BEAZER HOMES USA INC - Quarter Report: 2008 December (Form 10-Q)
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2008
or
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 001-12822
BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE | 58-2086934 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification no.) |
1000 Abernathy Road, Suite 1200, Atlanta, Georgia | 30328 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(770) 829-3700
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES
þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer þ | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).
YES o NO þ
Class | Outstanding at February 6, 2009 | |
Common Stock, $0.001 par value | 39,253,799 shares |
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References to we, us, our, Beazer, Beazer Homes and the Company in this quarterly
report on Form 10-Q refer to Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that
the results described in this quarterly report will not be achieved. These forward-looking
statements can generally be identified by the use of statements that include words such as
estimate, project, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, plan, foresee, likely,
will, goal, target or other similar words or phrases. All forward-looking statements are
based upon information available to us on the date of this quarterly report.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of
which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, among other things, the matters
discussed in this quarterly report in the section captioned Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Additional information about factors that could
lead to material changes in performance is contained in Part II, Item IA Risk Factors of this
quarterly report and in Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Such factors may include:
| the timing and final outcome of the United States Attorney investigation and other state and federal agency investigations, the putative class action lawsuits, the derivative claims, multi-party suits and similar proceedings as well as the results of any other litigation or government proceedings; | ||
| additional asset impairment charges or writedowns; | ||
| economic changes nationally or in local markets, including changes in consumer confidence, volatility of mortgage interest rates and inflation; | ||
| continued or increased downturn in the homebuilding industry; | ||
| estimates related to homes to be delivered in the future (backlog) are imprecise as they are subject to various cancellation risks which cannot be fully controlled; | ||
| our ability to maintain the listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange; | ||
| continued or increased disruption in the availability of mortgage financing; | ||
| our cost of and ability to access capital and otherwise meet our ongoing liquidity needs including the impact of any further downgrades of our credit ratings or reductions in our tangible net worth or liquidity levels; | ||
| potential inability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements; | ||
| increased competition or delays in reacting to changing consumer preference in home design; | ||
| shortages of or increased prices for labor, land or raw materials used in housing production; | ||
| factors affecting margins such as decreased land values underlying land option agreements, increased land development costs on projects under development or delays or difficulties in implementing initiatives to reduce production and overhead cost structure; | ||
| the performance of our joint ventures and our joint venture partners; | ||
| the impact of construction defect and home warranty claims and the cost and availability of insurance, including the availability of insurance for the presence of moisture intrusion; | ||
| delays in land development or home construction resulting from adverse weather conditions; | ||
| potential delays or increased costs in obtaining necessary permits as a result of changes to, or complying with, laws, regulations, or governmental policies and possible penalties for failure to comply with such laws, regulations and governmental policies; | ||
| effects of changes in accounting policies, standards, guidelines or principles; or | ||
| terrorist acts, acts of war and other factors over which the Company has little or no control. |
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and,
except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to
reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for
management to predict all such factors.
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BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
FORM 10-Q
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2008 | 2008 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 436,856 | $ | 584,334 | ||||
Restricted cash |
18,987 | 297 | ||||||
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $6,816 and $8,915, respectively) |
31,545 | 46,555 | ||||||
Income tax receivable |
173,152 | 173,500 | ||||||
Inventory |
||||||||
Owned inventory |
1,511,139 | 1,545,006 | ||||||
Consolidated inventory not owned |
75,759 | 106,655 | ||||||
Total inventory |
1,586,898 | 1,651,661 | ||||||
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures |
33,340 | 33,065 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets |
20,072 | 20,216 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
37,853 | 39,822 | ||||||
Goodwill |
| 16,143 | ||||||
Other assets |
69,122 | 76,206 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,407,825 | $ | 2,641,799 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Trade accounts payable |
$ | 54,184 | $ | 90,371 | ||||
Other liabilities |
271,077 | 358,592 | ||||||
Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned |
48,133 | 70,608 | ||||||
Senior Notes (net of discounts of $2,448 and $2,565, respectively) |
1,522,552 | 1,522,435 | ||||||
Junior subordinated notes |
103,093 | 103,093 | ||||||
Other secured notes payable |
51,406 | 50,618 | ||||||
Model home financing obligations |
59,238 | 71,231 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
2,109,683 | 2,266,948 | ||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued) |
| | ||||||
Common stock (par value $0.001 per share, 80,000,000 shares
authorized, 42,630,541 and 42,612,801 issued and
39,280,609 and 39,270,038 outstanding, respectively) |
43 | 43 | ||||||
Paid-in capital |
560,489 | 556,910 | ||||||
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) |
(78,430 | ) | 1,845 | |||||
Treasury stock, at cost (3,349,932 and 3,342,763 shares, respectively) |
(183,960 | ) | (183,947 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
298,142 | 374,851 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 2,407,825 | $ | 2,641,799 | ||||
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 232,364 | $ | 500,654 | ||||
Home construction and land sales expenses |
205,846 | 436,316 | ||||||
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments |
12,709 | 168,512 | ||||||
Gross profit (loss) |
13,809 | (104,174 | ) | |||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
56,209 | 88,162 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,783 | 5,978 | ||||||
Goodwill impairment |
16,143 | | ||||||
Operating loss |
(62,326 | ) | (198,314 | ) | ||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures |
(1,413 | ) | (16,140 | ) | ||||
Other expense, net |
(18,279 | ) | (2,849 | ) | ||||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes |
(82,018 | ) | (217,303 | ) | ||||
Benefit from income taxes |
(1,963 | ) | (79,642 | ) | ||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(80,055 | ) | (137,661 | ) | ||||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax |
(220 | ) | (575 | ) | ||||
Net loss |
$ | (80,275 | ) | $ | (138,236 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares: |
||||||||
Basic |
38,593 | 38,539 | ||||||
Diluted |
38,593 | 38,539 | ||||||
Earnings (loss) per share: |
||||||||
Basic loss per share from continuing operations |
$ | (2.08 | ) | $ | (3.57 | ) | ||
Basic loss per share from discontinued operations |
$ | | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
Basic loss per share |
$ | (2.08 | ) | $ | (3.59 | ) | ||
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations |
$ | (2.08 | ) | $ | (3.57 | ) | ||
Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations |
$ | | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
Diluted loss per share |
$ | (2.08 | ) | $ | (3.59 | ) |
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (80,275 | ) | $ | (138,236 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,783 | 6,058 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
3,015 | 1,873 | ||||||
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments |
12,709 | 168,512 | ||||||
Goodwill impairment |
16,143 | | ||||||
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) |
144 | (43,929 | ) | |||||
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation |
476 | 388 | ||||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures |
1,413 | 16,140 | ||||||
Cash distributions of income from unconsolidated joint ventures |
459 | 882 | ||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
(2,099 | ) | 1,977 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable |
17,276 | (5,965 | ) | |||||
Decrease (increase) in income tax receivable |
348 | (36,786 | ) | |||||
Decrease in inventory |
31,573 | 95,073 | ||||||
Decrease in other assets |
7,688 | 9,511 | ||||||
Decrease in trade accounts payable |
(36,187 | ) | (19,314 | ) | ||||
Decrease in other liabilities |
(88,340 | ) | (67,581 | ) | ||||
Other changes |
(34 | ) | 8 | |||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(111,908 | ) | (11,389 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(1,663 | ) | (4,194 | ) | ||||
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures |
(1,938 | ) | (4,979 | ) | ||||
Changes in restricted cash |
(18,690 | ) | (90,816 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(22,291 | ) | (99,989 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Repayment of other secured notes payable |
(192 | ) | (83,055 | ) | ||||
Repayment of model home financing obligations |
(11,994 | ) | (1,829 | ) | ||||
Debt issuance costs |
(604 | ) | (21,135 | ) | ||||
Common stock redeemed |
(13 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation |
(476 | ) | (388 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(13,279 | ) | (106,419 | ) | ||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(147,478 | ) | (217,797 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
584,334 | 454,337 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 436,856 | $ | 236,540 | ||||
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
(Beazer Homes or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and
in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Such financial
statements do not include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In our
opinion, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair
presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. For further information
and a discussion of our significant accounting policies other than as discussed below, refer to our
audited consolidated financial statements appearing in the Beazer Homes Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 (the 2008 Annual Report). Effective February 1,
2008, we exited the mortgage origination business. Results from our mortgage origination business
are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
statements of operations for all periods presented. In addition, our historical segment
information has been recast to reflect the change in reportable segments which occurred during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 (see Note 11).
Inventory Valuation Held for Development. Our homebuilding inventories that are accounted for as
held for development include land and home construction assets grouped together as communities.
Land held for future development is stated at cost. Homebuilding inventories held for development
are stated at cost (including direct construction costs, capitalized indirect costs, capitalized
interest and real estate taxes) unless facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of
the assets may not be recoverable. We assess these assets no less than quarterly for
recoverability in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS 144 requires
that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Upon the commencement of land
development activities, it may take three to five years (depending on, among other things, the size
of the community and its sales pace) to fully develop, sell, construct and close all the homes in a
typical community. The impact of the downturn in our business has significantly lengthened the
estimated life of many communities. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying
amount of an asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the
expected undiscounted cash flows generated are expected to be less than its carrying amount, an
impairment charge should be recorded to write down the carrying amount of such asset to its
estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows.
We conduct a review of the recoverability of our homebuilding inventories held for development at
the community level as factors indicate that an impairment may exist. Events and circumstances
that might indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, (1) adverse trends in new orders,
(2) higher than anticipated cancellations, (3) declining margins which might result from the need
to offer incentives to new homebuyers to drive sales or price reductions or other actions taken by
our competitors, (4) economic factors specific to the markets in which we operate, including
fluctuations in employment levels, population growth, or levels of new and resale homes for sale in
the marketplace and (5) a decline in the availability of credit across all industries.
As a result, we evaluate, among other things, the following information for each community:
| Actual Net Contribution Margin (defined as homebuilding revenues less homebuilding costs and direct selling expenses) for homes closed in the current fiscal quarter, fiscal year to date and prior two fiscal quarters. Homebuilding costs include land and land development costs (based upon an allocation of such costs, including costs to complete the development, or specific lot costs), home construction costs (including an estimate of costs, if any, to complete home construction), previously capitalized indirect costs (principally for construction supervision), capitalized interest and estimated warranty costs; | ||
| Projected Net Contribution Margin for homes in backlog; | ||
| Actual and trending new orders and cancellation rates; | ||
| Actual and trending base home sales prices and sales incentives for home sales that occurred in the prior two fiscal quarters that remain in backlog at the end of the fiscal quarter and expected future homes sales prices and sales incentives and absorption over the expected remaining life of the community; | ||
| A comparison of our community to our competition to include, among other things, an analysis of various product offerings including the size and style of the homes currently offered for sale, community amenity levels, availability of lots in our community and our competitions, desirability and uniqueness of our community and other market factors; and |
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| Other events that may indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. |
In determining the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of a community that we have
evaluated as requiring a test for impairment, significant quantitative and qualitative assumptions
are made relative to the future home sales prices, sales incentives, direct and indirect costs of
home construction and land development and the pace of new home orders. In addition, these
assumptions are dependent upon the specific market conditions and competitive factors for each
specific community and may differ greatly between communities within the same market and
communities in different markets. Our estimates are made using information available at the date of
the recoverability test, however, as facts and circumstances may change in future reporting
periods, our estimates of recoverability are subject to change.
For assets in communities for which the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying
value, the carrying value of that community is written down to its then estimated fair value based
on discounted cash flows. The carrying value of assets in communities that were previously impaired
and continue to be classified as held for development is not written up for future estimates of
increases in fair value in future reporting periods. Market deterioration that exceeds our
estimates may lead us to incur additional impairment charges on previously impaired homebuilding
assets in addition to homebuilding assets not currently impaired but for which indicators of
impairment may arise if the market continues to deteriorate.
The fair value of the homebuilding inventory held for development is estimated using the present
value of the estimated future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risk associated
with the underlying community assets. The discount rate used may be different for each community.
The factors considered when determining an appropriate discount rate for a community include, among
others: (1) community specific factors such as the number of lots in the community, the status of
land development in the community, the competitive factors influencing the sales performance of the
community and (2) overall market factors such as employment levels, consumer confidence and the
existing supply of new and used homes for sale. The assumptions used in our discounted cash flow
models are specific to each community tested for impairment and typically do not include market
improvements except in limited circumstances in the latter years of long-lived communities.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we used discount rates of 17.0% to 21.3% in our estimated
discounted cash flow impairment calculations. During the three months ended December 31, 2008 and
2007, we recorded impairments of our inventory of $12.0 million and $108.1 million, respectively,
for land under development and homes under construction.
Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, particularly with respect to projected home sales
prices and absorption rates, the timing and amount of the estimated future cash flows and discount
rates, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in our
historical analyses. Our assumptions about future home sales prices and absorption rates require
significant judgment because the residential homebuilding industry is cyclical and is highly
sensitive to changes in economic conditions. We calculated the estimated fair values of inventory
held for development that were evaluated for impairment based on current market conditions and
assumptions made by management relative to future results. Because our projected cash flows are
significantly impacted by changes in market conditions, it is reasonably possible that actual
results could differ materially from our estimates and result in additional impairments.
Asset Valuation Land Held for Sale. We record assets held for sale at the lower of the carrying
value or fair value less costs to sell in accordance with SFAS 144. The following criteria are used
to determine if land is held for sale:
| management has the authority and commits to a plan to sell the land; | ||
| the land is available for immediate sale in its present condition; | ||
| there is an active program to locate a buyer and the plan to sell the property has been initiated; | ||
| the sale of the land is probable within one year; | ||
| the property is being actively marketed at a reasonable sale price relative to its current fair value; and | ||
| it is unlikely that the plan to sell will be withdrawn or that significant changes to the plan will be made. |
Additionally, in certain circumstances, management will re-evaluate the best use of an asset that
is currently being accounted for as held for development. In such instances, management will
review, among other things, the current and projected competitive circumstances of the community,
including the level of supply of new and used inventory, the level of sales absorptions by us and
our competition, the level of sales incentives required and the number of owned lots remaining in
the community. If, based on this review and the foregoing criteria have been met at the end of the
applicable reporting period, we believe that the best use of the asset is the sale of all or a
portion of the asset in its current condition, then all or portions of the community are accounted
for as held for sale.
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In determining the fair value of the assets less cost to sell, we considered factors including
current sales prices for comparable assets in the area, recent market analysis studies, appraisals,
any recent legitimate offers, and listing prices of similar properties. If the estimated fair value
less cost to sell of an asset is less than its current carrying value, the asset is written down to
its estimated fair value less cost to sell. During the three months ended December 31, 2008 and
2007, we recorded inventory impairments on land held for sale of approximately $0.3 million and
$33.4 million, respectively.
Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that actual results could
differ from the estimates used in our historical analyses. Our assumptions about land sales prices
require significant judgment because the current market is highly sensitive to changes in economic
conditions. We calculated the estimated fair values of land held for sale based on current market
conditions and assumptions made by management, which may differ materially from actual results and
may result in additional impairments if market conditions continue to deteriorate.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets
acquired. We test goodwill for impairment annually as of April 30 or more frequently if an event
occurs or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. For purposes of goodwill
impairment testing, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount,
including goodwill. Each of our operating divisions is considered a reporting unit. The fair value
of each reporting unit is determined based on expected discounted future cash flows. If the
carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill within the reporting unit
may be potentially impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the
goodwill exceeds implied fair value of that goodwill.
The Company experienced a significant decline in its market capitalization during the three months
ended December 31, 2008 (the first quarter of fiscal 2009). In addition, we believe the
unprecedented macro-economic events, including the failure and near failure of several significant
financial institutions, have resulted in a temporary, but significant curtailment of consumer and
business credit activities. As a result, consumer confidence declined, unemployment increased and
the pace of new home orders slowed. As of December 31, 2008, we considered these current and
expected future market conditions and estimated that our remaining goodwill was impaired and
recorded a $16.1 million goodwill impairment for the quarter ended December 31, 2008. We will
finalize our impairment calculations in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Based on fiscal 2008
impairment tests, we determined that goodwill for certain of our reporting units was impaired and
recorded impairment charges during the second and third quarter of fiscal 2008 in accordance with
SFAS 142, Goodwill and Intangible Assets. No impairment of goodwill was recorded during the
quarter ended December 31, 2007.
Goodwill impairment charges are reported in Corporate and Unallocated and are not allocated to our
homebuilding segments. Goodwill balances by reportable segment as of September 30, 2007, September
30, 2008 and December 31, 2008 were as follows.
September 30, | Fiscal 2008 | September 30, | Fiscal 2009 | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2007 | Impairments | 2008 | Impairments | 2008 | |||||||||||||||
West |
$ | 35,919 | $ | (29,034 | ) | $ | 6,885 | $ | (6,885 | ) | $ | | ||||||||
East |
28,330 | (19,072 | ) | 9,258 | (9,258 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Other |
4,364 | (4,364 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 68,613 | $ | (52,470 | ) | $ | 16,143 | $ | (16,143 | ) | $ | | ||||||||
Stock-Based Compensation. Compensation cost arising from nonvested stock granted to employees and
from non-employee stock awards is recognized as an expense using the straight-line method over the
vesting period. Unearned compensation is included in paid-in capital in accordance with SFAS 123R.
As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, there was $11.9 million and $13.5 million,
respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock. The cost
remaining at December 31, 2008 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of
3.1 years. For the three months ended December 31, 2008, and 2007 our total stock-based
compensation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A), was
approximately $3.0 million ($2.1 million net of tax) and $1.9 million ($1.4 million net of tax),
respectively.
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Activity relating to nonvested stock awards for the three months ended December 31, 2008 is as
follows:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2008 | ||||||||
Weighted Average | ||||||||
Grant Date Fair | ||||||||
Shares | Value | |||||||
Beginning of period |
782,866 | $ | 46.80 | |||||
Granted |
| | ||||||
Vested |
| | ||||||
Forfeited |
(4,411 | ) | 40.40 | |||||
End of period |
778,455 | $ | 46.83 | |||||
In addition, during the three months ended December 31, 2008, employees surrendered 7,169 shares,
to us in payment of minimum tax obligations upon the vesting of nonvested stock under our stock
incentive plans. We valued the stock at the market price on the date of surrender, for an aggregate
value of approximately $13,000.
The fair value of each option/SSAR grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model. Expected life of options and SSARs granted is computed using the mid-point
between the vesting period and contractual life of the options/SSARs granted. Expected volatilities
are based on the historical volatility of the Beazer Homes stock and other factors. Since we are
currently not paying dividends, the expected dividend yield is $0.00. There were no options or SSAR
grants in the three months ended December 31, 2008 or 2007. The following table summarizes stock
options and SSARs outstanding as of December 31, 2008, as well as activity during the three months
then ended:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2008 | ||||||||
Weighted- | ||||||||
Average | ||||||||
Shares | Exercise Price | |||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period |
1,848,995 | $ | 45.78 | |||||
Granted |
| | ||||||
Exercised |
| | ||||||
Expired |
(4,330 | ) | 41.78 | |||||
Forfeited |
(7,508 | ) | 46.66 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period |
1,837,157 | $ | 45.78 | |||||
Exercisable at end of period |
833,228 | $ | 34.46 | |||||
Vested or expected to vest in the future |
1,565,259 | $ | 43.73 | |||||
At December 31, 2008, the weighted-average remaining contractual life for all options/SSARs
outstanding, currently exercisable, and vested or expected to vest in the future was 3.93 years,
3.13 years and 3.83 years, respectively.
At December 31, 2008, there was no aggregate intrinsic value of SSARs/options outstanding, vested
and expected to vest in the future and SSARs/options exercisable based on the Companys stock price
of $1.58 as of December 31, 2008. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the
market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option. There were no
option/SSAR exercises during the three months ended December 31, 2008.
On August 5, 2008, at the Companys annual meeting of stockholders, the stockholders voted to
approve amendments to the 1999 Plan to authorize a stock option/SSAR exchange program for eligible
employees other than executive officers and directors. The Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors has the authority to determine whether and when to initiate the exchange program.
As of December 31, 2008, stock options/SSARs to purchase 399,495 shares of the Companys common
stock with exercise prices ranging from $26.51 to $62.02 per share were eligible to be exchanged
for newly issued restricted shares of common stock under the exchange program. The exchange
program has not yet been implemented and may not be implemented later than August 5, 2009.
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Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair
Value Measurements. SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and
liabilities. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to
be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS
157 includes provisions that require expanded disclosure of the effect on earnings for items
measured using unobservable data. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB
issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, delaying the
effective date of certain non-financial assets and liabilities to fiscal periods beginning after
November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated
financial condition and results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS 159 permits
companies to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. We have not
elected the fair value option applicable under SFAS 159.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141
(revised 2007), Business Combinations. SFAS 141R amends and clarifies the accounting guidance for
the acquirers recognition and measurement of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and
noncontrolling interests of an acquiree in a business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for any
acquisitions completed by the Company after September 30, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an Amendment of ARB 51. SFAS 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (formerly
minority interest) in a subsidiary be classified as equity and the amount of consolidated net
income specifically attributable to the noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated
financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009 and its
provisions will be applied retrospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
(2) Supplemental Cash Flow Information
During the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we paid interest of $48.0 million and
$57.3 million, respectively. In addition, we paid income taxes of $217,000 and $140,000 for the
three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2008, we
received tax refunds totaling approximately $168 million. We also had the following non-cash
activity (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity: |
||||||||
Decrease in consolidated inventory not owned |
$ | 22,475 | $ | 40,298 | ||||
Land acquired through issuance of notes payable |
981 | 9,506 | ||||||
Issuance of stock under deferred bonus stock plans |
1,040 | 94 | ||||||
Decrease in retained earnings from FIN 48 adoption |
| (10,112 | ) |
(3) Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
As of December 31, 2008, we participated in 19 land development joint ventures in which Beazer
Homes had less than a controlling interest. Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures was
$1.4 million and $16.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures for three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
included the writedown of our investment in certain of our joint ventures, reflecting $1.3 million
and $12.8 million, respectively, of impairments of inventory held within those ventures in
accordance with APB 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock. Our joint
ventures typically obtain secured acquisition, development and construction financing. Generally
Beazer and our joint venture partners provide varying levels of guarantees of debt and other
obligations of our unconsolidated joint ventures. At December 31, 2008, these guarantees included,
for certain joint ventures, construction completion guarantees, loan-to-value maintenance
agreements, repayment guarantees and environmental indemnities. See Note 9 for further discussion
of these guarantees. The following table presents our investment in our unconsolidated joint
ventures, the total equity and outstanding borrowings of these
joint ventures and our guarantees of the borrowings under our unconsolidated joint ventures, as of
December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008:
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December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
(in thousands) | 2008 | 2008 | ||||||
Beazers investment in joint ventures |
$ | 33,340 | $ | 33,065 | ||||
Total equity of joint ventures |
341,712 | 340,674 | ||||||
Total outstanding borrowings of joint ventures |
525,382 | 524,431 | ||||||
Beazers portion of loan to maintenance guarantees |
5,708 | 5,839 | ||||||
Beazers portion of repayment guarantees |
39,255 | 39,166 |
At December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, total borrowings outstanding above, include
$327.9 million related to one joint venture in which we are a 2.58% partner. During fiscal 2008,
the lender to this joint venture notified the joint venture partners that it believes the joint
venture is in default of certain joint venture loan agreements as a result of certain of the
Companys joint venture partners not complying with all aspects of the joint ventures loan
agreements. The joint venture partners (including our subsidiary Beazer Homes Holdings Corp.) are
currently in discussions with the lender. Recently, the lender has filed individual lawsuits
against some of the joint venture partners and certain of those partners parent companies
(including the Company), seeking to recover damages under completion guarantees, among other
claims. We intend to vigorously defend against this legal action. The Companys share of the debt
is approximately $9.6 million at December 31, 2008; however, due to the terms of the agreement, our
total maximum repayment guarantee is $15.1 million, which is only triggered in the event of
bankruptcy. Our equity interest at December 31, 2008 was $8.3 million in this joint venture.
As of December 31, 2008, the debt related to two of our other unconsolidated joint ventures has
matured. Total borrowings outstanding related to these two joint ventures, in each of which we are
a 50% partner, was $33.2 million. These joint ventures have received notice from the lender
demanding payment in full. The Company and its joint venture partners are currently in discussions
with the lenders under these various debt agreements. Both of these loans have repayment
guarantees that are triggered in the event of bankruptcy. Our share related to these two repayment
guarantees would be $16.6 million. See Note 9 for further discussion of repayment guarantees
related to our unconsolidated joint ventures.
In addition, several of our other joint ventures were in default under their debt agreements as of
December 31, 2008 or were at risk of defaulting. The Company and its joint venture partners are
currently in discussions with the lenders under these various debt agreements. In addition,
certain of our joint venture partners have curtailed their funding of their allocable joint venture
obligations.
(4) Inventory
December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
(in thousands) | 2008 | 2008 | ||||||
Homes under construction |
$ | 295,909 | $ | 338,971 | ||||
Development projects in progress |
622,118 | 618,252 | ||||||
Land held for future development |
418,437 | 407,320 | ||||||
Land held for sale |
82,966 | 85,736 | ||||||
Model homes |
91,709 | 94,727 | ||||||
Total owned inventory |
$ | 1,511,139 | $ | 1,545,006 | ||||
Homes under construction includes homes finished and ready for delivery and homes in various stages
of construction. We had 503 ($103.0 million) and 408 ($76.2 million) completed homes that were not
subject to a sales contract at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. Development
projects in progress consist principally of land and land improvement costs. Certain of the fully
developed lots in this category are reserved by a deposit or sales contract. Land held for sale as
of December 31, 2008 in our Other Homebuilding segment included land held for sale in the following
markets we have decided to exit: Denver, Colorado and Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Total owned inventory, by reportable segment, is set forth in the table below (in thousands):
December 31, 2008 | September 30, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Projects in | Held for Future | Land Held | Total Owned | Projects in | Held for Future | Land Held | Total Owned | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Progress | Development | for Sale | Inventory | Progress | Development | for Sale | Inventory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
West Segment |
$ | 341,466 | $ | 347,025 | $ | 25,116 | $ | 713,607 | $ | 348,475 | $ | 341,784 | $ | 26,515 | $ | 716,774 | ||||||||||||||||
East Segment |
389,590 | 47,683 | 3,722 | 440,995 | 394,643 | 44,387 | 3,642 | 442,672 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Southeast Segment |
169,753 | 23,729 | 13,596 | 207,078 | 165,231 | 21,149 | 14,841 | 201,221 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
4,760 | | 40,532 | 45,292 | 15,302 | | 40,738 | 56,040 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated |
104,167 | | | 104,167 | 128,299 | | | 128,299 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,009,736 | $ | 418,437 | $ | 82,966 | $ | 1,511,139 | $ | 1,051,950 | $ | 407,320 | $ | 85,736 | $ | 1,545,006 | ||||||||||||||||
The following tables set forth, by reportable segment, the inventory impairments and lot option
abandonment charges recorded (in thousands):
Quarter Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Development projects and homes in process (Held for Development) | ||||||||
West |
$ | 7,833 | $ | 59,352 | ||||
East |
2,903 | 22,956 | ||||||
Southeast |
97 | 9,437 | ||||||
Other |
44 | 8,437 | ||||||
Unallocated |
1,110 | 7,889 | ||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 11,987 | $ | 108,071 | ||||
Land Held for Sale |
||||||||
West |
$ | 161 | $ | | ||||
East |
| | ||||||
Southeast |
15 | 10,769 | ||||||
Other |
81 | 22,671 | ||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 257 | $ | 33,440 | ||||
Lot Option Abandonments |
||||||||
West |
$ | 12 | $ | 45 | ||||
East |
210 | 2,098 | ||||||
Southeast |
49 | 12,089 | ||||||
Other |
194 | 12,769 | ||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 465 | $ | 27,001 | ||||
Total |
$ | 12,709 | $ | 168,512 | ||||
The inventory impaired during the three months ended December 31, 2008 represented 339 lots in 6
communities with an estimated fair value of $23.3 million compared to 2,886 lots in 62 communities
with an estimated fair value of $186.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2007. The
impairments recorded on our held for development inventory, for all segments, primarily resulted
from the continued decline in the homebuilding environment. Our fiscal 2009 first quarter
inventory impairment assessment assumed that the significant decline in new home orders experienced
during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 resulted from the unprecedented macro-economic events
including the failure and near failure of several financial institutions. These events resulted in
temporary, but significant curtailment of consumer and business credit activities. In addition, we
assumed that increased sales incentives and/or home sale price reductions would not produce
meaningful improvement in the pace of new home orders in light of this curtailed credit
environment. In future periods, we may again determine that it is prudent to reduce sales prices
or further increase sales incentives in
response to factors including competitive market conditions. Because the projected cash flows used
to evaluate the fair value of inventory are significantly impacted by changes in market conditions
including decreased sales prices, it is reasonably possible that a future change in sales prices
and absorption estimates could lead to additional impairments.
During the three months ended December 31, 2007, as a result of the Companys decision to
re-allocate capital employed through strategic sales of select properties and through the exiting
of certain markets no longer viewed as strategic and based on current
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estimated fair values, less
costs to sell, as compared to book values, we recorded impairments on land held for sale. These
impairments were primarily located in our exit markets in Ohio and Charlotte, North Carolina.
We also have access to land inventory through lot option contracts, which generally enable us to
defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated entities until we
have determined whether to exercise our lot option. A majority of our lot option contracts require
a non-refundable cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase
price of the land for the right to acquire lots during a specified period of time at a certain
price. Under lot option contracts, both with and without specific performance provisions, purchase
of the properties is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by us and the sellers.
Our obligation with respect to options with specific performance provisions is included in our
consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities. Under option contracts without specific
performance obligations, our liability is generally limited to forfeiture of the non-refundable
deposits, letters of credit and other non-refundable amounts incurred, which aggregated
approximately $45.4 million at December 31, 2008. This amount includes non-refundable letters of
credit of approximately $6.3 million. The total remaining purchase price, net of cash deposits,
committed under all options was $437.9 million as of December 31, 2008. Only $33.2 million of the
net remaining purchase price contains specific performance clauses which may require us to purchase
the land or lots upon the land seller meeting certain obligations.
In addition, we have also completed a strategic review of all of the markets within our
homebuilding segments and the communities within each of those markets with an initial focus on the
communities for which land has been secured with option purchase contracts. As a result of this
review, we have determined the proper course of action with respect to a number of communities
within each homebuilding segment was to abandon the remaining lots under option and to write-off
the deposits securing the option takedowns, as well as preacquisition costs. In determining
whether to abandon a lot option contract, we evaluate the lot option primarily based upon the
expected cash flows from the property that is the subject of the option. If we intend to abandon or
walk-away from a lot option contract, we record a charge to earnings in the period such decision is
made for the deposit amount and any related capitalized costs associated with the lot option
contract. We recorded lot option abandonment charges during the three months ended December 31,
2008 and 2007 of $0.5 million and $27.0 million, respectively. Southeast and Other Homebuilding
segments represented 44.8% and 47.3% of the three-month fiscal 2008 abandonments, respectively, as
we made the decision to abandon certain option contracts that no longer fit in our long-term
strategic plan and related to our decision to exit our Ohio and Charlotte, North Carolina markets.
We expect to exercise substantially all of our option contracts with specific performance
obligations and, subject to market conditions, most of our option contracts without specific
performance obligations. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as market
conditions, weather conditions and the timing of the completion of development activities, will
have a significant impact on the timing of option exercises or whether land options will be
exercised.
Certain of our option contracts are with sellers who are deemed to be variable interest entities
(VIEs) under FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,
an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46R). FIN 46R defines a VIE as an entity with insufficient
equity investment to finance its planned activities without additional financial support or an
entity in which the equity investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial
interest. Pursuant to FIN 46R, an enterprise that absorbs a majority of the expected losses or
receives a majority of the expected residual returns of a VIE is deemed to be the primary
beneficiary of the VIE and must consolidate the VIE.
We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of certain of these option contracts. Our
risk is generally limited to the option deposits that we pay, and creditors of the sellers
generally have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. Although we do not have legal
title to the optioned land, for those option contracts for which we are the primary beneficiary, we
are required to consolidate the land under option at fair value. We believe that the exercise
prices of our option contracts approximate their fair value. Our consolidated balance sheets at
December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 reflect consolidated inventory not owned of $75.8 million
and $106.7 million, respectively. We consolidated $37.7 million and $46.9 million of lot option
agreements as consolidated inventory not owned pursuant to FIN 46R as of December 31, 2008 and
September 30, 2008, respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, we
recorded $38.1 million and $59.8 million, respectively, of land under the caption consolidated
inventory not owned related to lot option agreements in accordance with SFAS 49, Product Financing
Arrangements. Obligations related to
consolidated inventory not owned totaled $48.1 million at December 31, 2008 and $70.6 million at
September 30, 2008. The difference between the balances of consolidated inventory not owned and
obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned represents cash deposits paid under the
option agreements.
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(5) Interest
Our ability to capitalize all interest incurred during fiscal 2009 has been limited by the
reduction in our inventory eligible for capitalization. The following table sets forth certain
information regarding interest (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Capitalized interest in inventory, beginning of
period |
$ | 45,977 | $ | 87,560 | ||||
Interest incurred |
33,921 | 29,104 | ||||||
Capitalized interest impaired |
(537 | ) | (4,952 | ) | ||||
Interest expense not qualified for capitalization
and included as other expense |
(21,237 | ) | | |||||
Capitalized interest amortized to house
construction and land sales expenses |
(12,693 | ) | (24,850 | ) | ||||
Capitalized interest in inventory, end of period |
$ | 45,431 | $ | 86,862 | ||||
(6) Earnings Per Share
In computing diluted loss per share for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and December 31,
2007, all common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as
a result of their anti-dilutive effect.
(7) Borrowings
At December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 we had the following long-term debt (in thousands):
December 31, | September 30, | |||||||||
Maturity Date | 2008 | 2008 | ||||||||
Secured Revolving Credit Facility |
July 2011 | $ | | $ | | |||||
8 5/8% Senior Notes* |
May 2011 | 180,000 | 180,000 | |||||||
8 3/8% Senior Notes* |
April 2012 | 340,000 | 340,000 | |||||||
6 1/2% Senior Notes* |
November 2013 | 200,000 | 200,000 | |||||||
6 7/8% Senior Notes* |
July 2015 | 350,000 | 350,000 | |||||||
8 1/8% Senior Notes* |
June 2016 | 275,000 | 275,000 | |||||||
4 5/8% Convertible Senior Notes* |
June 2024 | 180,000 | 180,000 | |||||||
Junior subordinated notes |
July 2036 | 103,093 | 103,093 | |||||||
Other secured notes payable |
Various Dates | 51,406 | 50,618 | |||||||
Model home financing obligations |
Various Dates | 59,238 | 71,231 | |||||||
Unamortized debt discounts |
(2,448 | ) | (2,565 | ) | ||||||
Total |
$ | 1,736,289 | $ | 1,747,377 | ||||||
* | Collectively, the Senior Notes |
Secured Revolving Credit Facility On August 7, 2008, we entered into an amendment to our Secured
Revolving Credit Facility which changed the size, covenants and pricing for the facility. The size
of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility was reduced from
$500 million to $400 million and is subject to further reductions to $250 million and $100 million
if our consolidated tangible net worth (defined in the agreement as stockholders equity less
intangible assets as defined) falls below $350 million and $250 million, respectively. As of
September 30, 2008, our consolidated tangible net worth was $314.4 million. As a result, the
facility size was reduced to $250 million. Further, the facility size is subject to reduction to
$200 million if our interest coverage ratio for the quarter ending June 30, 2010 is less than 1.0x.
We have the option to elect two types of loans under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility which
incur interest as applicable based on either the Alternative Base Rate or the Applicable Eurodollar
Margin (both defined in the Secured Revolving Credit Facility). The Secured Revolving Credit
Facility contains various operating and financial covenants. Substantially all of our significant
subsidiaries are guarantors of the obligations under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility (see
Note 12).
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There were no amounts outstanding under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2008
or September 30, 2008; however, we had $56.0 million and $61.2 million of letters of credit
outstanding under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2008 and September 30,
2008, respectively.
Availability under the facility continues to be subject to satisfaction of a secured borrowing
base. The amendment provided that the book value of the assets securing the facility must exceed
3.0x the outstanding loans and letters of credit. Such coverage level increases to 4.5x and 6.0x
to the extent the facility size is reduced to $250 million or $100 million, respectively. As a
result of the increase in collateral coverage to 4.5x during the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we
were required to provide a total of $18.8 million in cash to fully collateralize our outstanding
letters of credit which is included in restricted cash on the unaudited condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2008. Subsequent to the filing of this Form 10-Q, we will be
required to provide an additional $1.7 million in cash to fully collateralize our outstanding
letters of credit. We intend to add approximately $250 million of additional real estate assets to
the borrowing base over the next twelve months, which is anticipated to provide up to $35 million
in additional borrowing base availability after providing for the return of the restricted cash.
Assets in the borrowing base, and therefore any future availability are subject to required
appraisals and other bank review procedures. The availability under our facility is not impacted
by any actions of the respective credit rating agencies. The value of the real estate assets
securing our borrowing base could decline should the downturn in our industry worsen. Any
reduction in value could result in a reduction in available borrowing capacity under the Secured
Revolving Credit Facility.
The interest margins under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility were increased and are now based
on the facility size. Following the aforementioned amendment, the Eurodollar Margin under the
facility was set at 4.5%. To the extent the facility size is reduced to $250 million or $100
million, the Eurodollar Margin will increase to 5.0% and 5.5%, respectively. As a result of the
reduction in facility size to $250 million, the current Eurodollar Margin is now 5.0%.
The financial maintenance covenants pertaining to the leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio and
land inventory were eliminated as part of the August amendment. The remaining financial
maintenance covenants are a minimum tangible net worth covenant (which requires us to have at least
$100 million of consolidated tangible net worth) and a minimum liquidity covenant. The minimum
liquidity covenant, which is applicable for so long as our interest coverage ratio is less than
1.75x, requires us to maintain either (a) $120 million of unrestricted cash and borrowing base
availability or (b) a ratio (the Adjusted Coverage Ratio) of adjusted cash flow from operations
(defined as cash flow from operations plus interest incurred) to interest incurred of at least
1.75x. The following table sets forth our financial covenant requirements under our Secured
Revolving Credit Facility and our compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2008:
Financial Covenant | Covenant Requirement | Actual | ||
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth
|
> $100 million | $255 million | ||
Minimum Liquidity
|
> $120 million of unrestricted cash and borrowing base availability OR Adjusted Coverage Ratio > 1.75x | $437 million of unrestricted cash and borrowing base availability and Adjusted Coverage Ratio of 2.67x |
We believe that the elimination and relaxation of the financial maintenance covenants will permit
us to comply with the amended covenants for the foreseeable future. However, further
deteriorations in the housing market generally, or in our business particularly, could result in
additional inventory impairments or operational losses which could also result in our having to
seek additional amendments or waivers under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. To the extent
that we default under any of these covenants and we are unable to obtain waivers, the lenders under
the Secured Revolving Credit Facility could accelerate our obligations thereunder or
require us to post cash collateral to support our existing letters of credit. Any such
acceleration may result in an event of default under our Senior Notes described below and would
permit the holders thereof to accelerate our obligations under the Senior Notes.
Senior Notes The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations ranking pari passu with all other
existing and future senior indebtedness. Substantially all of our significant subsidiaries are full
and unconditional guarantors of the Senior Notes and are jointly and severally liable for
obligations under the Senior Notes and the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. Each guarantor
subsidiary is a 100% owned subsidiary of Beazer Homes.
The indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued contain certain restrictive covenants,
including limitations on payment of dividends. At December 31, 2008, under the most restrictive
covenants of each indenture, no portion of our retained earnings was available for cash dividends
or for share repurchases. The indentures provide that, in the event of defined changes in control
or if our consolidated tangible net worth falls below a specified level or in certain circumstances
upon a sale of assets, we are required to offer to
16
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repurchase
certain specified amounts of
outstanding Senior Notes. Specifically, each indenture (other than the indenture governing the
convertible Senior Notes) requires us to offer to purchase 10% of each series of Senior Notes at
par if our consolidated tangible net worth (defined as stockholders equity less intangible assets
as defined) is less than $85 million at the end of any two consecutive fiscal quarters. If
triggered and fully subscribed, this could result in our having to purchase $134.5 million of
notes, based on amounts outstanding at December 31, 2008.
In June 2004, we issued $180 million aggregate principal amount of 4 5/8% Convertible Senior Notes
due 2024 (the Convertible Senior Notes). We may at our option redeem for cash the Convertible
Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time on or after June 15, 2009 at specified redemption
prices. Holders have the right to require us to purchase all or any portion of the Convertible
Senior Notes for cash on June 15, 2011, June 15, 2014 and June 15, 2019. In each case, we will pay
a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes to be
purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and any additional amounts owed, if any to
such purchase date.
On October 26, 2007, we obtained consents from holders of our Senior Notes to approve amendments of
the indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued. These amendments restrict our ability to
secure additional debt in excess of $700 million until certain conditions are met and enable us to
invest up to $50 million in joint ventures. The consents also provided us with a waiver of any and
all defaults under the Senior Notes that may have occurred on or prior to May 15, 2008 relating to
filing or delivering annual and quarterly financial statements. Fees and expenses related to
obtaining these consents totaled approximately $21 million. The recording of such fees and expenses
has been deferred and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense in accordance with
EITF 96-19 Debtors Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments.
Junior Subordinated Notes On June 15, 2006, we completed a private placement of $103.1 million of
unsecured junior subordinated notes which mature on July 30, 2036 and are redeemable at par on or
after July 30, 2011 and pay a fixed rate of 7.987% for the first ten years ending July 30, 2016.
Thereafter, the securities have a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.45% per
annum, resetting quarterly. These notes were issued to Beazer Capital Trust I, which simultaneously
issued, in a private transaction, trust preferred securities and common securities with an
aggregate value of $103.1 million to fund its purchase of these notes. The transaction is treated
as debt in accordance with GAAP. The obligations relating to these notes and the related securities
are subordinated to the Secured Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes.
Other Secured Notes Payable We periodically acquire land through the issuance of notes payable.
As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, we had outstanding notes payable of $51.4 million
and $50.6 million, respectively, primarily related to land acquisitions. These notes payable expire
at various times through 2011 and had fixed and variable rates ranging from 5.6% to 9.0% at
December 31, 2008. These notes are secured by the real estate to which they relate. During the
first three months of fiscal 2009, we repaid $0.2 million of these secured notes payable.
The agreements governing these secured notes payable contain various affirmative and negative
covenants. Certain of these secured notes payable agreements contain covenants that require us to
maintain minimum levels of stockholders equity (or some variation, such as tangible net worth) or
maximum levels of debt to stockholders equity. Although the specific covenants and related
definitions vary among the agreements, further reductions in our stockholders equity, absent the
receipt of waivers, may cause breaches of some or all of these covenants. Breaches of certain of
these covenants, to the extent they lead to an acceleration, may result in cross defaults under our
senior notes. The dollar value of these secured notes payable agreements containing stockholders
equity-related covenants totaled $39.2 million at December 31, 2008. There can be no assurance
that we will be able to obtain any future waivers or amendments that
may become necessary without significant additional cost or at all. In each instance, however, a
covenant default can be cured by repayment of the indebtedness.
Model Home Financing Obligations - Due to a continuing interest in certain model home
sale-leaseback transactions, we have recorded $59.2 million and $71.2 million of debt as of
December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively, related to these financing transactions
in accordance with SFAS 98 (as amended), Accounting for Leases. These model home transactions
incur interest at a variable rate of one-month LIBOR plus 450 basis points, 4.94% as of December
31, 2008, and expire at various times through 2015.
(8) Income Taxes
We determined, in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and based on an analysis
of the positive and negative evidence, that it was not more likely than not that substantially all
of our deferred tax assets will be realized. As a result, during fiscal 2008, we established a
valuation allowance of $400.3 million for substantially all of our deferred tax assets. During the
first quarter of fiscal 2009, we determined that an additional valuation allowance of $23.1 million
was warranted. As of December 31, 2008, our
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deferred tax valuation allowance was $423.7 million.
We have not changed our assessment regarding the recoverability of our deferred tax assets for the
quarter ended December 31, 2008. Our tax benefit of $2.0 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2008, resulted from the reduction in our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits
related to effectively settling a state examination and the expiration of certain statutes of
limitations, offset by interest expense on our remaining liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.
We will continue to assess the need for additional valuation allowances in the future. Our
estimates of the recoverability of deferred tax assets are dependent upon future taxable income
which requires significant judgment because the residential homebuilding industry is cyclical and
is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. Due to uncertainties in the estimation
process, particularly with respect to changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting
periods (carryforward period assumptions), it is reasonably possible that we may be required to
record additional valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and that such amounts could be
material.
During the three months ended December 31, 2008, there have been no material changes to the
components of the Companys total unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would affect the
Companys effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that, within the next 12 months, total
unrecognized tax benefits may decrease as a result of the potential resolution with the IRS
relating to issues stemming from fiscal year 2003 through 2006 federal income tax returns, in
addition to the resolution of various state income tax audits and/or appeals. The change that could
occur within the next 12 months, however, cannot be estimated at this time. The statute of
limitations for the Companys major tax jurisdictions remains open for examination for fiscal years
2003 through 2007.
We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the financial
statements as a component of the income tax provision, consistent with our historical accounting
policy. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits combined with accrued interest and penalties is
reflected as a component of other liabilities. The total amount of gross accrued interest and
penalties was $13.5 million at December 31, 2008 and $12.8 million at September 30, 2008.
Unrecognized tax benefits accrued was $55.4 million and $57.9 million as of December 31, 2008 and
September 30, 2008, respectively.
Our income tax receivable was $173.2 million and $173.5 million as of December 31, 2008 and
September 30, 2008, respectively. This receivable relates primarily to the carryback of losses
incurred in fiscal 2008 and 2007 to open tax years in which we previously paid significant income
taxes. We received approximately $168 million of this receivable subsequent to December 31, 2008.
We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for fiscal 2003 through
fiscal 2006. We are also subject to various income tax examinations in the states in which we do
business. During fiscal 2008, we completed a number of state examinations without any material
effect on our fiscal 2008 net loss.
(9) Contingencies
Beazer Homes and certain of its subsidiaries have been and continue to be named as defendants in
various construction defect claims, complaints and other legal actions that include claims related
to moisture intrusion. The Company is subject to the possibility of loss contingencies arising in
its business and such contingencies are accounted for in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for
Contingencies. In determining loss contingencies, we consider the likelihood of loss as well as
the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss or liability. An estimated loss is
recorded when it is considered probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of
loss can be reasonably estimated.
Warranty Reserves We currently provide a limited warranty (ranging from one to two years)
covering workmanship and materials per our defined performance quality standards. In addition, we
provide a limited warranty (generally ranging from a minimum of five
years up to the period covered by the applicable statute of repose) covering only certain defined
construction defects. We also provide a defined structural element warranty with single-family
homes and townhomes in certain states.
Since we subcontract our homebuilding work to subcontractors who generally provide us with an
indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving payments for their work, many claims
relating to workmanship and materials are the primary responsibility of the subcontractors.
Our warranty reserves at December 31, 2008 and 2007 include accruals for Trinity Homes LLC
(Trinity) moisture intrusion issues discussed more fully below. Warranty reserves are included in
other liabilities and the provision for warranty accruals is included in home construction and land
sales expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We record reserves
covering anticipated warranty expense for each home closed. Management reviews the adequacy of
warranty reserves each reporting period based on historical experience and managements estimate of
the costs to remediate the claims and adjusts these provisions accordingly. Our review includes a
quarterly analysis of the historical data and trends in warranty expense by operating segment. An
analysis by operating segment allows us to consider market specific factors such as our warranty
experience, the number of home
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closings, the prices of homes, product mix and other data in
estimating our warranty reserves. In addition, our analysis also contemplates the existence of any
non-recurring or community-specific warranty related matters that might not be contemplated in our
historical data and trends. As a result of our analyses, we adjust our estimated warranty
liabilities. While we believe that our warranty reserves are adequate as of December 31, 2008,
historical data and trends may not accurately predict actual warranty costs, or future developments
could lead to a significant change in the reserve. Our warranty reserves, which include amounts
related to the Trinity moisture intrusion issues discussed below, are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of period |
$ | 40,822 | $ | 57,053 | ||||
Provisions |
248 | 1,408 | ||||||
Payments |
(4,182 | ) | (9,505 | ) | ||||
Balance at end of period |
$ | 36,888 | $ | 48,956 | ||||
Trinity Moisture Intrusion Reserves Beazer Homes and certain of our subsidiaries have been and
continue to be named as defendants in various construction defect claims, complaints and other
legal actions that include claims related to moisture intrusion. We have experienced a significant
number of such claims in our East region and particularly with respect to homes built by Trinity, a
subsidiary which was acquired in the Crossmann acquisition in 2002.
As of December 31, 2008, there were four pending lawsuits related to such complaints received by
Trinity, including the class action. Three of these suits are by individual homeowners, and the
cost to resolve these matters is not expected to be material, either individually or in the
aggregate. The class action suit was filed in the State of Indiana in August 2003 against Trinity
Homes LLC. The parties in the class action reached a settlement agreement which was approved by the
court on October 20, 2004. As of December 31, 2008, we have completed remediation of 1,861 homes
related to 1,876 total Trinity claims.
Our warranty reserves at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 include accruals for our
estimated costs to assess and remediate all homes for which Trinity had received complaints related
to moisture intrusion. Warranty reserves also include accruals for class action claims received,
pursuant to the settlement discussed above, from class members who had not previously contacted
Trinity with complaints.
The cost to assess and remediate a home depends on the extent of moisture damage, if any, that the
home has incurred. Homes for which we receive complaints are classified into one of three
categories: 1) homes with no moisture damage, 2) homes with isolated moisture damage or 3) homes
with extensive moisture damage.
As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, we accrued for our estimated cost to remediate
homes that we had assessed and assigned to one of the above categories, as well as our estimated
cost to remediate those homes for which an assessment had not yet been performed. For purposes of
our accrual, we have historically assigned homes not yet assessed to categories based on our
expectations about the extent of damage and trends observed from the results of assessments
performed to date. In addition, our cost
estimation process considers the subdivision of the claimant along with the categorization
discussed above. Once a home is categorized, detailed budgets are used as the basis to prepare our
estimated costs to remediate such home.
The following accruals at December 31, 2008 represent our best estimates of the costs to resolve
remaining claims associated with Trinity moisture intrusion issues. Changes in the accrual for
Trinity moisture intrusion issues during the period were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of period |
$ | 2,759 | $ | 12,116 | ||||
Reductions |
(243 | ) | (612 | ) | ||||
Payments |
(794 | ) | (3,043 | ) | ||||
Balance at end of period |
$ | 1,722 | $ | 8,461 | ||||
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Actual costs to assess and remediate homes in each category and subdivision, the extent of damage
to homes not yet assessed, estimates of costs to sell the remaining repurchased home, and a loss on
such sale could differ from our estimates. As a result, the costs to resolve existing complaints
could differ from our recorded accruals and have a material adverse effect on our earnings in the
periods in which the matters are resolved. Additionally, it is possible that we will incur
additional losses related to these matters, including additional losses related to homes for which
we have not yet received complaints.
Guarantees
Construction Completion Guarantees
We and our joint venture partners are generally obligated to the project lenders to complete land
development improvements and the construction of planned homes if the joint venture does not
perform the required development. Provided the joint venture and the partners are not in default
under any loan provisions, the project lenders would be obligated to fund these improvements
through any financing commitments available under the applicable loans. A majority of these
construction completion guarantees are joint and several with our partners. In those cases, we
generally have a reimbursement arrangement with our partner which provides that neither party is
responsible for more than its proportionate share of the guarantee. However, if our joint venture
partner does not have adequate financial resources to meet its obligations under such reimbursement
arrangement, we may be liable for more than our proportionate share, up to our maximum exposure,
which is the full amount covered by the relevant joint and several guarantee. Although generally
there are not specific limits on the amount of funds we may be required to expend to perform on a
construction completion guarantee, the practical limitation is the amount of the corresponding
outstanding loan.
Loan to Value Maintenance Agreements
We and our joint venture partners generally provide credit enhancements to acquisition, development
and construction borrowings in the form of loan to value maintenance agreements, which can limit
the amount of additional funding provided by the lenders (although not generally requiring
repayment of the borrowings) to the extent such borrowings plus construction completion costs
exceed a specified percentage of the value of the property securing the borrowings. During the
three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we were not required to make any payments on the
loan to value maintenance guarantees. At December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 respectively, we
had total loan to value maintenance guarantees of $5.7 million and $5.8 million related to our
unconsolidated joint venture borrowings. We also have a loan to value maintenance agreement with
one unconsolidated joint venture that also has a specific performance guarantee and a repayment
guarantee. As of December 31, 2008, we believe that it is unlikely that this loan to value
maintenance guarantee will be triggered. The agreements generally require periodic reappraisals of
the underlying property value. To the extent that the underlying property gets reappraised, the
amount of the exposure under the loan to value maintenance guarantee would be adjusted accordingly
and any such change could be significant. In certain cases, we may be required to make a
re-balancing payment following a reappraisal in order to reduce the applicable loan-to-value ratio
to the required level.
Repayment Guarantees
We and our joint venture partners have repayment guarantees related to certain joint ventures
borrowings. These repayment guarantees require the repayment of all or a portion of the debt of the
unconsolidated joint venture in the event the joint venture defaults on its obligations under the
borrowing or files for bankruptcy. During the three months ended December 31, 2008, we were not
required to
make payments related to any portion of the repayment guarantees. At December 31, 2008 and
September 30, 2008 respectively, we had repayment guarantees of $39.3 million and $39.2 million
related to the borrowings on these applicable unconsolidated joint ventures, some of which are only
triggered upon bankruptcy of the joint venture. Two of these repayment guarantees (which are both
only triggered upon a bankruptcy) are joint and several with our partners. In those cases, we have
a reimbursement arrangement with our partner which provides that neither party is responsible for
more than its proportionate share of the guarantee. However, if our joint venture partner does not
have adequate financial resources to meet its obligations under such reimbursement arrangement, we
may be liable for more than our proportionate share, up to our maximum exposure, which is the full
amount covered by the relevant joint and several guarantee. The aggregate amount of the loans
underlying these two repayment guarantees at December 31, 2008 was $33.2 million, of which our
share of $16.6 million is included in the $39.3 million amount set forth above.
Environmental Indemnities
Additionally, we and our joint venture partners generally provide unsecured environmental
indemnities to joint venture project lenders. In each case, we have performed due diligence on
potential environmental risks. These indemnities obligate us to reimburse the project lenders for
claims related to environmental matters for which they are held responsible. During the quarters
ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we were not required to make any payments related to
environmental indemnities.
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Several of our joint ventures are in default under their debt agreements at December 31, 2008 or
are at risk of defaulting. We and our joint venture partners are currently in discussions with the
lenders under these various debt agreements. See Note 3. We have guarantees of the types described
above with respect to many of these joint ventures. To the extent that we are unable to reach
satisfactory resolutions, we may be called upon to perform under our applicable guarantees.
In general, we have not recorded a liability for the non-contingent aspect of any of these
guarantees. In assessing the need to record a liability for the contingent aspect of these
guarantees in accordance with FIN 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for
Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, we consider our historical
experience in being required to perform under the guarantees, the fair value of the collateral
underlying these guarantees and the financial condition of the applicable unconsolidated joint
ventures. In addition, we monitor the fair value of the collateral of these unconsolidated joint
ventures to ensure that the related borrowings do not exceed the specified percentage of the value
of the property securing the borrowings. To date, we have not incurred any obligations related to
the aforementioned guarantees. Based on these considerations, we have determined that it is
reasonably possible that we will have to perform under the contingent aspects of certain of these
guarantees. We have not recorded a liability for the contingent aspects of these guarantees as
such guarantees are not probable. To the extent the recording of a liability related to such
guarantees would be required, the recognition of such liability would result in an increase to the
carrying value of our investment in the associated joint venture.
Investigations
United States Attorney, State and Federal Agency Investigations. Beazer Homes and its subsidiary,
Beazer Mortgage Corporation (Beazer Mortgage), are under criminal and civil investigations by the
United States Attorneys Office in the Western District of North Carolina and other state and
federal agencies concerning the matters that were the subject of the independent investigation by
the Audit Committee of the Beazer Homes Board of Directors (the Investigation) completed in May
2008. The Company is fully cooperating with these investigations.
Independent Investigation. The Audit Committee of the Beazer Homes Board of Directors has completed
the Investigation of Beazer Homes mortgage origination business, including, among other things,
investigating certain evidence that the Companys subsidiary, Beazer Mortgage, violated U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and may have violated certain other
laws and regulations in connection with certain of its mortgage origination activities. The
Investigation also found evidence that employees of the Companys Beazer Mortgage subsidiary
violated certain federal and/or state regulations, including HUD regulations. Areas of concern
uncovered by the Investigation included our former practices in the areas of: down payment
assistance program; the charging of discount points; the closure of certain HUD Licenses; closing
accommodations; and the payment of a number of realtor bonuses and decorator allowances in certain
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans and non-FHA conventional loans originated by
Beazer Mortgage dating back to at least 2000. The Investigation also uncovered limited improper
practices in relation to the issuance of a number of non-FHA Stated Income Loans. We reviewed the
loan documents and supporting documentation and determined that the assets were effectively
isolated from the seller and its creditors (even in the event of bankruptcy). Based on that
information, management continues to believe that sale accounting at the time of the transfer of
the loans to third parties was appropriate. We intend to attempt to negotiate a settlement with
prosecutors and regulatory authorities that would allow us to quantify our exposure associated with
reimbursement of losses and payment of regulatory and/or criminal fines, if they are imposed. At
this time, we believe that although it is probable that a liability exists related to this
exposure, it is not reasonably estimable and would be inappropriate to record a liability as of
December 31, 2008. In addition, the Investigation identified accounting and financial reporting
errors and irregularities which resulted in the restatement of certain prior period consolidated
financial statements which was included in our 2007 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 12, 2008.
Litigation
Securities Class Action. Beazer Homes and certain of our current and former officers (the
Individual Defendants), as well as our Independent Registered Accounting Firm, are named as
defendants in putative class action securities litigation pending in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Three separate complaints were initially filed between
March 29 and May 21, 2007. The cases were subsequently consolidated by the court and the court
appointed Glickenhaus & Co. and Carpenters Pension Trust Fund for Northern California as lead
plaintiffs. On June 27, 2008, lead plaintiffs filed an Amended and Consolidated Class Action
Complaint for Violation of the Federal Securities Laws (Consolidated Complaint), which purports
to assert claims on behalf of a class of persons and entities that purchased or acquired the
securities of Beazer Homes during the period January 27, 2005 through May 12, 2008. The
Consolidated Complaint asserts a claim against the defendants under Section 10(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder for
allegedly making materially false and misleading statements regarding our business and prospects,
including, among other things, alleged misrepresentations and omissions related to alleged improper
lending practices in our mortgage origination business, alleged misrepresentations and omissions
related to improper revenue recognition and other accounting improprieties and alleged
misrepresentations and omissions concerning our land investments and
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inventory. The Consolidated
Complaint also asserts claims against the Individual Defendants under Sections 20(a) and 20A of the
Exchange Act. Lead plaintiffs seek a determination that the action is properly maintained as a
class action, an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and costs and expenses, including
attorneys fees. On November 3, 2008, the Company and the other defendants filed motions to
dismiss the Consolidated Complaint. Briefing of the motion is expected to be completed in March
2009. The Company intends to vigorously defend against these actions. Given the inherent
uncertainties in this litigation, as of December 31, 2008, no accrual has been recorded, as losses,
if any, related to this matter are not both probable and reasonably estimable.
Derivative Shareholder Actions. Certain of Beazer Homes current and former officers and directors
were named as defendants in a derivative shareholder suit filed on April 16, 2007 in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint also names Beazer Homes
as a nominal defendant. The complaint, purportedly on behalf of Beazer Homes, alleges that the
defendants (i) violated Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder;
(ii) breached their fiduciary duties and misappropriated information; (iii) abused their control;
(iv) wasted corporate assets; and (v) were unjustly enriched. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount
of compensatory damages against the individual defendants and in favor of Beazer Homes. An
additional lawsuit was filed subsequently on August 29, 2007 in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Georgia asserting similar factual allegations. The two Georgia
derivative actions have been consolidated, and the plaintiffs have filed an amended, consolidated
complaint. On November 21, 2008, the Company and the other defendants filed motions to dismiss the
amended consolidated complaint. Briefing of the motion is expected to be completed in February
2009. The defendants intend to vigorously defend against these actions. Given the inherent
uncertainties in this litigation, as of December 31, 2008, no accrual has been recorded, as losses,
if any, related to this matter are not both probable and reasonably estimable.
ERISA Class Actions. On April 30, 2007, a putative class action complaint was filed on behalf of a
purported class consisting of present and former participants and beneficiaries of the Beazer Homes
USA, Inc. 401(k) Plan. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia. The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duties, including those set forth in
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), as a result of the investment of retirement
monies held by the 401(k) Plan in common stock of Beazer Homes at a time when participants were
allegedly not provided timely, accurate and complete information concerning Beazer Homes. Four
additional lawsuits were filed subsequently on May 11, 2007, May 14, 2007, June 15, 2007 and
July 27, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia making
similar allegations. The court consolidated these five lawsuits, and on June 27, 2008, the
plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint names as
defendants Beazer Homes, our chief executive officer, certain current and former directors of the
Company, including the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and certain
employees of the Company who acted as members of the Companys 401(k) Committee. On October 10,
2008, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended
complaint. Briefing of the motion was completed in January 2009. The Company intends to
vigorously defend against these actions. Given the inherent uncertainties in this litigation, as
of December 31, 2008, no accrual has been recorded, as losses, if any, related to this matter are
not both probable and reasonably estimable.
Homeowners Class Action Lawsuits and Multi-Plaintiff Lawsuit. A putative class action was filed on
April 8, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina,
Salisbury Division, against Beazer Homes, U.S.A., Inc., Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage
Corporation. The Complaint alleges that Beazer violated the Real Estate Settlement Practices Act
(RESPA) and North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1 by (1) improperly requiring homebuyers to use
Beazer-owned mortgage and settlement services as part of a down payment assistance program, and
(2) illegally increasing the cost of homes and settlement services sold by Beazer Homes
Corp. The purported class consists of all residents of North Carolina who purchased a home from
Beazer, using mortgage financing provided by and through Beazer that included seller-funded down
payment assistance, between January 1, 2000 and October 11, 2007. The Complaint demands an
unspecified amount of damages, equitable relief, treble damages, attorneys fees and litigation
expenses. The defendants moved to dismiss the Complaint on June 4, 2008. On July 25, 2008, in
lieu of a response to the motion to dismiss, plaintiff filed an amended complaint. The Company has
moved to dismiss the amended complaint and intends to vigorously defend against this action. Given
the inherent uncertainties in this litigation, as of December 31, 2008, no accrual has been
recorded, as losses, if any, related to this matter are not both probable and reasonably estimable.
Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation are also named defendants in a lawsuit filed on
July 3, 2007, in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg,
North Carolina. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North
Carolina, Charlotte Division, but remanded on April 23, 2008 to the General Court of Justice,
Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The complaint was filed on behalf
of ten individual homeowners who purchased homes from Beazer in Mecklenburg County. The complaint
alleges certain deceptive conduct by the defendants and brings various claims under North Carolina
statutory and common law, including a claim for punitive damages. On June 27, 2008 a second amended
complaint, which added two plaintiffs to the lawsuit, was filed. The case has been designated as
exceptional pursuant to Rule 2.1 of the General Rules of Practice of the North Carolina Superior
and District Courts and has been assigned to the
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docket of the North Carolina Business Court. The
Company filed a motion to dismiss on July 30, 2008. On November 18, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a
third amended complaint. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint on
December 29, 2008. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this action. Given the
inherent uncertainties in this litigation, as of December 31, 2008, no accrual has been recorded,
as losses, if any, related to this matter are not both probable and reasonably estimable.
Beazer Homes subsidiaries Beazer Homes Holdings Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation were named
as defendants in a putative class action lawsuit originally filed on March 12, 2008, in the
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Placer. The lawsuit was amended on June 2,
2008 and named as defendants Beazer Homes Holdings Corp., Beazer Homes USA, Inc., and Security
Title Insurance Company. The purported class is defined as all persons who purchased a home from
the defendants or their affiliates, with the assistance of a federally related mortgage loan, from
March 25, 1999 to the present where Security Title Insurance Company received any money as a
reinsurer of the transaction. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated RESPA and asserts
claims under a number of state statutes alleging that defendants engaged in a uniform and
systematic practice of giving and/or accepting fees and kickbacks to affiliated businesses
including affiliated and/or recommended title insurance companies. The complaint also alleges a
number of common law claims. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages under RESPA,
unspecified statutory, compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive and declaratory relief, as
well as attorneys fees and costs. Defendants removed the action to federal court. On November 26,
2008, plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint which substituted new named-plaintiffs. The
Company filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint on January 9, 2009. The Company
intends to vigorously defend against the action. Given the inherent uncertainties in this
litigation, as of December 31, 2008, no accrual has been recorded, as losses, if any, related to
this matter are not both probable and reasonably estimable.
We cannot predict or determine the timing or final outcome of the governmental investigations or
the lawsuits or the effect that any adverse findings in the investigations or adverse
determinations in the lawsuits may have on us. In addition, an estimate of possible loss or range
of loss if any, cannot presently be made with respect to the above matters. While we are
cooperating with the governmental investigations, developments, including the expansion of the
scope of the investigations, could negatively impact us, could divert the efforts and attention of
our management team from the operation of our business, and/or result in further departures of
executives or other employees. An unfavorable determination resulting from any governmental
investigation could result in the filing of criminal charges, payment of substantial criminal or
civil fines, the imposition of injunctions on our conduct or the imposition of other penalties or
consequences, including but not limited to the Company having to adjust, curtail or terminate the
conduct of certain of our business operations. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. An unfavorable
determination in any of the lawsuits could result in the payment by us of substantial monetary
damages which may not be fully covered by insurance. Further, the legal costs associated with the
investigations and the lawsuits and the amount of time required to be spent by management and the
Board of Directors on these matters, even if we are ultimately successful, could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Other Matters
In November 2003, Beazer Homes received a request for information from the EPA pursuant to Section
308 of the Clean Water Act seeking information concerning the nature and extent of storm water
discharge practices relating to certain of our projects completed or under construction. The EPA
has since requested information on additional projects and has conducted site inspections at a
number of locations. In certain instances, the EPA or the equivalent state agency has issued
Administrative Orders identifying alleged instances of noncompliance and requiring corrective
action to address the alleged deficiencies in storm water management practices. As of
December 31, 2008, no monetary penalties had been imposed in connection with such Administrative
Orders. The EPA has reserved the right to impose monetary penalties at a later date, the amount of
which, if any, cannot currently be estimated. Beazer Homes has taken action to comply with the
requirements of each of the Administrative Orders and is working to otherwise maintain compliance
with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
In 2006, we received two Administrative Orders issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection. The Orders allege certain violations of wetlands disturbance permits. The two Orders
assess proposed fines of $630,000 and $678,000, respectively. We have met with the Department to
discuss their concerns on the two affected projects and have requested hearings on both matters. We
believe that we have significant defenses to the alleged violations and intend to contest the
agencys findings and the proposed fines. We are currently pursuing settlement discussions with the
Department. A hearing before the judge has been postponed pending settlement discussions.
We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and
other legal actions, most relating to construction defects, moisture intrusion and related mold
claims and product liability. Certain of the liabilities resulting from these
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actions are covered
in whole or part by insurance. In our opinion, based on our current assessment, the ultimate
resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition,
results of operations or cash flows.
We have accrued $17.9 million in other liabilities related to these matters as of December 31, 2008
and September 30, 2008.
Recently, the lender of one of our unconsolidated joint ventures has filed individual lawsuits
against some of the joint venture partners and certain of those partners parent companies
(including the Company), seeking to recover damages under completion guarantees, among other
claims. We intend to vigorously defend against this legal action. We are a 2.58% partner in this
joint venture (see Note 3 for additional information). In addition, an estimate of possible loss
or range of loss if any, cannot presently be made with respect to the above matter. Given the
inherent uncertainties in this litigation, as of December 31, 2008, no accrual has been recorded,
as losses, if any, related to this matter are not both probable and reasonably estimable.
We had performance bonds and total outstanding letters of credit of approximately $334.9 million
and $56.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008 related principally to our obligations to
local governments to construct roads and other improvements in various developments. Total
outstanding letters of credit includes approximately $6.8 million related to our land option
contracts discussed in Note 4.
(10) Stock Repurchase Program
On November 18, 2005, as part of an acceleration of Beazer Homes comprehensive plan to enhance
stockholder value, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in our stock repurchase plan to
ten million shares of our common stock. Shares may be purchased for cash in the open market, on the
NYSE or in privately negotiated transactions. We did not repurchase any shares in the open market
during the three months ended December 31, 2008 or 2007. At December 31, 2008, there are
approximately 5.4 million shares available for purchase pursuant to the plan; however, we have
currently suspended our repurchase program and any resumption of such program will be at the
discretion of the Board of Directors, and as allowed by our debt covenants, and is unlikely in the
foreseeable future.
(11) Segment Information
As defined in SFAS 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, we
have four homebuilding segments operating in 17 states and one financial services segment. Revenues
in our homebuilding segments are derived from the sale of homes which we construct and from land
and lot sales. Revenues in our financial services segment are derived primarily from title services
provided predominantly to customers of our homebuilding operations. Our reportable segments,
described below, have been determined on a basis that is used internally by management for
evaluating segment performance and resource allocations in accordance with SFAS 131. The
reportable homebuilding segments, and all other homebuilding operations not required to be reported
separately, include operations conducting business in the following states:
West: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas
East: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina (Raleigh), Pennsylvania, Tennessee
(Nashville) and Virginia
Southeast: Florida, Georgia and South Carolina
Other Homebuilding: California (Fresno), Colorado, Kentucky, North Carolina (Charlotte), Ohio,
South Carolina (Columbia) and Tennessee (Memphis)
Our Other Homebuilding segment includes those markets that we have decided to exit. These
operations will be reported as discontinued operations upon cessation of all activities in these
markets.
Managements evaluation of segment performance is based on segment operating income, which for our
homebuilding segments is defined as homebuilding and land sale revenues less the cost of home
construction, land development and land sales expenses, depreciation and amortization and certain
selling, general and administrative expenses which are incurred by or allocated to our homebuilding
segments. Segment operating income for our Financial Services segment is defined as revenues less
costs associated with our title services and certain selling, general and administrative expenses
incurred by or allocated to the Financial Services segment. The accounting policies of our segments
are those described in Note 1 herein and the notes to the consolidated financial statements
included in Item 8 of our 2008 Form 10-K. The following information is in thousands:
24
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Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Revenue |
||||||||
West |
$ | 103,417 | $ | 153,594 | ||||
East |
73,191 | 172,847 | ||||||
Southeast |
41,073 | 107,778 | ||||||
Other homebuilding |
14,195 | 65,133 | ||||||
Financial Services |
488 | 1,302 | ||||||
Consolidated total |
$ | 232,364 | $ | 500,654 | ||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Operating (loss) income |
||||||||
West |
$ | (6,246 | ) | $ | (50,751 | ) | ||
East |
(3,424 | ) | (22,001 | ) | ||||
Southeast |
(1,945 | ) | (27,521 | ) | ||||
Other homebuilding |
(866 | ) | (44,617 | ) | ||||
Financial Services |
(12 | ) | 620 | |||||
Segment total |
(12,493 | ) | (144,270 | ) | ||||
Corporate and unallocated (a) |
(49,833 | ) | (54,044 | ) | ||||
Total operating loss |
(62,326 | ) | (198,314 | ) | ||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated
joint ventures |
(1,413 | ) | (16,140 | ) | ||||
Other expense, net |
(18,279 | ) | (2,849 | ) | ||||
Loss from continuing operations
before income taxes |
$ | (82,018 | ) | $ | (217,303 | ) | ||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
||||||||
West |
$ | 1,515 | $ | 1,670 | ||||
East |
763 | 1,748 | ||||||
Southeast |
316 | 1,005 | ||||||
Other homebuilding |
145 | 661 | ||||||
Financial Services |
8 | 7 | ||||||
Segment total |
2,747 | 5,091 | ||||||
Corporate and unallocated (a) |
1,036 | 887 | ||||||
Consolidated total |
$ | 3,783 | $ | 5,978 | ||||
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December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2008 | 2008 | |||||||
Assets (b) |
||||||||
West |
$ | 748,798 | $ | 779,863 | ||||
East |
496,327 | 507,412 | ||||||
Southeast |
225,930 | 225,125 | ||||||
Other homebuilding |
48,924 | 64,123 | ||||||
Financial Services |
35,497 | 38,156 | ||||||
Corporate and unallocated (c) |
852,219 | 1,024,681 | ||||||
Discontinued operations |
130 | 2,439 | ||||||
Consolidated total |
$ | 2,407,825 | $ | 2,641,799 | ||||
(a) | Corporate and unallocated includes amortization of capitalized interest and numerous shared services functions that benefit all segments, the costs of which are not allocated to the operating segments reported above including information technology, national sourcing and purchasing, treasury, corporate finance, legal, branding and other national marketing costs. In addition, for the three months ended December 31, 2008, corporate and unallocated also includes $16.1 million of goodwill impairments and $2.2 million of investigation-related costs. For the three months ended December 31, 2007, corporate and unallocated includes $7.0 million of investigation-related costs. | |
(b) | Segment assets as of September 30, 2008 include goodwill assigned from prior acquisitions. See Note 1 for goodwill by segment as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008. | |
(c) | Primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents, consolidated inventory not owned, deferred taxes, capitalized interest and other corporate items that are not allocated to the segments. |
(12) Supplemental Guarantor Information
As discussed in Note 7, our obligations to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest under
certain debt are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of our subsidiaries.
Effective with the 2008 amendments discussed in Note 7, Beazer Mortgage is a guarantor of our
Senior Notes. As a result, Beazer Mortgage has been included as a guarantor subsidiary for all
periods presented. Certain of our title, warranty and immaterial subsidiaries do not guarantee our
Senior Notes or our Secured Revolving Credit Facility. The guarantees are full and unconditional
and the guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned by Beazer Homes USA, Inc. We have determined that
separate, full financial statements of the guarantors would not be material to investors and,
accordingly, supplemental financial information for the guarantors is presented.
26
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Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
December 31, 2008
(in thousands)
Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beazer Homes | Guarantor | Non-Guarantor | Consolidating | Beazer Homes | ||||||||||||||||
USA, Inc. | Subsidiaries | Subsidiaries | Adjustments | USA, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 440,199 | $ | 1,509 | $ | 506 | $ | (5,358 | ) | $ | 436,856 | |||||||||
Restricted cash |
18,782 | 205 | | | 18,987 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $6,816) |
| 31,487 | 58 | | 31,545 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax receivable |
173,152 | | | | 173,152 | |||||||||||||||
Owned inventory |
| 1,511,139 | | | 1,511,139 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated inventory not owned |
| 75,759 | | | 75,759 | |||||||||||||||
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures |
3,093 | 30,247 | | | 33,340 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets, net |
20,072 | | | | 20,072 | |||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
| 37,853 | | | 37,853 | |||||||||||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
393,691 | | | (393,691 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Intercompany |
991,908 | (1,000,398 | ) | 3,132 | 5,358 | | ||||||||||||||
Other assets |
34,548 | 28,116 | 6,458 | | 69,122 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,075,445 | $ | 715,917 | $ | 10,154 | $ | (393,691 | ) | $ | 2,407,825 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||||||
Trade accounts payable |
$ | | $ | 54,184 | $ | | $ | | $ | 54,184 | ||||||||||
Other liabilities |
91,214 | 173,412 | 6,451 | | 271,077 | |||||||||||||||
Intercompany |
1,206 | | (1,206 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Obligations related to consolidated inventory
not owned |
| 48,133 | | | 48,133 | |||||||||||||||
Senior notes (net of discounts of $2,448) |
1,522,552 | | | | 1,522,552 | |||||||||||||||
Junior subordinated notes |
103,093 | | | | 103,093 | |||||||||||||||
Other notes payable |
| 51,406 | | | 51,406 | |||||||||||||||
Model home financing obligations |
59,238 | | | | 59,238 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
1,777,303 | 327,135 | 5,245 | | 2,109,683 | |||||||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
298,142 | 388,782 | 4,909 | (393,691 | ) | 298,142 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 2,075,445 | $ | 715,917 | $ | 10,154 | $ | (393,691 | ) | $ | 2,407,825 | |||||||||
27
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Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
September 30, 2008
(in thousands)
Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beazer Homes | Guarantor | Non-Guarantor | Consolidating | Beazer Homes | ||||||||||||||||
USA, Inc. | Subsidiaries | Subsidiaries | Adjustments | USA, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 575,856 | $ | 14,806 | $ | 5 | $ | (6,333 | ) | $ | 584,334 | |||||||||
Restricted cash |
| 297 | | | 297 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $8,915) |
| 46,504 | 51 | | 46,555 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax receivable |
173,500 | | | | 173,500 | |||||||||||||||
Owned inventory |
| 1,545,006 | | | 1,545,006 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated inventory not owned |
| 106,655 | | | 106,655 | |||||||||||||||
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures |
3,093 | 29,972 | | | 33,065 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets, net |
20,216 | | | | 20,216 | |||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
| 39,822 | | | 39,822 | |||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| 16,143 | | | 16,143 | |||||||||||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
393,783 | | | (393,783 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Intercompany |
979,646 | (989,138 | ) | 3,159 | 6,333 | | ||||||||||||||
Other assets |
35,701 | 33,518 | 6,987 | | 76,206 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,181,795 | $ | 843,585 | $ | 10,202 | $ | (393,783 | ) | $ | 2,641,799 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||||||
Trade accounts payable |
$ | | $ | 90,371 | $ | | $ | | $ | 90,371 | ||||||||||
Other liabilities |
108,975 | 243,010 | 6,607 | | 358,592 | |||||||||||||||
Intercompany |
1,210 | | (1,210 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Obligations related to consolidated inventory
not owned |
| 70,608 | | | 70,608 | |||||||||||||||
Senior notes (net of discounts of $2,565) |
1,522,435 | | | | 1,522,435 | |||||||||||||||
Junior subordinated notes |
103,093 | | | | 103,093 | |||||||||||||||
Other notes payable |
| 50,618 | | | 50,618 | |||||||||||||||
Model home financing obligations |
71,231 | | | | 71,231 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
1,806,944 | 454,607 | 5,397 | | 2,266,948 | |||||||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
374,851 | 388,978 | 4,805 | (393,783 | ) | 374,851 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 2,181,795 | $ | 843,585 | $ | 10,202 | $ | (393,783 | ) | $ | 2,641,799 | |||||||||
28
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Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidating Statement of Operations Information
(in thousands)
Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beazer Homes | Guarantor | Non-Guarantor | Consolidating | Beazer Homes | ||||||||||||||||
USA, Inc. | Subsidiaries | Subsidiaries | Adjustments | USA, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | | $ | 232,134 | $ | 230 | $ | | $ | 232,364 | ||||||||||
Home construction and land sales expenses |
12,693 | 193,153 | | | 205,846 | |||||||||||||||
Inventory impairments and option contract
abandonments |
537 | 12,172 | | | 12,709 | |||||||||||||||
Gross (loss) profit |
(13,230 | ) | 26,809 | 230 | | 13,809 | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
| 56,149 | 60 | | 56,209 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,783 | 3,783 | ||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill impairment |
| 16,143 | | | 16,143 | |||||||||||||||
Operating (loss) income |
(13,230 | ) | (49,266 | ) | 170 | | (62,326 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity in (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures |
| (1,413 | ) | | | (1,413 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other (expense) income, net |
(21,237 | ) | 2,952 | 6 | | (18,279 | ) | |||||||||||||
(Loss) income before income taxes |
(34,467 | ) | (47,727 | ) | 176 | | (82,018 | ) | ||||||||||||
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
(12,556 | ) | 10,522 | 71 | | (1,963 | ) | |||||||||||||
Equity in loss of subsidiaries |
(58,144 | ) | | | 58,144 | | ||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income from continuing operations |
(80,055 | ) | (58,249 | ) | 105 | 58,144 | (80,055 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss from discontinued operations |
| (220 | ) | | | (220 | ) | |||||||||||||
Equity in loss of subsidiaries |
(220 | ) | | | 220 | | ||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
$ | (80,275 | ) | $ | (58,469 | ) | $ | 105 | $ | 58,364 | $ | (80,275 | ) | |||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | | $ | 500,450 | $ | 204 | $ | | $ | 500,654 | ||||||||||
Home construction and land sales expenses |
24,850 | 411,466 | | | 436,316 | |||||||||||||||
Inventory impairments and option contract
abandonments |
4,952 | 163,560 | | | 168,512 | |||||||||||||||
Gross (loss) profit |
(29,802 | ) | (74,576 | ) | 204 | | (104,174 | ) | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
| 88,114 | 48 | | 88,162 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| 5,978 | | | 5,978 | |||||||||||||||
Operating (loss) income |
(29,802 | ) | (168,668 | ) | 156 | | (198,314 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity in (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures |
| (16,140 | ) | | | (16,140 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other (expense) income, net |
(6,510 | ) | 3,617 | 44 | | (2,849 | ) | |||||||||||||
(Loss) income before income taxes |
(36,312 | ) | (181,191 | ) | 200 | | (217,303 | ) | ||||||||||||
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
(13,592 | ) | (66,124 | ) | 74 | | (79,642 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity in loss of subsidiaries |
(114,941 | ) | | | 114,941 | | ||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income from continuing operations |
(137,661 | ) | (115,067 | ) | 126 | 114,941 | (137,661 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss from discontinued operations |
| (575 | ) | | | (575 | ) | |||||||||||||
Equity in loss of subsidiaries |
(575 | ) | | | 575 | | ||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
$ | (138,236 | ) | $ | (115,642 | ) | $ | 126 | $ | 115,516 | $ | (138,236 | ) | |||||||
29
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Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Cash Flow Information
(in thousands)
Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beazer Homes | Guarantor | Non-Guarantor | Consolidating | Beazer Homes | ||||||||||||||||
USA, Inc. | Subsidiaries | Subsidiaries | Adjustments | USA, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended December 31, 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
$ | (35,252 | ) | $ | (77,126 | ) | $ | 470 | $ | | $ | (111,908 | ) | |||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
| (1,663 | ) | | | (1,663 | ) | |||||||||||||
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures |
| (1,938 | ) | | | (1,938 | ) | |||||||||||||
Changes in restricted cash |
(18,782 | ) | 92 | | | (18,690 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(18,782 | ) | (3,509 | ) | | | (22,291 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment of other secured notes payable |
| (192 | ) | | | (192 | ) | |||||||||||||
Repayment of model home financing obligations |
(11,994 | ) | | | | (11,994 | ) | |||||||||||||
Debt issuance costs |
(604 | ) | | | | (604 | ) | |||||||||||||
Common stock redeemed |
(13 | ) | | | | (13 | ) | |||||||||||||
Tax benefit from stock transactions |
(476 | ) | | | | (476 | ) | |||||||||||||
Advances to/from subsidiaries |
(68,536 | ) | 67,530 | 31 | 975 | | ||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(81,623 | ) | 67,338 | 31 | 975 | (13,279 | ) | |||||||||||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(135,657 | ) | (13,297 | ) | 501 | 975 | (147,478 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
575,856 | 14,806 | 5 | (6,333 | ) | 584,334 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 440,199 | $ | 1,509 | $ | 506 | $ | (5,358 | ) | $ | 436,856 | |||||||||
For the three months ended December 31, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
$ | (39,102 | ) | $ | 27,972 | $ | (259 | ) | $ | | $ | (11,389 | ) | |||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
| (4,194 | ) | | | (4,194 | ) | |||||||||||||
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures |
| (4,979 | ) | | | (4,979 | ) | |||||||||||||
Changes in restricted cash |
| (90,816 | ) | | | (90,816 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (99,989 | ) | | | (99,989 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment of other secured notes payable |
| (83,055 | ) | | | (83,055 | ) | |||||||||||||
Repayment of model home financing obligations |
(1,829 | ) | | | | (1,829 | ) | |||||||||||||
Debt issuance costs |
(21,135 | ) | | | | (21,135 | ) | |||||||||||||
Common stock redeemed |
(12 | ) | | | | (12 | ) | |||||||||||||
Tax benefit from stock transactions |
(388 | ) | | | | (388 | ) | |||||||||||||
Advances to/from subsidiaries |
(31,637 | ) | 145,457 | (528 | ) | (113,292 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(55,001 | ) | 62,402 | (528 | ) | (113,292 | ) | (106,419 | ) | |||||||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(94,103 | ) | (9,615 | ) | (787 | ) | (113,292 | ) | (217,797 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
447,296 | 9,700 | 1,559 | (4,218 | ) | 454,337 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 353,193 | $ | 85 | $ | 772 | $ | (117,510 | ) | $ | 236,540 | |||||||||
(13) Discontinued Operations
On February 1, 2008, the Company determined that it would discontinue its mortgage origination
services through Beazer Mortgage Corporation (BMC). In February 2008, the Company entered into a
new marketing services arrangement with Countrywide Financial Corporation (Countrywide), whereby
the Company would market Countrywide as the preferred mortgage provider to its customers. In
addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company wrote off its entire $7.1
million investment in Homebuilders Financial Network LLC (HFN). HFN was a joint venture
investment which was established to provide loan processing services to mortgage originators. The
Company assigned its ownership interest to its joint venture partner. The Companys
30
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joint venture interest in HFN was not owned by Beazer Mortgage Corporation and, therefore, the associated
investment as of December 31, 2007 is not included in the discontinued operations information
presented below.
The Company has classified the results of operations of BMC, previously included in our Financial
Services segment, as discontinued operations in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
statements of operations for all periods presented in accordance with SFAS 144. As of December 31,
2008, substantially all BMC operating activities have ceased. Discontinued operations were not
segregated in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Therefore, amounts
for certain captions in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows will not
agree with the respective data in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The results of the BMC operations classified as discontinued operations in the unaudited condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as
follows (dollars in thousands):
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Total revenue |
$ | | $ | 2,494 | ||||
Loss from discontinued operations before
income taxes |
(220 | ) | (922 | ) | ||||
Benefit from income taxes |
| (347 | ) | |||||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | (220 | ) | $ | (575 | ) |
Assets and liabilities from discontinued operations at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008,
which entirely relates to BMC, consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2008 | 2008 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
2 | 2,305 | ||||||
Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale |
94 | 94 | ||||||
Other |
34 | 40 | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations |
$ | 130 | $ | 2,439 | ||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities |
$ | 381 | $ | 360 | ||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations |
$ | 381 | $ | 360 | ||||
Item 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Executive Overview: Throughout fiscal 2008 and into the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the
homebuilding environment continued to deteriorate as consumer confidence declined, unemployment
increased, the availability of home mortgage credit tightened significantly and the economy
continued to slow down. Specifically, the credit markets and the mortgage industry have been
experiencing a period of unparalleled turmoil and disruption characterized by bankruptcy, financial
institution failure, consolidation and an unprecedented level of intervention by the United States
federal government. While the ultimate outcome of these events cannot be predicted, it has made it
more difficult for homebuyers to obtain acceptable financing. In addition, the supply of new and
resale homes in the marketplace remained excessive for the levels of consumer demand, further
challenged by an increased number of foreclosed homes offered at substantially reduced prices.
These pressures in the marketplace resulted in the use of increased sales incentives and price
reductions in an effort to generate sales and reduce inventory levels by us and many of our
competitors.
We have responded to this challenging environment with a disciplined approach to the business with
continued reductions in direct costs, overhead expenses and land spending. We did not pursue a
strategy of additional sales incentives or sales price reductions during the quarter in an effort
to generate additional sales absorptions due to our belief that those strategies would not
significantly improve the number of new home orders this quarter. We believe that the confluence
of the new Congress and the new White House
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administration will enact a fiscal stimulus package focused on job creation and increased availability of credit and that results of these stimuli may
ultimately lead to improved sales absorptions without continued degradation of home sales margins.
We have limited our supply of unsold homes under construction and have focused on the generation of
cash from our existing inventory supply as we strive to align our land supply and inventory levels
to current expectations for home closings.
We have also completed a comprehensive review of each of our markets in order to refine our overall
investment strategy and to optimize capital and resource allocations in an effort to enhance our
financial position and to increase shareholder value. This review, which was concluded during the
first quarter of fiscal 2008, entailed an evaluation of both external market factors and our
position in each market and has resulted in the decision formalized and announced on February 1,
2008, to discontinue homebuilding operations in Charlotte, NC, Cincinnati/Dayton, OH, Columbia, SC,
Columbus, OH and Lexington, KY. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we announced our decision
to discontinue homebuilding operations in Colorado and Fresno, CA. We are actively completing an
orderly exit from each of these markets and remain committed to our remaining customer care
responsibilities. We have committed to complete all homes under construction in these markets and
are in the process of marketing the remaining land positions for sale. While the underlying basis
for exiting each market was different, in each instance we concluded we could better serve
shareholder interests by re-allocating the capital employed in these markets. As of December 31,
2008, these markets represented approximately 2% of the Companys total assets and are aggregated
in our Other Homebuilding segment.
In addition, as disclosed in our 2007 Form 10-K, the independent investigation, initiated in April
2007 by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the Investigation) and concluded in May
2008, identified accounting and financial reporting errors and irregularities which resulted in the
restatement of certain of our prior period consolidated financial statements and found evidence
that employees of the Companys Beazer Mortgage Corporation (Beazer Mortgage) subsidiary violated
certain federal and/or state regulations, including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) regulations. Areas of concern uncovered by the Investigation included our
former practices in the areas of: down payment assistance program; the charging of discount points;
the closure of certain HUD Licenses; closing accommodations; and the payment of a number of realtor
bonuses and decorator allowances in certain Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans
and non-FHA conventional loans originated by Beazer Mortgage dating back to at least 2000. The
Investigation also uncovered limited improper practices in relation to the issuance of a number of
non-FHA Stated Income Loans. We reviewed the loan documents and supporting documentation and
determined that the assets were effectively isolated from the seller and its creditors (even in the
event of bankruptcy). Based on that information, management continues to believe that sale
accounting at the time of the transfer of the loans to third parties was appropriate. We intend to
attempt to negotiate a settlement with prosecutors and regulatory authorities that would allow us
to quantify our exposure associated with reimbursement of losses and payment of regulatory and/or
criminal fines, if they are imposed. See Note 9 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements for additional discussion of this matter. At this time, we believe that although it is
probable that a liability exists related to this exposure, it is not reasonably estimable and would
be inappropriate to record a liability as of December 31, 2008.
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) was enacted into law on July 30, 2008.
Among other things, HERA provides for a temporary first-time home buyer tax credit for purchases
made through July 1, 2009; reforms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including adjustments to the
conforming loan limits; modernization and expansion of the FHA, including an increase to 3.5% in
the minimum down payment required for FHA loans; and the elimination of seller-funded down payment
assistance programs for FHA loans approved after September 30, 2008. Overall, HERA is intended to
help stabilize and add consumer confidence to the housing industry. However, certain of the
changes, such as the elimination of the down payment assistance programs and the increase in
minimum down payments, may adversely impact the ability of potential homebuyers to afford to
purchase a new home or obtain financing. The down payment assistance programs were utilized for a
number of our home closings in fiscal 2008.
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) was enacted into law on October 3, 2008.
EESA authorizes up to $700 billion in new spending authority for the United States Secretary of the
Treasury (the Secretary) to purchase, manage and ultimately dispose of troubled assets. The
provisions of this law include an expansion of the Hope for Homeowners Program. This program
allows the Secretary to use loan guarantees and credit enhancements so that loans can be modified
to prevent foreclosures. Also, the Secretary can consent to term extensions, rate-reductions and
principal write-downs. Federal agencies that own mortgage loans are directed to seek modifications
prior to foreclosures. While we expect the impact of this legislation will generally be favorable
to the economy, the impact on our operations is not yet determinable.
Outlook: We expect that the remainder of fiscal 2009 will pose significant challenges for us.
Like many other homebuilders, we have experienced a material reduction in revenues and margins and
we incurred significant net losses in fiscal 2008 and the first quarter of fiscal 2009. These net
losses were driven primarily by asset impairment and lot option abandonment charges incurred in
those periods.
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We believe that the homebuilding market will remain challenging throughout fiscal
2009 and, as a result, it is likely that we will also incur additional net losses in 2009, which
will further reduce our stockholders equity.
Certain of our property-specific secured notes payable agreements contain covenants that require us
to maintain minimum levels of stockholders equity (or some variation, such as tangible net worth)
or maximum levels of debt to stockholders equity. Although the specific covenants and related
definitions vary among the agreements, further reductions in our stockholders equity, absent the
receipt of waivers, may cause breaches of some or all of these covenants. Breaches of certain of
these covenants, to the extent they lead to an acceleration, may result in cross defaults under our
senior notes. The dollar value of property-specific secured notes payable agreements containing
stockholders equity-related covenants totaled $39.2 million at December 31, 2008. There can be no
assurance that we will be able to obtain any future waivers or amendments that may become necessary
without significant additional cost or at all. In each instance, however, a covenant default can
be cured by repayment of the indebtedness.
In addition, the size of our Secured Revolving Credit Facility, which has recently been reduced to
$250 million, is subject to further reduction to $100 million if our consolidated tangible net
worth (defined in the agreement as stockholders equity less intangible assets as defined) falls
below $250 million. At December 31, 2008, our consolidated tangible net worth for purposes of this
covenant was $255 million. If our consolidated tangible net worth falls below $100 million, we
would be in default of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. Under such circumstances, the
lenders could terminate the facility, accelerate our obligations thereunder or require us to post
cash collateral to support our existing letters of credit. At December 31, 2008, we had letters of
credit outstanding of $56.0 million under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. An acceleration
of this facility may also result in cross defaults under our senior notes.
Decreased levels of stockholders equity may also trigger our obligations to consummate offers to
purchase 10% of our non-convertible senior notes at par if our consolidated tangible net worth is
less than $85 million at the end of any two consecutive fiscal quarters. If triggered and fully
subscribed, this could result in our having to purchase $134.5 million of notes, based on amounts
outstanding at December 31, 2008.
Further, several of our joint ventures are in default under their debt agreements at December 31,
2008 or are at risk of defaulting. Although neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is the
borrower of any of this joint venture debt, we have issued guarantees of various types with respect
to many of these joint ventures. To the extent that we are unable to reach satisfactory
resolutions, we may be called upon to perform under our applicable guarantees. The total dollar
value of our repayment and loan-to-value maintenance guarantees was $45.0 million at December 31,
2008. See Notes 3 and 9 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
As noted in Note 9 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we are under
criminal and civil investigations by the United States Attorneys office in the Western District of
North Carolina and other federal and state agencies. The investigations could result in, among
other consequences, the payment of substantial criminal or civil fines or penalties. As of
December 31, 2008, we are not able to estimate the potential magnitude of such potential fines or
penalties.
Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008 was $436.9 million. Although we expect to incur
a net loss during the remainder of fiscal 2009, we received cash tax refunds of approximately $168
million in January 2009 which, we believe together with our cash and cash equivalents as of
December 31, 2008, cash generated from our operations during the remainder of fiscal 2009 and
availability, if any, under our Secured Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to meet our
liquidity needs during fiscal 2009. Additionally, we may be able to reduce our investment in land
and homes to generate further liquidity. However, if we are required to fund all of the potential
obligations associated with lower levels of stockholders equity and joint venture defaults, we
would have cash requirements, not including any fines or penalties associated with the government
investigations, totaling approximately $275 million which would significantly reduce our overall
liquidity.
As a result of these issues, in addition to our continued focus on generation and preservation of
cash, we are also focused on increasing our stockholders equity and reducing our leverage. In
order to accomplish this goal, we will likely need to issue new common or preferred equity. Any
new issuance may take the form of public or private offerings for cash, equity issued to consummate
acquisitions of assets or equity issued in exchange for a portion of our outstanding debt. In
addition, we may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash
purchases and/or exchanges for equity or other debt securities, in open market purchases, privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise. There can be no assurance that we will be able to complete
any of these transactions on favorable terms or at all. We currently intend to attempt to resolve
our issues with government authorities before pursuing any significant changes in the capital
structure.
Critical Accounting Policies: Some of our critical accounting policies require the use of judgment
in their application or require estimates of inherently uncertain matters. Although our accounting
policies are in compliance with accounting principles generally
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accepted in the United States of America, a change in the facts and circumstances of the underlying transactions could significantly
change the application of the accounting policies and the resulting financial statement impact. As
disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, our most
critical accounting policies relate to inventory valuation (inventory held for development and land
held for sale), goodwill valuation, revenue recognition, warranty reserves, investments in
unconsolidated joint ventures and income tax valuation allowances. Since September 30, 2008, there
have been no significant changes to those critical accounting policies.
Seasonal and Quarterly Variability: Our homebuilding operating cycle generally reflects escalating
new order activity in the second and third fiscal quarters and increased closings in the third and
fourth fiscal quarters. However, beginning in the second half of fiscal 2006 and continuing through
the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we continued to experience challenging conditions in most of our
markets which contributed to decreased revenues and closings as compared to prior periods including
prior quarters, thereby reducing typical seasonal variations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Quarter Ended December 31, | ||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Homebuilding |
$ | 230,411 | $ | 491,787 | ||||
Land and lot sales |
1,465 | 7,565 | ||||||
Financial Services |
488 | 1,302 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 232,364 | $ | 500,654 | ||||
Gross profit (loss) |
||||||||
Homebuilding |
$ | 13,108 | $ | (107,755 | ) | |||
Land and lot sales |
213 | 2,279 | ||||||
Financial Services |
488 | 1,302 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 13,809 | $ | (104,174 | ) | |||
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses: |
||||||||
Homebuilding |
$ | 55,717 | $ | 87,487 | ||||
Financial Services |
492 | 675 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 56,209 | $ | 88,162 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 3,783 | $ | 5,978 | ||||
As a percentage of total revenue: |
||||||||
Gross Margin |
5.9 | % | -20.8 | % | ||||
SG&A homebuilding |
24.0 | % | 17.5 | % | ||||
SG&A Financial Services |
0.2 | % | 0.1 | % | ||||
Goodwill impairment |
$ | 16,143 | $ | | ||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures from: |
||||||||
Joint venture activities |
$ | (120 | ) | $ | (3,305 | ) | ||
Impairments |
(1,293 | ) | (12,835 | ) | ||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures |
$ | (1,413 | ) | $ | (16,140 | ) | ||
Effective tax rate from continuing operations |
2.4 | % | 36.7 | % |
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Three Months Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2007
Revenues. The continued deterioration of the housing industry contributed to a 53.6% decrease in
revenues in the quarter ended December 31, 2008 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2007.
Homes closed decreased by 53.2% to 938 from 2,006 for the quarters ended December 31, 2008 and
December 31, 2007, respectively, as tightening of mortgage credit availability, an increase in home
foreclosures and other economic factors impacted consumer homebuyers. This decline was especially
pronounced throughout our markets in our East and Southeast segments. The average sales price of
homes closed remained relatively flat compared to the same quarter of the prior year due to changes
in the mix and location of homes closed from period to period; however, average sales price for
similar products did decrease throughout fiscal 2008 primarily due to increased price competition
and subsequent price discounting and increasing sales incentives related to the challenging market
conditions, including the increased number of foreclosed homes on the market at below average sales
prices.
In addition, we had $1.5 million and $7.6 million of land sales for the three months ended December
31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Gross Profit (Loss). Gross margin for three months ended December 31, 2008 was 5.9% compared to a
gross margin of -20.8% for the comparable period of the prior year. Gross margins continued to be
negatively impacted by weakness in the homebuilding industry. The increase in gross margin was
directly related to non-cash pre-tax inventory impairments and option contract abandonments of
$12.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008 compared to $168.5 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2007. During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, given the significant
turmoil in the general economy and the mortgage markets in particular and the general hesitancy of
consumers to make a significant investment in a home, we purposefully did not reduce the sales
price of homes to increase sales absorptions, and, therefore, impairments for the quarter may not
be indicative of an improving trend.
In an effort to redeploy assets to more profitable endeavors, we executed several land sales in the comparable period of the prior year. We realized a gain on land sales of $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) totaled $56.2 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2008 and $88.2 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2007. The 36.2% decrease in SG&A expense during the periods presented is primarily related to cost reductions realized as a result of our comprehensive review and realignment of our overhead structure in light of our reduced volume expectations, lower sales commissions from decreased revenues and decreased investigation-related costs and severance costs. SG&A expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 included $0.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, in severance costs and $2.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively, of investigation related costs. As of December 31, 2008, we had reduced our overall number of employees by 609 or 32% as compared to December 31, 2007, or a cumulative reduction of 70% since September 30, 2006. In January 2009, in an effort to further manage operating expenses in this challenging environment, we reduced our personnel by an additional 300 employees. We anticipate approximately $4.0 million of severance and other costs related to these January 2009 layoffs.
In an effort to redeploy assets to more profitable endeavors, we executed several land sales in the comparable period of the prior year. We realized a gain on land sales of $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) totaled $56.2 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2008 and $88.2 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2007. The 36.2% decrease in SG&A expense during the periods presented is primarily related to cost reductions realized as a result of our comprehensive review and realignment of our overhead structure in light of our reduced volume expectations, lower sales commissions from decreased revenues and decreased investigation-related costs and severance costs. SG&A expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 included $0.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, in severance costs and $2.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively, of investigation related costs. As of December 31, 2008, we had reduced our overall number of employees by 609 or 32% as compared to December 31, 2007, or a cumulative reduction of 70% since September 30, 2006. In January 2009, in an effort to further manage operating expenses in this challenging environment, we reduced our personnel by an additional 300 employees. We anticipate approximately $4.0 million of severance and other costs related to these January 2009 layoffs.
As a percentage of total revenue, SG&A expenses were 24.2% and 17.6% in the quarters ended December
31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in SG&A costs as a percentage of total revenue is
primarily related to the impact of fixed overhead expenses on reduced revenues.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization (D&A) totaled $3.8 million and $6.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in D&A during the periods presented is related to reduced spending on model furnishings and sales office improvements as a result of our strategic review of our communities and reduced depreciation related to the consolidation of divisional offices and the discontinuation of our mortgage services in fiscal 2008.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization (D&A) totaled $3.8 million and $6.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in D&A during the periods presented is related to reduced spending on model furnishings and sales office improvements as a result of our strategic review of our communities and reduced depreciation related to the consolidation of divisional offices and the discontinuation of our mortgage services in fiscal 2008.
Goodwill Impairment Charges. The Company experienced a significant decline in its market
capitalization during the three months ended December 31, 2008 (the first quarter of fiscal 2009).
In addition, we believe the unprecedented macro-economic events, including the failure and near
failure of several significant financial institutions, have resulted in a temporary, but
significant curtailment of consumer and business credit activities. As a result, consumer
confidence declined, unemployment increased and the pace of new home orders slowed. As of December
31, 2008, we considered these current and expected future market conditions and estimated that our
remaining goodwill was impaired and recorded a pretax, non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $16.1
million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 related to our reporting units in Houston, Texas,
Maryland and Nashville, Tennessee. The goodwill impairment charges were based on estimates of the
fair value of the reporting units. These charges are reported in Corporate and Unallocated and are
not allocated to our homebuilding segments.
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Joint Venture Impairment Charges. As of December 31, 2008, we participated in 19 land development
joint ventures in which we had less than a controlling interest. Our joint ventures are typically
entered into with developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots
for sale to the joint ventures members and other third parties. As a result of the further
deterioration of the housing market in fiscal 2008 and the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we wrote
down our investment in certain of our joint ventures reflecting $1.3 million and $12.8 million of
impairments of inventory held within those joint ventures during the quarters ended December 31,
2008 and 2007, respectively. If these adverse market conditions continue or worsen, we may have to
take further writedowns of our investments in these joint ventures that may have a material adverse
effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for continuing operations was 2.4% and 36.7% for the three
months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended
December 31, 2008 was impacted by the $16.1 million non-deductible, non-cash goodwill impairment
charge discussed above and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. As we are in a
cumulative loss position, as analyzed under SFAS 109, and based on the lack of sufficient objective
evidence regarding the realization of our deferred tax assets in the foreseeable future, we have
recorded a valuation allowance for substantially all of our deferred tax assets (see Note 8 to the
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information). Our tax benefit
of $2.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, resulted from the reduction in our
liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to effectively settling a state examination and
the expiration of certain statutes of limitations, offset by interest expense on our remaining
liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.
The principal difference between our effective rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate for the
three months ended December 31, 2008 is due to our valuation allowance, state income taxes incurred
and the non-deductible goodwill impairment charge. The principal difference between our effective
rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate for the three months ended December 31, 2007 is due to
state income taxes incurred.
Segment Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:
Homebuilding Revenues and Average Selling Price. The table below summarizes homebuilding revenues
and the average selling prices of our homes by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
Homebuilding Revenues | Average Selling Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Quarter Ended December 31, | Quarter Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | 2008 | 2007 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
West |
$ | 102,912 | $ | 150,023 | -31.4 | % | $ | 234.4 | $ | 246.9 | -5.1 | % | ||||||||||||
East |
73,191 | 172,840 | -57.7 | % | 270.1 | 256.1 | 5.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Southeast |
41,028 | 107,778 | -61.9 | % | 227.9 | 237.4 | -4.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Other |
13,280 | 61,146 | -78.3 | % | 276.7 | 224.0 | 23.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 230,411 | $ | 491,787 | -53.1 | % | $ | 245.6 | $ | 244.7 | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||||
Homebuilding revenues decreased for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 compared to comparable
period of the prior year due to a 53.2% overall decrease in closings, related to reduced demand, a
continued high rate of cancellations and excess capacity in both new and resale markets (including
increased foreclosures available at lower prices) as investors continued to divest of prior home
purchases and potential homebuyers have difficulty selling their homes and/or obtaining financing.
In addition, credit tightening in the mortgage markets and a decline in consumer confidence in all
of our markets further compounded the market deterioration in the quarter ended December 31, 2008.
Homebuilding revenues in our West segment decreased 31.4% driven by decreased closings of 27.3% and
decreased average sales prices of 5.1%. These decreases were particularly impacted by credit
tightening in the mortgage markets, the existence of excess capacity in both new home and resale
markets and a decline in consumer confidence in all of our markets in this segment.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, our East segment homebuilding revenues decreased by 57.7%
driven by a 59.9% decline in closings. This decline reflects the impact of excess capacity in the
resale markets and competitive pricing pressures. The increase in average sales prices in the East
segment represents a change in the mix of products sold within the markets and is not indicative of
an increase in home prices for comparable products.
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Our Southeast segment continued to be challenged by significant declines in demand, high
cancellations and excess capacity in both the new home and resale markets, driving a decrease in
homebuilding revenues of 61.9% for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the same
period of the prior year. Home closings in the Southeast segment decreased by 60.4% from the prior
year due to deteriorating market conditions and competitive pressures. The decrease in closings was
driven by higher cancellations, lower demand, higher available supply or new and resale inventory,
increased competition and the tightening of credit requirements and decreased availability of
mortgage options for potential homebuyers.
Homebuilding revenues in our Other Homebuilding markets decreased 78.3% in the quarter ended
December 31, 2008 due to decreased closings of 82.4% as a result of our fiscal 2008 strategic
decision to exit these markets and optimize our capital and resource allocation in markets better
suited to enhance our long-term financial position. The increase in average sales prices in this
segment represents a change in the mix of products sold within the markets and is not indicative of
an increase in home prices for comparable products. As of December 31, 2008, we had 4 homes in
backlog related to these communities and 915 lots held for sale.
Land and Lot Sales Revenues. The table below summarizes land and lot sales revenues by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
Land and Lot Sales Revenues. The table below summarizes land and lot sales revenues by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
Quarter Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | ||||||||||
West |
$ | 505 | $ | 3,571 | -85.9 | % | ||||||
East |
| 7 | -100.0 | % | ||||||||
Southeast |
45 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Other |
915 | 3,987 | -77.1 | % | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,465 | $ | 7,565 | -80.6 | % | ||||||
Land and lot sales in our Other Homebuilding segment in both periods relate to our strategic
decision to exit these markets. Land and lot sales revenues in our West segment in both periods
relate to land and lots sold that did not fit within our homebuilding programs in this segment.
Gross Profit (Loss). Homebuilding gross profit is defined as homebuilding revenues less home cost
of sales (which includes land and land development costs, home construction costs, capitalized
interest, indirect costs of construction, estimated warranty costs, closing costs and inventory
impairment and lot option abandonment charges). The following table sets forth our homebuilding
gross profit (loss) and gross margin by reportable segment and total gross profit (loss) and gross
margin ($ in thousands):
Quarter Ended December | Quarter Ended December | |||||||||||||||
31, 2008 | 31, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Gross Profit | Gross | Gross (Loss) | Gross | |||||||||||||
(Loss) | Margin | Profit | Margin | |||||||||||||
West |
$ | 11,718 | 11.4 | % | $ | (30,883 | ) | -20.6 | % | |||||||
East |
7,960 | 10.9 | % | (102 | ) | -0.1 | % | |||||||||
Southeast |
4,932 | 12.0 | % | (14,035 | ) | -13.0 | % | |||||||||
Other |
1,325 | 10.0 | % | (35,539 | ) | -58.1 | % | |||||||||
Corporate & unallocated |
(12,827 | ) | (27,196 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total homebuilding |
13,108 | 5.7 | % | (107,755 | ) | -21.9 | % | |||||||||
Land and lot sales |
213 | 14.5 | % | 2,279 | 30.1 | % | ||||||||||
Financial services |
488 | 100.0 | % | 1,302 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 13,809 | 5.9 | % | $ | (104,174 | ) | -20.8 | % | |||||||
The increase in gross margins across all segments is primarily due to lower inventory impairments
and lot option abandonment charges.
Corporate and unallocated. Corporate and unallocated costs include the amortization of capitalized
interest and indirect construction costs. The decrease in corporate and unallocated costs relates
primarily to a $12.2 million reduction in the amortization of capitalized interest costs due to a
lower capitalizable inventory base and an increase in disallowed interest for capitalization which
is recorded as other expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The
three months ended December 31, 2007 also included additional expenses related to the impairment of
capitalized interest and indirect costs in connection with our impairment of inventory held for
development.
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Land and Lot Sales Gross Profit (Loss). The table below summarizes land and lot sales gross profit
(loss) by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
Quarter Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | ||||||||||
West |
$ | (49 | ) | $ | 1,606 | -103.1 | % | |||||
East |
| 5 | -100.0 | % | ||||||||
Southeast |
39 | | n/a | |||||||||
Other |
223 | 668 | -66.6 | % | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 213 | $ | 2,279 | -90.7 | % | ||||||
Inventory Impairments. The following tables set forth, by reportable segment, the inventory
impairments and lot option abandonment charges recorded for the three months ended December 31,
2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
Quarter Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||
Development projects and homes in process (Held for Development) | ||||||||||||
West |
$ | 7,833 | $ | 59,352 | ||||||||
East |
2,903 | 22,956 | ||||||||||
Southeast |
97 | 9,437 | ||||||||||
Other |
44 | 8,437 | ||||||||||
Unallocated |
1,110 | 7,889 | ||||||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 11,987 | $ | 108,071 | ||||||||
Land Held for Sale |
||||||||||||
West |
$ | 161 | $ | | ||||||||
East |
| | ||||||||||
Southeast |
15 | 10,769 | ||||||||||
Other |
81 | 22,671 | ||||||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 257 | $ | 33,440 | ||||||||
Lot Option Abandonments |
||||||||||||
West |
$ | 12 | $ | 45 | ||||||||
East |
210 | 2,098 | ||||||||||
Southeast |
49 | 12,089 | ||||||||||
Other |
194 | 12,769 | ||||||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 465 | $ | 27,001 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 12,709 | $ | 168,512 | ||||||||
The inventory impaired during the three months ended December 31, 2008 represented 339 lots in 6
communities with an estimated fair value of $23.3 million compared to 2,886 lots in 62 communities
with an estimated fair value of $186.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2007. The
impairments recorded on our held for development inventory, for all segments, primarily resulted
from the continued decline in the homebuilding environment. Our fiscal 2009 first quarter
inventory impairment assessment assumed that the significant decline in new home orders experienced
during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 resulted from the unprecedented macro-economic events
including the failure and near failure of several financial institutions. These events resulted in
temporary, but significant curtailment of consumer and business credit activities. In addition, we
assumed that increased sales incentives and/or home sale price reductions would not produce
meaningful improvement in the pace of new home orders in light of this curtailed credit
environment. In future periods, we may again determine that it is prudent to reduce sales prices
or further increase sales incentives in response to factors including competitive market
conditions. Because the projected cash flows used to evaluate the fair value of inventory are
significantly impacted by changes in market conditions including decreased sales prices, it is
reasonably possible that a future change in sales prices and absorption estimates could lead to
additional impairments.
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During the three months ended December 31, 2007, as a result of the Companys decision to
re-allocate capital employed through strategic sales of select properties and through the exiting
of certain markets no longer viewed as strategic and based on current estimated fair values, less
costs to sell, as compared to book values, we recorded impairments on land held for sale. These
impairments were primarily located in our exit markets in Ohio and Charlotte, North Carolina.
We also have access to land inventory through lot option contracts, which generally enable us to
defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated entities until we
have determined whether to exercise our lot option. A majority of our lot option contracts require
a non-refundable cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase
price of the land for the right to acquire lots during a specified period of time at a certain
price. Under lot option contracts, both with and without specific performance provisions, purchase
of the properties is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by us and the sellers.
Our obligation with respect to options with specific performance provisions is included in our
consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities. Under option contracts without specific
performance obligations, our liability is generally limited to forfeiture of the non-refundable
deposits, letters of credit and other non-refundable amounts incurred, which aggregated
approximately $45.4 million at December 31, 2008. This amount includes non-refundable letters of
credit of approximately $6.3 million. The total remaining purchase price, net of cash deposits,
committed under all options was $437.9 million as of December 31, 2008. Only $33.2 million of the
net remaining purchase price contains specific performance clauses which may require us to purchase
the land or lots upon the land seller meeting certain obligations.
In addition, we have also completed a strategic review of all of the markets within our
homebuilding segments and the communities within each of those markets with an initial focus on the
communities for which land has been secured with option purchase contracts. As a result of this
review, we have determined the proper course of action with respect to a number of communities
within each homebuilding segment was to abandon the remaining lots under option and to write-off
the deposits securing the option takedowns, as well as preacquisition costs. In determining
whether to abandon a lot option contract, we evaluate the lot option primarily based upon the
expected cash flows from the property that is the subject of the option. If we intend to abandon or
walk-away from a lot option
contract, we record a charge to earnings in the period such decision is made for the deposit amount
and any related capitalized costs associated with the lot option contract. We recorded lot option
abandonment charges during the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 of $0.5 million and
$27.0 million, respectively. Southeast and Other Homebuilding segments represented 44.8% and 47.3%
of the three-month fiscal 2008 abandonments, respectively, as we made the decision to abandon
certain option contracts that no longer fit in our long-term strategic plan and related to our
decision to exit our Ohio and Charlotte, North Carolina markets.
Unit Data by Segment
New Orders, net | Cancellation Rates | Closings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | 2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
West |
253 | 455 | -44.4 | % | 49.6 | % | 47.0 | % | 439 | 604 | -27.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
East |
201 | 313 | -35.8 | % | 40.9 | % | 57.1 | % | 271 | 675 | -59.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Southeast |
79 | 286 | -72.4 | % | 45.9 | % | 34.3 | % | 180 | 454 | -60.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
12 | 198 | -93.9 | % | 50.0 | % | 38.7 | % | 48 | 273 | -82.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
545 | 1,252 | -56.5 | % | 45.6 | % | 46.6 | % | 938 | 2,006 | -53.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
New Orders and Backlog: New orders, net of cancellations, decreased 56.5% to 545 units for the
three months ended December 31, 2008 compared to 1,252 units for the same period in the prior year
driven by weaker market conditions resulting in reduced demand. In addition, during the first
quarter of fiscal 2009, given the significant turmoil in the general economy and the mortgage
markets in particular, we purposefully did not reduce the sales prices of homes to increase home
sales absorptions. For the three months ended December 31, 2008, we experienced cancellation rates
of 45.6% compared to 46.6% for the same period of the prior year. These cancellation rates in both
periods reflect the continued challenging market environment which includes the inability of many
potential homebuyers to sell their existing homes and obtain affordable financing. The increase in
cancellation rates in our Other Homebuilding segment primarily relates to our decision to exit all
of the markets in this segment.
Backlog reflects the number and value of homes for which the Company has entered into a sales
contract with a customer but has not yet delivered the home. The aggregate dollar value of homes
in backlog at December 31, 2008 of $227.2 million decreased 62.5% from $605.2 million at December
31, 2007, related to a decrease in the number of homes in backlog from 2,231 units at
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December 31, 2007 to 965 units at December 31, 2008. The decrease in the number of homes in backlog across all
of our markets is driven primarily by the aforementioned market weakness and lower new orders.
Backlog at December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | ||||||||||
West |
341 | 656 | -48.0 | % | ||||||||
East |
415 | 955 | -56.5 | % | ||||||||
Southeast |
205 | 322 | -36.3 | % | ||||||||
Other |
4 | 298 | -98.7 | % | ||||||||
Total |
965 | 2,231 | -56.7 | % | ||||||||
Backlog has declined in all of our homebuilding segments due primarily to the significant downturn
in our industry, the reduction in the availability of mortgage credit for our potential homebuyers
and our decision to sell certain large projects and exit certain markets. As the availability of
mortgage loans declines and the inventory of new and used homes remains at elevated levels, buyers
of homes in backlog may have difficulty selling their homes, which generally results in slower new
sales absorptions and high cancellation rates. Each cancellation results in a reduction of backlog.
As a result, increased cancellation rates result in reductions to backlog. Continued reduced
levels of backlog will produce less revenue in the future which could also result in additional
asset impairment charges and lower levels of liquidity.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates.
From time to time, we enter into derivative agreements to manage interest costs and hedge against
risks associated with fluctuating interest rates. As of December 31, 2008, we were not a party to
any such derivative agreements. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for trading or
speculative purposes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. Our sources of cash liquidity include, but are not limited to,
cash from operations, amounts available under credit facilities, proceeds from senior notes and
other bank borrowings, the issuance of equity securities and other external sources of funds. Our
short-term and long-term liquidity depend primarily upon our level of net income, working capital
management (cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities) and bank borrowings.
Consistent with the seasonal nature of our business, we used $147.5 million and $217.8 million in
cash during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively, primarily for the payment of
liabilities incurred during the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year. As of December 31, 2008,
our liquidity position consisted of $436.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. Subsequent to
December 31, 2008, we further improved our liquidity position with our receipt of approximately
$168 million in tax refunds that were included in income tax receivables as of December 31, 2008.
Our decrease in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2008 as compared to cash and cash
equivalents of $584.3 million at September 30, 2008, was due primarily to cash used in operating
activities of $111.9 million relating primarily to the significant reductions in trade accounts
payable and other liabilities and compared to net cash used in operations of $11.4 million in the
comparable period of the prior year. Based on the applicable years closings, as of December 31,
2008, our land bank includes a 5.2 year supply of owned and optioned land/lots for current and
future development. Our ending land bank includes 36,642 owned and optioned lots and represents
7.5% and 37.0% decreases from the land bank as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
respectively. As the homebuilding market declined, we were successful in significantly reducing
our land bank through the abandonment of lot option contracts, the sale of land assets not required
in our homebuilding program and through the sale of new homes. The decrease in the number of owned
lots in our land bank from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008 related to our decision to
eliminate non-strategic positions to align our land supply with our expectations for future home
closings.
Net cash used in investing activities was $22.3 million compared to $100.0 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as we were able to reduce the amount of cash
restricted under our amended Revolving Credit Facility.
Net cash used in financing activities was $13.3 million for the three months ended December 31,
2008 related primarily to the repayment of certain secured notes payable and model home financing
obligations and the payment of debt issuance costs. Net cash used in financing activities was
$106.4 million for the comparable prior of fiscal 2008 and consisted primarily of the repayment of
$83.1 million of other secured notes payable and $21.1 million of debt issuance costs.
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As the homebuilding markets have contracted, we have continued to decrease the size of our business
through a reduction in personnel and the closeout of additional communities. We have continued our
focus on cash generation and preservation to ensure we have the required liquidity to fund our
operations as we attempt to build availability under our Secured Revolving Credit Facility.
We fulfill our short-term cash requirements with cash generated from our operations and funds
available from our Secured Revolving Credit Facility. There were no amounts outstanding under the
Secured Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2008 or September 30, 2008; however, we had $56.0
million and $61.2 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Secured Revolving Credit
Facility at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. We believe that the cash and
cash equivalents at December 31, 2008 of $436.9 million, the subsequent receipt of our income tax
refunds of approximately $168 million in January 2009, cash generated from our operations and
availability, if any, under our Secured Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to meet our
liquidity needs during fiscal 2009. However, if we are required to fund all of the potential
obligations associated with lower levels of stockholders equity and joint venture defaults, as
more fully discussed above, we would have cash requirements, not including any fines or penalties
associated with the government investigations, totaling approximately $275 million which would
significantly reduce our overall liquidity.
As a result of these issues, in addition to our continued focus on generation and preservation of
cash, we are also focused on increasing our stockholders equity and reducing our leverage. In
order to accomplish this goal, we will likely need to issue new common or preferred equity. Any
new issuance may take the form of public or private offerings for cash, equity issued to consummate
acquisitions of assets or equity issued in exchange for a portion of our outstanding debt. We may
also from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases
and/or exchanges for equity or other debt securities, in open market purchases, privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise. In addition, any material variance from our projected
operating results or land investments, or
investments in or acquisitions of businesses, payment of regulatory and/or criminal fines or our
inability to increase our availability under our Secured Revolving Credit Facility, as described in
more detail below, could require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing. Any such equity
transactions or debt financing may be on terms less favorable or at higher costs than our current
financing sources, depending on future market conditions and other factors including any possible
downgrades in our credit ratings or adverse commentaries issued by rating agencies in the future.
Also, there can be no assurance that we will be able to complete any of these transactions on
favorable terms or at all. We currently intend to attempt to resolve our issues with government
authorities before pursuing any significant changes in the capital structure.
Borrowings
At December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 we had the following long-term debt (in thousands):
December 31, | September 30, | |||||||||||
Maturity Date | 2008 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Secured Revolving Credit Facility |
July 2011 | $ | | $ | | |||||||
8 5/8% Senior Notes* |
May 2011 | 180,000 | 180,000 | |||||||||
8 3/8% Senior Notes* |
April 2012 | 340,000 | 340,000 | |||||||||
6 1/2% Senior Notes* |
November 2013 | 200,000 | 200,000 | |||||||||
6 7/8% Senior Notes* |
July 2015 | 350,000 | 350,000 | |||||||||
8 1/8% Senior Notes* |
June 2016 | 275,000 | 275,000 | |||||||||
4 5/8% Convertible Senior Notes* |
June 2024 | 180,000 | 180,000 | |||||||||
Junior subordinated notes |
July 2036 | 103,093 | 103,093 | |||||||||
Other secured notes payable |
Various Dates | 51,406 | 50,618 | |||||||||
Model home financing obligations |
Various Dates | 59,238 | 71,231 | |||||||||
Unamortized debt discounts |
(2,448 | ) | (2,565 | ) | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,736,289 | $ | 1,747,377 | ||||||||
* | Collectively, the Senior Notes |
Secured Revolving Credit Facility On August 7, 2008, we entered into an amendment to our Secured
Revolving Credit Facility which changed the size, covenants and pricing for the facility. The size
of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility was reduced from $500 million to $400 million and is
subject to further reductions to $250 million and $100 million if our consolidated tangible net
worth (defined in the agreement as stockholders equity less intangible assets as defined) falls
below $350 million and $250 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2008, our consolidated
tangible net worth was $314.4 million. As a result, the facility size was reduced to $250 million.
Further, the facility size is subject to reduction to $200 million if our interest coverage ratio
for the quarter ending June 30, 2010 is less than 1.0x.
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We have the option to elect two types of loans under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility which
incur interest as applicable based on either the Alternative Base Rate or the Applicable Eurodollar
Margin (both defined in the Secured Revolving Credit Facility). The Secured Revolving Credit
Facility contains various operating and financial covenants. Substantially all of our significant
subsidiaries are guarantors of the obligations under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility (see
Note 12 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements).
There were no amounts outstanding under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2008
or September 30, 2008; however, we had $56.0 million and $61.2 million of letters of credit
outstanding under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2008 and September 30,
2008, respectively.
Availability under the facility continues to be subject to satisfaction of a secured borrowing
base. The amendment provided that the book value of the assets securing the facility must exceed
3.0x the outstanding loans and letters of credit. Such coverage level increases to 4.5x and 6.0x
to the extent the facility size is reduced to $250 million or $100 million, respectively. As a
result of the increase in collateral coverage to 4.5x during the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we
were required to provide a total of $18.8 million in cash to fully collateralize our outstanding
letters of credit which is included in restricted cash on the unaudited condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2008. Subsequent to the filing of this Form 10-Q, we will be
required to provide an additional $1.7 million in cash to fully collateralize our outstanding
letters of credit. We intend to add approximately $250 million of additional real estate assets to
the borrowing base over the next twelve months, which is anticipated to provide up to $35 million
in additional borrowing base availability
after providing for the return of the restricted cash. Assets in the borrowing base, and therefore
any future availability are subject to required appraisals and other bank review procedures. The
availability under our facility is not impacted by any actions of the respective credit rating
agencies. The value of the real estate assets securing our borrowing base could decline should the
downturn in our industry worsen. Any reduction in value could result in a reduction in available
borrowing capacity under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility.
The interest margins under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility were increased and are now based
on the facility size. Following the aforementioned amendment, the Eurodollar Margin under the
facility was set at 4.5%. To the extent the facility size is reduced to $250 million or $100
million, the Eurodollar Margin will increase to 5.0% and 5.5%, respectively. As a result of the
reduction in facility size to $250 million, the current Eurodollar Margin is now 5.0%.
The financial maintenance covenants pertaining to the leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio and
land inventory were eliminated as part of the August amendment. The remaining financial
maintenance covenants are a minimum tangible net worth covenant (which requires us to have at least
$100 million of consolidated tangible net worth) and a minimum liquidity covenant. The minimum
liquidity covenant, which is applicable for so long as our interest coverage ratio is less than
1.75x, requires us to maintain either (a) $120 million of unrestricted cash and borrowing base
availability or (b) a ratio (the Adjusted Coverage Ratio) of adjusted cash flow from operations
(defined as cash flow from operations plus interest incurred) to interest incurred of at least
1.75x. The following table sets forth our financial covenant requirements under our Secured
Revolving Credit Facility and our compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2008:
Financial Covenant | Covenant Requirement | Actual | ||
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth
|
> $100 million | $255 million | ||
Minimum Liquidity
|
> $120 million of unrestricted cash and borrowing base availability OR Adjusted Coverage Ratio > 1.75x | $437 million of unrestricted cash and borrowing base availability and Adjusted Coverage Ratio of 2.67x |
We believe that the elimination and relaxation of the financial maintenance covenants will permit
us to comply with the amended covenants for the foreseeable future. However, further
deteriorations in the housing market generally, or in our business particularly, could result in
additional inventory impairments or operational losses which could also result in our having to
seek additional amendments or waivers under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. To the extent
that we default under any of these covenants and we are unable to obtain waivers, the lenders under
the Secured Revolving Credit Facility could accelerate our obligations thereunder or require us to
post cash collateral to support our existing letters of credit. Any such acceleration may result
in an event of default under our Senior Notes described below and would permit the holders thereof
to accelerate our obligations under the Senior Notes.
Senior Notes The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations ranking pari passu with all other
existing and future senior indebtedness. Substantially all of our significant subsidiaries are full
and unconditional guarantors of the Senior Notes and are jointly and severally
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liable for
obligations under the Senior Notes and the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. Each guarantor
subsidiary is a 100% owned subsidiary of Beazer Homes.
The indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued contain certain restrictive covenants,
including limitations on payment of dividends. At December 31, 2008, under the most restrictive
covenants of each indenture, no portion of our retained earnings was available for cash dividends
or for share repurchases. The indentures provide that, in the event of defined changes in control
or if our consolidated tangible net worth falls below a specified level or in certain circumstances
upon a sale of assets, we are required to offer to repurchase certain specified amounts of
outstanding Senior Notes. Specifically, each indenture (other than the indenture governing the
convertible Senior Notes) requires us to offer to purchase 10% of each series of Senior Notes at
par if our consolidated tangible net worth (defined as stockholders equity less intangible assets
as defined) is less than $85 million at the end of any two consecutive fiscal quarters. If
triggered and fully subscribed, this could result in our having to purchase $134.5 million of
notes, based on amounts outstanding at December 31, 2008.
In June 2004, we issued $180 million aggregate principal amount of 4 5/8% Convertible Senior Notes
due 2024 (the Convertible Senior Notes). We may at our option redeem for cash the Convertible
Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time on or after June 15, 2009 at specified redemption
prices. Holders have the right to require us to purchase all or any portion of the Convertible
Senior Notes for cash on June 15, 2011, June 15, 2014 and June 15, 2019. In each case, we will pay
a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes to be
purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and any additional amounts owed, if any to
such purchase date.
On October 26, 2007, we obtained consents from holders of our Senior Notes to approve amendments of
the indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued. These amendments restrict our ability to
secure additional debt in excess of $700 million until certain conditions are met and enable us to
invest up to $50 million in joint ventures. The consents also provided us with a waiver of any and
all defaults under the Senior Notes that may have occurred on or prior to May 15, 2008 relating to
filing or delivering annual and quarterly financial statements. Fees and expenses related to
obtaining these consents totaled approximately $21 million. The recording of such fees and expenses
has been deferred and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense in accordance with
EITF 96-19 Debtors Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments.
Junior Subordinated Notes On June 15, 2006, we completed a private placement of $103.1 million of
unsecured junior subordinated notes which mature on July 30, 2036 and are redeemable at par on or
after July 30, 2011 and pay a fixed rate of 7.987% for the first ten years ending July 30, 2016.
Thereafter, the securities have a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.45% per
annum, resetting quarterly. These notes were issued to Beazer Capital Trust I, which simultaneously
issued, in a private transaction, trust preferred securities and common securities with an
aggregate value of $103.1 million to fund its purchase of these notes. The transaction is treated
as debt in accordance with GAAP. The obligations relating to these notes and the related securities
are subordinated to the Secured Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes.
Other Secured Notes Payable We periodically acquire land through the issuance of notes payable.
As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, we had outstanding notes payable of $51.4 million
and $50.6 million, respectively, primarily related to land acquisitions. These notes payable expire
at various times through 2011 and had fixed and variable rates ranging from 5.6% to 9.0% at
December 31, 2008. These notes are secured by the real estate to which they relate. During the
first three months of fiscal 2009, we repaid $0.2 million of these secured notes payable.
The agreements governing these secured notes payable contain various affirmative and negative
covenants. Certain of these secured notes payable agreements contain covenants that require us to
maintain minimum levels of stockholders equity (or some variation, such as tangible net worth) or
maximum levels of debt to stockholders equity. Although the specific covenants and related
definitions vary among the agreements, further reductions in our stockholders equity, absent the
receipt of waivers, may cause breaches of some or all of these covenants. Breaches of certain of
these covenants, to the extent they lead to an acceleration, may result in cross defaults under our
senior notes. The dollar value of these secured notes payable agreements containing stockholders
equity-related covenants totaled $39.2 million at December 31, 2008. There can be no assurance
that we will be able to obtain any future waivers or amendments that may become necessary without
significant additional cost or at all. In each instance, however, a covenant default can be cured
by repayment of the indebtedness.
Model Home Financing Obligations Due to a continuing interest in certain model home
sale-leaseback transactions, we have recorded $59.2 million and $71.2 million of debt as of
December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively, related to these financing transactions
in accordance with SFAS 98 (as amended), Accounting for Leases. These model home transactions
incur
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interest at a variable rate of one-month LIBOR plus 450 basis points, 4.94% as of December
31, 2008, and expire at various times through 2015.
Stock Repurchases and Dividends On November 18, 2005, as part of an acceleration of Beazer Homes
comprehensive plan to enhance stockholder value, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in
our stock repurchase plan to ten million shares of our common stock. The plan provides that shares
may be purchased for cash in the open market, on the NYSE, or in privately negotiated transactions.
We did not repurchase any shares in the open market during the three months ended December 31, 2008
or 2007. At December 31, 2008, there are approximately 5.4 million additional shares available for
purchase pursuant to the plan. However, in December 2007, we suspended our repurchase program and
any resumption of such program will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and as allowed
by our debt covenants and is unlikely in the foreseeable future. In addition, the indentures under
which our senior notes were issued contain certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on
share repurchases and the payment of dividends. At December 31, 2008, under the most restrictive
covenants of each indenture, none of our retained earnings was available for cash dividends or
share repurchases.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Commitments. At December 31, 2008, we
controlled 36,642 lots (a 5-year supply based on the last twelve months closings). We owned 75.3%,
or 27,614 lots, and 9,028 lots, 24.6%, were under option contracts which generally require the
payment of cash or the posting of a letter of credit for the right to acquire lots during a
specified period of time at a certain price. We historically have attempted to control a portion of
our land supply through options. As a result of the flexibility that these options provide us, upon
a change in market conditions we may renegotiate the terms of the options prior to
exercise or terminate the agreement. Under option contracts, both with and without specific
performance provisions, purchase of the properties is contingent upon satisfaction of certain
requirements by us and the sellers. Our obligation with respect to options with specific
performance provisions is included in our consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities. Under
option contracts without specific performance obligations, our liability is generally limited to
forfeiture of the non-refundable deposits, letters of credit and other non-refundable amounts
incurred, which aggregated approximately $45.4 million at December 31, 2008. This amount includes
non-refundable letters of credit of $6.3 million. The total remaining purchase price, net of cash
deposits, committed under all options was $437.9 million as of December 31, 2008. Only $33.2
million of the total remaining purchase price, net of cash deposits, contains specific performance
clauses which may require us to purchase the land or lots upon the land seller meeting certain
obligations.
We expect to exercise substantially all of our remaining option contracts with specific performance
obligations and, subject to market conditions, most of our option contracts without specific
performance obligations. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as market
conditions, weather conditions and the timing of the completion of development activities, will
have a significant impact on the timing of option exercises or whether land options will be
exercised.
We have historically funded the exercise of land options through a combination of operating cash
flows and borrowings under our credit facilities. We expect these sources to continue to be
adequate to fund anticipated future option exercises. Therefore, we do not anticipate that the
exercise of our land options will have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
Certain of our option contracts are with sellers who are deemed to be Variable Interest Entities
(VIEs) under FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,
an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46R). We have determined that we are the primary
beneficiary of certain of these option contracts. Our risk is generally limited to the option
deposits that we pay, and creditors of the sellers generally have no recourse to the general credit
of the Company. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, for those option
contracts for which we are the primary beneficiary, we are required to consolidate the land under
option at fair value. We believe that the exercise prices of our option contracts approximate their
fair value. Our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008 reflect
consolidated inventory not owned of $75.8 million and $106.7 million, respectively. We consolidated
$37.7 million and $46.9 million of lot option agreements as consolidated inventory not owned
pursuant to FIN 46R as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. In addition, as
of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, we recorded $38.1 million and $59.8 million,
respectively, of land under the caption consolidated inventory not owned related to lot option
agreements in accordance with SFAS 49, Product Financing Arrangements. Obligations related to
consolidated inventory not owned totaled $48.1 million at December 31, 2008 and $70.6 million at
September 30, 2008. The difference between the balances of consolidated inventory not owned and
obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned represents cash deposits paid under the
option agreements.
We participate in a number of land development joint ventures in which we have less than a
controlling interest. We enter into joint ventures in order to acquire attractive land positions,
to manage our risk profile and to leverage our capital base. Our joint ventures are typically
entered into with developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots
for sale to the joint ventures members and other third parties. We account for our interest in
these joint ventures under the equity method. Our consolidated balance
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sheets include investments
in joint ventures totaling $33.3 million and $33.1 million at December 31, 2008 and September 30,
2008, respectively.
Our joint ventures typically obtain secured acquisition and development financing. At December 31,
2008, our unconsolidated joint ventures had borrowings outstanding totaling $525.4 million, of
which $327.9 million related to one joint venture in which we are a 2.58% partner. Generally, we
and our joint venture partners have provided varying levels of guarantees of debt or other
obligations of our unconsolidated joint ventures. At December 31, 2008, we had repayment guarantees
of $39.3 million and loan-to-value maintenance guarantees of $5.7 million of debt of unconsolidated
joint ventures. Several of our joint ventures are in default under their debt agreements at
December 31, 2008 or are at risk of defaulting. To the extent that we are unable to reach
satisfactory resolutions, we may be called upon to perform under our applicable guarantees. See
Notes 3 and 9 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
We had total outstanding letters of credit and performance bonds of approximately $56.1 million and
$334.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008 related principally to our obligations to local
governments to construct roads and other improvements in various developments. Total outstanding
letters of credit includes approximately $6.8 million related to our land option contracts
discussed above.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value
Measurements. SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.
SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured
at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS 157 includes
provisions that require expanded disclosure of the effect on earnings for items measured using
unobservable data. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for
interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position
(FSP) 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, delaying the effective date of certain
non-financial assets and liabilities to fiscal periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The
adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and
results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS 159 permits
companies to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. We have not
elected the fair value option applicable under SFAS 159.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141
(revised 2007), Business Combinations. SFAS 141R amends and clarifies the accounting guidance for
the acquirers recognition and measurement of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and
noncontrolling interests of an acquiree in a business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for any
acquisitions completed by the Company after September 30, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an Amendment of ARB 51. SFAS 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (formerly
minority interest) in a subsidiary be classified as equity and the amount of consolidated net
income specifically attributable to the noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated
financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009 and its
provisions will be applied retrospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to a number of market risks in the ordinary course of business. Our primary market
risk exposure relates to fluctuations in interest rates. We do not believe that our exposure in
this area is material to cash flows or earnings. As of December 31, 2008, we had $98.4 million of
variable rate debt outstanding. Based on our average outstanding borrowings under our variable rate
debt at December 31, 2008, a one-percentage point increase in interest rates would negatively
impact our annual pre-tax earnings by approximately $1.0 million.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the
supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the Companys
disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Companys
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008.
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Attached as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are certifications of our CEO and CFO,
which are required by Rule 13a-14 of the Act. This Disclosure Controls and Procedures section
includes information concerning managements evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
referred to in those certifications and, as such, should be read in conjunction with the
certifications of the CEO and CFO.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Companys internal controls over financial reporting during the
quarter ended December 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Investigations
United States Attorney, State and Federal Agency Investigations. Beazer Homes and its subsidiary,
Beazer Mortgage Corporation (Beazer Mortgage), are under criminal and civil investigations by the
United States Attorneys Office in the Western District of North
Carolina and other state and federal agencies concerning the matters that were the subject of the
independent investigation by the Audit Committee of the Beazer Homes Board of Directors (the
Investigation) completed in May 2008. The Company is fully cooperating with these
investigations.
Independent Investigation. The Audit Committee of the Beazer Homes Board of Directors has completed
the Investigation of Beazer Homes mortgage origination business, including, among other things,
investigating certain evidence that the Companys subsidiary, Beazer Mortgage, violated U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and may have violated certain other
laws and regulations in connection with certain of its mortgage origination activities. The
Investigation also found evidence that employees of the Companys Beazer Mortgage subsidiary
violated certain federal and/or state regulations, including HUD regulations. Areas of concern
uncovered by the Investigation included our former practices in the areas of: down payment
assistance program; the charging of discount points; the closure of certain HUD Licenses; closing
accommodations; and the payment of a number of realtor bonuses and decorator allowances in certain
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans and non-FHA conventional loans originated by
Beazer Mortgage dating back to at least 2000. The Investigation also uncovered limited improper
practices in relation to the issuance of a number of non-FHA Stated Income Loans. We reviewed the
loan documents and supporting documentation and determined that the assets were effectively
isolated from the seller and its creditors (even in the event of bankruptcy). Based on that
information, management continues to believe that sale accounting at the time of the transfer of
the loans to third parties was appropriate. We intend to attempt to negotiate a settlement with
prosecutors and regulatory authorities that would allow us to quantify our exposure associated with
reimbursement of losses and payment of regulatory and/or criminal fines, if they are imposed. At
this time, we believe that although it is probable that a liability exists related to this
exposure, it is not reasonably estimable and would be inappropriate to record a liability as of
December 31, 2008. In addition, the Investigation identified accounting and financial reporting
errors and irregularities which resulted in the restatement of certain prior period consolidated
financial statements which was included in our 2007 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 12, 2008.
Litigation
Securities Class Action. Beazer Homes and certain of our current and former officers (the
Individual Defendants), as well as our Independent Registered Accounting Firm, are named as
defendants in putative class action securities litigation pending in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Three separate complaints were initially filed between
March 29 and May 21, 2007. The cases were subsequently consolidated by the court and the court
appointed Glickenhaus & Co. and Carpenters Pension Trust Fund for Northern California as lead
plaintiffs. On June 27, 2008, lead plaintiffs filed an Amended and Consolidated Class Action
Complaint for Violation of the Federal Securities Laws (Consolidated Complaint), which purports
to assert claims on behalf of a class of persons and entities that purchased or acquired the
securities of Beazer Homes during the period January 27, 2005 through May 12, 2008. The
Consolidated Complaint asserts a claim against the defendants under Section 10(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder for
allegedly making materially false and misleading statements regarding our business and prospects,
including, among other things, alleged misrepresentations and omissions related to alleged improper
lending practices in our mortgage origination business, alleged misrepresentations and omissions
related to improper revenue recognition and other accounting improprieties and alleged
misrepresentations and omissions concerning our land investments and inventory. The Consolidated
Complaint also asserts claims against the Individual Defendants under Sections 20(a) and 20A of the
Exchange Act. Lead plaintiffs seek a determination that the action is properly maintained as a
class action, an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and costs and expenses, including
attorneys fees. On November 3, 2008, the Company and the other
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defendants filed motions to
dismiss the Consolidated Complaint. Briefing of the motion is expected to be completed in March
2009. The Company intends to vigorously defend against these actions.
Derivative Shareholder Actions. Certain of Beazer Homes current and former officers and directors
were named as defendants in a derivative shareholder suit filed on April 16, 2007 in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint also names Beazer Homes
as a nominal defendant. The complaint, purportedly on behalf of Beazer Homes, alleges that the
defendants (i) violated Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder;
(ii) breached their fiduciary duties and misappropriated information; (iii) abused their control;
(iv) wasted corporate assets; and (v) were unjustly enriched. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount
of compensatory damages against the individual defendants and in favor of Beazer Homes. An
additional lawsuit was filed subsequently on August 29, 2007 in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Georgia asserting similar factual allegations. The two Georgia
derivative actions have been consolidated, and the plaintiffs have filed an amended, consolidated
complaint. On November 21, 2008, the Company and the other defendants filed motions to dismiss the
amended consolidated complaint. Briefing of the motion is expected to be completed in February
2009. The defendants intend to vigorously defend against these actions.
ERISA Class Actions. On April 30, 2007, a putative class action complaint was filed on behalf of a
purported class consisting of present and former participants and beneficiaries of the Beazer Homes
USA, Inc. 401(k) Plan. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia. The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duties, including those set forth in
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), as a result of the investment of retirement
monies held by the 401(k) Plan in common stock of Beazer Homes at a time when participants were
allegedly not provided timely, accurate and complete information concerning Beazer Homes. Four
additional lawsuits were filed subsequently on May 11, 2007, May 14, 2007, June 15, 2007 and
July 27, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia making
similar allegations. The court consolidated these five lawsuits, and on June 27, 2008, the
plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint names as
defendants Beazer Homes, our chief executive officer, certain current and former directors of the
Company, including the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and certain
employees of the Company who acted as members of the Companys 401(k) Committee. On October 10,
2008, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended
complaint. Briefing of the motion was completed in January 2009. The Company intends to
vigorously defend against these actions.
Homeowners Class Action Lawsuits and Multi-Plaintiff Lawsuit. A putative class action was filed on
April 8, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina,
Salisbury Division, against Beazer Homes, U.S.A., Inc., Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage
Corporation. The Complaint alleges that Beazer violated the Real Estate Settlement Practices Act
(RESPA) and North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1 by (1) improperly requiring homebuyers to use
Beazer-owned mortgage and settlement services as part of a down payment assistance program, and
(2) illegally increasing the cost of homes and settlement services sold by Beazer Homes Corp. The
purported class consists of all residents of North Carolina who purchased a home from Beazer, using
mortgage financing provided by and through Beazer that included seller-funded down payment
assistance, between January 1, 2000 and October 11, 2007. The Complaint demands an unspecified
amount of damages, equitable relief, treble damages, attorneys fees and litigation expenses. The
defendants moved to dismiss the Complaint on June 4, 2008. On July 25, 2008, in lieu of a response
to the motion to dismiss, plaintiff filed an amended complaint. The Company has moved to dismiss
the amended complaint and intends to vigorously defend against this action.
Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation are also named defendants in a lawsuit filed on
July 3, 2007, in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg,
North Carolina. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North
Carolina, Charlotte Division, but remanded on April 23, 2008 to the General Court of Justice,
Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The complaint was filed on behalf
of ten individual homeowners who purchased homes from Beazer in Mecklenburg County. The complaint
alleges certain deceptive conduct by the defendants and brings various claims under North Carolina
statutory and common law, including a claim for punitive damages. On June 27, 2008 a second amended
complaint, which added two plaintiffs to the lawsuit, was filed. The case has been designated as
exceptional pursuant to Rule 2.1 of the General Rules of Practice of the North Carolina Superior
and District Courts and has been assigned to the docket of the North Carolina Business Court. The
Company filed a motion to dismiss on July 30, 2008. On November 18, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a
third amended complaint. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint on
December 29, 2008. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this action.
Beazer Homes subsidiaries Beazer Homes Holdings Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation were named
as defendants in a putative class action lawsuit originally filed on March 12, 2008, in the
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Placer. The lawsuit was amended on June 2,
2008 and named as defendants Beazer Homes Holdings Corp., Beazer Homes USA, Inc., and Security
Title
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Insurance Company. The purported class is defined as all persons who purchased a home from
the defendants or their affiliates, with the assistance of a federally related mortgage loan, from
March 25, 1999 to the present where Security Title Insurance Company received any money as a
reinsurer of the transaction. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated RESPA and asserts
claims under a number of state statutes alleging that defendants engaged in a uniform and
systematic practice of giving and/or accepting fees and kickbacks to affiliated businesses
including affiliated and/or recommended title insurance companies. The complaint also alleges a
number of common law claims. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages under RESPA,
unspecified statutory, compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive and declaratory relief, as
well as attorneys fees and costs. Defendants removed the action to federal court. On November 26,
2008, plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint which substituted new named-plaintiffs. The
Company filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint on January 9, 2009. The Company
intends to vigorously defend against the action.
We cannot predict or determine the timing or final outcome of the governmental investigations or
the lawsuits or the effect that any adverse findings in the investigations or adverse
determinations in the lawsuits may have on us. In addition, an estimate of possible loss or range
of loss if any, cannot presently be made with respect to the above matters. While we are
cooperating with the governmental
investigations, developments, including the expansion of the scope of the investigations, could
negatively impact us, could divert the efforts and attention of our management team from the
operation of our business, and/or result in further departures of executives or other employees. An
unfavorable determination resulting from any governmental investigation could result in the filing
of criminal charges, payment of substantial criminal or civil fines, the imposition of injunctions
on our conduct or the imposition of other penalties or consequences, including but not limited to
the Company having to adjust, curtail or terminate the conduct of certain of our business
operations. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects. An unfavorable determination in any of the lawsuits
could result in the payment by us of substantial monetary damages which may not be fully covered by
insurance. Further, the legal costs associated with the investigations and the lawsuits and the
amount of time required to be spent by management and the Board of Directors on these matters, even
if we are ultimately successful, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Other Matters
In November 2003, Beazer Homes received a request for information from the EPA pursuant to Section
308 of the Clean Water Act seeking information concerning the nature and extent of storm water
discharge practices relating to certain of our projects completed or under construction. The EPA
has since requested information on additional projects and has conducted site inspections at a
number of locations. In certain instances, the EPA or the equivalent state agency has issued
Administrative Orders identifying alleged instances of noncompliance and requiring corrective
action to address the alleged deficiencies in storm water management practices. As of December 31,
2008, no monetary penalties had been imposed in connection with such Administrative Orders. The EPA
has reserved the right to impose monetary penalties at a later date, the amount of which, if any,
cannot currently be estimated. Beazer Homes has taken action to comply with the requirements of
each of the Administrative Orders and is working to otherwise maintain compliance with the
requirements of the Clean Water Act.
In 2006, we received two Administrative Orders issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection. The Orders allege certain violations of wetlands disturbance permits. The two Orders
assess proposed fines of $630,000 and $678,000, respectively. We have met with the Department to
discuss their concerns on the two affected projects and have requested hearings on both matters. We
believe that we have significant defenses to the alleged violations and intend to contest the
agencys findings and the proposed fines. We are currently pursuing settlement discussions with the
Department. A hearing before the judge has been postponed pending settlement discussions.
Recently, the lender of one of our unconsolidated joint ventures has filed individual lawsuits
against some of the joint venture partners and certain of those partners parent companies
(including the Company), seeking to recover damages under completion guarantees, among other
claims. We intend to vigorously defend against this legal action. We are a 2.58% partner in this
joint venture.
We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and
other legal actions, most relating to construction defects, moisture intrusion and related mold
claims and product liability. Certain of the liabilities resulting from these actions are covered
in whole or part by insurance. In our opinion, based on our current assessment, the ultimate
resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition,
results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report, you should carefully
consider the risk factors discussed below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2008.
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If we do not meet the New York Stock Exchange continued listing requirements, our common stock may
be delisted, which could have an adverse impact on the liquidity and market price of our common
stock and could require us to repurchase our 45/8% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024.
Our common stock is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). If we do not meet
the NYSE continued listing requirements, the NYSE may take action to delist our common stock. The
continued listing requirements of the NYSE require, among other things, that (1) the average
closing price of our common stock be above $1.00 over 30 consecutive trading days, (2) our average
market capitalization be not less than $75 million over 30 consecutive trading days if at the same
time our stockholders equity is less than $75 million and (3) our average market capitalization be
not less than $25 million (currently lowered on a temporary basis by the NYSE to $15 million) over
30 consecutive trading days. Recently, the price of our common stock and our market capitalization
have declined significantly. As of February 6, 2009 our trailing 30-day average closing stock
price was $1.25 and our trailing 30-day average market capitalization was $49.1 million. Our
stockholders equity as of December 31, 2008 was $298.1 million. In the event the Company receives
notice that it is out of compliance with the requirement described in item (1) above, the Company
will have a period
of six months to bring its share price and 30-day average share price to at least $1.00 and, under
certain circumstances, an additional six months to obtain shareholder approval of curative actions
if needed. In the event the Company receives a notice that it is out of compliance with the
requirements set forth in item (2) above, the Company will have an opportunity to submit a plan to
the NYSE in order to bring itself into compliance with these requirements within 18 months of
submission of such plan. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to take such
actions in a timely manner or at all. The NYSE requirement set forth in item (3) above does not
provide any opportunity to cure or correct non-compliance. A delisting of our common stock could
negatively impact us by: (i) reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; (ii)
reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could
negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; (iii) decreasing the amount of news and
analyst coverage for us.
In addition, delisting of our common stock on the NYSE would constitute a fundamental change
under the indenture governing our 4 5/8% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 (the Convertible Senior
Notes) unless we are able to list our common stock on another exchange or have it quoted on an
established over the counter trading market. If such a fundamental change occurs, holders of the
Convertible Senior Notes will be entitled to require us to repurchase their Convertible Senior
Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes to be
repurchased. In order to fund any required repurchases, we might be required to seek additional
financing for such amounts. We can give no assurance that we would be able to obtain such
financing, on favorable terms, or at all.
Item 5. | Other Information |
None.
Item 6. | Exhibits |
10.1 | Employment Letter for Kenneth F. Khoury, effective January 5, 2009 | |
10.2 | Change of Control Employment Agreement effective December 5, 2008 for Kenneth F. Khoury | |
10.3 | Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Ian J. McCarthy effective December 31, 2008 | |
10.4 | Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Michael H. Furlow effective December 31, 2008 | |
10.5 | First Amendment to Employment Agreement of Allan P. Merrill effective December 31, 2008 | |
10.6 | First Amendment to Amended and Restated
Supplemental Employment Agreement of Ian J. McCarthy effective December 31, 2008 |
|
10.7 | First Amendment to Amended and Restated
Supplemental Employment Agreement of Michael H. Furlow effective December 31, 2008 |
|
10.8 | First Amendment to Change of Control Employment Agreement of Allan P. Merrill effective December 31, 2008 | |
31.1 | Certification pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14 promulgated under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2 | Certification pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14 promulgated under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
32.2 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Beazer Homes USA, Inc. |
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Date: February 9, 2009 | By: | /s/ Allan P. Merrill | ||
Name: | Allan P. Merrill | |||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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