust Purchases of Equity Securities

There were no purchases of equity securities by the Trust during the year ended December 31, 2023.

ITEM 6. RESERVED


20


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Certain statements in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor from civil liability provided for such statements by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described or that they will happen at all. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or “anticipates” and variations of such words or similar expressions or the negative of such words. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategies, plans or intentions. Risks, uncertainties and changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
economic, business and financial conditions, and changes in our industry and changes in the real estate markets in particular;
economic and other developments in markets where we have a high concentration of properties;
our business strategy;
our projected operating results;
rental rates and/or vacancy rates;
material deterioration in operating performance or credit of Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC;
frequency and magnitude of defaults on, early terminations of or non-renewal of leases by tenant;
bankruptcy, insolvency or general downturn in the business of Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC;
adverse impact of e-commerce developments and shifting consumer retail behavior on our tenant;
interest rates or operating costs;
real estate and zoning laws and changes in real property tax rates;
real estate valuations;
our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to make distributions to our Certificateholders;
our ability to obtain necessary outside financing;
the availability, terms and deployment of capital;
general volatility of the capital and credit markets and the market price of our Certificates;
risks generally associated with real estate dispositions, including our ability to identify and pursue disposition opportunities;
composition of members of our executive officers;
the ability of the Manager, Trustee or other service providers to attract and retain qualified personnel;
governmental regulations, tax laws and rates and similar matters;
our compliance with laws, rules and regulations;
environmental uncertainties and exposure to natural disasters;
pandemics or other public health crises, such as COVID-19, and the related impact on (i) our ability to manage our properties, finance our operations and perform necessary administrative and reporting functions and (ii) our tenant’s ability to operate their businesses, generate sales and meet their financial obligations, including the obligation to pay rent, capital expenditures and other charges as specified in their leases;
geopolitical events, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, among others, government responses to such events and the related impact on the economy both nationally and internationally;
insurance coverage; and
the likelihood or actual occurrence of terrorist attacks in the U.S.


21


For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this report. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to us (or to third parties making the forward-looking statements). We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as required by applicable law.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this report.
Principal External Factors that Affect our Results of Operations

Inflation Risk and Economic Conditions

Although disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic have subsided, inflation, rising interest rates, reduced consumer spending, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and global capital markets volatility pose continued risk to the Company and the U.S. economy. The ongoing and potential future impacts of global conflicts, such as between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, among others, is also contributing to economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Downturns in the general economy could cause a decline in the demand for our properties and our Tenants’ products. Our operations could also be impacted by inflation and increased interest rates. Inflation did not have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

While we did not incur any disruptions to our lease income and occupancy during the year ended December 31, 2023 as a result of these adverse political and economic conditions, credit markets or other events, any of these events could materially adversely impact the Trust or Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC's business. The Trust continues to closely monitor economic, financial and social conditions, including the effects of inflation.

Climate Change and ESG Regulations

As discussed in Item 1, "Environmental Matters" and Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Environmental compliance costs and liabilities associated with the Properties may materially impair the value of those assets.”, our Properties are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws. We have made, and will continue to make, capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. While we do not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or competitive position as a result of our efforts to comply with such requirements, new or more stringent laws or regulations regarding environmental and worker health and safety laws could affect our operations and increase our operational and compliance expenditures. It is also possible that liabilities from newly-discovered non-compliance or contamination could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Executive Summary
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust exists for the sole purpose of collecting rent, holding, administering, distributing and monetizing the Properties for the benefit of Certificateholders. As of December 31, 2023, we owned 130 retail operating properties, 21 of which are encumbered by ground leases, across 35 U.S. states and Puerto Rico representing 17.3 million square feet of leasable space. The number of retail operating properties decreased to 130 as of December 31, 2023 from 133 as of December 31, 2022 as a result of three dispositions during 2023.


22


The following table summarizes our portfolio as of December 31, 2023:

Retail Properties
# of Properties
(a)
(a)
(a)
StateFee OwnedGround LeaseTotalSquare Feet (Buildings)Lease income for the Year ended December 31, 2023 Lease income as % of totalLease income for the Year ended December 31, 2022Lease income as % of totalLease income for the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021Lease income as % of total
CA17213,103 18,940 18.8 %18,915 18.8 %17,338 18.8 %
TX17212,147 13,066 13.0 %13,046 13.0 %11,959 13.0 %
FL891,292 8,529 8.5 %8,516 8.5 %7,806 8.5 %
NJ5— 5883 5,055 5.0 %5,050 5.0 %4,630 5.0 %
WA34666 4,538 4.5 %4,532 4.5 %4,154 4.5 %
NY13470 4,352 4.3 %4,311 4.3 %3,952 4.3 %
IL5— 5845 4,078 4.1 %4,072 4.1 %3,733 4.1 %
NV23438 3,424 3.4 %3,419 3.4 %3,134 3.4 %
AZ4— 4493 3,402 3.4 %3,397 3.4 %3,114 3.4 %
MI6— 6863 3,399 3.4 %3,394 3.4 %3,111 3.4 %
OH5— 5645 3,060 3.0 %3,056 3.0 %2,801 3.0 %
PA4— 4555 2,928 2.9 %2,924 2.9 %2,681 2.9 %
CO23362 2,101 2.1 %2,099 2.1 %1,924 2.1 %
KY12251 1,848 1.8 %1,846 1.8 %1,692 1.8 %
NM2— 2266 1,834 1.8 %1,832 1.8 %1,679 1.8 %
Other27333,988 20,086 20.0 %20,048 20.0 %18,387 20.0 %
Total Retail10921130$17,267 $100,640 100 %$100,457 100 %$92,095 100 %

(a) For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, lease income recognized from the portfolio as of December 31, 2023 consists of the following:

Year ended December 31, 2023Year ended December 31, 2022Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Base rent$101,114 $100,978 $46,282 
Straight-line rental income(2,324)(2,324)44,151 
Amortization of above and below market lease(2,212)(2,212)(2,027)
Ground lease reimbursement income4,062 4,015 3,689 
Lease income$100,640 $100,457 $92,095 


23


Company Highlights — Year ended December 31, 2023
Acquisitions
We had no acquisition activity during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Dispositions

The following table summarizes the disposition activity during the year ended December 31, 2023:

Sale DateLocationProperty TypeOwnershipSquare FootageGross Sales ProceedsAggregate Proceeds, Net
Gain (Loss)
3/22/23Temecula, CARetailFee Simple125 $6,000 $5,869 $(496)
8/9/23Katy, TXRetailFee Simple100 $11,282 $11,029 $2,687 
12/6/23South Jordan, UTRetailFee Simple99 $4,475 $4,385 $(579)
324 $21,757 21,283 $1,612 

In December 2021, a Retail Property in Queens, New York was sold for aggregate sales proceeds, net of $38,785, of which $1,326 was held in escrow after closing. In March 2023, the amounts held in escrow were released to the Trust and included in gain on sales of investment properties, net. During the year ended December 31, 2023, net gain on sales of investment properties was $2,936, which includes a gain of $1,326 less $2 of selling expenses, from the release of escrow from the Retail Property in Queens, New York and a net gain of $1,612 from the dispositions of the Retail Properties in Temecula, California, Katy, Texas and South Jordan, Utah.

Leasing Activity

There was no leasing activity during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Capital Markets
There was no capital markets activity during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Distributions
We paid distributions to the Certificateholders of $126,002 or $1.68 per certificate during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Results of Operations
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net income attributable to Certificateholders was $69,161 or $0.92 per Certificate, as compared to $87,508 or $1.17 per Certificate for the corresponding period in 2022.
The following describes the changes on the Trust’s consolidated statements of operations that resulted in the decrease to net income attributable to Certificateholders during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:

Lease income - The decrease in lease income of $6,813 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period in 2022, is due to dispositions during 2022 and 2023.


24


Operating expenses - The decrease in operating expenses of $1,081 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period in 2022, is primarily due to decreases in management fees paid to the Manager and other taxes paid to governmental authorities.

Depreciation and amortization - The decrease in depreciation and amortization of $1,447 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period in 2022, is due to dispositions during 2022 and 2023.

General and administrative expenses - The decrease in general and administrative expenses of $3,651 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period in 2022, is primarily due to decreases in insurance expense and legal expenses.
Gain on sales of investment properties, net - For the year ended December 31, 2023, gain on sales of investment properties, net of $2,936 includes a net gain of $1,324 from a disposition that occurred in 2021 and a net gain of $1,612 from the dispositions of three Retail Properties for aggregate sales proceeds of $21,283. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the gain on sales of investment properties, net of $21,726 was due to the disposition of fourteen Retail Properties for aggregate sales proceeds of $156,252.

Other income - Other income consists of interest income earned on investments in money market instruments and non-recurring income. The increase in other income of $1,077 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period in 2022, is primarily due to an increase in interest income.

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2022 to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021

For the year ended December 31, 2022, net income attributable to Certificateholders was $87,508 or $1.17 per certificate, as compared to $196,716 or $2.62 per certificate period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021.

The following describes the changes on the Trust’s consolidated statements of operations that resulted in the decrease to net income attributable to Certificateholders during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021:

Lease income - The decrease in lease income of $38,529 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, is due to dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2022 and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021.

Depreciation and amortization - The decrease in depreciation and amortization of $14,490 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 is due to dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2022 and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021.

Provision for impairment of investment properties - During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Trust did not remeasure any investment properties to fair value on a nonrecurring basis, and no impairment charges were recorded. During the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, the Trust remeasured two Retail Properties to fair value and recognized a provision for impairment of $1,951.

Gain on sales of investment properties, net - During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Trust sold fourteen Retail Properties for aggregate sales proceeds of $156,252, which resulted in a gain on sales of investment properties, net of $21,726. During the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, the Trust sold all six Warehouses and thirteen Retail Properties for aggregate sales proceeds of $793,647, which resulted in a gain on sales of investment properties, net of $109,696.

25



Net operating income ("NOI")

We define NOI as all revenues other than (i) straight-line rental income (non-cash), (ii) amortization of above and below market lease intangibles, (iii) interest income and (iv) non-cash ground lease reimbursement income, less all operating expenses other than non-cash ground rent expense, which is comprised of amortization of right-of-use lease assets and amortization of lease liabilities, depreciation and amortization, and formation expenses. We believe that NOI, which is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure, provides an additional and useful operating perspective not immediately apparent from “Net income” in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). We do not, nor do we suggest that investors should, consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Comparison of our presentation of NOI to similarly titled measures for other entities may not necessarily be meaningful due to possible differences in definition and application by such entities. For reference and as an aid in understanding our computation of NOI, a reconciliation of net income as computed in accordance with GAAP to NOI for the Reporting Periods is as follows:

Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Net income $69,161 $87,508 $196,716 
Adjustments to reconcile to NOI:
Depreciation and amortization of real estate19,245 20,692 35,182 
Provision for impairment of investment properties— — 1,951 
Gain on sales of investment properties, net(2,936)(21,726)(109,696)
Straight-line rental income, net2,346 2,498 (58,037)
Amortization of above and below market lease intangibles, net2,207 1,691 405 
Interest income(1,190)(427)— 
Formation expenses— — 364 
Non-cash ground rent expense, net5,981 6,160 5,782 
Non-cash ground lease reimbursement income (4,062)(4,015)(3,717)
NOI$90,752 $92,381 $68,950 
The decrease in NOI of $1,629 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, is primarily from (i) a net decrease in lease income of $6,496 due to the dispositions of fourteen Retail Properties in 2022 and the dispositions of three Retail Properties in 2023, partially offset by (ii) a net decrease in general and administrative expenses of $3,651, (iii) a net decrease in operating expenses of $902 and (iv) an increase in non-recurring other income of $314.

The increase in NOI was $23,431 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, is primarily due to the expiration of a 50% rent abatement at December 31, 2021 which resulted in a net increase in lease income of $22,994, however the increase in lease income would have been larger if not for the dispositions of thirteen Retail Properties and six Warehouses during the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 and the dispositions of fourteen Retail Properties during the year ended December 31, 2022.


26


Funds from Operations
The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, an industry trade group, has promulgated a financial measure known as funds from operations ("FFO"). As defined by NAREIT, FFO means net income computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding (i) depreciation and amortization related to real estate, (ii) gains from sales of real estate assets, (iii) gains and losses from change in control and (iv) provisions for impairment of investment properties. We have adopted the NAREIT definition in our computation of FFO attributable to Certificateholders. Management believes that, subject to the following limitations, FFO attributable to Certificateholders provides a basis for comparing our performance and operations to REITs.
We define Operating FFO attributable to Certificateholders as FFO attributable to Certificateholders excluding the impact of discrete non-operating transactions and other events which we do not consider representative of the comparable operating results of our real estate operating portfolio, which is our core business platform. Specific examples of discrete non-operating transactions and other events include, but are not limited to, the impact on earnings, which are not otherwise adjusted in our calculation of FFO attributable to Certificateholders.
We believe that FFO and Operating FFO, which are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures, provide an additional and useful means to assess our operating performance compared to REITs. FFO and Operating FFO do not represent alternatives to (i) “Net Income” or “Net income attributable to Certificateholders” as indicators of our financial performance, or (ii) “Cash flows from operating activities” in accordance with GAAP as measures of our capacity to fund cash needs, including the payment of dividends. Comparison of our presentation of Operating FFO to similarly titled measures for REITs may not necessarily be meaningful due to possible differences in definition and application by such REITs.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to FFO and Operating FFO:
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Period from Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Net income$69,161 $87,508 $196,716 
Depreciation and amortization of real estate19,245 20,692 35,182 
Gain on sales of investment properties, net(2,936)(21,726)(109,696)
FFO$85,470 $86,474 $124,153 
FFO per certificate outstanding – basic and diluted$1.14 $1.15 $1.66 
FFO$85,470 $86,474 $124,153 
Dead deal costs553 514 — 
Formation expenses— — 364 
Operating FFO$86,023 $86,988 $124,517 
Operating FFO per certificate outstanding – basic and diluted$1.15 $1.16 $1.66 
The decrease in FFO and Operating FFO of $1,004 and $965, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily from (i) a decrease in lease income of $6,813 due to dispositions in 2022 and 2023, partially offset by (ii) a net decrease in general and administrative expenses of $3,690, (iii) a net decrease in operating expenses of $1,081 and (iv) an increase in other income of $1,077.
The decrease in FFO and Operating FFO of $37,679 and $37,529, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, is primarily due to the decrease of lease income of $38,529 resulting from dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2022 and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021.

27



Liquidity and Capital Resources
We anticipate that cash flows from the below-listed sources will provide adequate capital for the next 12 months and beyond to fund operations as well as for all Certificateholder distributions.
Our primary expected sources and uses of liquidity are as follows:
 SOURCES USES
Rental revenuesOperating and general and administrative expenses
Cash and cash equivalentsSales expenses
Net proceeds from the sale of real estateDistribution payments
The Trust has adopted a policy to maintain its cash equivalents in a government money market fund administered by a major bulge bracket investment banking firm which invests its assets only in (i) cash and (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the United States or certain U.S. government agencies and having a weighted average life and weighted average maturity of no more than 120 days and 60 days, respectively. Each of these government money market funds is managed to maintain a stable net asset value, thereby eliminating principal risk.

We had no indebtedness as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Debt Maturities
We have no scheduled maturities and principal amortization of our indebtedness, since we had no indebtedness as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Distributions
The Trust is required to distribute on a monthly basis, the net proceeds from lease payments under the Master Leases (until such time as all of the Properties have been sold) and all net sales proceeds from the disposition of Properties, in each case pro rata, to Certificateholders as of the record date immediately preceding the applicable distribution date. Such distributions shall be net of (i) tax payments to be made by the Trust, (ii) fees and expenses of the Trust, the Trustee, the Manager and any other professional advisors, and (iii) funds to be set aside for the Trustee’s and Manager’s reserve accounts.
We paid distributions to the Certificateholders of $126,002 or $1.68 per certificate during the year ended December 31, 2023, and $824,215 or $10.99 per certificate during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Dispositions
Net sales proceeds from the disposition of Properties were included in the distributions to Certificateholders. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, included in the amount we paid to Certificateholders was $33,768 and $733,622, respectively, of aggregate net sales proceeds.

Capital Expenditures

We anticipate that obligations related to capital improvements will not be significant as these are generally the responsibility of the Tenant under the Master Leases and should otherwise be met with cash flows from operations.

28


Summary of Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
Year ended December 31, 2023Year ended December 31, 2022Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Net cash provided by operating activities$92,497 $89,452 $78,429 
Net cash provided by investing activities22,609 156,163 793,647 
Net cash used in financing activities(126,002)(824,215)(270,117)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(10,896)(578,600)601,959 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at beginning of period48,922 627,522 25,563 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period$38,026 $48,922 $627,522 
Cash Flows from Operating and Investing Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 were $92,497, $89,452 and $78,429, respectively.

The increase of $3,045 for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022 is primarily due to an increase of $2,394 in other assets resulting from a reduction in insurance premium, but offset by decreases in lease income and depreciation and amortization due to the sale of three Retail Properties between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023.

The increase of $11,023 for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 is primarily attributable to the expiration of a 50% retail rent abatement as of December 31, 2021, but offset by properties sold during 2021 and 2022 and changes in other liabilities and accrued expenses due to timing of payments and reduction of liabilities acquired at acquisition.

Net cash provided by investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 were $22,609, $156,163 and $793,647, respectively. Investing activities consists primarily of proceeds from sales of investment properties, and the decrease in net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 is due to disposition activity in each Reporting Period.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, total net cash provided by operating and investing activities was $115,106, however $126,002 was distributed to Certificateholders in 2023, of which $22,944 were distributions of cash flows from operating and investing activities received during December 2022.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, total net cash provided by operating and investing activities was $245,615, however $824,215 was distributed to Certificateholders in 2022, of which $600,851 from cash flows provided by operating and investing activities received during December 2021.

Management believes that cash flows from operations and sales of investment properties and existing cash and cash equivalents will provide sufficient liquidity to sustain future operations; however, we cannot provide any such assurances.

29



Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows used in financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 were $126,002, $824,215 and $270,117, respectively. Financing activities consists of distributions paid to Certificateholders, however in 2021, financing activities also included payments of an assumed liability for transaction costs of $8,651.

Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2023, we have 21 properties that are subject to long-term non-cancelable ground leases. These leases expire in various years from 2038 to 2096, including any available option periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised.

The following table summarizes the Trust’s obligations under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2023:
Payments due by period
2024$4,124 
20254,116 
20264,138 
20274,197 
20284,257 
Thereafter215,902 
Less imputed interest$(198,971)
Lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023$37,763 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. We base estimates on the best information available to us at the time, our experience and various other assumptions deemed reasonable under the circumstances. From time to time, we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions. In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain.

The following disclosure pertains to accounting policies and estimates we believe are most critical to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.


30


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Trust’s investment properties are reviewed for potential impairment at the end of each reporting period or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. At such evaluation date, the Trust separately determines whether impairment indicators exist for each property. Examples of situations considered to be impairment indicators include, but are not limited to:

a significant change in the credit quality of tenant;
a reduction in anticipated holding period;
a significant decrease in market price; and
any other quantitative or qualitative events or factors deemed significant by the Trust’s management.

If the presence of one or more impairment indicators as described above is identified on an evaluation date or at any point throughout the year with respect to a property, the asset is tested for recoverability by comparing its carrying value to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. An investment property is considered impaired when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than its current carrying value. When performing a test for recoverability or estimating the fair value of an impaired investment property, the Trust makes certain complex or subjective assumptions that include, but are not limited to:

projected operating cash flows considering factors such as vacancy rates, rental rates, lease terms, tenant financial strength, competitive positioning and property location;
estimated holding period or various potential holding periods when considering probability-weighted scenarios;
projected capital expenditures and lease origination costs;
projected cash flows from the anticipated or eventual disposition of an operating property;
comparable selling prices; and
property-specific capitalization rates and discount rates.

To the extent impairment has occurred, the Trust will record an impairment charge calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value. When an investment property has been identified as held-for-sale, the Trust suspends depreciation and estimates the sales price of the property net of selling costs. If the net sales price is less than the carrying value, the Trust will record a provision for impairment to adjust the carrying value to reflect the estimated fair value of the property.

The Trust's evaluation of market conditions for properties classified as held for sale requires judgment, and our expectations could differ materially from actual results. Provisions for impairment recorded as a result of the above estimates reduce the Trust's net income and could be material.

See also Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
None.

Subsequent Events
Subsequent to December 31, 2023, we paid monthly distributions to Certificateholders of $12,320 or $0.16 per certificate in January 2024, $6,342 or $0.08 per certificate in February 2024 and $7,716 or $0.10 per certificate in March 2024.


31


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk
We are not exposed to interest rate risk because we currently do not hold any long-term debt or derivatives. If we were to enter into long-term debt arrangements, our interest rate risk management objectives would be to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs.

As of December 31, 2023, we did not hold any fixed or variable rate debt, and did not hold any derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 238)
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Schedule III)
Schedules not filed:

All schedules other than the one listed in the Index have been omitted as the required information is either not applicable or the information is already presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements or related notes thereto.


32


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustee and Certificateholders of Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust and its subsidiaries (the “Trust”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the related consolidated statements of operations, of equity and of cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and for the period from January 30, 2021 (Effective Date) to December 31, 2021, including the related notes and schedule of real estate and accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 2023 appearing under Item 15(a)(ii)(1) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Trust as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and for the period from January 30, 2021 (Effective Date) to December 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Trust’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, IL
March 8, 2024
We have served as the Trust's auditor since 2021.

33


COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands except certificate amounts)

 As of
December 31,
2023
As of
December 31,
2022
Assets
Investment properties:
Land and improvements$408,064 $422,114 
Building and other improvements492,937 497,523 
 901,001 919,637 
Less: accumulated depreciation(41,818)(27,742)
Net investment properties
859,183 891,895 
Cash and cash equivalents38,026 48,922 
Accounts receivable39,504 42,685 
Lease intangible assets, net212,001 228,529 
Right-of-use lease assets, net85,254 87,086 
Other assets, net
522 831 
Total assets$1,234,490 $1,299,948 
 
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$1,224 $1,061 
Lease intangible liabilities, net93,078 101,920 
Lease liabilities37,763 37,676 
Other liabilities
8,603 8,628 
Total liabilities140,668 149,285 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
 
Equity:
Trust certificates, no par value, 75,000,000 certificates authorized, issued and outstanding, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022
  
Additional paid-in capital1,952,120 1,952,120 
Accumulated distributions in excess of earnings(858,298)(801,457)
Total equity1,093,822 1,150,663 
Total liabilities and equity$1,234,490 $1,299,948 









The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

34


COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

Year ended December 31, 2023Year ended December 31, 2022Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Revenues:
Lease income$101,582 $108,395 $146,924 
 
Expenses:
Operating expenses12,610 13,691 14,262 
Depreciation and amortization19,245 20,692 35,182 
Provision for impairment of investment properties  1,951 
General and administrative expenses5,263 8,914 8,145 
Total expenses37,118 43,297 59,540 
 
Other income:
Gain on sales of investment properties, net2,936 21,726 109,696 
Other income1,761 684  
Formation expenses  (364)
Total other income4,697 22,410 109,332 
Net income$69,161 $87,508 $196,716 
 
Earnings per certificate – basic and diluted:
Net income per certificate - basic and diluted$0.92 $1.17 $2.62 
Weighted average number of certificates outstanding – basic and diluted75,000,000 75,000,000 75,000,000 









The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

35


COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Consolidated Statements of Equity
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

Trust CertificatesAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated Distributions in Excess of EarningsTotal Equity
Balance as of January 30, 2021 (Effective Date)75,000,000 $1,952,120 $ $1,952,120 
Net income— — 196,716 R196,716 
Distributions paid to Certificateholders ($3.49 per certificate)
— — (261,466)(261,466)
Balance as of December 31, 202175,000,000 $1,952,120 $(64,750)$1,887,370 
Net income— — 87,508 R87,508 
Distributions paid to Certificateholders ($10.99 per certificate)
— — (824,215)(824,215)
Balance as of December 31, 202275,000,000 $1,952,120 $(801,457)$1,150,663 
Net income— — 69,161 R69,161 
Distributions paid to Certificateholders ($1.68 per certificate)
— — (126,002)(126,002)
Balance as of December 31, 202375,000,000 $1,952,120 $(858,298)$1,093,822 




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

36


COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

Year ended December 31, 2023Year ended December 31, 2022Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities: 
Net income$69,161 $87,508 $196,716 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization19,245 20,692 35,182 
Provision for impairment of investment properties  1,951 
Straight-line rental income, net2,346 2,498 (58,037)
Amortization of above/below market leases, net2,207 1,691 405 
Gain on sales of investment of properties, net(2,936)(21,726)(109,696)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Changes in accounts receivable160 26 (34)
Changes in other assets219 (2,175)(1,144)
Changes in right-of-use lease assets1,832 2,023 1,972 
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses201 (483)1,670 
Changes in lease liabilities87 122 93 
Changes in other liabilities(25)(724)9,351 
Net cash provided by operating activities92,497 89,452 78,429 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures for investment properties (89) 
Proceeds from sales of investment properties22,609 156,252 793,647 
Net cash provided by investing activities22,609 156,163 793,647 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Acquisition-related costs incurred subsequent to Inception  (8,651)
Distributions paid to Certificateholders(126,002)(824,215)(261,466)
Net cash used in financing activities(126,002)(824,215)(270,117)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(10,896)(578,600)601,959 
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period48,922 627,522 25,563 
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period$38,026 $48,922 $627,522 







The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

37

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)


(1) ORGANIZATION
Overview

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust, a New York common law trust (the “Trust,” “we,” “our” or “us”) was formed on December 21, 2020, in connection with the reorganization of Old Copper Company, Inc. (f/k/a J. C. Penney Company, Inc.) (“Old Copper”), effective as of January 30, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) pursuant to the terms of the Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Old Copper and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) (the “Plan of Reorganization”).

On the Effective Date, through separate wholly-owned property holding companies (the “PropCos”), the Trust acquired (as discussed below), 160 retail properties (the “Retail Properties”) and six distribution centers (the “Warehouses” and, together with the Retail Properties, the “Properties”), all of which were leased under two Master Leases (as discussed in Note 4) to one or more subsidiaries of Copper Retail JV LLC (“OpCo Purchaser”) (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC”), an entity formed by and under the joint control of Simon Property Group, L.P. and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. During 2021, the Trust sold all six Warehouses.

The Trust’s operations consist solely of (i) owning the Properties and interests as lessee of land under non-cancellable ground leases, (ii) leasing the Properties under the terms of the Retail Master Lease (as defined below) to Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC as the sole tenant and (iii) subject to market conditions and the conditions set forth in the Trust Agreement, selling the Properties to third-party purchasers through the PropCos.

As of December 31, 2023, the real estate portfolio consists of 130 Retail Properties, of which 21 are encumbered by ground leases, in the United States (the "U.S.") across 35 states and Puerto Rico, and comprising 17.3 million square feet of leasable space.
Formation

On May 15, 2020, the Debtors commenced voluntary cases under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Bankruptcy Court”).

On October 28, 2020, the Debtors entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with OpCo Purchaser, and Copper Bidco LLC (“PropCo Purchaser” and, together with OpCo Purchaser, the “Purchasers”), an entity formed on behalf of lenders under Old Copper’s (i) senior secured superpriority, priming debtor-in-possession credit facility (the “DIP Facility”), (ii) 5.875% senior secured notes due 2023 (the “First Lien Notes”) and (iii) Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2016 (the “Term Loan Facility” and together with the First Lien Notes, the “First Lien Debt”), pursuant to which the Purchasers agreed to acquire substantially all of the Debtors’ assets and assume certain of the Debtors’ obligations in connection with the purchased assets.

On December 12, 2020, the Debtors filed the Plan of Reorganization which was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on December 16, 2020.

On December 21, 2020, the Trust was formed in connection with the reorganization of Old Copper.

On the Effective Date, the Plan of Reorganization became effective pursuant to its terms, at which point PropCo Purchaser and GLAS Trust Company, LLC, as the Trust's independent third-party trustee (the "Trustee"), entered into an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (as amended, the “Trust Agreement”). In connection with the consummation of the transactions set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement and in exchange for a $1 billion
38

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

aggregate credit bid by PropCo Purchaser, comprising $900 million of claims under the DIP Facility and $100 million of claims, on a pro rata basis, under the First Lien Debt, and simultaneous release of obligations under the DIP Facility and First Lien Debt, Old Copper transferred (or caused its subsidiaries to transfer) its fee simple or ground leasehold title (as applicable) in certain properties to the PropCos and assigned (or caused such subsidiaries to assign) the Master Leases (as defined below) relating to the Properties to the Trust.

As a result, as of the Effective Date, the Trust owned, through the PropCos, 160 Retail Properties and six Warehouses, all of which were leased to one or more subsidiaries of Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC under two Master Leases. In connection with the foregoing, certain of the Debtors' lenders received their pro-rata portion of the equity interest in the Trust, as evidenced by the Trust Certificates (as defined below). The aggregate credit bid was not an indicator of the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the Trust as of the Effective Date, and it does not represent the full extent of debt that was owed to the creditor group.

The Trust accounted for the reorganization using fresh start accounting under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 852, which resulted in the Trust becoming a new entity for financial reporting purposes on the Effective Date. Accordingly, all assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value in accordance with accounting requirements for business combinations under ASC 805-20.

As of the Effective Date, Old Copper had no ability to exercise any control over the Properties or the Trust and has
no affiliation with the Trust. The Trust owns directly or indirectly 100% of the equity or partnership interests (as applicable) in the PropCos. Specifically, the PropCos include (i) CTL Propco I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CTL Propco I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and CTL Propco PR I LLC and CTL Propco PR II LLC, Puerto Rico limited liability companies, which collectively own the fee simple or ground leasehold title (as applicable) to the Retail Properties and (ii) CTL Propco II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and CTL Propco II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which collectively owned the fee simple title to the Warehouses. CTL Propco II LLC and CTL Propco II L.P. were dissolved on October 6, 2022.

Trust Agreement

The Trust is governed by the Trust Agreement between PropCo Purchaser and the Trustee. The Trust Agreement created a series of equity trust certificates designated as “Copper Property CTL Pass Through Certificates” (the “Trust Certificates”), 75 million of which were issued on the Effective Date. Each Trust Certificate represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the Trust and represents the interests of the holders of the Trust Certificates (“Certificateholders”) in the Trust. All Trust Certificateholders shall vote as a single class and shall be in all respects equally and ratably entitled to the benefits of the Trust Agreement without preference, priority or distinction on account of the actual time or times of authentication and delivery, all in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Trust Agreement.

The Trustee performs trust administration duties, including treasury management and certificate administration, and earns trustee fees. The Trust pays the Trustee an annual service fee of $100, which is amortized monthly, and are included in “General and administrative expenses” on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, the Trust incurred trustee fees of $100, $100 and $105, respectively.

On December 30, 2021, the Trust amended the Trust Agreement, without the consent of its Certificateholders (as provided in the Trust Agreement), to permit the Trust to invest moneys held by the Trust instead of holding them in non-interest bearing accounts. The Trust has adopted a policy to maintain its cash equivalents in a government money market fund administered by a major bulge bracket investment banking firm which invests its assets only in (i) cash and (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the United States or certain U.S. government agencies and having a weighted average life and weighted average maturity of no more than 120 days and 60 days, respectively. Each of these government money market funds is managed to maintain a stable net asset value, thereby eliminating principal risk. As a result of these investments, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 , the Trust earned interest
39

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

income of $1,190 and $427, respectively, which are included in "Other income" on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Management Agreement

The Trust has retained Hilco JCP LLC, an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC, as its independent third-party manager to perform asset management duties with respect to the Properties (together with any of its affiliates, replacement or successor, the “Manager”) pursuant to an agreement with an initial term of 24 months, with automatic six month renewals until the termination of the Trust. The Trust pays the Manager a base management fee (the “Base Fee”) and a fee for each property sold (the “Asset Management Fee”). The Base Fee is an amount equal to the greater of 5.75% of the lease payments of the Properties per month and $333 per month. The Asset Management Fees consist of a closing fee of $50 for each Warehouse sold and a success fee for each Retail Property and Warehouse sold which varies based on the sales proceeds and date sold.

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, the Trust incurred Base Fees of $5,869, $6,242 and $8,058, respectively, which are included in “Operating expenses” on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, of which $492 and $494 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were included in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, the Trust incurred Asset Management Fees of $86, $591 and $4,454, respectively, which are included in “Gain on sales of investment properties, net” on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

On May 12, 2021, the Trust filed a preliminary proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to solicit consent from Certificateholders to amend the Trust Agreement and Management Agreement. On June 11, 2021, following the expiration of the consent solicitation and upon receipt of the requisite approval from the Certificateholders, the Trust amended the Trust Agreement and the Management Agreement to effectuate the proposed amendments. As a result of the amendments, the Trust is now required to dispose of all Retail Properties by December 10, 2025.

(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the SEC.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. For example, significant estimates, judgments and assumptions were required in a number of areas, including, but not limited to, estimating the fair value of the investment properties as of the Effective Date, determining the useful lives of real estate properties, determination of the incremental borrowing rate in ground leases, reasonably certain lease terms for ground and master leases, and evaluating the impairment of long-lived assets.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Trust, as well as all wholly owned subsidiaries of the Trust. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Wholly owned subsidiaries consist of limited liability companies and limited partnerships. The Trust has evaluated the fee arrangements with the Trustee and Manager to determine if they represent a variable interest, and concluded that the fee arrangements do not create a variable interest.



40

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

Impairment of Investment Properties
The Trust’s investment properties are reviewed for potential impairment at the end of each reporting period or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. At such evaluation date, the Trust separately determines whether impairment indicators exist for each property. Examples of situations considered to be impairment indicators include, but are not limited to:
a significant change in the credit quality of tenant;
a reduction in anticipated holding period;
a significant decrease in market price; and
any other quantitative or qualitative events or factors deemed significant by the Trust’s management.
If the presence of one or more impairment indicators as described above is identified on an evaluation date or at any point throughout the year with respect to a property, the asset is tested for recoverability by comparing its carrying value to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. An investment property is considered impaired when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than its current carrying value. When performing a test for recoverability or estimating the fair value of an impaired investment property, the Trust makes certain complex or subjective assumptions that include, but are not limited to:
projected operating cash flows considering factors such as vacancy rates, rental rates, lease terms, tenant financial strength, competitive positioning and property location;
estimated holding period or various potential holding periods when considering probability-weighted scenarios;
projected capital expenditures and lease origination costs;
projected cash flows from the anticipated or eventual disposition of an operating property;
comparable selling prices; and
property-specific capitalization rates and discount rates.
To the extent impairment has occurred, the Trust will record an impairment charge calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, no impairment charge was recorded. For the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, the Trust recognized a provision for impairment of $1,951.
Investment Properties Held for Sale

In determining whether to classify an investment property as held for sale, the Trust considers whether (i) management has committed to a plan to sell the investment property, (ii) the investment property is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary, (iii) the Trust has a legally enforceable contract that has been executed and the buyer's due diligence period, if any, has expired, and (iv) actions required for the Trust to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that any significant changes will be made.
If all of the above criteria are met, the Trust classifies the investment property as held for sale. When these criteria are met, the Trust (i) suspends depreciation (including depreciation for tenant improvements and building improvements) and amortization of in-place lease intangibles and any above or below market lease intangibles and (ii) records the investment property held for sale at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value. The assets and liabilities associated with investment properties that are classified as held for sale are presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets for the most recent reporting period.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no properties classified as held for sale.
41

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Trust maintains its cash and cash equivalents at major financial institutions. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, cash equivalents consisted of investments in money market instruments. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $38,026 and $48,922 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The cash and cash equivalents balance at one or more of these financial institutions exceeds the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance coverage. The Trust periodically assesses the credit risk associated with these financial institutions and believes that the risk of loss is remote. While the Trust did not have any accounts with any recently failed financial institution, nor has it experienced any losses to date on its cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts, there is no assurance that financial institutions in which we hold our cash and cash equivalents will not fail, in which case we may be subject to a risk of loss or delay in accessing all or a portion of our funds exceeding the FDIC insurance coverage, which could adversely impact our short-term liquidity, ability to operate our business, and financial performance.
Lease Income and Accounts Receivable
The Trust accounts for leases under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 842. The Trust commenced recognition of lease income on its Master Leases (as discussed in Note 4) as of the Effective Date. In most cases, revenue recognition under a lease begins when the lessee takes possession or controls the physical use of the leased asset. Generally, this occurs on the lease commencement date. Lease income for leases that have fixed and measurable rent escalations, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease. The difference between such lease income earned and the cash rent due under the provisions of a lease is recorded as straight-line rent receivable or payable and is included as a component of “Accounts receivable” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
At lease commencement, the Trust estimated that collectibility was probable for the Master Leases due to the creditworthiness analysis performed. Throughout the lease term, individual leases are assessed for collectibility and upon the determination that the collection of rents over the remaining lease life is not probable, lease income is adjusted such that it is recognized on the cash basis of accounting. The Trust will remove the cash basis designation and resume recording lease income from such tenant on an accrual basis when the Trust believes that the collection of rent over the remaining lease term is probable and, generally, based upon a demonstrated payment history. For the Reporting Periods, lease income is accounted for on the accrual basis of accounting. As of December 31, 2023, lease payments of $8,583 received in advance under the terms of the Master Leases are included in "Other liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and will be recognized as lease income in January 2024. As of December 31, 2022, lease payments of $8,555 received in advance under the terms of the Master Leases are included in "Other liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and were recognized as lease income in January 2023.
The Trust records all changes in uncollectible lease income as an adjustment to “Lease income” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. During the Reporting Periods, there was no uncollectible lease income.
Right-of-use Lease Assets and Lease Liabilities
The Trust was assigned an interest as lessee of land under 23 non-cancellable ground leases with third party landlords which were classified as operating leases on the Effective Date. As of December 31, 2023, the Trust held an interest as lessee of land under 21 non-cancellable ground leases. Rental expense associated with land that the Trust leases under non-cancellable operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease. In accordance with the Master Lease, rental expense associated with land is paid directly by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC and is included in “Lease income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (see Note 4).
On the Effective Date, the Trust recognized right-of-use ("ROU") lease assets and lease liabilities for long-term ground leases. The lease liability is calculated by discounting future lease payments by the Trust’s incremental borrowing rate, which is determined through consideration of (i) the Trust’s entity-specific risk premium, (ii) observable market interest rates and (iii) lease term. The ROU asset is initially measured as the same amount as the lease liability and presented net of the Trust’s existing straight-line ground rent liabilities and ground lease
42

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

intangible liability. The lease liability is amortized based on changes in the value of discounted future lease payments and the ROU asset is amortized by the difference in the straight-line lease expense for the period and the change in value of the lease liability.
The Trust does not include option terms in its future lease payments where they are not reasonably certain to be exercised, however all option terms were considered to be reasonably certain of being exercised through the initial term of the Master Lease. The Trust has elected not to separate lease and non-lease components for operating leases.
Income Taxes
The Trust is intended to qualify as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d) or, in the event it is not so treated, a partnership other than a partnership taxable as a corporation under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
The Trust records a benefit, based on the GAAP measurement criteria, for uncertain income tax positions if the result of a tax position meets a “more likely than not” recognition threshold. All tax returns remain subject to examination by federal and various state tax jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no uncertain tax positions and the balance of unrecognized tax benefits was $0.
Segment Reporting

The Trust’s chief operating decision makers, which are comprised of its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, assess and measure the operating results of the Trust’s portfolio of properties based on net operating income and do not differentiate properties by geography, market, size or type. Each of the Trust’s investment properties is considered a separate operating segment, as each property earns revenue and incurs expenses, operating results are individually reviewed and discrete financial information is available. However, the Trust’s properties are aggregated into one reportable segment because (i) the properties have similar economic characteristics, (ii) the Trust provides similar services to its tenants and (iii) the Trust’s chief operating decision makers evaluate the collective performance of its properties.
Reclassifications

For the year ended December 31, 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, amounts have been reclassified from "changes in accounts receivable" to "straight-line rental income, net" in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows to conform with the 2023 presentation.

(3) INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 2023, the Trust's real estate portfolio consisted of 130 Retail Properties across 35 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

43

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

The following table presents the amortization during the next five years and thereafter related to the lease intangible assets and liabilities for properties owned as of December 31, 2023:
20242025202620272028ThereafterTotal
Amortization of:
Above market lease intangibles (a)$7,687 $7,687 $7,687 $7,687 $7,687 $92,240 $130,675 
In-place lease intangibles (a)4,784 4,784 4,784 4,784 4,784 57,406 81,326 
Lease intangible assets, net (b)$12,471 $12,471 $12,471 $12,471 $12,471 $149,646 $212,001 
Below market lease intangibles (a)$5,475 $5,475 $5,475 $5,475 $5,475 $65,703 $93,078 
Lease intangible liabilities, net (b)$5,475 $5,475 $5,475 $5,475 $5,475 $65,703 $93,078 

(a) Represents the portion of the leases in which the Trust is the lessor. The amortization of above market lease intangibles is recorded as a reduction to lease income, and the amortization of below market lease intangibles is recorded as an increase to lease income. The amortization of in-place lease intangibles is recorded to depreciation and amortization expense.

(b) As of December 31, 2023, lease intangible assets, net and lease intangible liabilities, net are presented net of $36,373 and $15,969 of accumulated amortization, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, lease intangible assets, net and lease intangible liabilities, net are presented net of $24,334 and $10,853 of accumulated amortization, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted average amortization period for lease intangible assets and lease intangible liabilities was 17.0 years and 18.0 years, respectively.

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 were as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2023Year ended December 31, 2022Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Amortization of:
In-place lease intangibles$4,827 $5,227 $6,397 
Above market lease intangibles$7,768 $7,975 $7,637 
Below market lease intangibles$5,561 $6,284 $7,232 

44

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

Dispositions

The following table summarizes the disposition activity during the year ended December 31, 2023:
Sale DateLocationProperty TypeOwnershipSquare FootageGross Sales ProceedsAggregate Proceeds, NetGain (Loss)
3/22/23Temecula, CARetailFee Simple125 $6,000 $5,869 $(496)
8/9/23Katy, TXRetailFee Simple100 $11,282 $11,029 $2,687 
12/6/23South Jordan, UTRetailFee Simple99 $4,475 $4,385 $(579)
324 $21,757 21,283 $1,612 
In December 2021, a Retail Property in Queens, NY was sold for aggregate sales proceeds, net of $38,785, of which $1,326 was held in escrow after closing. In March 2023, the amounts held in escrow were released to the Trust and included in gain on sales of investment properties, net. During the year ended December 31, 2023, net gain on sales of investment properties was $2,936, which includes a gain of $1,326 less $2 of selling expenses, from the release of escrow from the Retail Property in Queens, NY and a net gain of $1,612 from the dispositions of the Retail Properties in Temecula, CA, Katy, TX and South Jordan, UT.
The following table summarizes the disposition activity during the year ended December 31, 2022:
Sale DateLocationProperty TypeOwnershipSquare FootageGross Sales ProceedsAggregate Proceeds, Net
Gain (Loss)
1/6/22Culver City, CARetailFee Simple204 $22,000 $20,961 $3,651 
7/20/22Pleasanton, CARetailFee Simple156 16,000 15,799 4,795 
7/25/22Franklin, TNRetailFee Simple104 5,650 5,565 273 
8/25/22Nashua, NHRetailFee Simple105 6,550 6,454 972 
8/29/22Sterling, VARetailFee Simple126 5,650 5,546 (416)
9/9/22Five Property Portfolio (1)RetailFee Simple857 53,000 51,379 (1,232)
10/5/22Westminster, CARetailGround Lease153 23,000 22,613 7,528 
11/30/22Austin, TXRetailFee Simple144 13,200 12,777 3,672 
12/6/22Lafayette, LARetailFee Simple105 8,100 7,939 2,034 
12/15/22The Woodlands, TXRetailFee Simple146 7,760 7,219 449 
2,100 $160,910 $156,252 $21,726 
(1) Portfolio comprised of five Retail Properties located in Annapolis, MD, Springfield, VA, Fairfax, VA, Newark, DE and Columbia, MD.

45

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

The following table summarizes dispositions for the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021:

Sale DateLocationProperty TypeOwnershipSquare Footage (unaudited)Gross Sales ProceedsAggregate Proceeds, NetGain (Loss)
7/9/21San Diego, CARetailGround Lease269 $14,750 $14,523 $ (3)
7/29/21Lone Tree, CORetailFee Simple151 7,000 6,773 466 
7/29/21Frisco, TXRetailFee Simple164 10,500 10,300 291 
9/14/21San Bruno, CARetailFee Simple223 105,250 99,991 38,543 
9/30/21Carson, CARetailFee Simple201 19,000 18,310 2,675 
11/3/21Houston, TXRetailFee Simple140 12,000 11,788 2,489 
11/5/21San Antonio, TXRetailFee Simple104 12,500 12,057 3,148 
11/17/21Phoenix, AZRetailFee Simple159 7,000 6,896 1,236 
11/19/21Texas Portfolio(1)RetailFee Simple325 20,600 20,192 936 
12/17/21Distribution Center Portfolio(2)WarehouseFee Simple10,109 557,165 548,352 59,702 
12/23/21Queens, NYRetailFee Simple204 40,500 38,785  (3)
12/29/21Woodbury, MNRetailFee Simple82 5,750 5,680 210 
12,131 $812,015 $793,647 $109,696 
(1) Portfolio comprised of three Retail Properties located in Fairview, TX, Flower Mound, TX, and Round Rock, TX.
(2) Portfolio comprised of six Warehouses located in Statesville, NC, Columbus, OH, Lenexa, KS, Reno, NV, Haslet, TX, and Atlanta, GA.
(3) Prior to disposition, these Properties were remeasured to fair value and a provision for impairment of $1,951 was recognized (see Note 5).

The dispositions completed during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment and are not considered individually significant.

(4) LEASES
Leases as Lessor
The Retail Properties are leased pursuant to a single retail master lease (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Retail Master Lease”) and the Warehouses were leased pursuant to a single distribution center master lease (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “DC Master Lease”; together with the Retail Master Lease, the “Master Leases” and individually, each a “Master Lease”). On the Effective Date, Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC assigned all of its right, title and interest as lessor under the Master Leases to the applicable PropCo. Each of the Master Leases has an initial term of 20 years that commenced on December 7, 2020 and is classified as an operating lease. The Trust receives monthly base rent pursuant to the Master Leases, which was 50% abated through December 31, 2021 for each of the Retail Properties. At the beginning of the third lease year, base rent under the Retail Master Lease increases based on changes in the consumer price index (subject to a maximum 2% increase per year) and the increase is not included in fixed lease payments or the future undiscounted lease payments schedule. Upon the sale of the Warehouses in December 2021, the Trust assigned all of its right, title and interest as lessor in the DC Master Lease to the purchaser.
The Master Lease requires direct payment of all operating expenses, real estate taxes, ground lease payments (where applicable), capital expenditures and common area maintenance costs by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC and allows for lessor reimbursement if amounts are not directly paid. Expenses paid directly by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC are not included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, except for ground lease payments made by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC, since recording cash payments made by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC is necessary to relieve amounts due to the ground lessor included in the ground lease
46

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

liabilities. Ground lease payments made by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC of $4,062, $4,015 and $3,717 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, respectively, were paid directly to the ground lessor by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC and were included in “Lease income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

In certain municipalities, the Trust is required to remit sales and use taxes to governmental authorities based upon the rental income received from Properties. These taxes are required to be reimbursed by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC to the Trust in accordance with the terms of the Master Lease, and are presented net of reimbursement from Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, the Trust remitted sales and use taxes of $795, $681 and $285, respectively, which were fully reimbursed by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC as of the end of each corresponding Reporting Period.
From time to time the Trust may have leasing activity with replacement tenants other than Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC, but has had none to date.
Lease income related to the Trust’s operating leases during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021 is comprised of the following:

Year ended December 31, 2023Year ended December 31, 2022Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Lease income related to fixed and variable lease payments
Base rent$102,073 $108,569 $85,575 
Straight-line rental income, net (a)(2,346)(2,498)58,037 
Ground lease reimbursement income (b)4,062 4,015 3,717 
Other
Amortization of above and below market lease intangibles (c)(2,207)(1,691)(405)
Lease income$101,582 $108,395 $146,924 
(a)Represents the impact of straight-line rent (contractual rent exceeds straight line rent).
(b)Ground lease reimbursement income consists of lease payments due from the tenant for land leased under non-cancellable operating leases.
(c)Represents above and below market lease amortization recognized straight line over the lease term.

As of December 31, 2023, undiscounted lease payments to be received under operating leases, for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
Lease Payments
2024$100,978 
2025100,978 
2026100,978 
2027100,978 
2028100,978 
Thereafter1,211,738 
Total$1,716,628 
The weighted average remaining lease terms range was approximately 17.0 years as of December 31, 2023.




47

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

Leases as Lessee

The Trust leases land under operating ground leases at certain of its Properties, which expire in various years from 2038 to 2096, including any available option periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised. All option terms were considered to be reasonably certain of being exercised through the initial term of the Master Lease.
The components of ground lease rent expense, which are included within “Operating expenses” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021, were as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2023Year ended December 31, 2022Period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2021
Amortization of:
Above market ground lease intangibles$(641)$(641)$(587)
Below market ground lease intangibles1,460 1,639 1,609 
Right-of-use assets1,012 1,025 950 
Interest expense4,150 4,137 3,810 
Ground rent lease expense$5,981 $6,160 $5,782 

There were no cash payments for ground lease rent expense as these payments are made by the tenant.

As of December 31, 2023, undiscounted future rental obligations to be paid under the long-term ground leases by Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC under the terms of the Master Lease on behalf of the Trust, including fixed rental increases, for the next five years and thereafter, are as follows:
Lease Obligations
2024$4,124 
20254,116 
20264,138 
20274,197 
20284,257 
Thereafter215,902 
Less imputed interest(198,971)
Lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023$37,763 
The Trust’s long-term ground leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 43.4 years and a weighted average discount rate of 11.0% as of December 31, 2023.

(5) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value Hierarchy
A fair value measurement is based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in an orderly transaction. The hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value are as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2: Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs that other market participants would use in pricing a security, including quoted prices for similar securities.
Level 3: Prices determined using significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect the Trust’s own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment, and would be based on the best information available in the circumstances.

48

COPPER PROPERTY CTL PASS THROUGH TRUST
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except certificate and per certificate amounts)

When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts