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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
3. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Liquidation Basis of Accounting
The GUC Trust exists solely for the purposes described above in Note 1 and has a finite life. Accordingly, the GUC Trust has prepared the accompanying financial statements on the liquidation basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Under the liquidation basis of accounting, assets are stated at their estimated realizable value, which is the
non-discounted
amount of cash into which an asset is expected to be converted during the liquidation period, while liabilities continue to be recognized at the amount required by other U.S. GAAP, and are not remeasured to reflect any anticipation that an entity will be legally released from an obligation. Additionally, under the liquidation basis of accounting, a reserve is established for estimated costs expected to be incurred during the liquidation period. Such costs are accrued when there is a reasonable basis for estimation. Also, an accrual is made for estimated income or cash expected to be received over the liquidation period to the extent that a reasonable basis for estimation exists. These estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as appropriate. The valuation of assets at realizable value, the accrual for investment income on marketable securities expected to be received over the liquidation period and reserves for expected liquidation costs represent estimates, based on present facts and circumstances known to the GUC Trust Administrator, and are subject to change.
The GUC Trust beneficiaries are holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims (to the extent their liquidating distributions have not yet been paid to them) and holders of GUC Trust Units. As Disputed General Unsecured Claims and Term Loan Avoidance Action Claims were resolved and allowed and thereby became Allowed General Unsecured Claims, the holders thereof became entitled to receive liquidating distributions of Distributable Cash (including Dividend Cash) and GUC Trust Units pro rata by the amount of such claims. Upon such occurrence, the GUC Trust incurred an obligation to distribute Distributable Cash and, accordingly, liquidating distributions payable were recorded in the amount of Distributable Cash (previously the fair value of New GM Securities) that the GUC Trust was obligated to distribute as of the end of the period in which the Disputed General Unsecured Claims and Term Loan Avoidance Action Claims were resolved as Allowed General Unsecured Claims. Prior to the resolution and allowance of Disputed General Unsecured Claims and Term Loan Avoidance Action Claims, liabilities were not recorded for the conditional obligations associated with Disputed General Unsecured Claims and Term Loan Avoidance Action Claims. Rather, the beneficial interests of GUC Trust beneficiaries in the residual assets of the GUC Trust were reflected in Net Assets in Liquidation of the GUC Trust in the financial statements.
Under the liquidation basis of accounting, the GUC Trust presents two principal financial statements: a Statement of Net Assets in Liquidation and a Statement of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation. In addition, although not required under the liquidation basis of accounting, the GUC Trust also presents a Statement of Cash Flows, in accordance with the requirements of the GUC Trust Agreement.
Fiscal Year
The GUC Trust’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on the following March 31.
Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Accrued Investment Income on Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
Cash equivalents consist of balances held in money market funds. Marketable securities consist of short-term investments in U.S. Treasury bills. The GUC Trust has valued these securities at fair value based on carrying value, which approximates fair value (when receivables for associated interest income earned included in accrued investment income in the accompanying Statements of Net Assets in Liquidation are combined with the carrying value of such U.S. Treasury bills). Estimated investment income expected to be received on holdings of marketable securities and cash equivalents is accrued under the liquidation basis of accounting to the extent that a reasonable basis for estimation exists. Such accrual is estimated principally based on forecasted cash outflows and expected returns based on recent yields (or expected yields resulting from recent changes in the federal funds rate) on U.S. Treasury bills in which the marketable securities are invested. Modifications are made to the accrual when yields on holdings of U.S. Treasury bills as of the date of the financial statement significantly differ from more recent yields. Estimates of forecasted cash outflows consider the amount and timing of distributions with respect of GUC Trust Units. Such estimates may change in the near term, and such change may be material.
Dividends on New GM Common Stock
Dividends previously received on New GM Common Stock previously held by the GUC Trust are required to be applied to the same purpose as the New GM Common Stock to which such dividends relate. If the portion of Distributable Cash applicable to the liquidated New GM Common Stock is distributed to holders of subsequently Resolved Allowed Claims and GUC Trust Units, then the dividends relating to such Distributable Cash will also be distributed to such holders. If, however, Distributable Cash is appropriated by the GUC Trust in accordance with the GUC Trust Agreement to fund the costs and liabilities of the GUC Trust, then, in that case, the dividends relating to such appropriated Distributable Cash will be applied to such costs and liabilities of the GUC Trust and (just like the appropriated Distributable Cash) will be maintained in Other Administrative Cash. Because such dividends are applied to the same purpose as the associated Distributable Cash, any references to Distributable Cash should be understood to include the dividends relating to such Distributable Cash, unless expressly indicated otherwise. The amount of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities held by the GUC Trust that relates to dividends received by the GUC Trust on New GM Common Stock previously held by the GUC Trust is referred to as Dividend Cash and is included in the amount of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities held for distribution to GUC Trust beneficiaries that is referred to as Distributable Cash (except to the extent of dividends relating to appropriated Distributable Cash that is classified as Other Administrative Cash following such appropriation).
Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
Accounts payable and other liabilities represent amounts due to professionals, other service providers, and vendors for services rendered or goods received through the end of the period.
Contingent Settlement Obligation
The GUC Trust accrues for loss contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred as of the date of the financial statements and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. In assessing whether a liability has been incurred as of the date of the financial statements, the GUC Trust considers events occurring after the date of the financial statements that provide additional evidence with respect to conditions that existed as of the date of the financial statements, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. Accordingly, during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the GUC Trust accrued a contingent settlement obligation pursuant to the Amended Settlement Agreement described in Item 3 (“Legal Proceedings”). During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the GUC Trust accrued a contingent settlement obligation pursuant to a previously executed settlement agreement. As a result of developments in the related litigation, such accrual was reversed in the quarter ended September 30, 2018, due to uncertainties then associated with the effectiveness of such settlement agreement in effect at that time. Estimates regarding incurrence of the contingent settlement obligation may change in the near term, and such change may be material.
Reserves for Residual Wind-Down Claims and Costs
Upon the dissolution of MLC, which occurred on December 15, 2011, the GUC Trust became responsible for resolving and satisfying (to the extent allowed) all remaining Residual Wind-Down Claims. On the date of dissolution of the Debtors, the Debtors transferred to the GUC Trust Residual Wind-Down Assets in an amount necessary to satisfy the ultimate allowed amount of such Residual Wind-Down Claims (including certain Avoidance Action Defense Costs) and the Residual Wind-Down Costs, as estimated by the Debtors. A corresponding amount was recorded in the reserves for Residual Wind-Down Claims and Costs. Should the Residual Wind-Down Claims and the Residual Wind-Down Costs be less than the Residual Wind-Down Assets, any excess funds will be returned to the DIP Lenders. While not expected, if, collectively, the actual amounts of Residual Wind-Down Claims (including certain Avoidance Action Defense Costs) allowed and the Residual Wind-Down Costs exceed the Residual Wind-Down Assets, the GUC Trust Administrator may be required to set aside from distribution and appropriate Distributable Cash to fund the shortfall. Any such appropriation would reduce the amount of Distributable Cash (including Dividend Cash) available for distribution to holders of GUC Trust Units.
Reserves for Expected Costs of Liquidation
Under the liquidation basis of accounting, the GUC Trust is required to estimate and accrue the costs associated with implementing the Plan and distributing the GUC Trust’s distributable assets. These costs, described as Wind-Down Costs and Reporting Costs in Note 2, consist principally of professional fees, costs of governance, and other administrative expenses. These amounts may vary significantly due to, among other things, the time and effort required to complete all activities and distributions under the Plan. The GUC Trust has recorded reserves for expected costs of liquidation that represent estimated costs to be incurred over the remaining liquidation period of the GUC Trust for which there is a reasonable basis for estimation. The amount of liquidation costs that will ultimately be incurred depends both on the period of time and on the extent of activities required for the GUC Trust to complete its functions and responsibilities under the Plan and the GUC Trust Agreement. Significant uncertainty remains both as to that time period and as to the extent of those activities. As a result, estimates for the expected costs of liquidation may change in the near term, and such change could be material.
As of March 31, 2020, such remaining liquidation period is estimated to extend through July 2021 and has been estimated predominantly on a modified probability-weighted basis, which the GUC Trust believes is the most appropriate measurement basis under the circumstances. Where an outcome is estimated to be likely, the likely outcome has been used as the best estimate and no weight has been given to the unlikely outcome. In addition, consistent with the liquidation basis of accounting, no consideration has been given to potential outcomes to the extent there does not exist a reasonable basis for estimation. The remaining liquidation period is dependent predominantly on the estimate of the remaining period of time for resolution of litigation involving certain General Motors vehicle recalls described in Item 3 (“Legal Proceedings”). In addition, certain additional estimated time to wind down the GUC Trust following resolution of the litigation is included in the estimated liquidation period. Future developments in the General Motors vehicle recall litigation could extend the current estimate of such minimum remaining period of time for resolution and, therefore, extend the estimated minimum remaining liquidation period of the GUC Trust beyond July 2021. In addition, certain liquidation costs that are expected to be prepaid by the GUC Trust upon its dissolution have also been estimated and accrued. The GUC Trust’s estimates regarding the costs and remaining liq
uidation period may change in the near term, and such change may be ma
terial.
 
As the GUC Trust incurs liquidation costs, the reserves are released to offset the costs incurred and a liability to the service provider is recognized as an accounts payable or accrued liability until paid. In addition, because the GUC Trust only records reserves for expected costs for which there is a reasonable basis for estimation under applicable U.S. GAAP, additional costs may be identified from time to time for which additional reserves must be recorded. As such costs are identified, the GUC Trust records an increase to its reserves and charges such increase as an addition to such reserves in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets in Liquidation.
The process of recording reserves for expected costs of liquidation as a matter of financial reporting is separate and distinct from the process by which Distributable Cash is set aside from distribution for the purposes of funding projected costs of liquidation. Such projected costs are generally estimated on a more conservative (i.e., more inclusive) basis and include contingencies that are not permitted to be accrued in reserves for expected costs of liquidation under applicable U.S. GAAP. For a more complete description of the process of setting aside Distributable Cash to fund projected costs and potential liabilities of the GUC Trust, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Net Assets in Liquidation” under the heading “—Distributable Cash Set Aside from Distribution” above.
Income Taxes
The GUC Trust is considered to be a Disputed Ownership Fund pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.468B-9.
Because all of the assets that have been transferred to the GUC Trust are passive investments, the GUC Trust is taxed as a Qualified Settlement Fund (or QSF) pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.468B-9(c)(1)(ii).
The QSF tax status of the GUC Trust was approved by the IRS in a private letter ruling issued on March 2, 2011. In general, a QSF computes taxable income in the same manner as a corporation but pays federal income tax using trust income tax rates on its modified gross income. Modified gross income includes gross income pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 61, less administrative expenses, certain losses from the sale, exchange or worthlessness of property, and net operating losses. In general, a Disputed Ownership Fund taxed as a QSF does not recognize gross income on assets transferred to it; therefore, the GUC Trust has not recognized gross income on the transfer of assets from MLC.
The GUC Trust generates gross income in the form of interest and dividend income (including dividends received on its previous holdings of New GM Common Stock) and recognizes capital gains and/or losses upon its disposition of New GM Securities, which are reduced by administrative expenses and accumulated net operating and capital losses, to compute modified gross income. As the GUC Trust is taxable for federal income tax purposes, a current income tax liability or asset, if any, is recognized for estimated taxes payable or receivable. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax accounting. Deferred tax assets are reviewed for recoverability and valuation allowances are provided as necessary.
The GUC Trust is not subject to state income taxes under current law. Accordingly, no current or deferred state income tax liabilities and assets are recorded.
The process of recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities and any current income taxes payable as a matter of financial reporting is separate and distinct from the process by which any Distributable Cash is set aside from distribution for the purposes of funding potential income tax liabilities. Any such potential income tax liabilities are generally estimated on a more conservative (i.e., more inclusive) basis and may include amounts of potential income tax liabilities beyond the amounts that are permitted to be recorded under applicable accounting standards. For a more complete description of the process of setting aside Distributable Cash to fund projected costs and potential income tax liabilities of the GUC Trust, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Net Assets in Liquidation” under the heading “—Distributable Cash Set Aside from Distribution” above.
The GUC Trust recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authority, based on the technical merits of the position, review of available evidence and consultation with GUC Trust Professionals. The GUC Trust’s tax liability with respect to its federal income tax returns for the year ended March 31, 2019 and all prior years are no longer subject to examination as a result of the application of Section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. However, remaining net operating loss carryovers generated through March 31, 2020 aggregating $140.6 million, could be subject to examination by the IRS in subsequent years if those losses are utilized. It is not expected that such losses will be utilized (on a net basis) in the future. As of March 31, 2020, there are no known items which would result in a significant accrual for uncertain tax positions.
 
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements on the liquidation basis in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. These estimates are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could materially impact the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related footnotes. Significant estimates include estimated investment income expected to be received, expected liquidation costs, incurrence of the contingent settlement obligation and fair value of marketable securities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Standards
Changes to U.S. GAAP are made by the FASB in the form of accounting standards updates (ASUs) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification. The GUC Trust considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not noted herein were assessed and determined to be not applicable.