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U N I T E D  S T A T E S  S E C U R I T I E S A N D  E X C H A N G E  C O M M I S S I O N
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

ý      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended OCTOBER 31, 2006

o      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 1-8551

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware   22-1851059
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, N.J. (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
07701
(Zip Code)

732-747-7800
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
  Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share   New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares, each representing 1/1,000th of a share of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock   NASDAQ Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act Yes o No ý

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. (See definition of "accelerated filer and large acceleraged filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large Accelerated Filer ý                        Accelerated Filer o                        Non-Accelerated Filer o

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

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity as of April 28, 2006 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $1,468,315,466.

As of the close of business on January 2, 2007, there were outstanding 47,273,652 shares of the Registrant's Class A Common Stock and 14,651,524 shares of its Class B Common Stock.


HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

         Part III – Those portions of registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with registrant's annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 7, 2007 which are responsive to Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

2            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item

   
  Page
    PART I    
1   Business   4
1A   Risk Factors   11
1B   Unresolved Staff Comments   15
2   Properties   15
3   Legal Proceedings   15
4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   16
    Executive Officers of the Registrant   16
    PART II    
5   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   16
6   Selected Consolidated Financial Data   17
7   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   17
7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   37
8   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   37
9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   37
9A   Controls and Procedures   37
9B   Other Information   40
    PART III    
10   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant   40
11   Executive Compensation   41
12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   41
13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   41
14   Principal Accountant Fees and Services   42
    PART IV    
15   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules   42
    Signatures   45

3            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Part I

ITEM 1
BUSINESS

Business Overview

We design, construct, market and sell single-family detached homes, attached townhomes and condominiums, mid-rise and high-rise condominiums, urban infill and active adult homes in planned residential developments and are one of the nation's largest builders of residential homes. Founded in 1959 by Kevork Hovnanian, Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. was incorporated in New Jersey in 1967 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1983. Since the incorporation of our predecessor company and including unconsolidated joint ventures, we have delivered in excess of 254,000 homes, including 20,201 homes in fiscal 2006. The Company consists of two operating groups: homebuilding and financial services. Our financial services group provides mortgage loans and title services to the customers of our homebuilding operations.

        We are currently, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, offering homes for sale in 427 communities in 48 markets in 19 states throughout the United States. We market and build homes for first-time buyers, first-time and second-time move-up buyers, luxury buyers, active adult buyers and empty nesters. We offer a variety of home styles at base prices ranging from $42,000 (low income housing) to $2,125,000 with an average sales price, including options, of $329,000 nationwide in fiscal 2006.

        Our operations span all significant aspects of the home-buying process – from design, construction and sale, to mortgage origination and title services.

        The following is a summary of our growth history:

1959 – Founded by Kevork Hovnanian as a New Jersey homebuilder.

1983 – Completed initial public offering.

1986 – Entered the North Carolina market through the investment in New Fortis Homes.

1992 – Entered the greater Washington, D.C. market.

1994 – Entered the Coastal Southern California market.

1998 – Expanded in the greater Washington, D.C. market through the acquisition of P.C. Homes.

1999 – Entered the Dallas, Texas market through our acquisition of Goodman Homes. Further diversified and strengthened our position as New Jersey's largest homebuilder through the acquisition of Matzel & Mumford.

2001 – Continued expansion in the greater Washington D.C. and North Carolina markets through the acquisition of Washington Homes. This acquisition further strengthened our operations in each of these markets.

2002 – Entered the Central Valley market in Northern California and Inland Empire region of Southern California through the acquisition of Forecast Homes.

2003 – Expanded operations in Texas and entered the Houston market through the acquisition of Parkside Homes and Brighton Homes. Entered the greater Ohio market through our acquisition of Summit Homes and entered the greater metro Phoenix market through our acquisition of Great Western Homes.

2004 – Entered the greater Tampa, Florida market through the acquisition of Windward Homes, and started a new division in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota market.

2005 – Entered the Orlando, Florida market through our acquisition of Cambridge Homes and entered the greater Chicago, Illinois market and expanded our position in Florida and Minnesota through the acquisition of the operations of Town & Country Homes, which occurred concurrently with our entering into a joint venture with affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors to own and develop Town & Country's existing residential communities. We also entered the Fort Myers market through the acquisition of First Home Builders of Florida, and the Cleveland, Ohio market through the acquisition of Oster Homes.

2006 – Entered the coastal markets of South Carolina and Georgia through the acquisition of Craftbuilt Homes.

Geographic Breakdown of Markets by Segment

Hovnanian markets and builds homes that are constructed in 32 of the nation's top 75 housing markets. We segregate our homebuilding operations geographically into the following six segments:

Northeast: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C.

Midwest: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio

Southeast: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina

Southwest: Arizona and Texas

West: California

        We employed approximately 6,239 full-time associates as of October 31, 2006.

        Our Corporate offices are located at 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, our telephone number is (732)747-7800, and our Internet website address is www.khov.com. We make available

4            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



through our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(d) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Copies of the Company's Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports are available free of charge upon request.

Business Strategies

The following is a summary of our key business strategies. We believe that these strategies separate us from our competitors in the residential homebuilding industry and the adoption, implementation, and adherence to these principles will continue to improve our business, lead to higher profitability for our shareholders and give us a clear advantage over our competitors.

        Our market concentration strategy is a key factor that enables us to achieve powers and economies of scale and differentiate ourselves from most of our competitors. Our goal is to become a significant builder in each of the selected markets in which we operate.

        We offer a broad product array to provide housing to a wide range of customers. Our customers consist of first-time buyers, first-time and second-time move-up buyers, luxury buyers, active adult buyers and empty nesters. Our diverse product array includes single family detached homes, attached townhomes and condominiums, mid-rise and high-rise condominiums, urban infill and active adult homes.

        We are committed to customer satisfaction and quality in the homes that we build. We recognize that our future success rests in the ability to deliver quality homes to satisfied customers. We seek to expand our commitment to customer service through a variety of quality initiatives. In addition, our focus remains on attracting and developing quality associates. We use several leadership development and mentoring programs to identify key individuals and prepare them for positions of greater responsibility within our Company.

        We focus on achieving high return on invested capital. Each new community, whether through organic growth or acquisition, is evaluated based on its ability to meet or exceed internal rate of return requirements. Incentives for both local and senior management are primarily based on the ability to generate returns on capital deployed. Our belief is that the best way to create lasting value for our shareholders is through a strong focus on return on invested capital.

        We adhere to a strategy of achieving growth through expansion of our organic operations and through the selected acquisition of other homebuilders with excellent management teams interested in continuing with our Company. In our existing markets, we continue to introduce a broader product array to gain market share and reach a more diverse group of customers. Selective acquisitions have expanded our geographic footprint, strengthened our market share in existing markets and further diversified our product offerings. Integration of acquired companies is a core strength and organic growth after an acquisition is enhanced by deployment of our broad product array. To enhance our pattern of geographic diversification, we may also choose to start up new homebuilding operations in selected markets that allow our Company to employ our broad product array to achieve growth and market penetration. Through our presence in multiple geographic markets, our goal is to reduce the effects that housing industry cycles, seasonality and local conditions in any one area may have on our business.

        We utilize a risk averse land strategy. We attempt to acquire land with a minimum cash investment and negotiate takedown options, thereby limiting the financial exposure to the amounts invested in property and predevelopment costs. This policy significantly reduces our risk and generally allows us to obtain necessary development approvals before acquisition of the land.

        We enter into homebuilding and land development joint ventures from time to time as a means of controlling lot positions, expanding our market opportunities, establishing strategic alliances, reducing our risk profile, leveraging our capital base and enhancing our returns on capital. Our homebuilding joint ventures are generally entered into with third party investors to develop land and construct homes that are sold directly to homebuyers. Our land development joint ventures include those with developers and other homebuilders as well as financial investors to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture's members or other third parties. Our Hovnanian Land Investment Group (HLIG), a wholly owned subsidiary, identifies, acquires, and develops large land parcels for sale to our homebuilding operations or to other homebuilders. HLIG may acquire the property directly or via joint ventures.

        In 2005, we entered into a joint venture with affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors that acquired the assets of Town & Country Homes, giving us operations in the greater Chicago, Illinois market and expanding our operations in Florida and Minnesota.

        We are committed to becoming a better and more efficient homebuilding company. Over the past few years, our strategies have included testing several initiatives to fundamentally transform our traditional practices used to design, build and sell homes and focus on "building better". These performance enhancing initiatives, processes and systems have been successfully used in other manufacturing industries and include implementation of standardized "best practice processes", rapid cycle times, vendor consolidation, vendor partnering, co-operative

5            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



purchasing, distribution, fabrication and installation, and just-in-time material procurement. Other initiatives include standardized home designs that can be deployed in multiple geographic markets with minimal architectural modification.

        We seek to expand our financial services operations to better serve all of our homebuyers. Our current mortgage financing and title service operations enhance the profitability and growth of our company.

Operating Policies and Procedures

We attempt to reduce the effect of certain risks inherent in the housing industry through the following policies and procedures:

Training – Our training is designed to provide our associates with the knowledge, attitudes, skills and habits necessary to succeed at their jobs. Our Training Department regularly conducts training classes in sales, construction, administration, and managerial skills.

Land Acquisition, Planning and Development – Before entering into a contract to acquire land, we complete extensive comparative studies and analyses which assist us in evaluating the economic feasibility of such land acquisition. We generally follow a policy of acquiring options to purchase land for future community developments.

Design – Our residential communities are generally located in suburban areas easily accessible through public and personal transportation. Our communities are designed as neighborhoods that fit existing land characteristics. We strive to create diversity within the overall planned community by offering a mix of homes with differing architecture, textures and colors. Recreational amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, club houses and tot lots are frequently included.

Construction – We design and supervise the development and building of our communities. Our homes are constructed according to standardized prototypes which are designed and engineered to provide innovative product design while attempting to minimize costs of construction. We generally employ subcontractors for the installation of site improvements and construction of homes. However, in a few cases, we employ general contractors to manage the construction of mid-rise or high-rise buildings. Agreements with subcontractors are generally short term and provide for a fixed price for labor and materials. We rigorously control costs through the use of computerized monitoring systems.

        Because of the risks involved in speculative building, our general policy is to construct an attached condominium or townhouse building only after signing contracts for the sale of at least 50% of the homes in that building. For our mid-rise and high-rise buildings our general policy is to begin building after signing contracts for the sale of at least 40% of the homes in that building. A majority of our single family detached homes are constructed after the signing of a sales contract and mortgage approval has been obtained. This limits the build-up of inventory of unsold homes and the costs of maintaining and carrying that inventory.

Materials and Subcontractors – We attempt to maintain efficient operations by utilizing standardized materials available from a variety of sources. In addition, we generally contract with subcontractors to construct our homes. We have reduced construction and administrative costs by consolidating the number of vendors serving certain markets and by executing national purchasing contracts with select vendors. In most instances, we use general contractors for high-rise construction. In recent years, with the exception of some delays in Arizona and Florida, we have experienced no significant construction delays due to shortages of materials or labor. We cannot predict, however, the extent to which shortages in necessary materials or labor may occur in the future.

Marketing and Sales – Our residential communities are sold principally through on-site sales offices. In order to respond to our customers' needs and trends in housing design, we rely upon our internal market research group to analyze information gathered from, among other sources, buyer

6            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



profiles, exit interviews at model sites, focus groups and demographic data bases. We make use of newspaper, radio, television, internet advertisements, magazine, our website, billboard, video and direct mail advertising, special promotional events, illustrated brochures, full-sized and scale model homes in our comprehensive marketing program. In addition, we have opened home design galleries in our New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and portions of our California markets, which offer a wide range of customer options to satisfy individual customer tastes. These centers have increased option sales and profitability in these markets.

Customer Service and Quality Control – In many of our markets, associates are responsible for customer service and pre-closing quality control inspections as well as responding to post-closing customer needs. Prior to closing, each home is inspected and any necessary completion work is undertaken by us. In some of our markets, our homes are enrolled in a standard limited warranty program which, in general, provides a homebuyer with a one-year warranty for the home's materials and workmanship, a two-year warranty for the home's heating, cooling, ventilating, electrical and plumbing systems and a ten-year warranty for major structural defects. All of the warranties contain standard exceptions, including, but not limited to, damage caused by the customer.

Customer Financing – We sell our homes to customers who generally finance their purchases through mortgages. During the year ended October 31, 2006, for the markets in which our mortgage subsidiaries originated loans, 9.5% of our homebuyers paid in cash and 62.9% of our non-cash homebuyers obtained mortgages from one of our mortgage banking subsidiaries. Mortgages originated by our mortgage banking subsidiaries are sold in the secondary market within a short period of time.

Code of Ethics – For more than 40 years of doing business, we have been committed to sustaining our shareholders' investment through conduct that is in accordance with the highest levels of integrity. Our Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines and policies that govern broad principles of ethical conduct and integrity embraced by our Company. Our Code of Ethics applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, controller, and all other associates of our company, including our directors and other officers. The Company's Code of Ethics is available on the Company's website at www.khov.com under "Investor Relations/Governance/Code of Ethics".

Corporate Governance—We also remain committed to our shareholders in fostering sound corporate governance principles. The Company has adopted "Corporate Governance Guidelines" to assist the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) in fulfilling its responsibilities related to corporate governance conduct. These guidelines serve as a framework, addressing the function, structure, and operations of the Board, for purposes of promoting consistency of the Board's role in overseeing the work of management.

Residential Development Activities

Our residential development activities include site planning and engineering, obtaining environmental and other regulatory approvals and constructing roads, sewer, water and drainage facilities, recreational facilities and other amenities and marketing and selling homes. These activities are performed by our staff, together with independent architects, consultants and contractors. Our staff also carries out long-term planning of communities. A residential development generally includes single family detached homes and/or a number of residential buildings containing from two to twenty-four individual homes per building, together with amenities such as recreational buildings, swimming pools, tennis courts and open areas. More recently, we have developed mid-rise and high-rise buildings including some that contain over 300 homes per building.

        Current base prices for our homes in contract backlog at October 31, 2006 range from $42,000 to $2,125,000 in the Northeast, from $170,000 to $1,280,000 in the Mid-Atlantic, from $88,000 to $750,000 in the Midwest, from $105,000 to $1,572,000 in the Southeast, from $87,000 to $1,134,000 in the Southwest, and from $217,000 to $2,021,000 in the West. Closings generally occur and are typically reflected in revenues within eighteen months of when sales contracts are signed.

7            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        Information on homes delivered by segment for the year ended October 31, 2006 is set forth below:

(Housing Revenue in Thousands)
  Housing Revenues
  Homes Delivered
  Average Price

Northeast   $ 992,713   2,188   $ 453,708
Mid-Atlantic     980,691   1,984   $ 494,300
Midwest     173,699   855   $ 203,157
Southeast     1,243,501   5,074   $ 245,073
Southwest     925,918   4,252   $ 217,761
West     1,586,865   3,587   $ 442,393

     
Consolidated Total     5,903,387   17,940   $ 329,063
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures     868,222   2,261   $ 383,999

     
Total Including Unconsolidated Joint Ventures   $ 6,771,609   20,201   $ 335,212

        The value of our net sales contracts, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, decreased 17.3% to $4.6 billion for the year ended October 31, 2006 from $5.6 billion for the year ended October 31, 2005. This decrease was the net result of an 18.2% decrease in the number of homes contracted to 13,761 in 2006 from 16,831 in 2005.

        Information on the value of net sales contracts by segment for the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005 is set forth below:

(Value of Net Sales Contracts in Thousands)
  2006
  2005
  % Change
 

 
Northeast   $ 808,736   $ 946,932   (14.6 )%
Mid-Atlantic     837,170     1,079,347   (22.4 )%
Midwest     186,750     87,720   112.9 %
Southeast     826,387     964,554   (14.3 )%
Southwest     848,352     839,341   1.1 %
West     1,107,833     1,662,052   (33.3 )%

     
Consolidated Total   $ 4,615,228   $ 5,579,946   (17.3 )%

     

        In the Northeast, Southeast and West, sales prices increased but the number of homes contracted decreased. In the Mid-Atlantic, the number of homes contracted increased, but sales prices decreased. In the Midwest, the number of homes contracted and sales prices increased. In the Southwest, the number of homes contracted decreased, but the sales price increased. Decreases in homes contracted are due to weaker market conditions. The average price increases are due to a change in the mix of communities delivering homes, not from improvements in market conditions.

        The following table summarizes our active selling communities under development as of October 31, 2006. The contracted not delivered and remaining home sites available in our active communities under development are included in the consolidated total home sites under the total residential real estate chart in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".

8            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Active Selling Communities

 
  Communities
  Approved Homes
  Homes Delivered
  Contracted Not
Delivered(1)

  Remaining Homes
Available(2)


Northeast   45   13,287   6,059   1,218   6,010
Mid-Atlantic   84   12,020   4,544   1,134   6,342
Midwest   37   4,039   431   668   2,940
Southeast   85   22,982   10,026   3,813   9,143
Southwest   117   22,988   9,785   999   12,204
West   59   19,573   7,555   664   11,354

Total   427   94,889   38,400   8,496   47,993

(1)  Includes 551 home sites under option.

(2)  Of the total remaining home sites available, 3,324 were under construction or completed (including 382 models and sales offices), 23,960 were under option, and 241 were financed through purchase money mortgages.

Backlog

At October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005, including unconsolidated joint ventures, we had a backlog of signed contracts for 9,626 homes and 14,931 homes, respectively, with sales values aggregating $3.4 billion and $5.1 billion, respectively. The majority of our backlog at October 31, 2006 is expected to be completed and closed within the next twelve months. At November 30, 2006 and 2005, our backlog of signed contracts, including unconsolidated joint ventures, was 9,409 homes and 15,090 homes, respectively, with sales values aggregating $3.4 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively.

        Sales of our homes typically are made pursuant to a standard sales contract that provides the customer with a statutorily mandated right of rescission for a period ranging up to 15 days after execution. This contract requires a nominal customer deposit at the time of signing. In addition, in the Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic we typically obtain an additional 5% to 10% down payment due 30 to 60 days after signing. The contract may include a financing contingency, which permits the customers to cancel their obligation in the event mortgage financing at prevailing interest rates (including financing arranged or provided by us) is unobtainable within the period specified in the contract. This contingency period typically is four to eight weeks following the date of execution. In many of the markets with significant investor demand, our Company's policy states that sales contracts include an investor restriction on resale of homes for a stipulated time period, if the home is not occupied by the purchaser. Sales contracts are included in backlog once the sales contract is signed by the customer, which in some cases includes contracts that are in the rescission or cancellation periods. However, revenues from sales of homes are recognized in the income statement, in accordance with our accounting policies, when title to the home is conveyed to the buyer, adequate cash payment has been received and there is no continued involvement.

Residential Land Inventory in Planning

It is our objective to control a supply of land, primarily through options, consistent with anticipated homebuilding requirements in each of our housing markets. Controlled land as of October 31, 2006, exclusive of communities under development described above under "Active Selling Communities" and excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, is summarized in the following table. The proposed developable home sites in communities under development are included in the 98,050 consolidated total home sites under the total residential real estate chart in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".

9            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Communities in Planning

(Dollars in Thousands)
  Number of
Proposed
Communities

  Proposed
Developable
Home Sites

  Total Land
Option
Price

  Book
Value(1)(2)


Northeast:                    
  Under Option   67   10,005   $ 711,360   $ 86,978
  Owned   16   1,288           55,436

       
Total   83   11,293         $ 142,414

       
Mid-Atlantic:                    
  Under Option   60   7,779   $ 560,983   $ 24,366
  Owned   11   1,573           37,926

       
Total   71   9,352         $ 62,262

       
Midwest:                    
  Under Option   12   2,753   $ 131,478   $ 5,202
  Owned                    

       
  Total   12   2,753         $ 5,202

       
Southeast:                    
  Under Option   63   9,711   $ 435,459   $ 15,456
  Owned   4   652           22,714

       
Total   67   10,363         $ 38,170

       
Southwest:                    
  Under Option   38   4,293   $ 186,381   $ 25,500
  Owned   7   909           32,526

       
Total   45   5,202         $ 58,026

       
West:                    
  Under Option   13   1,662   $ 144,611   $ 12,494
  Owned   8   936           50,268

       
Total   21   2,598         $ 62,762

       
Totals:                    
  Under Option   253   36,203   $ 2,170,272   $ 169,996
  Owned   46   5,358           198,870

       
Combined Total   299   41,561         $ 368,886

(1)    Properties under option also include costs incurred on properties not under option but which are under evaluation. For properties under option, as of October 31, 2006, option fees and deposits aggregated approximately $95.6 million. As of October 31, 2006, we spent an additional $71.4 million in non-refundable predevelopment costs on such properties.

(2)    The book value of $368.9 million is identified on the balance sheet as "Inventories—land and land options held for future development or sale", and does not include inventory in Poland amounting to $10.0 million. The book value does include $13.5 million for specific performance options, $1.2 million for other options, and $1.4 million for deposits on variable interest entity property reported under "Consolidated inventory not owned".

        We either option or acquire improved or unimproved home sites from land developers or other sellers. Under a typical agreement with the land developer, we purchase a minimal number of home sites. The balance of the home sites to be purchased is covered under an option agreement or a non-recourse purchase agreement. Due to the dwindling supply of improved lots in these segments, we have been increasing the optioning of parcels of unimproved land for development.

Customer Financing

At our communities, on-site personnel facilitate sales by offering to arrange financing for prospective customers through our mortgage subsidiaries. We believe that our ability to offer financing to customers on competitive terms as a part of the sales process is an important factor in completing sales.

10            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Our financial services business consists of providing our customers with competitive financing and coordinating and expediting the loan origination transaction through the steps of loan application, loan approval and closing and title services. We originate loans in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona, Ohio, Minnesota, Florida, and California. During the year ended October 31, 2006, for the markets in which our mortgage subsidiaries originate loans, approximately 9.5% of our homebuyers paid in cash and 62.9% of our non-cash homebuyers obtained mortgages from one of our mortgage banking subsidiaries.

        We customarily sell virtually all of the loans and loan servicing rights that we originate. Loans are sold either individually or in pools to GNMA, FNMA, or FHLMC or against forward commitments to institutional investors, including banks, mortgage banking firms, and savings and loan associations.

Competition

Our residential business is highly competitive. We are among the top ten homebuilders in the United States in both homebuilding revenues and home deliveries. We compete with numerous real estate developers in each of the geographic areas in which we operate. Our competition ranges from small local builders to larger regional builders to publicly owned builders and developers, some of which have greater sales and financial resources than we do. Previously owned homes and the availability of rental housing provide additional competition. We compete primarily on the basis of reputation, price, location, design, quality, service and amenities.

Regulation and Environmental Matters

General.    We are subject to various local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning zoning, building design, construction and similar matters, including local regulations which impose restrictive zoning and density requirements in order to limit the number of homes that can eventually be built within the boundaries of a particular locality. In addition, we are subject to registration and filing requirements in connection with the construction, advertisement and sale of our communities in certain states and localities in which we operate even if all necessary government approvals have been obtained. We may also be subject to periodic delays or may be precluded entirely from developing communities due to building moratoriums that could be implemented in the future in the states in which we operate. Generally, such moratoriums relate to insufficient water or sewerage facilities or inadequate road capacity.

Environmental.    We are also subject to a variety of local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning protection of health and the environment ("environmental laws"). The particular environmental laws which apply to any given community vary greatly according to the community site, the site's environmental conditions and the present and former uses of the site. These environmental laws may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance, remediation and/or other costs, and prohibit or severely restrict development in certain environmentally sensitive areas.

Conclusion.    Despite our past ability to obtain necessary permits and approvals for our communities, we anticipate that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future. Although we cannot predict the effect of these requirements, they could result in time-consuming and expensive compliance programs and substantial expenditures for pollution and water quality control, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or approvals already obtained is dependent upon many factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as changes in policies, rules and regulations and their interpretation and application.

ITEM 1A
RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risks in addition to the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.

Leverage places burdens on our ability to comply with the terms of our indebtedness, may restrict our ability to operate, may prevent us from fulfilling our obligations and may adversely affect our financial condition.

We have a significant amount of debt:

11            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        In addition, we have substantial contractual commitments and contingent obligations, including $453.4 million of performance letters of credit and $967.4 million of performance bonds as of October 31, 2006. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Contractual Obligations".

        Our amount of debt could have important consequences. For example, it could:

        Our ability to meet our debt service and other obligations will depend upon our future performance. We are engaged in businesses that are substantially affected by changes in economic cycles. Our revenues and earnings vary with the level of general economic activity in the markets we serve. Our businesses are also affected by customer sentiment and financial, political, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The factors that affect our ability to generate cash can also affect our ability to raise additional funds for these purposes through the sale of equity securities, the refinancing of debt, or the sale of assets. Changes in prevailing interest rates may affect our ability to meet our debt service obligations, because borrowings under our revolving credit facilities bear interest at floating rates. A higher interest rate on our debt service obligations could result in lower earnings.

        Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations and borrowings may not be available to us under our revolving credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity, which we may not be able to do on favorable terms or at all.

        The indentures governing our outstanding debt securities and our revolving credit facility impose restrictions on our operations and activities. The most significant restrictions relate to debt incurrence, sales of assets and cash distributions by us and require us to comply with certain financial covenants listed in those indentures and our revolving credit facility. If we fail to comply with any of these restrictions or covenants, the trustees or the banks, as appropriate, could cause our debt to become due and payable prior to maturity.

The terms of our indentures allow us to incur additional indebtedness.

Under the terms of our indebtedness under our existing indentures, we have the ability, subject to our debt covenants, to incur additional amounts of debt. The incurrence of additional indebtedness could magnify the risks described above.

The homebuilding industry is significantly affected by changes in general and local economic conditions, real estate markets and weather conditions, which could affect our ability to build homes at prices our customers are willing or able to pay, could reduce profits that may not be recaptured and could result in cancellation of sales contracts.

Although market conditions in the housing industry were strong in recent years, the market has significantly slowed in 2006 in our markets, as new contracts have declined and cancellation rates have increased. The homebuilding industry is cyclical, has from time to time experienced significant difficulties and is significantly affected by changes in general and local economic conditions such as:

        An oversupply of alternatives to new homes, such as rental properties and used homes, could depress prices and reduce margins for the sale of new homes. We have substantially increased our inventory in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, which requires significant cash outlays and increases our exposure to this risk.

        Weather conditions and natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and fires can

12            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



harm the local homebuilding business. Our business in Florida was adversely affected in late 2005 and into 2006 due to the impact of Hurricane Wilma on materials and labor availability and pricing.

        The difficulties described above could cause us to take longer and incur more costs to build our homes. We may not be able to recapture increased costs by raising prices in many cases because we fix our prices up to twelve months in advance of delivery by signing home sales contracts. In addition, some home buyers may cancel or not honor their home sales contracts altogether.

Our success depends on the availability of suitable undeveloped land and improved lots at acceptable prices.

Our success in developing land and in building and selling homes depends in part upon the continued availability of suitable undeveloped land and improved lots at acceptable prices. The availability of undeveloped land and improved lots for purchase at favorable prices depends on a number of factors outside of our control, including the risk of competitive over-bidding on land and lots and restrictive governmental regulation. Should suitable land opportunities become less available, the number of homes we may be able to build and sell would be reduced, which would reduce revenue and profits.

Raw material and labor shortages and price fluctuations could delay or increase the cost of home construction and adversely affect our operating results.

The homebuilding industry has from time to time experienced raw material and labor shortages. In particular, shortages and fluctuations in the price of lumber or in other important raw materials could result in delays in the start or completion of, or increase the cost of, developing one or more of our residential communities. In addition, we contract with subcontractors to construct our homes. Therefore, the timing and quality of our construction depends on the availability, skill and cost of our subcontractors. Delays or cost increases caused by shortages and price fluctuations could harm our operating results, the impact of which may be further affected by our ability to raise sales prices.

Changes in economic and market conditions could result in the sale of homes at a loss or holding land in inventory longer than planned, the cost of which can be significant.

Land inventory risk can be substantial for homebuilders. We must continuously seek and make acquisitions of land for expansion into new markets and for replacement and expansion of land inventory within our current markets. The market value of undeveloped land, buildable lots and housing inventories can fluctuate significantly as a result of changing economic and market conditions. In the event of significant changes in economic or market conditions, we may have to sell homes at a loss or hold land in inventory longer than planned. In the case of land options, we could choose not to exercise them, in which case we would write off the value of these options. Inventory carrying costs can be significant and can result in losses in a poorly performing project or market. For example, during 2006 we decided not to exercise many option contracts and walked away from land option deposits and predevelopment costs, which resulted in land option write-offs of $159.1 million. Also, in 2006, as a result of the slowing market, we recorded inventory impairment losses on owned property of $177.1 million.

Home prices and sales activities in the California, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Florida and Arizona markets have a large impact on our profitability because we conduct a significant portion of our business in these markets.

We presently conduct a significant portion of our business in the California, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Florida and Arizona markets. Home prices and sales activities in these markets, including in some of the markets in which we operate, have declined from time to time, particularly as a result of slow economic growth. California, Florida, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland have slowed in recent months. Furthermore, precarious economic and budget situations at the state government level may adversely affect the market for our homes in those affected areas. If home prices and sales activity decline in one or more of the markets in which we operate, our costs may not decline at all or at the same rate and profits may be reduced.

Because almost all of our customers require mortgage financing, increases in interest rates or the availability of mortgage financing could impair the affordability of our homes, lower demand for our products, limit our marketing effectiveness, and limit our ability to fully realize our backlog.

Virtually all our customers finance their acquisitions through lenders providing mortgage financing. Increases in interest rates or decreases in availability of mortgage financing could lower demand for new homes because of the increased monthly mortgage costs to potential home buyers. Even if potential customers do not need financing, changes in interest rates and mortgage availability could make it harder for them to sell their existing homes to potential buyers who need financing. This could prevent or limit our ability to attract new customers as well as our ability to fully realize our backlog because our sales contracts generally include a financing contingency. Financing contingencies permit the customer to cancel his obligation in the event mortgage financing at prevailing interest rates, including financing arranged or provided by us, is unobtainable within the period specified in the

13            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


contract. This contingency period is typically four to eight weeks following the date of execution.

        In addition, we believe that the availability of FNMA, FHLMC, FHA and VA mortgage financing is an important factor in marketing many of our homes. Any limitations or restrictions on the availability of those types of financing could reduce our sales.

Homebuilders are subject to a number of federal, local, state and foreign laws and regulations concerning the development of land, the home building, sales and customer financing processes and protection of the environment, which can cause us to incur delays and costs associated with compliance and which can prohibit or restrict our activity in some regions or areas.

We are subject to extensive and complex regulations that affect the development and home building, sales and customer financing processes, including zoning, density, building standards and mortgage financing. These regulations often provide broad discretion to the administering governmental authorities. This can delay or increase the cost of development or homebuilding.

        We also are subject to a variety of local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations concerning protection of health and the environment. The particular environmental laws which apply to any given community vary greatly according to the community site, the site's environmental conditions and the present and former uses of the site. These environmental laws may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance, remediation, and/or other costs, and can prohibit or severely restrict development and homebuilding activity in certain environmentally sensitive regions or areas.

        For example, during 2005, we received requests for information from the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") pursuant to provisions of the Clean Water Act. These requests sought information concerning storm water discharge practices in connection with completed, ongoing and planned homebuilding projects in the states and district that comprise EPA Region 3. We provided the EPA with information in response to its requests. We have since been advised by the Department of Justice that it will be involved in the review of our storm water discharge practices. We cannot predict the outcome of the review of these practices or estimate the costs that may be involved in resolving the matter. To the extent that the EPA or the DOJ asserts violations of regulatory requirements and request injunctive relief or penalties, we will defend and attempt to resolve such asserted violations.

        It can be anticipated that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future. Although we cannot predict the effect of these requirements, they could result in time-consuming and expensive compliance programs and in substantial expenditures, which could cause delays and increase our cost of operations. In addition, the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or approvals already obtained is dependent upon many factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as changes in policies, rules and regulations and their interpretation and application.

        Our sales and customer financing processes are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). In connection with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, HUD has inquired about our process of referring business to our affiliated mortgage company and has separately requested documents related to customer financing. We have responded to HUD's inquiries, and the Inspector General of HUD has recommended to the Secretary of HUD that we indemnify HUD for any losses that it may sustain in connection with nine loans that it alleges were improperly underwritten. We cannot predict the outcome of HUD's inquiry or estimate the costs that may be involved in resolving the matter. We do not expect the ultimate cost to be material.

We compete on several levels with homebuilders that may have greater sales and financial resources, which could hurt future earnings.

We compete not only for home buyers but also for desirable properties, financing, raw materials and skilled labor often within larger subdivisions designed, planned and developed by other homebuilders. Our competitors include other local, regional and national homebuilders, some of which have greater sales and financial resources.

        The competitive conditions in the homebuilding industry could result in:

        Any of these problems could increase costs and/or lower profit margins.

We may have difficulty in obtaining the additional financing required to operate and develop our business.

Our operations require significant amounts of cash, and we may be required to seek additional capital, whether from sales of equity or borrowing more money, for the future growth and development of our business. The terms or availability of additional capital is uncertain. Moreover, the indentures for our outstanding debt securities contain provisions that may restrict the debt we may incur in the future. If we are not successful in obtaining sufficient capital, it could reduce our sales and may hinder our future growth and results of operations.

14            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Our future growth may include additional acquisitions of companies that may not be successfully integrated and may not achieve expected benefits.

Acquisitions of companies have contributed to our growth and are a component of our growth strategy. In March 2005, we acquired Cambridge Homes and Town & Country Homes; in August 2005, we acquired Oster Homes and First Home Builders of Florida and in April 2006, we acquired Craftbuilt Homes. Consistent with this strategy, we continue to engage in discussions with and evaluate potential acquisition targets, some of which may be significant, although we currently have no binding definitive agreements for any significant acquisitions of companies. In the future, we may acquire other businesses. As a result of acquisitions of companies, we may need to seek additional financing and integrate product lines, dispersed operations and distinct corporate cultures. These integration efforts may not succeed or may distract our management from operating our existing business. Additionally, we may not be able to enhance our earnings as a result of acquisitions. Our failure to successfully manage future acquisitions could harm our operating results.

Utility shortages and outages or rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our operations.

In prior years, the areas in which we operate in California have experienced power shortages, including periods without electrical power, as well as significant fluctuations in utility costs. We may incur additional costs and may not be able to complete construction on a timely basis if such power shortages/outages and utility rate fluctuations continue. Furthermore, power shortages and outages, such as the blackout that occurred in 2003 in the Northeast, and rate fluctuations may adversely affect the regional economies in which we operate, which may reduce demand for our homes. Our operations may be adversely affected if further rate fluctuations and/or power shortages and outages occur in California, the Northeast or in our other markets.

Geopolitical risks and market disruption could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Geopolitical events, such as the aftermath of the war with Iraq and the continuing involvement in Iraq, may have a substantial impact on the economy and the housing market. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 had an impact on our business and the occurrence of similar events in the future cannot be ruled out. The war and the continuing involvement in Iraq, terrorism and related geopolitical risks have created many economic and political uncertainties, some of which may have additional material adverse effects on the U.S. economy, our customers and, in turn, our results of operations and financial condition.

ITEM 1B
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2
PROPERTIES

We own a 69,000 square foot office complex located in the Northeast that serves as our corporate headquarters. We own 215,000 square feet of office and warehouse space throughout the Midwest. We lease approximately 1,015,000 square feet of space for our operations located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West.

ITEM 3
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations and we are subject to extensive and complex regulations that affect the development and home building, sales and customer financing processes, including zoning, density, building standards and mortgage financing. These regulations often provide broad discretion to the administering governmental authorities. This can delay or increase the cost of development or homebuilding.

        We also are subject to a variety of local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations concerning protection of health and the environment. The particular environmental laws which apply to any given community vary greatly according to the community site, the site's environmental conditions and the present and former uses of the site. These environmental laws may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance, remediation, and/or other costs, and can prohibit or severely restrict development and homebuilding activity in certain environmentally sensitive regions or areas.

        In March 2005, we received two requests for information pursuant to Section 308 of the Clean Water Act from Region 3 of the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"). These requests sought information concerning storm water discharge practices in connection with completed, ongoing and planned homebuilding projects by subsidiaries in the states and district that comprise EPA Region 3. We also received a notice of violations for one project in Pennsylvania and requests for sampling plan implementation in two projects in Pennsylvania. The amount requested by the EPA to settle the asserted violations at the one project was less then $100,000. We provided the EPA with information in response to its requests. We have since been advised by the Department of Justice ("DOJ") that it will be involved in the review of our storm water discharge practices. We cannot predict the

15            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



outcome of the review of these practices or estimate the costs that may be involved in resolving the matter. To the extent that the EPA or the DOJ asserts violations of regulatory requirements and requests injunctive relief or penalties, we will defend and attempt to resolve such asserted violations.

        In addition, in November 2005, we received two notices from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board alleging violations in Riverside County, California and El Dorado County, California of certain storm water discharge rules. The Riverside County notice assessed an administrative civil liability of $336,895 and in March 2006, we agreed to make a donation of $118,447 to the County of Riverside, California and paid a fine of $118,448 to the State of California. In October 2006, we agreed to pay a fine of $300,000 to the County of El Dorado, California and have tentatively agreed to a pay a fine of $300,000 to the State of California with respect to the El Dorado notice.

        It can be anticipated that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future. Although we cannot predict the effect of these requirements, they could result in time-consuming and expensive compliance programs and in substantial expenditures, which could cause delays and increase our cost of operations. In addition, the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or approvals already obtained is dependent upon many factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as changes in policies, rules and regulations and their interpretations and application.

        Our sales and customer financing processes are subject to the jurisdiction of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). In connection with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, HUD has inquired about our process of referring business to our affiliated mortgage company and has separately requested documents related to customer financing. We have responded to HUD's inquiries. In connection with these inquiries, the Inspector General of HUD has recommended to the Secretary of HUD that we indemnify HUD for any losses that it may sustain in connection with nine loans that it alleges were improperly underwritten. We cannot predict the outcome of HUD's inquiry or estimate the costs that may be involved in resolving the matter. We do not expect the ultimate cost to be material.

        On September 26, 2006, a stockholder derivative action was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, against certain of our current and former officers and directors, captioned as Michael Crady v. Ara K. Hovnanian et al., Civil Action No. L-4380-06. The complaint alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty in connection with certain of our historical stock option grants. The complaint seeks an award of damages, disgorgement of certain stock options and any proceeds of certain stock options, equitable relief and an award of fees and expenses. The parties have agreed to extend the time we have to respond to the complaint. We have engaged counsel with respect to the claims.

ITEM 4
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006, no matters were submitted to a vote of security holders.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information on executive officers of the registrant is incorporated herein from Part III, Item 10.

Part II

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

Our Class A Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and was held by 460 stockholders of record at January 2, 2007. There is no established public trading market for our Class B Common Stock, which was held by 234 stockholders of record at January 2, 2007. In order to trade Class B Common Stock, the shares must be converted into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. The high and low sales prices for our Class A Common Stock were as follows for each fiscal quarter during the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005:

 
  Oct. 31, 2006
  Oct. 31, 2005

Quarter
  High
  Low
  High
  Low

First   $ 54.29   $ 44.23   $ 52.24   $ 38.00
Second   $ 48.83   $ 39.71   $ 59.10   $ 47.76
Third   $ 38.78   $ 25.44   $ 73.19   $ 51.11
Fourth   $ 32.56   $ 25.04   $ 71.28   $ 42.58

Certain debt instruments to which we are a party contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends. As a result of the most restrictive of these provisions, approximately $558.2 million of retained earnings was free of such restrictions at October 31, 2006. We have never paid a cash dividend to common stockholders nor do we currently intend to pay a cash dividend to common stockholders.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

No shares of our Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock were purchased by or on behalf of Hovnanian Enterprises or any affiliated purchaser during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2006. In July 2001, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to purchase up to 4 million shares of Class A Common Stock (adjusted for a 2-for-1 stock dividend on March 4, 2004). As of October 31, 2006, the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may yet be purchased under this program is 812,668, after adjustment for the 2-for-1 stock dividend.

16            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


ITEM 6
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Per common share data and weighted average number of common shares outstanding reflect all stock splits.

 
  Year Ended

Summary Consolidated Income Statement Data
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

  October 31,
2006

  October 31,
2005

  October 31,
2004

  October 31,
2003

  October 31,
2002


Revenues   $ 6,148,235   $ 5,348,417   $ 4,153,890   $ 3,201,944   $ 2,551,106
Expenses     5,930,514     4,602,871     3,608,909     2,790,339     2,325,376

Income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures     15,385     35,039     4,791     (87 )  

Income before income taxes     233,106     780,585     549,772     411,518     225,730
State and Federal income taxes     83,573     308,738     201,091     154,138     88,034

Net income     149,533     471,847     348,681     257,380     137,696
Less: preferred stock dividends     10,675     2,758                  

Net income available to common stockholders   $ 138,858   $ 469,089   $ 348,681   $ 257,380   $ 137,696

Per share data:                              
Basic:                              
  Income per common share   $ 2.21   $ 7.51   $ 5.63   $ 4.16   $ 2.26
  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     62,822     62,490     61,892     61,920     60,810
Assuming dilution:                              
  Income per common share   $ 2.14   $ 7.16   $ 5.35   $ 3.93   $ 2.14
  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     64,838     65,549     65,133     65,538     64,310

Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(In Thousands)

  October 31,
2006

  October 31,
2005

  October 31,
2004

  October 31,
2003

  October 31,
2002


Total assets   $ 5,480,035   $ 4,726,138   $ 3,156,267   $ 2,332,371   $ 1,678,128
Mortgages, term loans, revolving credit agreements, and notes payable   $ 319,943   $ 271,868   $ 354,055   $ 326,216   $ 215,365
Senior notes, and senior subordinated notes   $ 2,049,778   $ 1,498,739   $ 902,737   $ 687,166   $ 546,390
Stockholders' equity   $ 1,942,163   $ 1,791,357   $ 1,192,394   $ 819,712   $ 562,549

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, earnings consist of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, plus fixed charges, less interest capitalized. Fixed charges consist of all interest incurred plus the amortization of debt issuance costs and bond discount. Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends consist of fixed charges and preferred stock dividends declared. The fourth quarter of 2005 was the first period we declared and paid preferred stock dividends.

        The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges and the ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated:

 
  Years Ended October 31,

 
  2006
  2005
  2004
  2003
  2002

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges   2.0   7.9   6.3   6.7   4.7
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends   1.8   7.6   6.3   6.7   4.7

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

Critical Accounting Policies

Management believes that the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates

17            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


used in the preparation of its Consolidated Financial Statements:

Business Combinations—When we make an acquisition of another company, we use the purchase method of accounting in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141"). Under SFAS 141, we record as our cost the estimated fair value of the acquired assets less liabilities assumed. Any difference between the cost of an acquired company and the sum of the fair values of tangible and intangible assets less liabilities is recorded as goodwill. The reported income of an acquired company includes the operations of the acquired company from the date of acquisition.

Income Recognition from Home and Land Sales—We are primarily engaged in the development, construction, marketing and sale of residential single-family and multi-family homes where the planned construction cycle is less than 12 months. For these homes, in accordance with SFAS No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate" ("SFAS 66"), revenue is recognized when title is conveyed to the buyer, adequate cash payment has been received and there is no continued involvement. In situations where the buyer's financing is originated by our mortgage subsidiary and the buyer has not made an adequate intitial or continuing investment as prescribed by SFAS No. 66, the profit on such sales is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-part investor has been completed.

        Additionally, in certain markets, we sell lots to customers, transferring title, collecting proceeds, and entering into contracts to build homes on these lots. In these cases, we do not recognize the revenue from the lot sale until we deliver the completed home and have no continued involvement related to that home. The cash received on the lot is recorded as customer deposits until the revenue is recognized.

Income Recognition from High-Rise/Mid-Rise Buildings—We are developing several high-rise/mid-rise buildings that will take more than 12 months to complete. If these buildings qualify, revenues and costs are recognized using the percentage of completion method of accounting in accordance with SFAS 66. Under the percentage of completion method, revenues and costs are to be recognized when construction is beyond the preliminary stage, the buyer is committed to the extent of having a sufficient deposit that the buyer cannot require be refunded except for non-delivery of the home, sufficient homes in the building have been sold to ensure that the property will not be converted to rental property, the sales prices are collectible and the aggregate sales proceeds and the total cost of the building can be reasonably estimated. We currently do not have any buildings that meet these criteria, therefore the revenues from delivering homes in high-rise/mid-rise buildings are recognized when title is conveyed to the buyer, adequate cash payment has been received and there is no continued involvement with respect to that home.

Income Recognition from Mortgage Loans—Profits and losses relating to the sale of mortgage loans are recognized when legal control passes to the buyer of the mortgage and the sales price is collected.

Interest Income Recognition for Mortgage Loans Receivable and Recognition of Related Deferred Fees and Costs—Interest income is recognized as earned for each mortgage loan during the period from the loan closing date to the sale date when legal control passes to the buyer and the sale price is collected. All fees related to the origination of mortgage loans and direct loan origination costs are deferred and recorded as either (a) an adjustment to the related mortgage loans upon the closing of a loan or (b) recognized as a deferred asset or deferred revenue while the loan is in process. These fees and costs include loan origination fees, loan discount, and salaries and wages for individuals that are directly related to loan origination. Such deferred fees and costs relating to the closed loans are recognized over the life of the loans as an adjustment of yield or taken into operations upon sale of the loan to a permanent investor.

Inventories—Inventories and long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less direct costs to sell. Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Construction costs are accumulated during the period of construction and charged to cost of sales under specific identification methods. Land, land development, and common facility costs are allocated based on buildable acres to product types within each community, then charged to cost of sales equally based upon the number of homes to be constructed in each product type. For inventories of communities under development, a loss is recorded when events and circumstances indicate impairment and the undiscounted future cash flows generated are less than the related carrying amounts. The impairment loss is the difference between the book value of the individual community, and the discounted future cash flows generated from expected revenue of the individual community less the associated costs to complete and direct costs to sell.

Insurance Deductible Reserves—For homes delivered in fiscal 2006, our deductible is $20 million per occurrence with an aggregate $20 million for premise liability claims and an aggregate $21.5 million for construction defect claims under our general liability insurance. Our worker's compensation insurance deductible is $1 million per occurrence in fiscal 2006. Reserves have been established for construction defect and worker's compensation claims based upon actuarial analysis of estimated losses for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005. We engage a third party actuary that uses our historical warranty data to estimate our unpaid

18            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



claims, claim adjustment expenses and incurred but not reported claims reserves for the risks that we are assuming under the general liability and workers compensation programs. The estimates include provisions for inflation, claims handling and legal fees. No significant premise liability claims have arisen.

Interest—In accordance with SFAS 34 "Capitalization of Interest Cost", interest incurred is first capitalized to properties under development during the land development and home construction period and expensed along with the associated cost of sales as the related inventories are sold. Interest in excess of interest capitalized or interest incurred on borrowings directly related to properties not under development is expensed immediately in "Other Interest".

Land Options—Costs are capitalized when incurred and either included as part of the purchase price when the land is acquired or charged to operations when we determine we will not exercise the option. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") revision to Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46-R") "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, SFAS No. 49 "Accounting for Product Financing Arrangements" ("SFAS 49"), SFAS No. 98 "Accounting for Leases" ("SFAS 98"), and Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") No. 97-10 "The Effects of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction" ("EITF 97-10"), we record on the Consolidated Balance Sheets specific performance options, options with variable interest entities, and other options under Consolidated Inventory Not Owned with the offset to Liabilities from inventory not owned, Minority interest from inventory not owned and Minority interest from consolidated joint ventures.

Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures—Investments in unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, we recognize our proportionate share of earnings and losses earned by the joint venture upon the delivery of lots or homes to third parties. Our ownership interest in joint ventures varies but is generally less than or equal to 50%. In determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures where we are the managing member of the joint venture, we consider the guidance in EITF 04-5 in assessing whether the other partners have specific rights to overcome the presumption of control by us as the manager of the joint venture. In most cases, the presumption is overcome because the joint venture agreements require that both partners agree on establishing the operating and capital decisions of the partnership, including budgets, in the ordinary course of business.

Intangible Assets—The intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet are goodwill, tradenames, architectural designs, distribution processes, and contractual agreements with both definite and indefinite lives resulting from company acquisitions. We no longer amortize goodwill, but instead assess it periodically for impairment. We performed such assessments utilizing a fair value approach as of October 31, 2006 and 2005, and determined that no impairment of goodwill existed at October 31, 2005. However, based on current market conditions in fiscal 2006, we determined that the intangible assets associated with our Cleveland operations in the Midwest were impaired, and wrote-down the assets by $4.2 million at October 31, 2006. This charge is included in Intangible amortization on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We are amortizing the definite life intangibles over their expected useful life, ranging from three to eight years.

Post Development Completion Costs—In those instances where a development is substantially completed and sold and we have additional construction work to be incurred, an estimated liability is provided to cover the cost of such work and is recorded in accounts payable and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranty Costs—Based upon historical experience, we accrue warranty costs as part of cost of sales for repair costs over $1,000 to homes, community amenities and land development infrastructure. In addition, we accrue for warranty costs under our general liability insurance deductible as part of selling, general and administrative costs. As previously stated, the deductible for our general liability insurance for homes delivered in fiscal 2006 is $20 million per occurrence with an aggregate $20 million for premise liability claims, and an aggregate $21.5 million for construction defect claims.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our operations consist primarily of residential housing development and sales in the Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania), the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C.), the Midwest (Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Kentucky, Illinois), the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina), the Southwest (Arizona, Texas), and the West (California). In addition, we provide financial services to our homebuilding customers.

        Our cash uses during the twelve months ended October 31, 2006 were for operating expenses, increases in housing inventories, construction, income taxes, interest, the pay down of our revolving credit facility, the repurchase of common stock, preferred stock dividends, investment in joint ventures, and the acquisition of Craftbuilt Homes. We provided for our cash requirements from housing and land sales, the revolving credit facility, the issuance of $550 million Senior Notes, financial service revenues, and other revenues. We believe that these sources of cash are sufficient to finance our working capital requirements and other needs.

        Cash requirements for fiscal 2007 are expected to grow through the first two quarters of fiscal 2007, as we invest in new communities and the associated land

19            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



development and home construction. But for the full year we expect the net change in inventories to be close to zero, and thus we expect to be marginally cash flow positive for the full year. We anticipate issuing senior and/or senior subordinated notes and/or preferred stock and moderate usage under the existing revolving credit facility to support the growth in the first two quarters.

        Our net income historically does not approximate cash flow from operating activities. The difference between net income and cash flow from operating activities is primarily caused by changes in receivables, prepaid and other assets, interest and other accrued liabilities, accounts payable, inventory levels, mortgage loans and liabilities, and non-cash charges relating to depreciation, amortization of computer software costs, amortization of definite life intangibles, stock compensation awards and impairment losses. When we are expanding our operations, which was the case in fiscal 2006 and 2005, inventory levels, prepaids and other assets increase causing cash flow from operating activities to decrease. Certain liabilities also increase as operations expand and partially offset the negative effect on cash flow from operations caused by the increase in inventory levels, prepaids and other assets. Similarly, as our mortgage operations expand, net income from these operations increase, but for cash flow purposes are offset by the net change in mortgage assets and liabilities.

        On July 3, 2001, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to purchase up to 4 million shares of Class A Common Stock. As of October 31, 2006, approximately 3.2 million shares have been purchased under this program, of which 0.7 million and 0.6 million shares were repurchased during the twelve months ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. On March 5, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend. All share information reflects this stock dividend.

        On July 12, 2005, we issued 5,600 shares of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative and are paid at an annual rate of 7.625%. The Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into the Company's common stock and is redeemable in whole or in part at our option at the liquidation preference of the shares beginning on the fifth anniversary of their issuance. The Series A Preferred Stock is traded as depositary shares, with each depositary share representing 1/1000th of a share of Series A Preferred Stock. The depositary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "HOVNP". The net proceeds from the offering of $135 million, reflected as Preferred Stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were used for the partial repayment of the outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility as of July 12, 2005. In fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 we paid $10.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.

        Our amended and restated unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement ("Agreement") with a group of lenders provides a revolving credit line and letter of credit line of $1.5 billion through May 2011. The facility contains an accordion feature under which the aggregate commitment can be increased to $2.0 billion subject to the availability of additional commitments. Loans under the Agreement bear interest at various rates based on (1) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (a) PNC Bank, National Association's prime rate and (b) the federal funds rate plus 1/2% or (2) a margin ranging from 0.65% to 1.50% per annum, depending on our Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Agreement, and our debt ratings plus a LIBOR-based rate for a one, two, three, or six month interest period as selected by us. In addition, we pay a fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit line depending on our Leverage Ratio and our debt ratings and the average percentage unused portion of the revolving credit line. At October 31, 2006, there was zero drawn under this Agreement and we had approximately $44 million of unrestricted homebuilding cash. At October 31, 2006, we had issued $329.8 million of letters of credit which reduces cash available under the Agreement. We believe that we will be able either to extend the Agreement beyond May 2011 or negotiate a replacement facility, but there can be no assurance of such extension or replacement facility. We currently are in compliance and intend to maintain compliance with the covenants under the Agreement. We and each of our significant subsidiaries, except for K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the borrower, and various subsidiaries formerly engaged in the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations, a subsidiary formerly engaged in homebuilding activity in Poland, our financial services subsidiaries, joint ventures, and certain other subsidiaries, is a guarantor under the Agreements.

        On October 11, 2006, (a) we, K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. ("K. Hovnanian") and certain of our subsidiaries as guarantors entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing bank, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and The Bank of New York, as paying agent, and (b) K. Hovnanian entered into an Agreement for Letter of Credit (the "LC Agreement") with Citibank, N.A ("Citibank"). Under the Credit Agreement, K. Hovnanian has the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit (the "Security Letter of Credit") up to an aggregate availability of $125 million. On November 14, 2006, per the accordion feature provided for in the Credit Agreement, the aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement were increased to $250 million. The Security Letter of Credit will serve as security for any letters of credit that may be issued under the LC Agreement. Under the LC Agreement, K. Hovnanian may request Citibank to issue letters of credit up to the aggregate maximum amount of the Security Letter of Credit. Loans under the Credit Agreement will bear

20            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



interest at various rates based on (1) an alternate base rate determined by reference to the higher of (a) Citibank's base rate and (b) the federal funds rate plus 1/2% or (2) a LIBOR-based rate for a one day, one or two week, or one, two, three or six month interest period as selected by K. Hovnanian.

        The Credit Agreement has covenants that restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries', including K. Hovnanian's, ability to grant liens and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of their respective assets. The Credit Agreement contains events of default which would permit the lenders to accelerate the loans if not cured within applicable grace periods, including the failure to make timely payments under the Credit Agreement or other material indebtedness, the failure to satisfy covenants and specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes. As of October 31, 2006, the outstanding balance under the Agreement was zero, excluding letters of credit of $123.6 million.

        At October 31, 2006, we had $1,655.3 million of outstanding senior debt ($1,649.8 million, net of discount), comprised of $140.3 million 101/2% Senior Notes due 2007, $100 million 8% Senior Notes due 2012, $215 million 61/2% Senior Notes due 2014, $150 million 63/8% Senior Notes due 2014, $200 million of 61/4% Senior Notes due 2015, $300 million of 61/4% Senior Notes due 2016, $300 million 71/2% Senior Notes due 2016, and $250 million 85/8% Senior Notes due 2017. At October 31, 2006, we had outstanding $400 million of senior subordinated debt comprised of $150 million 87/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012, $150 million 73/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and $100 million of 6% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010. We and each of our wholly owned subsidiaries, except for K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the issuer of the senior and senior subordinated notes, and various subsidiaries formerly engaged in the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations, a subsidiary formerly engaged in homebuilding activity in Poland, our financial services subsidiaries, and joint ventures, is a guarantor of the senior notes and senior subordinated notes.

        On May 3, 2004, we redeemed our 91/8% Senior Notes due 2009, and we recorded $8.7 million of expenses associated with the extinguishment of this debt. On March 18, 2004, we paid off our $115 million Term Loan, and we recorded $0.9 million of expenses associated with the extinguishment of the debt. In both cases, these expenses have been reported as "Expenses Related to Extinguishment of Debt" on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

        Our amended secured mortgage loan warehouse agreement with a group of banks, which is a short-term borrowing facility, provides up to $250 million through May 18, 2007. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.0%. The loan is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. On November 10, 2006, we further amended our secured mortgage warehouse agreement. Pursuant to the amended agreement, we may borrow up to $200 million through November 9, 2007. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.0%. We also have a commercial paper facility which was amended on September 29, 2006. Pursuant to the amended agreement, the commercial paper facility amount increased from $100 million to $150 million. The facility expires on April 20, 2007 and interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 0.40%. As of October 31, 2006, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings under both agreements was $270.2 million.

        Total inventory increased $605.3 million during the twelve months ended October 31, 2006, after deducting walk-aways and impairments amounting to $305.7 million. This increase excluded the change in Consolidated Inventory Not Owned of $28.9 million consisting of specific performance options, options with variable interest entities, and other options that were added to our balance sheet in accordance with SFAS 49, SFAS 98, and EITF 97-10, and Variable Interest Entities in accordance with FIN 46. See the "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" section of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for additional explanation of FIN 46. Excluding the impact from acquisitions of $28.3 million in the Southeast, total inventory in the Northeast increased $156.5 million, the Mid-Atlantic increased $84.5 million, the Midwest increased $15.1 million, the Southeast decreased $10.9 million, the Southwest increased $86.8 million, and the West increased $245.0 million. The increase in all segments was primarily the result of planned growth in a number of communities. However, in the Southeast this increase was offset by the impairments recorded during the year. Substantially all homes under construction or completed and included in inventory at October 31, 2006 are expected to be closed during the next eighteen months. Most inventory completed or under development is financed through our line of credit, preferred stock and senior and senior subordinated indebtedness.

        We usually option property for development prior to acquisition. By optioning property, we limit our financial exposure to the amounts invested in the option deposits and predevelopment costs. This significantly reduces our risk and generally allows us to obtain necessary development approvals before acquisition of the land. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we walked-away from 21,488 lots of 82,202 total lots under option, resulting in a charge of $140.5 million.

21            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        The following table summarizes home sites included in our total residential real estate. The decrease in total home sites available in 2006 compared to 2005 is partially attributable to terminating certain option agreements, as discussed herein.

 
  Total Home Sites
  Contracted Not
Delivered

  Remaining Home
Sites Available


October 31, 2006:            
Northeast   18,521   1,218   17,303
Mid-Atlantic   16,828   1,134   15,694
Midwest   6,361   668   5,693
Southeast   23,319   3,813   19,506
Southwest   18,405   999   17,406
West   14,616   664   13,952

Consolidated total   98,050   8,496   89,554
Unconsolidated joint ventures   6,747   1,130   5,617

Total including unconsolidated joint ventures   104,797   9,626   95,171

Owned   33,904   4,513   29,391
Optioned   60,714   551   60,163
Construction to permanent financing lots   3,432   3,432  

Consolidated total   98,050   8,496   89,554
Lots controlled by unconsolidated joint ventures   6,747   1,130   5,617

Total including unconsolidated joint ventures   104,797   9,626   95,171

October 31, 2005:            
Northeast   26,644   1,583   25,061
Mid-Atlantic   23,582   1,381   22,201
Midwest   7,081   581   6,500
Southeast   24,244   5,997   18,247
Southwest   20,452   1,296   19,156
West   19,003   1,753   17,250

Consolidated total   121,006   12,591   108,415
Unconsolidated joint ventures   10,051   2,340   7,711

Total including unconsolidated joint ventures   131,057   14,931   116,126

Owned   30,388   6,681   23,707
Optioned   85,695   987   84,708
Construction to permanent financing lots   4,923   4,923  

Consolidated total   121,006   12,591   108,415
Lots controlled by unconsolidated joint ventures   10,051   2,340   7,711

Total including unconsolidated joint ventures   131,057   14,931   116,126

        The following table summarizes our started or completed unsold homes, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, in active and substantially completed communities:

 
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005

 
  Unsold Homes
  Models
  Total
  Unsold Homes
  Models
  Total

Northeast   568   18   586   294   18   312
Mid-Atlantic   376   5   381   167   19   186
Midwest   139   34   173   175   17   192
Southeast   424   63   487   250   37   287
Southwest   809   97   906   901   70   971
West   626   165   791   275   157   432

Total   2,942   382   3,324   2,062   318   2,380

Started or completed unsold homes per active selling communities(1)   6.9   0.9   7.8   5.6   0.9   6.5

(1)
Active selling communities were 427 at October 31, 2006 and 367 at October 31, 2005.

        The increase in unsold homes is primarily due to the increase in the number of cancellations later in the construction process in the current fiscal year. We expect that the cancellations will return to a more normal level in the future, however, it is difficult to predict when this will occur. See the discussion of cancellation rates below.

        Receivables, deposits and notes decreased $30.6 million to $94.8 million at October 31, 2006. The decrease was primarily due to a payment received in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 from a homebuilding joint venture in the Northeast upon obtaining its construction loan.

        Prepaid expenses and other assets are as follows as of:

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  Dollar Change
 

 
Prepaid insurance   $ 8,945         $ 8,945  
Prepaid project costs     97,920   $ 61,773     36,147  
Senior residential rental properties     8,352     8,754     (402 )
Other prepaids     30,082     30,730     (648 )
Other assets     30,304     30,588     (284 )

 
Total   $ 175,603   $ 131,845   $ 43,758  

 

        Prepaid insurance increased as a result of a new three year policy premium paid in November 2006. At October 31, 2006, two years of the premium are remaining. In the past, we paid this policy annually. Prepaid project costs consist of community specific expenditures that are used over the life of the community. Such prepaids are expensed as homes are delivered. The increase in prepaid project costs was primarily due to the opening of new communities in all our regions. Other

22            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



prepaids and other assets are debt issuance fees, non-qualified associate benefit plan assets, and miscellaneous prepaids and assets.

        Property, plant, and equipment increased $13.8 million to $110.7 million at October 31, 2006. The increase is comprised of $29.5 million of additions, offset by depreciation of $14.9 million and $0.8 million of disposals. Additions increase principally to the new Corporate office building constructed in Red Bank, New Jersey, as well as computer software and equipment in connection with the beginning of implementation of our new enterprise wide system.

        Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures increased as we entered into one new homebuilding joint venture and one new land development joint venture during the twelve months ended October 31, 2006. In addition, investments in our existing joint ventures increased due to profits without cash distributions. As of October 31, 2006, we have investments in ten homebuilding joint ventures and ten land development joint ventures. Other than performance and completion guarantees and environmental indemnifications, no other guarantees associated with unconsolidated joint ventures have been given.

        Definite life intangibles decreased $84.5 million to $165.1 million at October 31, 2006. This decrease is due to intangible amortization for the year and adjustments to the accounting for an acquisition in the Southeast, offset by intangibles resulting from the Craftbuilt acquisition in April 2006. The adjustments in the Southeast were for the set-up of a deferred tax asset in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, and for a reduction in the accrual for a contingent payment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Also contributing to the decrease was the write-off of $4.2 million for impaired intangible assets associated with our Cleveland operations in the Midwest. To the extent the acquisition price was greater than the book value of tangible assets which were stepped up to fair values, purchase price premium was classified as intangibles. Professionals are hired to appraise all acquired intangibles. The appraisals that have been completed for fiscal 2005 and 2004 acquisitions resulted in all premiums being categorized as definite life intangibles. See the "Critical Accounting Policies" section of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for additional explanation of intangibles. For tax purposes all our intangibles, except those resulting from an acquisition classified as a tax free exchange, are being amortized over 15 years.

        Mortgage loans held for sale consist of residential mortgages receivable of which $282.0 million and $211.2 million at October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005, respectively, were being temporarily warehoused and awaiting sale in the secondary mortgage market. The increase in mortgage loans held for sale is directly related to 402 additional loans held for sale at October 31, 2006, compared to October 31, 2005.

        We may incur risk with respect to mortgages that become delinquent, but only to the extent the losses are not covered by mortgage insurance or resale value of the house. Historically, we have incurred minimal credit losses.

        Income taxes receivable increased $249.9 million to $259.8 million at October 31, 2006. Of this increase, $109.0 million is related to a net income tax receivable at October 31, 2006, versus a net income tax payable at October 31, 2005, due to estimated payments made in the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 that did not anticipate our fourth quarter loss. The remaining increase is due to a deferred tax benefit for timing differences of inventory impairments, intangible amortization and deferred income for book purposes.

        Accounts payable and other liabilities are as follows as of:

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  Dollar Change
 

 
Accounts payable   $ 201,785   $ 191,469   $ 10,316  
Reserves     104,734     95,310     9,424  
Accrued expenses     102,794     48,647     54,147  
Accrued compensation     65,313     75,655     (10,342 )
Other liabilities     107,767     99,448     8,319  

 
Total   $ 582,393   $ 510,529   $ 71,864  

 

        The increase in accounts payable is due to the timing of invoices at October 31, 2006, compared to the same period the prior year. Our reserves increased as the result of an increase in new communities, in accordance with our general liability and workman's compensation policies. Accrued expenses increased primarily due to letter of credit funding for land option walk aways, as well as an increase in incentive compensation bonuses relating to an acquisition in the Southeast and Southwest. Accrued compensation decreased due to the lower estimated bonus payouts, in connection with the lower profitability in fiscal 2006. Other liabilities increased primarily due to deferred revenue for homes financed through our wholly-owned mortgage subsidiary, whereby a less than 5% deposit was obtained on the home sale, and deferred income on certain structured lot options in the Northeast.

        Nonrecourse Land Mortgages decreased $22.6 million to $26.1 million at October 31, 2006. The decrease is primarily due to mortgages that became due and were paid off in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, combined with a decrease for walking away from a community in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 in the Northeast. As a result, the property reverts back to the mortgage holder and we forfeited any money spent to date.

        Customer Deposits decreased $75.0 million to $184.9 million at October 31, 2006. The decrease is

23            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



primarily due to the reduction in the number of homes in backlog from 14,931 at October 31, 2005 to 9,626 at October 31, 2006.

        Mortgage warehouse line of credit increased $71.3 million to $270.2 million at October 31, 2006. The increase is directly correlated to the increase in mortgage loans held for sale from October 31, 2005 to October 31, 2006.

Results of Operations

Total Revenues

Compared to the same prior period, revenues increased (decreased) as follows:

 
  Year Ended
 

 
(Dollars in Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004
 

 
Homebuilding:                    
  Sale of homes   $ 725,732   $ 1,095,392   $ 952,433  
  Land sales     52,130     85,595     (11,541 )
  Other revenues     4,729     1,457     2,051  
Financial services     17,227     12,083     9,003  

 
Total change   $ 799,818   $ 1,194,527   $ 951,946  

 
Total revenues percent change     15.0 %   28.8 %   29.7 %

 

Homebuilding

Compared to the same prior period, housing revenues increased $725.7 million, or 14.0%, for the year ended October 31, 2006, increased $1,095.4 million, or 26.8%, for the year ended October 31, 2005, and increased $952.4, million or 30.4%, for the year ended October 31, 2004 as a result of both organic growth and through the acquisition of other homebuilders. Housing revenues are recorded at the time when title is conveyed to the buyer, adequate cash payment has been received and there is no continued involvement.

24            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        Information on homes delivered by segment is set forth below:

 
  Year Ended

(Housing Revenue in Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Northeast:                  
Housing revenues   $ 992,713   $ 983,426   $ 923,189
Homes delivered     2,188     2,329     2,406
Average price   $ 453,708   $ 422,252   $ 383,703
Mid-Atlantic:                  
Housing revenues   $ 980,691   $ 909,458   $ 637,607
Homes delivered     1,984     1,915     1,672
Average price   $ 494,300   $ 474,913   $ 381,344
Midwest(1):                  
Housing revenues   $ 173,699   $ 90,131   $ 104,167
Homes delivered     855     599     782
Average price   $ 203,157   $ 150,469   $ 133,206
Southeast(2):                  
Housing revenues   $ 1,243,501   $ 744,810   $ 428,867
Homes delivered     5,074     3,433     2,304
Average price   $ 245,073   $ 216,956   $ 186,140
Southwest:                  
Housing revenues   $ 925,918   $ 738,417   $ 681,083
Homes delivered     4,252     3,883     3,875
Average price   $ 217,761   $ 190,167   $ 175,763
West:                  
Housing revenues   $ 1,586,865   $ 1,711,413   $ 1,307,350
Homes delivered     3,587     4,115     3,547
Average price   $ 442,393   $ 415,896   $ 368,579
Consolidated total:                  
Housing revenues   $ 5,903,387   $ 5,177,655   $ 4,082,263
Homes delivered     17,940     16,274     14,586
Average price   $ 329,063   $ 318,155   $ 279,875
Unconsolidated joint ventures(3):                  
Housing revenues   $ 868,222   $ 529,944   $ 36,555
Homes delivered     2,261     1,509     84
Average price   $ 383,999   $ 351,189   $ 435,179
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures:                  
Housing revenues   $ 6,771,609   $ 5,707,599   $ 4,118,818
Homes delivered     20,201     17,783     14,670
Average price   $ 335,212   $ 320,958   $ 280,765

(1) Midwest includes deliveries from our Ohio acquisition of Oster Homes on August 3, 2005.

(2) Southeast includes deliveries from our Florida acquisitions of Cambridge Homes and First Home Builders of Florida on March 1, 2005 and August 8, 2005, respectively, and our acquisition of CraftBuilt Homes on April 17, 2006.

(3) Includes deliveries from our joint venture with affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors that acquired Town & Country Homes existing residential communities on March 2, 2005.

25            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        The increase in housing revenues during the year ended October 31, 2006 was primarily due to organic growth within our existing operations. Excluding acquisitions, housing revenues and average sales prices increased in our homebuilding segments combined by 4.2% and 7.6%, respectively. Homes delivered, excluding acquisitions, decreased 6.1%, 12.1%, and 12.8% in the Northeast, Southeast, and West and increased 3.6%, 7.1%, and 9.5% in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southwest, respectively.

        Unaudited quarterly housing revenues and net sales contracts by segment, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, for the years ending October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 are set forth below:

 
  Quarter Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  July 31, 2006
  April 30, 2006
  January 31, 2006

Housing revenues:            
  Northeast   $ 358,355   $ 234,231   $ 203,828   $ 196,299
  Mid-Atlantic     309,148     222,653     251,012     197,878
  Midwest     63,353     52,019     29,124     29,203
  Southeast     267,762     394,759     311,202     269,778
  Southwest     290,159     220,211     232,289     183,259
  West     389,039     375,953     452,093     369,780

Consolidated total   $ 1,677,816   $ 1,499,826   $ 1,479,548   $ 1,246,197

Sales contracts (net of cancellations):                  
  Northeast   $ 178,882   $ 209,478   $ 225,355   $ 195,021
  Mid-Atlantic     149,168     190,855     309,773     187,374
  Midwest     61,748     43,396     52,226     29,380
  Southeast     142,701     179,897     189,762     314,027
  Southwest     212,366     199,492     265,790     170,704
  West     235,475     271,904     343,303     257,151

Consolidated total   $ 980,340   $ 1,095,022   $ 1,386,209   $ 1,153,657

 
  Quarter Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2005
  July 31, 2005
  April 30, 2005
  January 31, 2005

Housing revenues:                  
  Northeast   $ 283,494   $ 231,198   $ 248,843   $ 219,891
  Mid-Atlantic     331,022     236,325     183,782     158,329
  Midwest     39,384     13,775     18,402     18,570
  Southeast     319,045     169,142     151,118     105,505
  Southwest     248,607     189,766     164,133     135,911
  West     461,089     449,167     423,394     377,763

Consolidated total   $ 1,682,641   $ 1,289,373   $ 1,189,672   $ 1,015,969

Sales contracts (net of cancellations):                  
  Northeast   $ 257,950   $ 272,100   $ 235,509   $ 181,373
  Mid-Atlantic     284,692     282,673     333,467     178,516
  Midwest     47,064     14,195     18,227     8,232
  Southeast     450,257     203,113     204,818     106,366
  Southwest     191,365     247,440     235,487     165,048
  West     389,589     411,976     506,363     354,124

Consolidated total   $ 1,620,917   $ 1,431,497   $ 1,533,871   $ 993,659

26            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


 
  Quarter Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2004
  July 31, 2004
  April 30, 2004
  January 31, 2004

Housing revenues:                  
  Northeast   $ 333,430   $ 236,988   $ 185,598   $ 167,173
  Mid-Atlantic     225,503     164,266     147,950     99,888
  Midwest     31,928     24,482     23,022     24,735
  Southeast     124,029     108,129     105,535     91,174
  Southwest     217,214     181,491     154,564     127,814
  West     447,333     329,254     284,274     246,489

Consolidated total   $ 1,379,437   $ 1,044,610   $ 900,943   $ 757,273

Sales contracts
(Net of cancellations):
           
  Northeast   $ 317,355   $ 249,410   $ 291,860   $ 189,675
  Mid-Atlantic     159,373     165,731     213,741     153,328
  Midwest     16,606     18,282     15,267     13,809
  Southeast     115,445     127,976     138,181     87,739
  Southwest     170,958     179,232     202,748     121,177
  West     426,910     507,214     533,685     299,020

Consolidated total   $ 1,206,647   $ 1,247,845   $ 1,395,482   $ 864,748

        Our reported level of net contracts has been impacted by an increase in our cancellation rates in 2006, due to weakening market conditions. The cancellation rate represents the number of cancelled contracts in the quarter divided by the number of gross sales contracts executed in the quarter. For comparison, the following are historical cancellation rates, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures:

Quarter
  2003
  2004
  2005
  2006

First   23%   23%   27%   30%
Second   18%   19%   21%   32%
Third   21%   20%   24%   33%
Fourth   25%   24%   25%   35%

        Another way to analyze our cancellation trends is to compare the number of contract cancellations as a percentage of contract backlog. The following table provides this historical comparison.

Quarter
  2003
  2004
  2005
  2006

First   16%   14%   15%   12%
Second   15%   14%   14%   16%
Third   15%   12%   15%   16%
Fourth   19%   16%   12%   20%

        Most cancellations occur within the legal rescission period, which varies by state but is generally less than two weeks. Cancellations also occur as a result of buyer failure to qualify for a mortgage, which generally occurs during the first few weeks after signing. Cancellation rates can be higher in markets where buyers sign contracts so as to tie up a house they like and then cancel within the rescission period once they reach a final decision on the house they want. This situation is more common in certain markets, particularly California. However, in recent quarters we have experienced a higher than normal number of cancellations later in the construction process. These cancellations are related primarily to falling prices, sometimes due to new discounts by another builder, leading the buyer to lose confidence in their contract price. We expect that cancellation rates will return to a more normal level at some point as prices stabilize, but it is difficult to predict when this will occur, and the timing will vary by market.

27            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        An important indicator of our future results are recently signed contracts and our home contract backlog for future deliveries. Our consolidated contract backlog, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, using base sales prices by segment is set forth below:

(Dollars In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Northeast:                  
  Total contract backlog   $ 591,849   $ 693,535   $ 719,606
  Number of homes     1,218     1,583     1,815
Mid-Atlantic:                  
  Total contract backlog   $ 562,670   $ 713,021   $ 519,999
  Number of homes     1,134     1,381     1,132
Midwest:                  
  Total contract backlog   $ 117,148   $ 90,348   $ 54,410
  Number of homes     668     581     497
Southeast:                  
  Total contract backlog   $ 1,093,299   $ 1,493,084   $ 250,805
  Number of homes     3,813     5,997     1,267
Southwest:                  
  Total contract backlog   $ 224,482   $ 283,739   $ 164,655
  Number of homes     999     1,296     924
West:                  
  Total contract backlog   $ 334,102   $ 784,495   $ 775,295
  Number of homes     664     1,753     1,917
Totals:                  
  Total consolidated contract backlog   $ 2,923,550   $ 4,058,222   $ 2,484,770
  Number of homes     8,496     12,591     7,552

        The decline in our backlog from October 31, 2005 to October 31, 2006 is a direct result of a falloff in our contract pace. Our net contracts for the full year of fiscal 2006, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, declined 18% compared to fiscal 2005.

        In the month of November 2006, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, we signed an additional 810 net contracts amounting to $289.0 million. Between our October 31, 2006 contract backlog and November 2006 net contracts, we have sold approximately 59% of our projected deliveries for fiscal 2007 assuming all of this backlog and net contracts are delivered in fiscal 2007.

        Cost of sales includes expenses for consolidated housing and land and lot sales, including inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs (defined as "land charges" in the schedules below). A breakout of such expenses for consolidated housing sales and housing gross margin is set forth below:

 
  Year Ended
 

 
(Dollars In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004
 

 
Sale of homes   $ 5,903,387   $ 5,177,655   $ 4,082,263  
Cost of sales, excluding interest     4,538,795     3,812,922     3,042,057  

 
Homebuilding gross margin, before cost of sales interest expense     1,364,592     1,364,733     1,040,206  
Cost of sales interest, excluding land sales interest     106,892     85,104     73,403  

 
Homebuilding gross margin, after cost of sales interest expense     1,257,700     1,279,629     966,803  
Land charges     336,204     5,360     6,990  

 
Homebuilding gross margin, after cost of sales interest expense and land charges   $ 921,496   $ 1,274,269   $ 959,813  

 
Gross margin percentage, before cost of sales interest expense and land charges     23.1 %   26.4 %   25.5 %
Gross margin percentage, after cost of sales interest expense, before land charges     21.3 %   24.7 %   23.7 %
Gross margin percentage after cost of sales interest expense and land charges     15.6 %   24.6 %   23.5 %

 

28            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        Cost of sales expenses as a percentage of consolidated home sales revenues are presented below:

 
  Year Ended

 
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Sale of homes   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales, excluding interest:            
  Housing, land and development costs   68.6   65.6   66.5
  Commissions   2.5   2.3   2.2
  Financing concessions   1.0   1.0   1.0
Overheads   4.8   4.7   4.8

Total cost of sales, before interest expense   76.9   73.6   74.5

Gross margin percentage, before cost of sales interest expense and land charges   23.1   26.4   25.5
Cost of sales interest   1.8   1.7   1.8

Gross margin percentage, after cost of sales interest expense and before land charges   21.3%   24.7%   23.7%

        The following table represents gross margin percentage before interest and land impairment and option write-offs by segment:

 
  Year Ended

 
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Northeast   28.1%   30.5%   29.1%
Mid-Atlantic   27.8%   29.4%   29.2%
Midwest   13.2%   15.8%   23.4%
Southeast   20.1%   18.5%   15.8%
Southwest   19.5%   18.0%   16.5%
West   22.7%   30.0%   29.1%

Total homebuilding gross margin %   23.1%   26.4%   25.5%

        We sell a variety of home types in various communities, each yielding a different gross margin. As a result, depending on the mix of communities delivering homes, consolidated gross margin may fluctuate up or down. Historically, homes in highly regulated markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and West have higher margins than homes in less regulated markets. The consolidated gross margins, before interest expense decreased to 23.1% during the year ended October 31, 2006 compared to 26.4% for the same period last year. For the past several years, including 2006, our gross margin has been higher than where we would expect to see our normalized margins, which is approximately between 20% and 22%. In 2005 and 2004, the above average margins were a result of significant price increases that we experienced in many of our markets over that period. The declining pace of sales in our markets in 2006 has led to intense competition in many of our specific community locations. In order to maintain a reasonable pace of absorption, we have increased the incentives we are offering for design finishes, upgrades, or mortgage costs, reduced lot location premiums, as well as lowered some base prices, all of which have impacted our fiscal 2006 margins significantly. In addition, homes where contracts have cancelled have typically been resold with added concessions, resulting in a further decline in margins.

        The dollar increase in homebuilding gross margin, before interest expense from October 31, 2004 to October 31, 2005 was attributed to increased sales, resulting from both organic growth in deliveries and our acquisitions of other homebuilders. The dollar decrease from October 31, 2005 to October 31, 2006, is due to lower pricing, with flat or increased construction costs, as these costs are somewhat fixed. Also shown in the table are our results of gross margins, after cost of sales interest expense. After deducting interest expense, which was previously capitalized and amortized through cost of sales, our homebuilding gross margin was 21.3% for 2006 compared to 24.7% for 2005 and 23.7% for 2004, but as a percentage of revenue, cost of sales interest has remained flat at 1.8%, 1.7%, and 1.8% for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004.

        Reflected as inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs in cost of sales ("land charges"), we have written-off or written-down certain inventories totaling $336.2, $5.4, and $7.0 million during the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively, to their estimated fair value. See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13" for additional explanation. During the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, we wrote-off residential land options and approval and engineering costs amounting to $159.1, $5.3, and $5.4 million, respectively, which are included in the total write-offs mentioned above. When a community is redesigned, abandoned engineering costs are written-off. Option and approval and engineering costs are written-off when a community's proforma profitability does not produce adequate returns on the investment commensurate with the risk and we cancel the option. Such write-offs were located in all our segments. The impairments amounting to $177.1 million, $0.1 million and $1.6 million for the years ending October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were incurred because of recent changes in the value of land in many of our markets and a change in the marketing strategy to liquidate a particular property or lower sales prices. The significant majority of these write-offs and impairments occurred in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

29            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        Below is a break-down of our lot option walk-aways and impairments by segment for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. While the number of lots was spread across all of our segments, the dollar impact was concentrated in the Northeast and West.

        In total, we walked away from 26.1% of all the lots we controlled under option contracts. The remaining 73.9% of our option lots are in communities that remain economically feasible, including a substantial number that were successfully renegotiated over the past six months. The largest concentration was in the Southeast (almost entirely in Florida) and the West, primarily in the Southern Coastal area of California.

        The following table represents lot option walk-aways by segment for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006:

(In Millions)
  Dollar Amount of Walk Away
  Number of
Walk-Away
Lots

  % of Walk-Away Lots
  Total Lots at October 31, 2006(1)
  Walk-Away Lots as a % of Total Lots

Northeast   $ 48.9   6,997   32.5%   19,881   35.2%
Mid-Atlantic     18.7   3,897   18.1%   15,654   24.9%
Midwest     12.4   3,540   16.5%   8,392   42.2%
Southeast     11.9   3,366   15.7%   18,061   18.6%
Southwest     0.2   168   0.8%   10,876   1.5%
West     48.4   3,520   16.4%   9,338   37.7%

Total   $ 140.5   21,488   100.0%   82,202   26.1%

(1)
Includes lots optioned that the Company walked-away from in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

        The following table represents impairments by segment for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006:

(In Millions)
  Dollar Amount of
Impairment

  % of Impairments
  Pre-
Impairment
Value

  % of Pre-
Impairment
Value


Northeast   $ 15.9   9.1%   $ 50.8   31.3%
Mid-Atlantic     1.3   0.7%     8.0   16.3%
Southeast     92.1   52.7%     185.4   49.7%
Southwest     0.0   0.0%     0.0   0.0%
West     50.8   29.1%     183.2   27.7%
Midwest     14.6   8.4%     45.8   31.9%

Total   $ 174.7   100.0%   $ 473.2   36.9%

Homebuilding selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of homebuilding revenues increased 140 basis points to 9.8% for the year ended October 31, 2006 from 2005. Such expenses increased to $593.9 million for the year ended October 31, 2006, and increased to $441.9 million for the year ended October 31, 2005 from $330.6 million for the previous year. The increased spending year over year was primarily due to our acquisitions and overhead costs for organically expanding operations ahead of our expected future growth in housing revenues as open for sale communities have increased from 275 at the end of 2004, to 367 at the end of 2005, and 427 at the end of 2006.

Land Sales and Other Revenues

Land sales and other revenues consist primarily of land and lot sales. A breakout of land and lot sales is set forth below:

 
  Year Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Land and lot sales   $ 140,389   $ 88,259   $ 2,664
Cost of sales, excluding interest     94,286     52,203     2,217
Land and lot sales gross margin, excluding interest     46,103     36,056     447
Land sales interest expense     1,437     1,715     20

Land and lot sales gross margin, including interest   $ 44,666   $ 34,341   $ 427

        Although the amount of land sale profits varies from year-to-year, some land sale profits are typically recognized by the Company each year in the normal course of homebuilding and land development operations, wherein certain parcels are sold to other builders, land developers, and commercial property developers. Land and lot sales are often the result of acquiring large parcels for which we do not want to do all the development. In addition, this may happen more often in the future as the Hovnanian Land Investment Group continues to acquire large parcels, with the intent to sell portions to other builders.

Homebuilding Operations by Segment

Financial information relating to the Company's operations was as follows:

 
  Year Ended October 31,
 

 
(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005
  2004
 

 
Income (loss) before income taxes:                    
  Northeast   $ 80,097   $ 233,811   $ 158,649  
  Mid-Atlantic     155,930     177,864     123,198  
  Midwest     (60,095 )   (14,814 )   5,424  
  Southeast     (1,522 )   47,913     15,625  
  Southwest     75,683     56,416     44,935  
  West     49,119     329,009     242,733  

 
Homebuilding income before income taxes     299,212     830,199     590,564  

 
Financial services     31,012     24,025     25,506  
Corporate and unallocated     (97,118 )   (73,639 )   (66,298 )

 
  Income before income taxes   $ 233,106   $ 780,585   $ 549,772  

 

30            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Homebuilding Results by Segment

Northeast—Homebuilding revenues increased 0.9% in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to a 6.1% decrease in homes delivered offset by a 7.4% increase in average selling price as the mix of communities that had deliveries in 2006 was different than 2005. Income before income taxes was down $153.7 million to $80.1 million, however $75.3 million of the decrease was due to inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs in 2006. The remaining difference is due to a 240 basis point reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense as the markets in this segment have become much more competitive.

Homebuilding revenues increased 6.5% in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to a 10.0% increase in average selling price offset by a 3.2% decrease in the homes delivered. Income before income taxes increased $75.2 million to $233.8 million in 2005 compared to 2004. The increase is due to the additional revenue and a 140 basis point improvement in gross margin percentage before interest expense.

Mid-Atlantic—Homebuilding revenues increased 7.8% in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to a 3.6% increase in homes delivered and a 4.1% increase in average selling price as the mix of communities delivered in 2006 was different than 2005. Income before income taxes was down $21.9 million to $155.9 million, however $23.1 million of the decrease was due to inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs in 2006. The segment also had a 150 basis point reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense as the markets in this segment have become much more competitive, however, this was effectively offset by the increase in total revenues.

Homebuilding revenues increased 42.6% in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to a 24.5% increase in average selling price and a 14.5% increase in the homes delivered. Homes delivered and average selling price benefited significantly from the strong housing market in 2005. Income before income taxes increased $54.7 million to $177.9 million in 2005 compared to 2004. The increase is due to the additional revenue at relatively consistent gross margin percentages before interest expense of 29.4% and 29.2% for 2005 and 2004, respectively, partially offset by a $32.4 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs necessary to support this significant growth.

Midwest—Homebuilding revenues increased 92.7% in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to a 42.7% increase in homes delivered and a 35.0% increase in average selling price. The increases in deliveries and average selling price were the result of acquisitions during 2005 in this segment in Cleveland, Illinois and Minnesota and the growth in deliveries in the Minnesota operations that we started in 2004. Despite the growth in revenues, the segment loss before income taxes increased $45.3 million to a loss of $60.1 million. This was due to $29.7 million of inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs in 2006, a 260 basis point reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense, and a $14.9 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs, due to full year effects of the 2005 acquisitions, as well as growth in open communities.

Homebuilding revenues decreased 13.5% in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to a 23.4% decrease in the homes delivered partially offset by a 13.0% increase in average selling price. Homes delivered were lower in our Ohio operations, and the new acquisitions in this segment during 2005 did not have enough activity to offset this reduction. The impact of the lower revenues was compounded by a 760 basis point reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense, and an $8.2 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as the segment prepared for expansion in 2006. As a result, income before income taxes decreased $20.2 million to a loss of $14.8 million in 2005 compared to 2004.

Southeast—Homebuilding revenues increased 67.0% in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to a 47.8% increase in homes delivered and a 13.0% increase in average selling price. Recent acquisitions in Florida were the primary reason for the growth in deliveries and average selling price. During 2005, we acquired businesses in Orlando and Fort Myers, Florida and the Tampa, Florida operations acquired in fiscal 2004 continued to grow. Income before income taxes is down $49.4 million to a slight loss of $1.5 million, as the significantly higher profits from homes delivered were offset by $106.1 million of inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs in 2006.

Homebuilding revenues increased 73.7% in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to a 16.6% increase in average selling price and a 49.0% increase in the homes delivered. Homes delivered and average selling price benefited significantly from the extremely strong housing market in 2005. In 2005, we acquired businesses in Orlando and Fort Myers, Florida that contributed to this growth. Income before income taxes increased $32.3 million to $47.9 million in 2005 compared to 2004. The increase is due to the additional revenue compounded by a 270 basis point improvement in gross margin percentage before interest expense. This increase in gross margin was partially offset by a $22.6 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs necessary to support this significant growth and new acquisitions.

Southwest—Homebuilding revenues increased 25.4% in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to a 9.5% increase in homes delivered and a 14.5% increase in average selling price. The growth in deliveries came from organic growth in our operations in both Texas and Arizona and the

31            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



increase in average selling price as the mix of communities that had deliveries in 2006 was different than 2005. Income before income taxes increased $19.3 million to $75.7 million in 2006 as the higher revenues as well as slightly better gross margin percentage before interest expense was offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses to support the growth in the operations.

Homebuilding revenues increased 8.4% in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to an 8.2% increase in average selling price. Deliveries were basically flat year over year. Income before income taxes increased $11.5 million to $56.4 million in 2005 compared to 2004, a 25.6% increase. The increase is due to the additional revenue and a 150 basis point improvement in gross margin percentage before interest expense, partially offset by a $9.5 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses incurred in preparation for the anticipated expansion in 2006.

West—Homebuilding revenues decreased 7.3% in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to a 12.8% decrease in homes delivered and a 6.4% increase in average selling price. The decrease in deliveries was the result of the more competitive and slowing housing market in California throughout 2006. This reduced revenue was further compounded by a 730 basis point reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense, and $24.8 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs was due to more open communities, and an increase in advertising costs to combat the declining market. As a result of the above and $101.4 million in inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs in 2006, income before income taxes decreased $279.9 million to $49.1 million in 2006.

Homebuilding revenues increased 30.9% in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to a 16.0% increase in deliveries and a 12.8% increase in average selling price. Homes delivered and average selling price benefited significantly from the extremely strong housing market in 2005. Income before income taxes increased $86.3 million to $329.0 million in 2005 compared to 2004, a 35.5% increase. The increase is due to the additional revenue and a 90 basis point improvement in gross margin percentage before interest expense, partially offset by a $35.0 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses that supported the significant growth in the business.

Financial Services

Financial services consists primarily of originating mortgages from our homebuyers, selling such mortgages in the secondary market, and title insurance activities. During the years ended October 31, 2006, October 31, 2005, and October 31, 2004, financial services provided a $31.0, $24.0, and $25.5 million pretax profit, respectively. In 2006 financial services revenue increased $17.2 million to $89.6 million, as the business continues to grow. Revenues from October 31, 2004 to October 31, 2005 increased $12.1 million to $72.4 million, but this increase was more than offset by increased costs as the mortgage operations added overhead costs to prepare for future growth and the profit per loan declined as the mortgage market became more competitive with less mortgage refinancing occurring in 2005 versus 2004. In addition to our wholly-owned mortgage subsidiaries, customers obtained mortgages from our mortgage joint ventures in the Midwest (Ohio) and West in 2004, and also the Southeast in 2005. In the market areas served by our wholly-owned mortgage banking subsidiaries, approximately 63%, 67%, and 66% of our non-cash homebuyers obtained mortgages originated by these subsidiaries during the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. Servicing rights on new mortgages originated by us will be sold as the loans are closed.

Corporate General and Administrative

Corporate general and administrative expenses include the operations at our headquarters in Red Bank, New Jersey. Such expenses include our executive offices, information services, human resources, corporate accounting, training, treasury, process redesign, internal audit, construction services, and administration of insurance, quality, and safety. As a percentage of total revenues, such expenses were 1.6% for the year ended October 31, 2006, 1.7% for the year ended October 31, 2005, and 1.5% for the year ended October 31, 2004. The decrease in corporate general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues during the year ended October 31, 2006 compared to the same period last year was due to decreased compensation related to bonuses.

Other Interest

Other interest increased $0.7 million to $3.6 million for the year ended October 31, 2006. In 2005, other interest increased $1.3 million to $2.9 million for the year ended October 31, 2005. The fluctuation in other interest from year to year is a result of the increase in interest on borrowings directly related to properties not under development (nonrecourse land mortgage on the consolidated balance sheet), which is expensed immediately in other interest.

Other Operations

Other operations consist primarily of miscellaneous residential housing operations expenses, senior residential property operations, incentive compensation bonus payments from homebuilding company acquisitions, minority interest relating to consolidated joint ventures, corporate-owned life insurance, and certain contributions. The increase in other operations of $29.6 million from October 31, 2005 to October 31, 2006 is primarily due to

32            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


higher incentive compensation bonus payments in fiscal 2006 and an increase in minority interest on a consolidated joint venture in the Northeast. There was only a minor 2% increase in other operations in fiscal 2005 compared to 2004.

Off Balance Sheet Financing

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land and lot option purchase contracts in order to procure land or lots for the construction of homes. Lot option contracts enable us to control significant lot positions with a minimal capital investment and substantially reduce the risks associated with land ownership and development. At October 31, 2006, we had $354.0 million in option deposits in cash and letters of credit to purchase land and lots with a total purchase price of $3.7 billion. Our liability is generally limited to forfeiture of the nonrefundable deposits, letters of credit and other nonrefundable amounts incurred. We have no material third party guarantees. However, $19.3 million of the $3.7 billion in land and lot option purchase contracts contain specific performance clauses which require us to purchase the land or lots upon satisfaction of certain requirements by both the sellers and the Company. Therefore, this specific performance obligation of $19.3 million is recorded on the balance sheet in Liabilities from inventory not owned.

        Pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", we consolidated $208.2 million of inventory not owned at October 31, 2006, representing the fair value of the optioned property. Additionally, to reflect the fair value of the inventory consolidated under FIN 46, we eliminated $17.2 million of its related cash deposits for lot option contracts, which are included in Consolidated Inventory Not Owned. Since we do not own an equity interest in any of the unaffiliated variable interest entities that we must consolidate pursuant to FIN 46, we generally have little or no control or influence over the operations of these entities or their owners. When our requests for financial information are denied by the land sellers, certain assumptions about the assets and liabilities of such entities are required. In most cases, the fair value of the assets of the consolidated entities have been based on the remaining contractual purchase price of the land or lots we are purchasing. In these cases, it is assumed that the entities have no debt obligations and the only asset recorded is the land or lots we have the option to buy with a related offset to minority interest for the assumed third party investment in the variable interest entity. At October 31, 2006, the balance reported in Minority interest from inventory not owned was $130.2 million. At October 31, 2006, we had cash deposits and letters of credit totaling $31.3 million, representing our current maximum exposure associated with the consolidation of lot option contracts. Creditors of these VIE's, if any, have no recourse against us.

Contractual Obligations

The following summarizes our aggregate contractual commitments at October 31, 2006:

 
  Payments Due by Period

(In Thousands)
  Total
  Less than 1 year
  1-3 years
  3-5 years
  More than 5 years

Long term debt(1)   $ 3,158,688   $ 294,938   $ 281,175   $ 370,323   $ 2,212,252
Capital lease obligations                    
Operating leases     82,800     20,096     32,753     17,298     12,653
Purchase obligations(2)     19,310     15,601     3,709            
Other long term liabilities                              

Total   $ 3,260,798   $ 330,635   $ 317,637   $ 387,621   $ 2,224,905

(1)  Represents our Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes, Other Notes Payable and related interest payments for the life of the debt of $1,079.8 million. Interest on variable rate obligations is based on rates effective as of October 31, 2006.

(2)  Represents obligations under option contracts with specific performance provisions, net of cash deposits.

        We had outstanding letters of credit and performance bonds of approximately $453.4 million and $967.4 million, respectively, at October 31, 2006 related principally to our obligations to local governments to construct roads and other improvements in various developments. We do not believe that any such letters of credit or bonds are likely to be drawn upon.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 109-1 ("FSP 109-1"), Application of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FASB No. 109"), "Accounting for Income Taxes", to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. FSP 109-1 clarifies guidance that applies to the new deduction for qualified domestic production activities. When fully phased-in, the deduction will be up to 9% of the lesser of "qualified production activities income" or taxable income.

33            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


FSP 109-1 clarifies that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction under FASB No. 109 and will reduce tax expense in the period or periods that the amounts are deductible on the tax return. The new deduction was effective for our fiscal year ending October 31, 2006, and resulted in reducing our effective tax rate by 222 basis points.

        In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections". This statement, which replaces APB Opinion No. 20, "Accounting Changes" and SFAS No. 3, "Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements", changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. The statement requires retrospective application of changes in accounting principle to prior periods' financial statements unless it is impracticable to determine the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, "Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets," which provides an approach to simplify efforts to obtain hedge-like (offset) accounting by allowing the Company the option to carry mortgage servicing rights at fair value. This new Statement amends SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 125," with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective for all separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities as of the beginning of an entity's fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted in certain circumstances. Since we do not retain the servicing rights when we sell our mortgage loans held for sale, the adoption of SFAS No. 156 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged provided that the reporting entity has not yet issued financial statements for that fiscal year including financial statements for an interim period within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 157 may have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)" ("SFAS 158"). SFAS 158 requires the balance sheet recognition of the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, along with a corresponding after-tax adjustment to stockholders' equity. The recognition of funded status provision of SFAS 158 applies prospectively and is effective December 31, 2006. SFAS 158 also requires measurement of plan assets and benefit obligations at the fiscal year end effective December 31, 2008. We do not expect SFAS 158 to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements," which addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected financial statement misstatements should be considered in current year financial statements. The SAB requires registrants to quantify misstatements using both balance sheet and income statement approaches and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relative quantitative and qualitative factors. The requirements of SAB No. 108 are effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SAB No. 108; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") released Issue No. 04-5 "Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights" ("EITF 04-5"). EITF 04-5 creates a framework for evaluating whether a general partner or a group of general partners controls a limited partnership and therefore should consolidate the partnership. EITF 04-5 states that the presumption of general partner control would be overcome only when the limited partners have certain specific rights as outlined in EITF 04-5. EITF 04-5 is effective immediately for all newly formed limited partnerships and for existing limited partnership agreements that are modified. For general partners in all other limited partnerships, EITF 04-5 is effective no later than the beginning of the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Implementation of EITF 04-5 did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

        On November 29, 2006, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-8, "Applicability of the Assessment of a Buyer's

34            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



Continuing Investment Under FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, for Sales of Condominiums." EITF 06-8 states that the adequacy of the buyer's continuing investment under SFAS 66 should be assessed in determining whether to recognize profit under the percentage-of-completion method on the sale of individual units in a condominium project. This consensus could require that additional deposits be collected by developers of condominium projects that wish to recognize profit during the construction period under the percentage-of-completion method. EITF 06-8 is effective for fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2007. We do not expect EITF 06-8 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations or cash flows.

        In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), "Accounting to Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109." FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. FIN 48 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The new FASB standard also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for our first quarter ending January 31, 2008. We are in the process of assessing the impact, if any, this will have on our financial statements.

Total Taxes

Total taxes as a percentage of income before taxes amounted to approximately 35.9%, 39.6%, and 36.6% for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. The decrease in the effective rate for 2006 was primarily due to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which was effective for the year ended October 31, 2006 and provided a 3% tax reduction on qualified domestic production activities income. The new deduction resulted in reducing our effective tax rate by 222 basis points. The increase in the effective rate for 2005 was due to refunds recorded in 2004 related to previous years' taxes, higher than estimated taxes upon filing our 2004 tax return in the third quarter of 2005, the elimination of certain state deductions, and the loss carryforward running out in one state. Deferred federal and state income tax assets primarily represent the deferred tax benefits arising from temporary differences between book and tax income which will be recognized in future years as an offset against future taxable income. If for some reason the combination of future years income (or loss) combined with the reversal of the timing differences results in a loss, such losses can be carried back to prior years to recover the deferred tax assets. As a result, management is confident such deferred tax assets reflected in the balance sheet are recoverable regardless of future income. See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12" for an additional explanation of taxes.

Inflation

Inflation has a long-term effect on us because increasing costs of land, materials, and labor result in increasing sale prices of our homes. In general, these price increases have been commensurate with the general rate of inflation in our housing markets and have not had a significant adverse effect on the sale of our homes. A significant risk faced by the housing industry generally is that rising house costs, including land and interest costs, will substantially outpace increases in the income of potential purchasers.

        Inflation has a lesser short-term effect on us because we generally negotiate fixed price contracts with our subcontractors and material suppliers for the construction of our homes. These prices usually are applicable for a specified number of residential buildings or for a time period of between four to twelve months. Construction costs for residential buildings represent approximately 60% of our homebuilding cost of sales.

Mergers and Acquisitions

On April 17, 2006, we acquired for cash the assets of CraftBuilt Homes, a privately held homebuilder headquartered in Bluffton, South Carolina. The acquisition expands our operations into the coastal markets of South Carolina and Georgia. CraftBuilt Homes designs, markets and sells single family detached homes. Due to its close proximity to Hilton Head, CraftBuilt Homes focuses on first-time, move-up, empty-nester and retiree homebuyers. This acquisition is being accounted for as a purchase with the results of its operations included in our consolidated financial statements as of the date of the acquisition.

        On May 1, 2006, we acquired through the issuance of 175,936 shares of Class A common stock substantially all of the assets of two mechanical contracting businesses. These acquisitions are being accounted for as purchases with the results of their operations included in our consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

        On March 1, 2005, we acquired for cash the assets of Cambridge Homes, a privately held Orlando homebuilder and provider of related financial services, headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The acquisition provides us with a presence in the greater Orlando market. Cambridge Homes designs, markets and sells both single family homes and attached townhomes and focuses on first-time, move-up and luxury homebuyers. Cambridge Homes also provides mortgage financing, as well as title and settlement services to its homebuyers. The Cambridge Homes acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, with the

35            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



results of its operations included in our consolidated financial statements as of the date of the acquisition.

        On March 2, 2005, we acquired the operations of Town & Country Homes, a privately held homebuilder and land developer headquartered in Lombard, Illinois, which occurred concurrently with our entering into a joint venture agreement with affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors in New York to own and develop Town & Country's existing residential communities. The joint venture is being accounted for under the equity method. Town & Country Homes' operations beyond the existing owned and optioned communities, as of the acquisition date, are wholly owned and included in our consolidated financial statements.

        The Town & Country acquisition provides us with a strong initial position in the greater Chicago market, and expands our operations into the Florida markets of West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale and bolsters our current presence in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Town & Country designs, markets and sells a diversified product portfolio in each of its markets, including single family homes and attached townhomes, as well as mid-rise condominiums in Florida. Town & Country serves a broad customer base including first-time, move-up and luxury homebuyers.

        On August 8, 2005, we acquired substantially all of the assets of First Home Builders of Florida, a privately held homebuilder and provider of related financial services headquartered in Cape Coral, Florida. First Home Builders is a leading builder in Western Florida and ranked first in the greater Fort Myers-Cape Coral market. First Home Builders of Florida designs, markets and sells single family homes, with a focus on the first-time home buying segment. The company also provides mortgage financing, title and settlement services to its homebuyers.

        On August 3, 2005, we acquired substantially all of the homebuilding assets of Oster Homes, a privately held Ohio homebuilder, headquartered in Lorain, Ohio. The acquisition provides Hovnanian with a complementary presence to its Ohio "build-on-your-own-lot" homebuilding operations. Oster Homes builds in Lorain County in Northeast Ohio, just west of Cleveland. Oster Homes designs, markets and sells single family homes, with a focus on first-time and move-up homebuyers. Additionally, Oster Homes utilizes a design center to market extensive pre-prices, options and upgrades.

        Both the First Home Builders of Florida and the Oster Homes acquisitions were accounted for as purchases with the results of their operations included in our consolidated financial statements as of the dates of the acquisitions.

        On November 6, 2003, we acquired a Tampa, Florida area homebuilder for cash and 489,236 shares of our Class A Common Stock. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, with the results of operations of this entity included in our consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

        All fiscal 2006, 2005, and 2004 acquisitions provide for other payments to be made, generally dependant upon achievement of certain future operating and return objectives.

Safe Harbor Statement

All statements in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts should be considered as "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in, or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions, or expectations will be achieved. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to:

        Certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors are described in detail in Item 1 "Business" and Item 1A "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K.

36            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


ITEM 7A
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK

A market risk facing us is interest rate risk on our long term debt. In connection with our mortgage operations, mortgage loans held for sale and the associated mortgage warehouse line of credit are subject to interest rate risk; however, such obligations reprice frequently and are short-term in duration. In addition, we hedge the interest rate risk on mortgage loans by obtaining forward commitments from private investors. Accordingly the risk from mortgage loans is not material. We do not hedge interest rate risk other than on mortgage loans using financial instruments. We are also subject to foreign currency risk but this risk is not material. The following tables set forth as of October 31, 2006 and 2005, our long term debt obligations, principal cash flows by scheduled maturity, weighted average interest rates and estimated fair market value ("FMV"). There have been no significant changes in our market risk from October 31, 2005 to October 31, 2006.

Long Term Debt Tables

 
  Long Term Debt as of October 31, 2006 by Year of Debt Maturity

(Dollars in Thousands)

  2007

  2008

  2009

  2010

  2011

  Thereafter

  Total

  FMV at
10/31/06


Long term debt(1):   $ 167,037   $ 748   $ 800   $ 100,855   $ 914   $ 1,834,669   $ 2,105,023   $ 2,040,214
Fixed rate                                                
  Average interest rate     9.63 %   6.71 %   6.73 %   6.01 %   6.77 %   7.26 %   7.39 %    

(1) Does not include the mortgage warehouse line of credit.

 
  Long Term Debt as of October 31, 2005 by Year of Debt Maturity

(Dollars in Thousands)

  2006

  2007

  2008

  2009

  2010

  Thereafter

  Total

  FMV at
10/31/05


Long term debt(1):                                                
Fixed rate   $ 49,327   $ 140,949   $ 748   $ 800   $ 100,855   $ 1,285,583   $ 1,578,262   $ 1,510,091
  Average interest rate     6.76 %   10.48 %   6.71 %   6.73 %   6.01 %   6.94 %   7.19 %    

(1) Does not include bonds collateralized by mortgages receivable or the mortgage warehouse line of credit.

In addition, we have reassessed the market risk for our variable rate debt, which is based on (1) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (a) PNC Bank, National Association's prime rate and (b) the federal funds rate plus 1/2% or (2) a margin ranging from 0.65% to 1.50% per annum, depending on our Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement, and our debt ratings plus a LIBOR-based rate for a one, two, three, or six month interest period as selected by us. We believe that a one percent increase in this rate would have an approximate $2.3 million increase in interest expense for the twelve months ended October 31, 2006, assuming an average of $231.4 million of variable rate debt outstanding from November 1, 2005 to October 31, 2006.

ITEM 8
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial statements of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are set forth herein beginning on Page F-1.

ITEM 9
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2006. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to accomplish their objectives.

37            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended October 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).

        All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

        Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2006.

        Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006 has been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report below.

38            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, management's assessment that Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2006 consolidated financial statements of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated January 15, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
January 15, 2007

39            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


ITEM 9B
OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information called for by Item 10, except as set forth below in this Item 10, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the Company's annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 7, 2007, which will involve the election of directors.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

        Our executive officers are listed below and brief summaries of their business experience and certain other information with respect to them are set forth following the table. Each executive officer holds such office for a one year term.

Name
  Age
  Position
  Year Started
With Company


Kevork S. Hovnanian   83   Chairman of the Board and Director of the Company   1967
Ara K. Hovnanian   49   Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of the Company   1979
Paul W. Buchanan   56   Senior Vice President — Corporate Controller   1981
Kevin C. Hake   47   Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer   2000
Peter S. Reinhart   56   Senior Vice President and General Counsel   1978
J. Larry Sorsby   51   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Company   1988

        Mr. K. Hovnanian founded the predecessor of the Company in 1959 (Hovnanian Brothers, Inc.) and has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since its incorporation in 1967. Mr. K. Hovnanian was also Chief Executive Officer of the Company from 1967 to July 1997.

        Mr. A. Hovnanian was appointed President in April 1988, after serving as Executive Vice President from March 1983. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer since July 1997. Mr. A. Hovnanian was elected a Director of the Company in December 1981. Mr. A. Hovnanian is the son of Mr. K. Hovnanian.

        Mr. Buchanan has been Senior Vice President—Corporate Controller since May 1990. Mr. Buchanan resigned as a Director of the Company on September 13, 2002, a position in which he served since March 1982, for the purpose of reducing the number of non-independent board members.

        Mr. Hake was appointed Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer in October 2004 after serving as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer from July 2000. Mr. Hake was Director, Real Estate Finance at BankBoston Corporation from 1994 to June 2000.

        Mr. Reinhart has been Senior Vice President and General Counsel since April 1985. Mr. Reinhart resigned as a Director of the Company on September 13, 2002, a position in which he served since December 1981, for the purpose of reducing the number of non-independent board members.

        Mr. Sorsby was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in October 2000 after serving as Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer from February 1996 and as Vice President-Finance/Treasurer of the Company since March 1991. Mr. Sorsby was elected a Director of the Company in 1997.

Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to Hovnanian's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, controller, and all other associates of the Company, including its directors and other officers. We have posted the text of this Code of Ethics on our website at www.khov.com under "Investor Relations/Corporate Governance". We have also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines and posted them on our website at www.khov.com under "Investor Relations/Corporate Governance". A printed copy of the Code of Ethics and Guidelines is also available to the public at no charge by writing to: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Attn: Human Resources Department, 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box

40            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


500, Red Bank, N.J. 07701 or calling Corporate headquarters at 732-747-7800. We will post amendments to or waivers from our Code of Ethics that are required to be disclosed by the rules of either the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange on our website at www.khov.com under "Investor Relations/Corporate Governance".

Audit Committee and Compensation Committee Charters

We have adopted charters that apply to Hovnanian's Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. We have posted the text of these charters on our website at www.khov.com under "Investor Relations/Corporate Governance". A printed copy of each charter is available to any shareholder who requests it by writing to: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Attn: Human Resources Department, 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, N.J. 07701 or calling corporate headquarters at 732-747-7800.

ITEM 11
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 7, 2007.

ITEM 12
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information called for by Item 12, except as set forth below in this Item 12, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 7, 2007.

        The following table provides information as of October 31, 2006 with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan Category
  Number of Class A Common Stock
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights (in
thousands)

  Number of Class Stock B Common
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights (in
thousands)

  Weighted
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
Class A
Common Stock
options,
warrants and
rights(2)

  Weighted
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
Class B
Common Stock
options,
warrants and
rights(3)

  Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected in
columns (a)) (in
thousands)(1)


 
  (a)
  (a)
  (b)
  (b)
  (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:   5,639   1,813   $ 17.41   $ 41.68   22,479
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders:              

Total   5,639   1,813   $ 17.41   $ 41.68   22,479

(1) Under the Company's equity compensation plans, securities may be issued in either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.

(2) Does not include 1,235 shares to be issued upon vesting of restricted stock, because they have no exercise price.

(3) Does not include 342 shares to be issued upon vesting of restricted stock, because they have no exercise price.

ITEM 13
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement, with the exception of the information regarding certain relationships, as described below, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 7, 2007.

        During the year ended October 31, 2003, we entered into an agreement to purchase land in California for approximately $33.4 million from an entity that is owned by a family relative of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer. As of October 31, 2006, we have an option deposit of $4.2 million related to this land acquisition agreement. In connection with this agreement, we also have consolidated $19.3 million in accordance with FIN 46 under Consolidated Inventory Not Owned in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Neither the Company nor the

41            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative's company from whom the land was purchased.

        During the year ended October 31, 2001, we entered into an agreement to purchase land from an entity that is owned by a family relative of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer, totaling $26.9 million. As of October 31, 2006, all of this property has been purchased, and there are 60 of an original 726 lots remaining in inventory. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative's company from whom the land was purchased.

        During the year ended October 31, 2001, we entered into an agreement to purchase land in Maryland for approximately $3.0 million from a group that consists of relatives of Geaton Decesaris, Jr., formerly a member of our Board of Directors. We had posted a deposit of $100,000 and purchased the property when final approvals were in place. The property was purchased in November 2001 and there are 2 of an original 147 lots remaining in inventory as of October 31, 2006. During the time he was a member of the Board of Directors, Geaton Decesaris, Jr. had no financial interest in the relative's ownership and sale of land to the Company.

        During the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, an engineering firm owned by a relative of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer provided services to the Company totaling $5.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Neither the Company nor Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative's company from whom the services were provided.

        In December 2005, we entered into an agreement to purchase land in New Jersey from an entity that is owned by family relatives of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer at a base price of $25 million. The land will be acquired in four phases over a period of 30 months from the date of acquisition of the first phase. The purchase prices for phases two through four are subject to an increase in the purchase price for the phase of not less than 6% per annum and not more than 8% per annum from the date of the closing of the first phase based on an identified prime rate. As of the end of the fourth quarter of 2006, no land has been acquired. A deposit in the amount of $500,000, however, has been made by the Company. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relatives' company from whom the land will be purchased.

        During the second quarter of 2006, an existing lease on a building occupied by one of our companies in the Southeast was amended. The lessor is a company, whom at the time of the transaction, was owned partly by Geaton A. Decesaris, Jr., formerly a member of the Company's Board of Directors. The amendment provided for an increase in the square footage of the lease space, an increased security deposit related to the square footage increase and an increase in the lease term. In total the lease is for 39,637 square feet at $18.86 per square foot per year, with a total security deposit of $34,511.

        Pursuant to the Board of Director requirements, prior to these agreements being finalized, an independent appraisal of each transaction was performed. Upon review of the appraisals by the independent members of the Board of Directors the transactions were approved.

ITEM 14
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 7, 2007.

PART IV

ITEM 15
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 
  Page

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:    
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 31, 2006 and 2005   F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004   F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004   F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-8

No schedules have been prepared because the required information of such schedules is not present, is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the required information is included in the financial statements and notes thereto.

42            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Exhibits:

  3 (a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.(1)
  3 (b) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.(5)
  3 (c) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.(14)
  3 (d) Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.(12)
  4 (a) Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate.(13)
  4 (b) Specimen Class B Common Stock Certificate.(15)
  4 (c) Indenture dated as of October 2, 2000, relating to 101/2% Senior Notes, between the Registrant and First Union National Bank, including form of 101/2% Senior Notes due October 1, 2007.(9)
  4 (d) Indenture dated March 26, 2002, relating to 8% Senior Notes, between the Registrant and First Union National Bank, including form of 8% Senior Notes due April 1, 2012.(10)
  4 (e) Indenture dated March 26, 2002, relating to 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes, between the Registrant and First Union National Bank, including form of 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due April 1, 2012.(10)
  4 (f) Indenture dated May 9, 2003, relating to 73/4% Senior Subordinated Notes, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, including form of 73/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 15, 2013.(4)
  4 (g) Indenture dated as of November 3, 2003, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee.(18)
  4 (h) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 3, 2003, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, including Form of 61/2% Senior Notes.(2)
  4 (i) Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2004, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee.(19)
  4 (j) Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2004, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee.(19)
  4 (k) Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2005, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee.(19)
  4 (l) Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2005, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee.(19)
  4 (m) Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2006, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee (including form of 7 1/2% Senior Notes due May 15, 2016).(20)
  4 (n) Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2006, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee (including form of 8 5/8% Senior Notes due January 15, 2017).(21)
  4 (o) Indenture dated as of March 18, 2004, relating to 63/8% Senior Notes, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, including form of 63/8% Senior Notes due December 15, 2014.(16)
  4 (p) Indenture dated as of November 30, 2004, relating to 61/4% Senior Notes, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, including form of 61/4% Senior Notes due January 15, 2015.(6)
  4 (q) Indenture dated as of November 30, 2004, relating to 6% Senior Subordinated Notes, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, including form of 6% Senior Notes January 15, due 2010.(6)
  4 (r) Indenture dated as of August 8, 2005, relating to 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee including form of 6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016.(7)
  4 (s) Certificate of Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of the 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., dated July 12, 2005.(11)
10 (a) Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2006.(22)
10 (b) Amended and Restated Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement dated May 31, 2006.(22)
10 (c) Credit Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2006.(23)
     

43            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


10 (d) Agreement for Letter of Credit, dated as of October 11, 2006.(23)
10 (e) Description of Management Bonus Arrangements.(15)
10 (f) Description of Savings and Investment Retirement Plan.(1)
10 (g) 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated).(17)
10 (h) 1983 Stock Option Plan (as amended and restated March 8, 2002).(3)
10 (i) Management Agreement dated August 12, 1983, for the management of properties by K. Hovnanian Investment Properties, Inc.(1)
10 (j) Management Agreement dated December 15, 1985, for the management of properties by K. Hovnanian Investment Properties, Inc.(15)
10 (k) Description of Deferred Compensation Plan.(15)
10 (l) Senior Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated).(8)
12   Statements re Computation of Ratios.
21   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31 (a) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31 (b) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32 (a) Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
32 (b) Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 2-85198) on Form S-1 of the Registrant.

(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2003.

(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2002 of the Registrant.

(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-107164) on Form S-4 of the Registrant.

(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-106761) on Form S-3 of the Registrant.

(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004 of the Registrant.

(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-127806) on Form S-4 of the Registrant.

(8)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the definitive Proxy Statement of the Registrant on Schedule 14A filed February 10, 2004.

(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-52836) on Form S-4 of the Registrant.

(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-89976) on Form S-4 of the Registrant.

(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on July 13, 2005.

(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 1-08551) on Form 8-A of the Registrant.

(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-111231) on Form S-3 of the Registrant.

(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2004 of the Registrant.

(15)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003 of the Registrant.

(16)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-115742) on Form S-4 of the Registrant.

(17)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the definitive Proxy Statement of the Registrant on Schedule 14A filed February 10, 2004.

(18)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-125738) on Form S-3 of the Registrant.

(19)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-131982) on Form S-3 of the Registrant.

(20)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2006.

(21)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on June 15, 2006.

(22)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on June 6, 2006.

(23)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on October 12, 2006.

44            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section l3 or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of l934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

 

 

By:

/s/  
KEVORK S. HOVNANIAN      
Kevork S. Hovnanian
Chairman of the Board
January 16, 2007

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of l934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant on January 16, 2007 and in the capacities indicated.

/s/  KEVORK S. HOVNANIAN      
Kevork S. Hovnanian
  Chairman of The Board and Director

/s/  
ARA K. HOVNANIAN      
Ara K. Hovnanian

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

/s/  
PAUL W. BUCHANAN      
Paul W. Buchanan

 

Senior Vice President-Corporate Controller

/s/  
KEVIN C. HAKE      
Kevin C. Hake

 

Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

/s/  
EDWARD A. KANGAS      
Edward A. Kangas

 

Chairman of Audit Committee and Director

/s/  
PETER S. REINHART      
Peter S. Reinhart

 

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

/s/  
J. LARRY SORSBY      
J. Larry Sorsby

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director

/s/  
STEPHEN D. WEINROTH      
Stephen D. Weinroth

 

Chairman of Compensation Committee and Director

45            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page

Financial Statements:    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2006 and 2005   F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004   F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004   F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-8

        No schedules have been prepared because the required information of such schedules is not present, is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the required information is included in the financial statements and notes thereto.

F-1            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of October 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries at October 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated January 15, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

        As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, effective November 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, "Share-Based Payments" using the modified-prospective transition method.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
January 15, 2007

F-2            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005

ASSETS            
Homebuilding:            
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 43,635   $ 201,641

  Restricted cash (Note 6)     9,479     17,189

  Inventories—at the lower of cost or fair value (Notes 13 and 14):            
    Sold and unsold homes and lots under development     3,297,766     2,459,431

    Land and land options held for future development or sale     362,760     595,806

    Consolidated inventory not owned:            
      Specific performance options     20,340     9,289
      Variable interest entities (Note 19)     208,167     242,825
      Other options     181,808     129,269

      Total consolidated inventory not owned     410,315     381,383

    Total inventories     4,070,841     3,436,620

  Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures (Note 20)     212,581     187,205

  Receivables, deposits, and notes     94,750     125,388

  Property, plant, and equipment—net (Note 5)     110,704     96,891

  Prepaid expenses and other assets     175,603     131,845

  Goodwill (Note 21)     32,658     32,658

  Definite life intangibles (Note 21)     165,053     249,506

      Total homebuilding     4,915,304     4,478,943

Financial services:            
  Cash and cash equivalents     10,688     9,632
  Restricted cash     1,585     1,037
  Mortgage loans held for sale (Notes 7 and 8)     281,958     211,248
  Other assets     10,686     15,375

      Total financial services     304,917     237,292

Income taxes receivable—including deferred tax benefits (Note 12)     259,814     9,903

Total assets   $ 5,480,035   $ 4,726,138

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            
Homebuilding:            
  Nonrecourse land mortgages   $ 26,088   $ 48,673
  Accounts payable and other liabilities     582,393     510,529
  Customers' deposits (Note 6)     184,943     259,930
  Nonrecourse mortgages secured by operating properties (Note 8)     23,684     24,339
  Liabilities from inventory not owned     205,067     177,014

      Total homebuilding     1,022,175     1,020,485

Financial services:            
  Accounts payable and other liabilities     12,158     8,461
  Mortgage warehouse line of credit (Notes 7 and 8)     270,171     198,856

      Total financial services     282,329     207,317

Notes payable:            
  Revolving and term credit agreements (Note 8)            
  Senior notes (Note 9)     1,649,778     1,098,739
  Senior subordinated notes (Note 9)     400,000     400,000
  Accrued interest (Notes 8 and 9)     51,105     26,991

      Total notes payable     2,100,883     1,525,730

      Total liabilities     3,405,387     2,753,532

Minority interest from inventory not owned (Note 19)     130,221     180,170

Minority interest from consolidated joint ventures     2,264     1,079

Stockholders' equity (Notes 15 and 21):            
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value—authorized 100,000 shares; issued 5,600 shares with a liquidation preference of $140,000, at October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005     135,299     135,389
  Common stock, Class A, $.01 par value—authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 58,653,723 shares at October 31, 2006; and 57,976,455 shares at October 31, 2005 (including 11,494,720 shares at October 31, 2006 and 10,995,656 shares at October 31, 2005 held in Treasury)     587     580
  Common stock, Class B, $.01 par value (convertible to Class A at time of sale)—authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 15,343,410 shares at October 31, 2006; and issued 15,370,250 shares at October 31, 2005 (including 691,748 shares at October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005 held in Treasury)     153     154
  Paid in capital—common stock     253,262     236,001
  Retained earnings (Note 9)     1,661,810     1,522,952
  Deferred compensation (Note 15)           (19,648)
  Treasury stock—at cost     (108,948)     (84,071)

      Total stockholders' equity     1,942,163     1,791,357

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 5,480,035   $ 4,726,138

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 
  Year Ended

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Revenues:                  
Homebuilding:                  
  Sale of homes   $ 5,903,387   $ 5,177,655   $ 4,082,263
  Land sales and other revenues     155,250     98,391     11,339

    Total homebuilding     6,058,637     5,276,046     4,093,602
Financial services     89,598     72,371     60,288

Total revenues     6,148,235     5,348,417     4,153,890

Expenses:                  
Homebuilding:                  
  Cost of sales, excluding interest     4,633,081     3,865,125     3,044,274
  Cost of sales interest     108,329     86,819     73,423
  Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs (Note 13)     336,204     5,360     6,990

    Total cost of sales     5,077,614     3,957,304     3,124,687
  Selling, general and administrative     593,860     441,943     330,583

    Total homebuilding expenses     5,671,474     4,399,247     3,455,270
Financial services     58,586     48,347     34,782
Corporate general and administrative     96,781     90,628     63,423
Other interest     3,615     2,902     1,619
Expenses related to extinguishment of debt (Note 9)                 9,597
Other operations     45,237     15,663     15,295
Intangible amortization (Note 21)     54,821     46,084     28,923

Total expenses     5,930,514     4,602,871     3,608,909

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures     15,385     35,039     4,791

Income before income taxes     233,106     780,585     549,772

State and federal income taxes:                  
  State (Note 12)     1,366     44,806     21,595
  Federal (Note 12)     82,207     263,932     179,496

    Total taxes     83,573     308,738     201,091

Net income     149,533     471,847     348,681
Less: preferred stock dividends     10,675     2,758      

Net income available to common stockholders   $ 138,858   $ 469,089   $ 348,681

Per share data:                  
  Basic:                  
    Income per common share   $ 2.21   $ 7.51   $ 5.63

    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     62,822     62,490     61,892

  Assuming dilution:                  
    Income per common share   $ 2.14   $ 7.16   $ 5.35

    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     64,838     65,549     65,133

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
  A Common Stock
  B Common Stock
  Preferred Stock
   
   
   
   
   

(Dollars In Thousands)
  Shares
Issued and
Outstanding

  Amount
  Shares
Issued and
Outstanding

  Amount
  Shares
Issued and
Outstanding

  Amount
  Paid-In
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Deferred
Comp

  Treasury
Stock

  Total

Balance, October 31, 2003   45,255,680   $560   14,845,268   $155       $     $ 163,355   $ 705,182   $     $ (49,540)   $ 819,712
Stock issuances for Company acquisitions   489,236                           16,311                 2,512     18,823
Stock options, amortization and issuances, net of tax   334,166   4                       1,742                       1,746
Restricted stock grants, amortization, issuances and forfeitures, net of tax   212,335   2   54,652   1               18,235           (11,784)           6,454
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock   214,696   2   (214,696)   (2)                                      
Treasury stock purchases   (104,456)                                             (3,022)     (3,022)
Net income                                     348,681                 348,681

Balance, October 31, 2004   46,401,657   568   14,685,224   154               199,643     1,053,863     (11,784)     (50,050)     1,192,394
Issuance of preferred stock                   5,600     135,389                             135,389
Preferred dividend declared ($492.45 per share)                                     (2,758)                 (2,758)
Stock options, amortization and issuances, net of tax   927,938   9                       15,046                       15,055
Restricted stock grants, amortization issuances and forfeitures, net of tax   244,482   3                       21,312           (7,864)           13,451
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock   6,722       (6,722)                                          
Treasury stock purchases   (600,000)                                             (34,021)     (34,021)
Net income                                     471,847                 471,847

Balance, October 31, 2005   46,980,799   580   14,678,502   154   5,600     135,389     236,001     1,522,952     (19,648)     (84,071)     1,791,357
Stock issuances for Company acquisitions   175,936   1                       4,188                 1,750     5,939
Issuance costs                         (90)                             (90)
Preferred dividend declared ($476.56 per share)                                     (10,675)                 (10,675)
Stock options, amortization and issuances, net of tax   245,596   2                       20,342                       20,344
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures, net of tax   404,832   4                       12,379                       12,383
Reclass due to SFAS 123R implementation (see Note 2)                               (19,648)           19,648          
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock   26,840       (26,840)   (1)                                       (1)
Treasury stock purchases   (675,000)                                             (26,627)     (26,627)
Net income                                     149,533                 149,533

Balance, October 31, 2006   47,159,003   $587   14,651,662   $153   5,600   $ 135,299   $ 253,262   $ 1,661,810   $   $ (108,948)   $ 1,942,163

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Year Ended
 

 
(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004
 

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  Net Income   $ 149,533   $ 471,847   $ 348,681  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:                    
    Depreciation     14,884     9,075     6,189  
    Intangible amortization     54,821     46,084     28,923  
    Compensation from stock options and awards     23,428     12,690     7,755  
    Amortization of bond discounts     1,039     715     571  
    Excess tax benefits from share-based payments     (7,951 )            
    (Gain) loss on sale and retirement of property and assets     428     (3,681 )   (621 )
    Income from unconsolidated joint ventures     (15,385 )   (35,039 )   (4,791 )
    Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures     15,038     28,868     4,457  
    Expenses related to extinguishment of debt                 9,597  
    Deferred income taxes     (151,072 )   (20,823 )   (21,495 )
    Impairment and land option deposit write-offs     336,204     5,360     6,990  
    Decrease (increase) in assets:                    
      Mortgage notes receivable     (70,638 )   (1,790 )   15,049  
      Restricted cash, receivables, prepaids and other assets     58,527     (102,005 )   (44,576 )
      Inventories     (920,346 )   (645,280 )   (709,577 )
    Increase (decrease) in liabilities:                    
      State and Federal income taxes     (90,888 )   (22,556 )   71,673  
      Customers' deposits     (73,503 )   168,682     15,285  
      Interest and other accrued liabilities     20,724     13,949     35,919  
      Accounts payable     4,447     50,065     40,289  

 
Net cash used in operating activities     (650,710 )   (23,839 )   (189,682 )

 
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
  Net proceeds from sale of property and assets     384     8,495     1,881  
  Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions     (51,506 )   (317,777 )   (104,796 )
  Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures     (29,113 )   (141,448 )   (31,909 )
  Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures     5,691     1,320     14,383  

 
Net cash used in investing activities     (74,544 )   (449,410 )   (120,441 )

 
  Cash flows from financing activities:                    
  Proceeds from mortgages and notes     69,386     128,291     77,838  
  Net proceeds (payments) relating to revolving credit agreement           (115,000 )   115,000  
  Net proceeds relating to mortgage warehouse line of credit     71,315     10,440     21,706  
  Proceeds from senior debt     550,000     495,287     365,000  
  Proceeds from senior subordinated debt           100,000        
  Payments of issuance costs     (90 )            
  Proceeds from preferred stock           135,389        
  Principal payments on mortgages and notes     (94,303 )   (94,359 )   (169,233 )
  Principal payments on subordinated debt                 (156,844 )
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payment     7,951              
  Preferred dividends paid     (10,675 )   (2,758 )      
  Purchase of treasury stock     (26,627 )   (34,021 )   (3,022 )
  Proceeds from sale of stock and employee stock plan     1,347     294     445  

 
Net cash provided by financing activities     568,304     623,563     250,890  

 
Net (decrease) increase in cash     (156,950 )   150,314     (59,233 )
  Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year     211,273     60,959     120,192  

 
    Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year   $ 54,323   $ 211,273   $ 60,959  

 
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flows:                    
Cash paid during the period for:                    
Interest, net of capitalized interest   $ 89,128   $ 89,851   $ 78,209  

 
Income taxes   $ 298,005   $ 352,518   $ 150,016  

 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash operating activities:                    
  Consolidated inventory not owned:                    
    Specific performance options   $ 19,310   $ 8,656   $ 11,440  
    Variable interest entities     190,940     231,817     183,654  
    Other options     180,243     135,410     29,309  

 
  Total inventory not owned   $ 390,493   $ 375,883   $ 224,403  

 

        Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:

        In 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of two mechanical contracting businesses by issuing 175,936 Class A common shares with a fair value of $5.9 million on the date of the transaction.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004

1.  Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation—The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and all wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions.

2.  Business

Our operations consist of homebuilding, financial services, and corporate. Our homebuilding operations are made up of six reportable segments defined as Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and West. Homebuilding operations comprise the substantial part of our business, with approximately 96% of consolidated revenues in the year ended October 31, 2006, 97% of consolidated revenues in the year ended October 31, 2005, and 98% of consolidated revenue in 2004 contributed by the homebuilding operations. We are a Delaware corporation, currently building and selling homes in 427 consolidated new home communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Kentucky, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. We offer a wide variety of homes that are designed to appeal to first-time buyers, first and second-time move-up buyers, luxury buyers, active adult buyers and empty nesters. Our financial services operations, which are a reportable segment, provide mortgage banking and title services to the homebuilding operations' customers. We do not retain or service the mortgages that we originate but rather sell the mortgages and related servicing rights to investors. Corporate primarily includes the operations of our corporate office whose primary purpose is to provide executive services, accounting, information services, human resources, management reporting, training, cash management, internal audit, risk management, and administration of process redesign, quality and safety.

        See Note 10 "Operating and Reporting Segments" for further disclosure of our reportable segments.

3.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and these differences could have a significant impact on the financial statements.

Business Combinations—When we make an acquisition of another company, we use the purchase method of accounting in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141 "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141"). Under SFAS 141, we record as our cost the estimated fair value of the acquired assets less liabilities assumed. Any difference between the cost of an acquired company and the sum of the fair values of tangible and intangible assets less liabilities is recorded as goodwill. The operations of the acquired company from the date of acquisition are included in our financial statements.

Income Recognition from Home and Land Sales—We are primarily engaged in the development, construction, marketing and sale of residential single-family and multi-family homes where the planned construction cycle is less than 12 months. For these homes, in accordance with SFAS No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate" ("SFAS 66"), revenue is recognized when title is conveyed to the buyer, adequate cash payment has been received and there is no continued involvement. In situations where the buyer's financing is originated by our mortgage subsidiary and the buyer has not made an adequate initial or continuing investment as prescribed by SFAS 66, the profit on such sales is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-party investor has been completed.

        Additionally, in certain markets, we sell lots to customers, transferring title, collecting proceeds, and entering into contracts to build homes on these lots. In these cases, we do not recognize the revenue from the lot sale until we deliver the completed home and have no continued involvement related to that home. The cash received on the lot is recorded as customer deposits until the revenue is recognized.

Income Recognition from High-Rise/Mid-Rise Buildings—We are developing several high-rise/mid-rise buildings that will take more than 12 months to complete. If these buildings qualify, revenues and costs are recognized using the percentage of completion method of accounting in accordance with SFAS 66. Under the percentage of completion method, revenues and costs are to be recognized when construction is beyond the preliminary stage, the buyer is committed to the extent of having a sufficient deposit that the buyer cannot require be refunded except for non-delivery of the home, sufficient homes in the building have been sold to ensure that the property will not be converted to rental property, the sales prices are collectible and the aggregate sales proceeds and the total cost of the building can be reasonably estimated. We currently do not have any buildings that meet these criteria, therefore the revenues from delivering homes in high-rise/mid-rise buildings are recognized when title is conveyed to the buyer, adequate cash payment has been

F-8            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



received and there is no continued involvement with respect to that home.

Income Recognition from Mortgage Loans—Profits and losses relating to the sale of mortgage loans are recognized when legal control passes to the buyer and the sales price is collected.

Interest Income Recognition for Mortgage Loans Receivable and Recognition of Related Deferred Fees and Costs—Interest income is recognized as earned for each mortgage loan during the period from the loan closing date to the sale date when legal control passes to the buyer and the sale price is collected. All fees related to the origination of mortgage loans and direct loan origination costs are deferred and recorded as either (a) an adjustment to the related mortgage loans upon the closing of a loan or (b) recognized as a deferred asset or deferred revenue while the loan is in process. These fees and costs include loan origination fees, loan discount, and salaries and wages. Such deferred fees and costs relating to the closed loans are recognized over the life of the loans as an adjustment of yield or taken into operations upon sale of the loan to an investor.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash deposited in checking accounts, overnight repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, Treasury Bills and government money market funds with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. Our cash balances are held at a few financial institutions and may, at times, exceed insurable amounts. We believe we mitigate this risk by depositing our cash in major financial institutions.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. Our financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, receivables, customer deposits and notes, accounts payable and other liabilities, mortgages and notes receivable, mortgages and notes payable, our revolving credit agreement, and the senior and senior subordinated notes payable. The fair value of both the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes is estimated at $1,602.6 million and $387.8 million, respectively, as of October 31, 2006. Unless otherwise disclosed, the fair value of financial instruments approximates their recorded values.

Inventories—Inventories and long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less direct costs to sell. Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Construction costs are accumulated during the period of construction and charged to cost of sales under specific identification methods. Land, land development, and common facility costs are allocated based on buildable acres to product types within each community, then charged to cost of sales equally based upon the number of homes to be constructed in each product type. For inventories of communities under development, a loss is recorded when events and circumstances indicate impairment and the undiscounted future cash flows generated are less than the related carrying amounts. The impairment loss is the difference between the book value of the individual community, and the discounted future cash flows generated from expected revenue of the individual community less the associated cost to complete, and direct costs to sell.

Insurance Deductible Reserves—For homes delivered in fiscal 2006, our deductible is $20 million per occurrence with an aggregate $20 million for premise liability claims and an aggregate $21.5 million for construction defect claims under our general liability insurance. Our worker's compensation insurance deductible is $1 million per occurrence in fiscal 2006. Reserves have been established for construction defect and worker's compensation claims based upon actuarial analysis of estimated losses for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005. We engage a third party actuary that uses our historical warranty data to estimate our unpaid claims, claim adjustment expenses and incurred but not reported claims reserves for the risks that we are assuming under the general liability and workers compensation programs. The estimates include provisions for inflation, claims handling and legal fees. No significant premise liability claims have arisen.

Interest—In accordance with SFAS 34 "Capitalization of Interest Cost", interest incurred is first capitalized to properties under development during the land development and home construction period and expensed along with the associated cost of sales as the related inventories are sold. Interest in excess of interest capitalized or interest incurred on borrowings directly related to properties not under development is expensed immediately in "Other Interest".

F-9            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        Interest costs incurred, expensed and capitalized were:

 
  Year Ended

(Dollars in Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Interest capitalized at beginning of year (1)   $ 48,366   $ 37,465   $ 24,833
Plus interest incurred (2)     166,427     102,930     87,674
Less cost of sales interest expensed (3)     108,329     86,819     73,423
Less other interest expensed     3,615     2,902     1,619

Interest capitalized at end of year   $ 102,849   $ 50,674   $ 37,465

(1)  Beginning balance for 2006 does not include interest incurred of $2.3 million which is capitalized in property, plant, and equipment.

(2)  Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.

(3)  Represents interest on borrowings for construction, land and development costs which are charged to interest expense when homes are delivered.

Land Options—Costs are capitalized when incurred and either included as part of the purchase price when the land is acquired or charged to operations when we determine we will not exercise the option. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") revision to Interpretation No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 ("FIN 46-R"), SFAS No. 49 "Accounting for Product Financing Arrangements" ("SFAS 49"), SFAS No. 98 "Accounting for Leases" ("SFAS 98"), and Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") No. 97-10 "The Effects of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction" ("EITF 97-10"), we record on the Consolidated Balance Sheets specific performance options, options with variable interest entities, and other options under Consolidated Inventory Not Owned with the offset to Liabilities from inventory not owned, Minority interest from inventory not owned and Minority interest from consolidated joint ventures.

Intangible Assets—The intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet are goodwill, tradenames, architectural designs, distribution processes, and contractual agreements with both definite and indefinite lives resulting from our acquisitions. We no longer amortize goodwill but instead assess it periodically for impairment. We performed such assessments utilizing a fair value approach as of October 31, 2006 and 2005. We determined that no impairment of goodwill existed at October 31, 2006 and 2005. However, based on the current market conditions in fiscal 2006, we determined that the intangible assets associated with our Cleveland operations in the Midwest were impaired, and wrote-down the assets by $4.2 million at October 31, 2006. This charge is included in Intangible amortization on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We are amortizing the definite life intangibles over their expected useful life, ranging from three to eight years. The weighted average amortization period remaining for definite life intangibles was 3.0 years as of October 31, 2006.

        As of October 31, 2006, the gross amount of definite life intangibles and related accumulated amortization was $303.2 million and $138.2 million, respectively. The expected amortization expense for these definite life intangibles in future years follow:

Year Ending October 31,
  (In Thousands)

2007   $ 42,166
2008     35,064
2009     30,519
2010     24,136
2011     12,573
After 2011     20,595

    $ 165,053

Finance Subsidiary Net Worth—In accordance with Statement of Position 01-6 ("SOP 01-6") of the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, we are required to disclose the minimum net worth requirements by regulatory agencies, secondary market investors and states in which our mortgage subsidiary conducts business. At October 31, 2006 and 2005, our mortgage subsidiary's net worth was $22.7 million and $29.6 million, respectively, which exceeded all our regulatory agencies net worth requirements.

Deferred Bond Issuance Costs—Costs associated with the issuance of our Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes are capitalized and amortized over the associated term of each note issuance.

Debt Issued At a Discount—Debt issued at a discount to the face amount is accreted up to its face amount utilizing the effective interest method over the term of the note and recorded as a component of interest on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Post Development Completion Costs—In those instances where a development is substantially completed and sold and we have additional construction work to be incurred, an estimated liability is provided to cover the cost of such work and is recorded in Accounts payable and other liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranty Costs—Based upon historical experience, we accrue warranty costs as part of cost of sales for repair costs over $1,000 to homes, community amenities and

F-10            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



land development infrastructure. Repair costs under $1,000 per occurrence are expensed as incurred. In addition, we accrue for warranty costs under our general liability insurance deductible as part of Selling, general and administrative costs. As previously stated, the deductible for our general liability insurance for homes delivered in fiscal 2006 was $20 million per occurrence with an aggregate $20 million for premise liability claims, and an aggregate $21.5 million for construction defect claims. See Note 16 for further detail on warranty costs.

Advertising Costs—Advertising costs are treated as period costs and expensed as incurred. During the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, advertising costs expensed amounted to $107.9 million, $57.5 million, and $40.5 million, respectively.

Deferred Income Tax—Deferred income taxes or income tax benefits are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting and for income tax purposes.

Common Stock—Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote per share and each share of Class B Common Stock entitles its holder to ten votes per share. The amount of any regular cash dividend payable on a share of Class A Common Stock will be an amount equal to 110% of the corresponding regular cash dividend payable on a share of Class B Common Stock. If a shareholder desires to sell shares of Class B Common Stock, such stock must be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock.

        In March 2004, our Board of Directors authorized a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend of Class A and Class B Common Stock payable to stockholders of record on March 19, 2004. The additional shares were distributed on March 26, 2004. All share and per share amounts (except par value) have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split. There was no net affect on total stockholders' equity as a result of the stock split.

        In July 2001, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to purchase up to 4 million shares of Class A Common Stock. As of October 31, 2006, approximately 3.2 million shares have been purchased under this program, of which 0.7 million and 0.6 million were repurchased during the twelve months ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Preferred Stock—On July 12, 2005, we issued 5,600 shares of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative and are paid at an annual rate of 7.625%. The Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into the Company's common stock and is redeemable in whole or in part at our option at the liquidation preference of the shares beginning on the fifth anniversary of their issuance. The Series A Preferred Stock is traded as depositary shares, with each depositary share representing 1/1000th of a share of Series A Preferred Stock. The depositary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "HOVNP". The net proceeds from the offering of $135 million, reflected in Preferred stock in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were used for the partial repayment of the outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility as of July 12, 2005. In fiscal 2006, we paid $10.7 million as dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.

Depreciation—Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets ranging from three to forty years.

Prepaid Expenses—Prepaid expenses which relate to specific housing communities (model setup, architectural fees, homeowner warranty program fees, etc.) are amortized to costs of sales as the applicable inventories are sold. All other prepaid expenses are amortized over a specific time period or as used and charged to overhead expense.

Stock Options—Effective November 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 123R, "Share-Based Payments", which revises SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Prior to fiscal year 2006, the Company accounted for stock awards granted to employees under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations. As a result, the recognition of stock-based compensation expense was generally limited to the expense attributed to nonvested stock awards, as well as the amortization of certain acquisition-related deferred compensation.

        SFAS 123R applies to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the required effective date, as well as to the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of the required effective date. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to value its new stock option grants under SFAS 123R, applying the "modified prospective method" for existing grants which requires the Company to value stock options prior to its adoption of SFAS 123R under the fair value method and expense the unvested portion over the remaining vesting period. The fair value for options is established at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for October 31, 2006: risk-free interest rate of 5.05%; dividend yield of zero; volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock of 0.47; and a weighted average expected life of the option of 7.5 years. SFAS 123R also requires the Company to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation (estimated at 2% for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively,) and requires the Company to reflect the benefits of tax deductions in excess of

F-11            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



recognized compensation cost to be reported as both a financing cash inflow and an operating cash outflow upon adoption.

        Compensation cost arising from nonvested stock granted to employees and from non-employee stock awards is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Unearned compensation was included in deferred compensation in stockholders' equity beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Upon adoption of SFAS 123R, deferred compensation is no longer recorded for non vested stock awards, therefore deferred compensation was reclassified to paid in capital.

        For the three months and year ended October 31, 2006, the Company's total stock-based compensation expense was $2.4 million ($1.5 million net of tax) and $23.4 million ($15.0 million net of tax), respectively. Included in this total stock-based compensation expense was incremental expense for stock options of $3.4 million ($2.1 million net of tax) and $13.8 million ($8.8 million net of tax) for the three months and year ended October 31, 2006, respectively.

        The following table illustrates the effect (in thousands, except per share amounts) on net income and earnings per share for the years ended October 31, 2005 and October 31, 2004 as if the Company's stock-based compensation had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards made prior to fiscal 2006, under those plans and consistent with SFAS 123R:

 
  Year Ended

 
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Net income available to common stockholders   $ 469,089   $ 348,681

Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined using Black-Scholes fair value based method for all awards

 

 

6,267

 

 

4,477

Pro forma net income available to common stockholders   $ 462,822   $ 344,204

Pro forma basic earnings per share   $ 7.41   $ 5.56

Basic earnings per share as reported   $ 7.51   $ 5.63

Pro forma diluted earnings per share   $ 7.06   $ 5.28

Diluted earnings per share as reported   $ 7.16   $ 5.35

Pro forma information regarding net income available to common stockholders and earnings per share is calculated as if we had accounted for our stock-based compensation under the fair value method of SFAS 123R. The fair value for options is established at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for October 31, 2005 and 2004: risk-free interest rate of 4.2% and 4.0%, respectively, dividend yield of zero; volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock of 0.46 and 0.44, respectively; and a weighted average expected life of the option of 7.1 and 5.8 years, respectively.

        The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because our employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from traded options, and changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, management believes the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

Per Share Calculations—Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental shares attributed to outstanding options to purchase common stock shares and non-vested common stock of approximately 2.0 million, 3.1 million, and 3.2 million for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Computer Software Development—In accordance with Statements of Position 98-1, we capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Once the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, the capitalized costs are amortized over the systems estimated useful life.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In December 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 109-1 ("FSP 109-1"), Application of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FASB No. 109"), "Accounting for Income Taxes", to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. FSP 109-1 clarifies guidance that applies to the new deduction for qualified domestic production activities. When fully phased-in, the deduction will be up to 9% of the lesser of "qualified production activities income" or taxable income. FSP 109-1 clarifies that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction under FASB No. 109 and will reduce tax expense in the period or periods that the amounts are deductible on the tax return. The new deduction was effective for our fiscal year ending October 31, 2006, and resulted in reducing our effective tax rate by 222 basis points.

        In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections". This statement, which replaces APB Opinion No. 20, "Accounting Changes" and

F-12            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



SFAS No. 3, "Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements", changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. The statement requires retrospective application of changes in accounting principle to prior periods' financial statements unless it is impracticable to determine the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, "Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets," which provides an approach to simplify efforts to obtain hedge-like (offset) accounting by allowing the Company the option to carry mortgage servicing rights at fair value. This new Statement amends SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 125," with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective for all separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities as of the beginning of an entity's fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted in certain circumstances. Since we do not retain the servicing rights when we sell our mortgage loans held for sale, the adoption of SFAS No. 156 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged provided that the reporting entity has not yet issued financial statements for that fiscal year including financial statements for an interim period within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 157 may have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)" ("SFAS 158"). SFAS 158 requires the balance sheet recognition of the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, along with a corresponding after-tax adjustment to stockholders' equity. The recognition of funded status provision of SFAS 158 applies prospectively and is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. SFAS 158 also requires measurement of plan assets and benefit obligations at the fiscal year end effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. We do not expect SFAS 158 to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements," which addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected financial statement misstatements should be considered in current year financial statements. The SAB requires registrants to quantify misstatements using both balance sheet and income statement approaches and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relative quantitative and qualitative factors. The requirements of SAB No. 108 are effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SAB No. 108; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") released Issue No. 04-5, "Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights" ("EITF 04-5"). EITF 04-5 creates a framework for evaluating whether a general partner or a group of general partners controls a limited partnership and therefore should consolidate the partnership. EITF 04-5 states that the presumption of general partner control would be overcome only when the limited partners have certain specific rights as outlined in EITF 04-5. EITF 04-5 is effective immediately for all newly formed limited partnerships and for existing limited partnership agreements that are modified. For general partners in all other limited partnerships, EITF 04-5 is effective no later than the beginning of the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Implementation of EITF 04-5 did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

        On November 29, 2006, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-8, "Applicability of the Assessment of a Buyer's Continuing Investment Under FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, for Sales of Condominiums." EITF 06-8 states that the adequacy of the buyer's continuing investment under SFAS 66 should be assessed in determining whether to recognize profit under the percentage-of-completion method on the sale of individual units in a condominium project. This consensus could require that additional deposits be collected by developers of condominium projects that wish to recognize profit during the construction period under the percentage-of-completion method. EITF 06-8 is effective for fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2007. We do not

F-13            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


expect EITF No. 06-8 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations or cash flows.

        In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109." FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. FIN 48 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The new FASB standard also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for our first quarter ending January 31, 2008. We are in the process of assessing the impact, if any, this will have on our financial statements.

Reclassifications—Certain amounts in the 2005 and 2004 Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation.

4.  Leases

We lease certain property under non-cancelable leases. Office leases are generally for terms of three to five years and generally provide renewal options. Model home leases are generally for shorter terms approximately one to three years with renewal options on a month-to-month basis. In most cases, we expect that in the normal course of business, leases that will expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases. The future lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:

Years Ending October 31,
  (In Thousands)

2007   $ 20,096
2008     17,617
2009     15,136
2010     10,059
2011     7,239
After 2011     12,653

    $ 82,800

5.  Property

Homebuilding property, plant, and equipment consists of land, land improvements, buildings, building improvements, furniture and equipment used to conduct day to day business and are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Homebuilding accumulated depreciation related to these assets at October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005 amounted to $43.7 million and $30.5 million, respectively.

6.  Deposits

We hold escrow cash reflected in Restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, amounting to $11.1 million and $18.2 million at October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005, respectively, which primarily represents customers' deposits which are restricted from use by us.

        Total customer deposits are shown as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These liabilities are significantly more than the applicable years' escrow cash balances because in some states the deposits are not restricted from use and in other states we are able to release the majority of this escrow cash by pledging letters of credit and surety bonds. Escrow cash accounts are substantially invested in short-term certificates of deposit, time deposits, or money market accounts.

7.  Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Our wholly-owned mortgage banking subsidiary originates mortgage loans, primarily from the sale of our homes. Such mortgage loans are sold in the secondary mortgage market with servicing released within a short period of time. Mortgage loans held for sale consist primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the underlying property. Loans that have been closed but not committed to a third party investor are matched with forward sales of mortgage-backed securities designed as fair value hedges. Hedged loans are committed to third party investors shortly after origination. Loans held for sale are carried at cost adjusted for changes in fair value after the date of designation of an effective accounting hedge, based on either sale commitments or current market quotes. Loans held for sale, not subject to an effective accounting hedge are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Any gain or loss on the sale of the loans is recognized at the time of sale. We currently use forward sales of mortgage-backed securities, interst rate commitments from borrowers and mandatory and or best efforts forward commitments to sell loans to investors to protect us from interest rate fluctuations. These short-term instruments, which do not require any payments to be paid to the counter-party or investor in connection with the execution of the commitments, are generally executed simultaneously.

        At October 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, $282.0 million and $211.2 million of such mortgages were pledged against our mortgage warehouse line (see Note 8). We may incur risk with respect to mortgages that are delinquent, but only to the extent the losses are not covered by mortgage insurance or resale value of the home. Historically, we have incurred minimal credit losses.

8.  Mortgages and Notes Payable

The construction loans for our new Corporate Headquarters totaling $23.7 million are secured by the real property and any improvements. These loans have installment obligations with annual principal maturities in the following years

F-14            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


ending October 31, of approximately $0.7 million in 2007 and 2008, $0.8 million in 2009, $0.9 million in 2010 and 2011, and $19.7 million after 2011. The interest rate on these obligations are 5.67% and 8.82% at October 31, 2006.

        Our amended and restated unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement ("Agreement") with a group of lenders provides a revolving credit line and letter of credit line of $1.5 billion through May 2011. The facility contains an accordion feature under which the aggregate commitment can be increased to $2.0 billion subject to the availability of additional commitments. Loans under the Agreement bear interest at various rates based on (1) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (a) PNC Bank, National Association's prime rate and (b) the federal funds rate plus 1/2% or (2) a margin ranging from 0.65% to 1.50% per annum, depending on our Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Agreement, and our debt ratings plus a LIBOR-based rate for a one, two, three, or six month interest period as selected by us. In addition, we pay a fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit line depending on our Leverage Ratio and our debt ratings and the average percentage unused portion of the revolving credit line. As of October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005, the outstanding balance under the Agreement was zero, excluding letters of credit of $329.8 million and $330.8 million, respectively.

        On October 11, 2006, (a) we, K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. ("K. Hovnanian") and certain of our subsidiaries as guarantors entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing bank, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and The Bank of New York, as paying agent, and (b) K. Hovnanian entered into an Agreement for Letter of Credit (the "LC Agreement") with Citibank, N.A ("Citibank"). Under the Credit Agreement, K. Hovnanian has the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit (the "Security Letter of Credit") up to an aggregate availability of $125 million. On November 14, 2006, per the accordion feature provided for in the Credit Agreement, the aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement were increased to $250 million. The Security Letter of Credit will serve as security for any letters of credit that may be issued under the LC Agreement. Under the LC Agreement, K. Hovnanian may request Citibank to issue letters of credit up to the aggregate maximum amount of the Security Letter of Credit. Loans under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at various rates based on (1) an alternate base rate determined by reference to the higher of (a) Citibank's base rate and (b) the federal funds rate plus 1/2% or (2) a LIBOR-based rate for a one day, one or two week, or one, two, three or six month interest period as selected by K. Hovnanian.

        The Credit Agreement has covenants that restrict Hovnanian and certain of its subsidiaries', including K. Hovnanian's, ability to grant liens and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of their respective assets. The Credit Agreement contains events of default which would permit the lenders to accelerate the loans if not cured within applicable grace periods, including the failure to make timely payments under the Credit Agreement or other material indebtedness, the failure to satisfy covenants and specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes. As of October 31, 2006, the outstanding balance under the Agreement was zero, excluding letters of credit of $123.6 million.

        Average interest rates and average balances outstanding under the Agreement are as follows:

 
  Year Ended

(Dollars in Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Average monthly outstanding borrowings   $ 231,381   $ 96,796   $ 114,846
Average interest rate during period     7.8%     5.8%     4.3%
Average interest rate at end of period (1)     8.3%     5.5%     3.6%
Maximum outstanding at any month end   $ 405,900   $ 143,500   $ 335,650

(1)  Average interest rate at the end of the period excludes any charges on unused loan balances.

Our amended secured mortgage loan warehouse agreement with a group of banks, which is a short-term borrowing facility, provides up to $250 million through May 18, 2007. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.0%. The loan is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. On November 10, 2006, we further amended our secured mortgage warehouse agreement. Pursuant to the amended agreement, we may borrow up to $200 million through November 9, 2007. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.0%. We also have a commercial paper facility which was amended on September 29, 2006. Pursuant to the amended agreement, the commercial paper facility amount increased from $100 million to $150 million. The facility expires on April 20, 2007 and interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 0.40%. As of October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005, borrowings under both agreements were $270.2 million and $198.9 million, respectively.

F-15            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


9.  Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes

Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes balances as of October 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 
  Year Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005

Senior Notes:            
  101/2% Senior Notes due October 1, 2007 (net of discount)   $ 139,619   $ 138,992
  8% Senior Notes due April 1, 2012 (net of discount)     99,455     99,379
  61/2% Senior Notes due January 15, 2014     215,000     215,000
  63/8% Senior Notes due December 15, 2014     150,000     150,000
  61/4% Senior Notes due January 15, 2015     200,000     200,000
  61/4% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016 (net of discount)     295,704     295,368
  71/2% Senior Notes due May 15, 2016     300,000      
  85/8% Senior Notes due January 15, 2017     250,000      

Total Senior Notes   $ 1,649,778   $ 1,098,739

Senior Subordinated Notes:            
  87/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due April 1, 2012   $ 150,000   $ 150,000
  73/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 15, 2013     150,000     150,000
  6% Senior Subordinated Notes due January 15, 2010     100,000     100,000

Total Senior Subordinated Notes   $ 400,000   $ 400,000

        On May 4, 1999, we issued $150 million principal amount of 91/8% Senior Notes due May 1, 2009. Interest was payable semi-annually. The notes were redeemed on May 3, 2004 as discussed further below.

        On October 2, 2000, we issued $150 million principal amount of 101/2% Senior Notes due October 1, 2007. During the year ended October 31, 2003, we paid down $9.8 million of these notes. We recorded $1.6 million of expenses associated with the early extinguishment of the debt at that time. The 101/2% Senior Notes were issued at a discount to yield 11% and have been reflected net of the unamortized discount in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest is payable semi-annually. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at any time, at our option at 100% of their principal amount upon payment of a make-whole price.

        On March 26, 2002, we issued $100 million 8% Senior Notes due 2012 and $150 million 87/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012. The 8% Senior Notes were issued at a discount to yield 8.125% and have been reflected net of the unamortized discount in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest on both notes is paid semi-annually. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 1, 2007, at our option at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount that decline to 100% on April 1, 2010. The proceeds were used to redeem the remainder of 93/4% Subordinated Notes due June 1, 2005, repay a portion of our Term Loan Facility, repay the current outstanding indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Agreement, and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

        On May 9, 2003, we issued $150 million 73/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2008, at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount that decline to 100% on May 15, 2011. The net proceeds of the note offering were used to repay the indebtedness then outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

        On November 3, 2003, we issued $215 million 61/2% Senior Notes due 2014. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount upon payment of a make-whole price. The net proceeds of the issuance were used for general corporate purposes.

        On March 18, 2004, we issued $150 million 63/8% Senior Notes due 2014. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount upon payment of a make-whole price. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to redeem all of our $150 million outstanding 91/8% Senior Notes due 2009, which occurred on May 3, 2004 and for general corporate purposes. Also on March 18, 2004, we paid off our $115 million Term Loan with available cash. The redemption of the Senior Notes and the payoff of the Term Loan resulted in expenses due to the early extinguishment of debt of $8.7 million and $0.9 million in 2004, respectively, before taxes, which have been reported as "Expenses Related to Extinguishment of Debt" on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

        On November 30, 2004, we issued $200 million 61/4% Senior Notes due 2015 and $100 million 6% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount upon payment of a make-whole price. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance on our Revolving Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

F-16            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



        On August 8, 2005, we issued $300 million 61/4% Senior Notes due 2016. The 61/4% Senior Notes were issued at a discount to yield 6.46% and have been reflected net of the unamortized discount in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance under our Revolving Credit Facility as of August 8, 2005, and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions.

        On February 27, 2006, we issued $300 million of 71/2% Senior Notes due 2016. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility as of February 27, 2006.

        On June 12, 2006, we issued $250 million of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2017. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility as of June 12, 2006.

        The indentures relating to the Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes and the Revolving Credit Agreement contain a Company guarantee (see Note 23) and restrictions on the payment of cash dividends. Under the most restrictive of these provisions, at October 31, 2006, $558.2 million of retained earnings were free of such restrictions.

        At October 31, 2006, we had total issued and outstanding $2,055.3 million ($2,049.8 million, net of discount) Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes. These notes have annual principal maturities in the following years ending October 31, of $140.3 million in 2007, $100.0 million in 2010, and $1,815.0 million after 2011.

10.  Operating and Reporting segments

SFAS 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information ("SFAS 131") defines operating segments as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. The Company has identified its chief operating decision-maker as the Chief Executive Officer. Under the definition, we have more than 70 homebuilding operating segments, and therefore, in accordance with paragraph 24 of SFAS 131, it is impractical to provide segment disclosures for this many segments. As such, we have aggregated the homebuilding operating segments into six reportable segments.

        The Company's operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments in accordance with SFAS 131, based primarily upon geographic proximity, similar regulatory environments, land acquisition characteristics and similar methods used to construct and sell homes. The Company's reportable segments consist of:

Homebuilding:
        Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania)
        Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C.)
        Midwest (Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio)
        Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina)
        Southwest (Arizona, Texas)
        West (California)
Financial Services

Operations of the Company's Homebuilding segments primarily include the sale and construction of single-family attached and detached homes, attached townhomes and condominiums, mid-rise and high-rise condominiums, urban infill and active adult homes in planned residential developments. Operations of the Company's Financial Services segment includes mortgage banking and title services to the homebuilding operations' customers. We do not retain or service mortgages that we originate but rather sell the mortgages and related servicing right to investors.

        Evaluation of segment performance is based primarily on operating earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes ("Income before income taxes"). Income before income taxes for the Homebuilding segments consist of revenues generated from the sales of homes and land, equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures and management fees and other income, net, less the cost of homes and land sold, selling, general and administrative expenses and minority interest expense, net. Income before income taxes for the Financial Services segment consist of revenues generated from mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services, less the cost of such services and certain selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by the Financial Services segment.

        Each reportable segment follows the same accounting policies described in Note 3—"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements. Operational results of each segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.

F-17            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



        Financial information relating to the Company's operations was as follows:

 
  Year Ended October 31,

(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005
  2004

Revenues:                  
  Northeast   $ 1,017,984   $ 1,047,777   $ 927,621
  Mid-Atlantic     1,034,473     910,421     637,996
  Midwest     171,940     87,001     105,199
  Southeast     1,261,339     746,326     429,236
  Southwest     929,854     742,804     684,266
  West     1,641,069     1,730,373     1,307,849

    Total homebuilidng     6,056,659     5,264,702     4,092,167

  Financial services     89,598     72,371     60,288
  Corporate and unallocated     1,978     11,344     1,435

    Total revenues   $ 6,148,235   $ 5,348,417   $ 4,153,890

Income before income taxes:                  
  Northeast   $ 80,097   $ 233,811   $ 158,649
  Mid-Atlantic     155,930     177,864     123,198
  Midwest     (60,095)     (14,814)     5,424
  Southeast     (1,522)     47,913     15,625
  Southwest     75,683     56,416     44,935
  West     49,119     329,009     242,733

  Total homebuilding     299,212     830,199     590,564

  Financial services     31,012     24,025     25,506
  Corporate and unallocated     (97,118)     (73,639)     (66,298)

    Income before income taxes   $ 233,106   $ 780,585   $ 549,772

 
  October 31,

(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005

Assets            
  Northeast   $ 1,164,801   $ 1,058,155
  Mid-Atlantic     726,777     621,836
  Midwest     177,362     156,464
  Southeast     647,374     688,880
  Southwest     596,391     377,866
  West     1,399,412     1,143,747

    Total homebuilding     4,712,117     4,046,948

  Financial services     304,917     237,292
  Corporate and unallocated     463,001     441,898

    Total assets   $ 5,480,035   $ 4,726,138

 
  October 31,

(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures:            
  Northeast   $ 38,546   $ 31,916
  Mid-Atlantic     30,194     19,569
  Midwest     25,977     25,140
  Southeast     36,366     28,428
  Southwest     13,025     12,042
  West     68,473     70,110

    Total investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures   $ 212,581   $ 187,205

        The following table sets forth additional financial information relating to the Company's reportable operating segments:

 
  Year Ended October 31,

(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005
  2004

Homebuilding interest expense:                  
  Northeast   $ 23,769   $ 20,196   $ 23,180
  Mid-Atlantic     17,118     12,918     11,497
  Midwest     3,023     1,465     1,745
  Southeast     8,857     7,802     7,052
  Southwest     15,238     11,210     10,051
  West     37,633     28,331     19,332

    Total homebuilding     105,638     81,922     72,857

  Corporate and unallocated     6,306     7,799     2,185
  Financial services interest income, net of expense     (48)     (1,575)     (2,313)

    Total interest expense, net   $ 111,896   $ 88,146   $ 72,729

 
  Year Ended October 31,

(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005
  2004

Depreciation and intangible amortization:                  
  Northeast   $ 1,805   $ 1,171   $ 1,019
  Mid-Atlantic     1,710     1,153     440
  Midwest     13,617     7,662     6,799
  Southeast     25,214     12,680     5,290
  Southwest     8,585     7,459     7,189
  West     11,024     20,666     11,358

    Total homebuildng     61,955     50,791     32,095

  Financial services     350     360     347
  Corporate and unallocated     7,400     4,008     2,670

    Total depreciation and amortization   $ 69,705   $ 55,159   $ 35,112

 
  Year Ended October 31,

(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005
  2004

Net additions to operating properties and equipment:                  
  Northeast   $ 1,693   $ 1,455   $ 4,716
  Mid-Atlantic     3,007     849     1,500
  Midwest     3,486     6,727     1,274
  Southeast     413     1,489     186
  Southwest     499     1,276     704
  West     1,656     3,912     921

    Total homebuilding     10,754     15,708     9,301

  Financial services     320     396     320
  Corporate and unallocated     15,808     43,724     14,966

Total net additions to operating properties and equipment   $ 26,882   $ 59,828   $ 24,587

F-18            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


 
  Year Ended October 31,

(In Thousands)
  2006
  2005
  2004

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures:                  
  Northeast   $ 16,081   $ 29,882   $ 4,166
  Mid-Atlantic     (876)     (604)      
  Midwest     4,815     3,596      
  Southeast     (3,249)     1,226     117
  Southwest     (192)     (98)     508
  West     (1,194)     1,037      

    Total equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures   $ 15,385   $ 35,039   $ 4,791

11.  Retirement Plan

In December 1982, we established a defined contribution savings and investment retirement plan (a 401K plan). Under such plan there are no prior service costs. All associates are eligible to participate in the retirement plan and employer contributions are based on a percentage of associate contributions and the Company's operating results. Plan costs charged to operations amount to $14.2 million, $11.3 million, and $9.2 million for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. The year over year increases are the result of an increased number of participants from Company growth and increased profit sharing contributions in 2005 compared to 2004 due to better operating results of the Company. No profit sharing contributions were made for fiscal 2006.

12.  Income Taxes

Income Taxes payable (receivable), including deferred benefits, consists of the following:

 
  Year Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005

State income taxes:            
  Current   $ 3,318   $ 25,291
  Deferred     (34,673)     (10,600)
Federal income taxes:            
  Current     (49,118)     38,347
  Deferred     (179,341)     (62,941)

Total   $ (259,814)   $ (9,903)

        The provision for income taxes is composed of the following charges (benefits):

 
  Year Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
  October 31, 2004

Current income tax expense:                  
  Federal   $ 190,132   $ 284,754   $ 200,857
  State (1)     24,030     44,329     23,625

      214,162     329,083     224,482


Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Federal     (107,925)     (20,822)     (21,361)
  State     (22,664)     477     (2,030)

      (130,589)     (20,345)     (23,391)

Total   $ 83,573   $ 308,738   $ 201,091

(1)  The current state income tax expense is net of the use of state loss carryforwards amounting to $46.3 million, $64.8 million, and $32.0 million for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

        The deferred tax liabilities or assets have been recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets due to temporary differences as follows:

 
  Year Ended

(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005

Deferred tax assets:            
  Association subsidy reserves         $ 898
  Inventory impairment loss   $ 67,957     592
  Uniform capitalization of overhead     33,124     21,584
  Warranty, general liability and worker's compensation reserves     16,252     8,406
  Deferred income     16,217     6,422
  Acquisition intangibles     38,656     27,919
  Restricted stock bonus     9,270     8,737
  Stock options     5,529      
  Provision for losses     28,827     29,823
  Previously taxed lot sales     8,078      
  State net operating loss carryforwards     27,701     23,154
  Other     11,117     11,041

Total     262,728     138,576
Valuation allowance     (27,701)     (23,154)

Total deferred tax assets     235,027     115,422

Deferred tax liabilities:            
  Association subsidiary reserves     121      
  Research and experimentation costs           22,004
  Rebates and discounts     11,285     11,496
  Accelerated depreciation     5,047     3,823
  Acquisition intangibles     3,707     3,640
  Other     853     918

Total deferred tax liabilities     21,013     41,881

Net deferred tax assets   $ 214,014   $ 73,541

F-19            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        The effective tax rates varied from the statutory federal income tax rate. The sources of these differences were as follows:

 
  Year Ended

 
  October 31,
2006

  October 31,
2005

  October 31,
2004


Computed "expected" tax rate   35.0%   35.0%   35.0%
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit   0.9   3.9   2.4
Permanent differences   (0.3)   0.2   (0.4)
Low income housing tax credit       (0.1)   (0.2)
Other   0.3   0.6   (0.2)

Effective tax rate   35.9%   39.6%   36.6%

        The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 provided a 3% tax deduction on qualified domestic production activities income. This deduction will be phased in over 6 years. When fully phased in, the deduction will be 9% of the lesser of qualified production activities income or taxable income. This deduction was accounted for as a permanent difference and reduced fiscal year 2006 current federal income tax expense.

        We have state net operating loss carryforwards of $340.8 million due to expire between the years October 31, 2007 and October 31, 2026.

        We are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ending October 31, 2002, 2003, and 2004.

13.  Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value

We record impairment losses on inventories related to communities under development when events and circumstances indicate that they may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their related carrying amounts. During the year ended October 31, 2006, six communities with a carrying amount of $57.5 million were written down by $17.4 million in the Northeast, two communities with a carrying amount of $8.0 million were written down by $1.3 million in the Mid-Atlantic, six communities with a carrying amount of $185.4 million were written down by $92.2 million in the Southeast, one community with a carrying amount of $1.3 million was written down by less than $0.1 million in the Southwest, six communities with a carrying amount of $183.2 million were written down by $50.8 million in the West, and seven communities with a carrying amount of $53.1 million were written down by $15.4 million in the Midwest. The write-downs were incurred because of recent changes in the value of land in many of our markets and a change in the marketing strategy to liquidate a particular property or lower sales prices. As conditions continued to deteriorate throughout the year, we identified a larger number of impairments in the fourth quarter of 2006.

        The total aggregate impairment losses, which are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income and deducted from inventory were $177.1 million, less than $0.1 million, and $1.6 million for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

        The Consolidated Statements of Income line entitled "Homebuilding – Inventory impairment loss" also includes write-offs of options, and approval, engineering, and capitalized interest costs that we record when we redesign communities, abandon certain engineering costs, and we do not exercise options in various locations because the communities pro forma profitability does not produce adequate returns on investment commensurate with the risk. During the year ended October 31, 2006, we walked away from such costs in the amount of $57.9 in the Northeast, $21.8 million in the Mid-Atlantic, $13.9 million in the Southeast, $0.6 million in the Southwest, $50.6 million in the West, and $14.3 million in the Midwest.

        The total aggregate write-offs were $159.1 million, $5.3 million, and $5.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

14.  Transactions with Related Parties

During the year ended October 31, 2003, we entered into an agreement to purchase land in California for approximately $33.4 million from an entity that is owned by a family relative of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer. As of October 31, 2006, we have an option deposit of $4.2 million related to this land acquisition agreement. In connection with this agreement, we also have consolidated $19.3 million in accordance with FIN 46 under "Consolidated inventory not owned" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 17). Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative's company from whom the land was purchased.

        During the year ended October 31, 2001, we entered into an agreement to purchase land from an entity that is owned by a family relative of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer, totaling $26.9 million. As of October 31, 2006, all of this property has been purchased, and there are 60 of an original 726 lots remaining in inventory. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative's company from whom the land was purchased.

        During the year ended October 31, 2001, we entered into an agreement to purchase land in Maryland for approximately $3.0 million from a group that consists of relatives of Geaton Decesaris, Jr., formerly a member of our

F-20            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



Board of Directors. We had posted a deposit of $100,000 and purchased the property when final approvals were in place. The property was purchased in November 2001 and there are 2 of an original 147 lots remaining in inventory as of October 31, 2006. During the time he was a member of the Board of Directors, Geaton Decesaris, Jr. had no financial interest in the relative's ownership and sale of land to the Company.

        During the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, an engineering firm owned by a relative of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer provided services to the Company totaling $5.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Neither the Company nor Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative's company from whom the services were provided.

        In December 2005, we entered into an agreement to purchase land in New Jersey from an entity that is owned by family relatives of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer at a base price of $25 million. The land will be acquired in four phases over a period of 30 months from the date of acquisition of the first phase. The purchase prices for phases two through four are subject to an increase in the purchase price for the phase of not less than 6% per annum and not more than 8% per annum from the date of the closing of the first phase based on an identified prime rate. As of the end of the fourth quarter of 2006, no land has been acquired. A deposit in the amount of $500,000, however, has been made by the Company. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relatives' company from whom the land will be purchased.

        During the second quarter of 2006, an existing lease on a building occupied by one of our companies in the Southeast was amended. The lessor is a company, whom at the time of the transaction, was owned partly by Geaton Decesaris, Jr., formerly a member of the Company's Board of Directors. The amendment provided for an increase in the square footage of the lease space, an increased security deposit related to the square footage increase and an increase in the lease term. In total the lease is for 39,637 square feet at $18.86 per square foot per year, with a total security deposit of $34,511.

15.  Stock Plans

We have a stock option plan for certain officers and key employees. Options are granted by a Committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The exercise price of all stock options must be at least equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of the grant. Options granted prior to May 14, 1998 vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the grant. Options granted on or after May 14, 1998 generally vest in four equal installments on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth anniversaries of the date of the grant. Certain Southeast Region associates were granted and held options to purchase the stock from the acquired company prior to the January 23, 2001 acquisition. These options vest in three installments: 25% on the first and second anniversary, and 50% on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. In connection with the acquisition, the options were exchanged for options to purchase the Company's Class A Common Stock. All options expire ten years after the date of the grant. During the year ended October 31, 2006, each of the five outside directors of the Company was granted options to purchase between 5,000 and 11,000 shares. All shares granted to the outside directors were issued at the same price and terms as those granted to officers and key employees, except the outside directors' options vest evenly over three years. Stock option transactions are summarized as follows:

 
  October 31,
2006

  Weighted Average
Exercise Price

  October 31,
2005

  Weighted Average
Exercise Price

  October 31,
2004

  Weighted Average
Exercise Price


Options outstanding at
beginning of period
  5,478,854   $ 21.06   5,774,541   $ 14.32   4,913,582   $ 7.33
  Granted   927,875   $ 32.29   759,251   $ 48.82   1,215,625   $ 39.73
  Exercised   242,146   $ 9.03   927,938   $ 3.20   334,166   $ 4.26
  Forfeited   290,000   $ 17.90   127,000   $ 11.07   20,500   $ 9.47

       
       
     
Options outstanding at end of period   5,874,583   $ 23.48   5,478,854   $ 21.06   5,774,541   $ 14.32

       
       
     
Options exercisable at end of period   2,220,311         1,501,477         1,758,165      

F-21            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


        The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $8.7 million, $46.6 million and $11.3 million, respectively. 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 option.

        The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2006 was $43.3 million and $47.3 million, respectively. Exercise prices for options outstanding at October 31, 2006, ranged from $1.33 to $71.16.

        The weighted average fair value of grants made in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $18.63, $27.47 and $21.40 per share, respectively.

The following table summarizes the exercise price range and related number of options outstanding at October 31, 2006:

Range of Exercise Prices
  Number
Outstanding

  Weighted Average
Exercise Price

  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life


$1.33–$10.00   2,009,980   $ 4.68   3.70
$10.01–$20.00   1,048,352   $ 15.82   5.98
$20.01–$30.00   18,500   $ 28.26   8.77
$30.01–$40.00   1,398,500   $ 33.19   8.81
$40.01–$50.00   1,035,000   $ 43.04   7.53
$50.01–$60.00   354,251   $ 56.00   8.51
$60.01–$70.00   5,000   $ 60.36   8.67
$70.01–$71.16   5,000   $ 71.16   8.75

    5,874,583   $ 23.48   6.31

The following table summarizes the exercise price range and related number of exercisable options at October 31, 2006:

Range of Exercise Prices
  Number
Exercisable

  Weighted Average
Exercise Price

  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life


$1.33–$10.00   1,630,228   $ 4.31   3.42
$10.01–$20.00   402,583   $ 15.78   6.00
$20.01–$30.00   1,500   $ 25.31   6.75
$30.01–$40.00   147,500   $ 38.44   7.23
$50.01–$60.00   38,500   $ 55.17   8.48

    2,220,311   $ 9.55   4.23

A summary of the Company's nonvested options as of and for the year ended October 31, 2006 is as follows:

 
  Options
  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value


Nonvested at beginning of period   4,206,356   $ 14.62
Granted   927,875   $ 18.63
Vested   (1,189,959 ) $ 9.94
Forfeited   (290,000 ) $ 9.99

Nonvested at end of period   3,654,272   $ 16.98

        For certain associates, a portion of their bonus is paid by issuing a deferred right to receive our common stock. The number of shares is calculated for each bonus year by dividing the portion of the bonus subject to the deferred right award by our average stock price for the year or the stock price at year end, whichever is lower. Twenty-five percent of the deferred right award will vest and shares will be issued one year after the year end and then 25% a year for the next three years. Participants with 20 years of service or over 58 years of age vest immediately. During the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, we issued 403,855 and 240,940 shares under the plan. During the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, 28,131 and 36,046 shares were forfeited under this plan, respectively. For the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, approximately 366,061, 481,734, and 436,435 rights were awarded in lieu of $11.7 million, $22.3 million, and $15.8 million of bonus payments, respectively. For the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, total compensation cost recognized in the income statement for these deferred compensation awards was $9.5 million, $12.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

A summary of the Company's nonvested share awards as of and for the year ended October 31, 2006 is as follows:

 
  Shares
  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value


Nonvested at beginning of period   555,777   $ 37.04
Granted   386,910   $ 32.27
Vested   (197,359 ) $ 31.25
Forfeited   (34,797 ) $ 36.20

Nonvested at end of period   710,531   $ 36.84

        As of October 31, 2006, we have 22.5 million shares authorized for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. In addition, as of October 31, 2006, there was $72.7 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.46 years.

16. Warranty Costs

Over the past several years, general liability insurance for homebuilding companies and their suppliers and

F-22            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


subcontractors has become very difficult to obtain. The availability of general liability insurance has been limited due to a decreased number of insurance companies willing to write for the industry. In addition, those few insurers willing to write liability insurance have significantly increased the premium costs. We have been able to obtain general liability insurance but at higher premium costs with higher deductibles. We have been advised that a significant number of our subcontractors and suppliers have also had difficulty obtaining insurance that also provides us coverage. As a result, we have introduced an owner controlled insurance program for certain of our subcontractors, whereby the subcontractors pay us an insurance premium based on the value of their services, and we absorb the liability associated with their work on our homes as part of our overall general liability insurance.

        We provide a warranty accrual for warranty costs over $1,000 to homes, community amenities, and land development infrastructure. Repair costs under $1,000 per occurence are expensed as incurred. We accrue for warranty costs not covered by our global liability insurance at the time each home is closed and title and possession have been transferred to the homebuyer as part of cost of sales. In addition, we accrue for warranty costs under our general liability insurance deductible and for our recently introduced owner controlled insurance program that we offer to certain subcontractors as part of selling, general and administrative costs. Changes in the warranty accrual and general liability reserve for the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 
  Year Ended
 

 
(In Thousands)
  October 31, 2006
  October 31, 2005
 

 
Balance, beginning of year   $ 86,706   $ 64,922  
Company acquisitions during year     186     1,406  
Additions during year     43,138     47,170  
Charges incurred during year     (36,514 )   (26,792 )

 
Balance, end of year   $ 93,516   $ 86,706  

 

        Warranty accruals are based upon historical experience. We engage a third party actuary that uses our historical warranty data to estimate our reserves for unpaid claims, claim adjustment expenses and incurred but not reported claims for the risks that we are assuming under the general liability and workers compensation programs. The estimates include provisions for inflation, claims handling and legal fees.

        Insurance claims paid by our insurance carriers were $4.7 million and $7.9 million for the year ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, for prior year deliveries.

17. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations and we are subject to extensive and complex regulations that affect the development and home building, sales and customer financing processes, including zoning, density, building standards and mortgage financing. These regulations often provide broad discretion to the administering governmental authorities. This can delay or increase the cost of development or homebuilding.

        We also are subject to a variety of local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations concerning protection of health and the environment. The particular environmental laws which apply to any given community vary greatly according to the community site, the site's environmental conditions and the present and former uses of the site. These environmental laws may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance, remediation, and/or other costs, and can prohibit or severely restrict development and homebuilding activity in certain environmentally sensitive regions or areas.

        In March 2005, we received two requests for information pursuant to Section 308 of the Clean Water Act from Region 3 of the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"). These requests sought information concerning storm water discharge practices in connection with completed, ongoing and planned homebuilding projects by subsidiaries in the states and district that comprise EPA Region 3. We also received a notice of violations for one project in Pennsylvania and requests for sampling plan implementation in two projects in Pennsylvania. The amount requested by the EPA to settle the asserted violations at the one project was less than $100,000. We provided the EPA with information in response to its requests. We have since been advised by the Department of Justice ("DOJ") that it will be involved in the review of our storm water discharge practices. We cannot predict the outcome of the review of these practices or estimate the costs that may be involved in resolving the matter. To the extent that the EPA or the DOJ asserts violations of regulatory requirements and requests injunctive relief or penalties, we will defend and attempt to resolve such asserted violations.

        In addition, in November 2005, we received two notices from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board alleging violations in Riverside County, California and El Dorado County, California of certain storm water discharge rules. The Riverside County notice assessed an administrative civil liability of $336,895 and in March 2006, we agreed to make a donation of $118,447 to the County of Riverside, California and paid a fine of $118,448 to the State of California. In October 2006, we agreed to pay a fine of $300,000 to the County of El Dorado, California and have tentatively agreed to a pay a fine of $300,000 to the State of California with respect to the El Dorado notice.

        It can be anticipated that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future. Although we cannot predict the

F-23            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



effect of these requirements, they could result in time-consuming and expensive compliance programs and in substantial expenditures, which could cause delays and increase our cost of operations. In addition, the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or approvals already obtained is dependent upon many factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as changes in policies, rules and regulations and their interpretations and application.

        Our sales and customer financing processes are subject to the jurisdiction of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). In connection with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, HUD has inquired about our process of referring business to our affiliated mortgage company and has separately requested documents related to customer financing. We have responded to HUD's inquiries. In connection with these inquiries, the Inspector General of HUD has recommended to the Secretary of HUD that we indemnify HUD for any losses that it may sustain in connection with nine loans that it alleges were improperly underwritten. We cannot predict the outcome of HUD's inquiry or estimate the costs that may be involved in resolving the matter. We do not expect the ultimate cost to be material.

        On September 26, 2006, a stockholder derivative action was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, against certain of our current and former officers and directors, captioned as Michael Crady v. Ara K. Hovnanian et al., Civil Action No. L-4380-06. The complaint alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty in connection with certain of our historical stock option grants. The complaint seeks an award of damages, disgorgement of certain stock options and any proceeds of certain stock options, equitable relief and an award of fees and expenses. The parties have agreed to extend the time we have to respond to the complaint. We have engaged counsel with respect to the claims.

18. Performance Letters of Credit

As of October 31, 2006 and 2005, we are obligated under various performance letters of credit amounting to $453.4 million and $330.8 million, respectively. (See Note 8)

19. Variable Interest Entities

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46. A Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") is created when (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity from financing its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or (ii) equity holders either (a) lack direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity, (b) are not obligated to absorb expected losses of the entity or (c) do not have the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. If an entity is deemed to be a VIE, pursuant to FIN 46, an enterprise that absorbs a majority of the expected losses of the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. FIN 46 was effective immediately for VIE's created after January 31, 2003. Pursuant to FASB revision to FIN 46R, issued in December 2003, our Company was not required to apply the provisions of FIN 46 to an interest held in a variable interest entity or potential variable interest entity until the end of our quarter ended April 30, 2004 for VIEs created before February 1, 2003. In accordance with FIN 46R, we have fully implemented FIN 46 as of April 30, 2004.

        Based on the provisions of FIN 46, we have concluded that whenever we option land or lots from an entity and pay a non-refundable deposit, a VIE is created under condition (ii)(b) and (c) of the previous paragraph. We have been deemed to have provided subordinated financial support, which refers to variable interests that will absorb some or all of an entity's expected theoretical losses if they occur. For each VIE created with a significant non-refundable option fee, we will compute expected losses and residual returns based on the probability of future cash flows as outlined in FIN 46. If we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE we will consolidate it on our balance sheet. The fair value of the VIEs' inventory will be reported as "Consolidated inventory not owned—variable interest entities".

        Typically, the determining factor in whether or not we are the primary beneficiary is the non-refundable deposit amount as a percentage of the total purchase price, because it determines the amount of the first risk of loss we take on the contract. The higher this percentage deposit, the more likely we are to be the primary beneficiary. Other important criteria that impact the outcome of the analysis, are the probability of getting the property through the approval process for residential homes, because this impacts the ultimate value of the property, as well as who is the responsible party (seller or buyer) for funding the approval process and development work that will take place prior to the decision to exercise the option.

        Management believes FIN 46 was not clearly thought out for application in the homebuilding industry for land and lot options. Under FIN 46, we can have an option and put down a small deposit as a percentage of the purchase price and still have to consolidate the entity. Our exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the VIE is only the deposit, not its total assets consolidated on the balance sheet. In certain cases we will have to place inventory on our balance sheet the VIE has optioned to other developers. In addition, if the VIE has creditors, its debt will be placed on our balance sheet even though the creditors have no recourse against our Company. Based on these observations we believe consolidating VIEs based on land and lot option deposits does not reflect the economic realities or risks of owning and developing land. Further supporting this position, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we terminated eight option agreements that had

F-24            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



been consolidated on our balance sheet as VIEs with a value of $167.2 million. We recorded charges on our books for these terminations of $21.1 million, principally the deposit amount.

        At October 31, 2006, all VIEs we were required to consolidate were as a result of our options to purchase land or lots from the selling entities. We paid cash or issued letters of credit deposits to these 32 VIEs totaling $31.3 million. Our option deposits represent our maximum exposure to loss. The fair value of the property owned by the VIEs was $208.2 million. Since we do not own an equity interest in any of the unaffiliated variable interest entities that we must consolidate pursuant to FIN 46, we generally have little or no control or influence over the operations of these entities or their owners. When our requests for financial information are denied by the land sellers, certain assumptions about the assets and liabilities of such entities are required. In most cases, the fair value of the assets of the consolidated entities have been based on the remaining contractual purchase price of the land or lots we are purchasing. In these cases, it is assumed that the entities have no debt obligations and the only asset recorded is the land or lots we have the option to buy with a related offset to minority interest for the assumed third party investment in the variable interest equity. At October 31, 2006, the balance reported in minority interest from inventory not owned was $130.2 million. Creditors of these VIEs have no recourse against our Company.

        We will continue to secure land and lots using options. Including the deposits with the 32 VIEs above, at October 31, 2006, we have total cash and letters of credit deposits amounting to approximately $354.0 million to purchase land and lots with a total purchase price of $3.7 billion. Not all our deposits are with VIEs. The maximum exposure to loss is limited to the deposits although some deposits are refundable at our request or refundable if certain conditions are not met.

20. Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures

We enter into homebuilding and land development joint ventures from time to time as a means of accessing lot positions, expanding our market opportunities, establishing strategic alliances, managing our risk profile, leveraging our capital base and enhancing returns on capital. Our homebuilding joint ventures are generally entered into with third party investors to develop land and construct homes that are sold directly to third party homebuyers. Our land development joint ventures include those with developers and other homebuilders as well as financial investors to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture's members or other third parties. The tables set forth below summarize the combined financial information related to our unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures that are accounted for under the equity method.

F-25            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



 
  October 31, 2006
 

 
(Dollars In Thousands)
  Homebuilding
  Land Development
  Total
 

 
Assets:                    
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 58,632   $ 7,436   $ 66,068  
  Inventories     691,942     215,803     907,745  
  Other assets     86,826     3,990     90,816  

 
Total assets   $ 837,400   $ 227,229   $ 1,064,629  

 
Liabilities and equity:                    
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 117,658   $ 22,415   $ 140,073  
  Notes payable     342,068     47,126     389,194  
Equity of:                    
  Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.     88,486     95,163     183,649  
  Others     289,188     62,525     351,713  

 
Total equity     377,674     157,688     535,362  

 
Total liabilities and equity   $ 837,400   $ 227,229   $ 1,064,629  

 
Debt to capitalization ratio     48 %   23 %   42 %

 
 
  October 31, 2005
 

 
(Dollars In Thousands)
  Homebuilding
  Land Development
  Total
 

 
Assets:                    
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 46,200   $ 5,012   $ 51,212  
  Inventories     694,407     198,268     892,675  
  Other assets     166,976     295     167,271  

 
Total assets   $ 907,583   $ 203,575   $ 1,111,158  

 
Liabilities and equity:                    
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 228,264   $ 21,522   $ 249,786  
  Notes payable     316,532     59,130     375,662  
Equity of:                    
  Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.     75,350     86,594     161,944  
  Others     287,437     36,329     323,766  

 
Total equity     362,787     122,923     485,710  

 
Total liabilities and equity   $ 907,583   $ 203,575   $ 1,111,158  

 
Debt to capitalization ratio     47 %   32 %   44 %

 

As of October 31, 2006 and 2005, we had advances outstanding of approximately $29.1 and $23.7 million to these unconsolidated joint ventures, which were included in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances in the table above. On our Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheet our Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures amounted to $212.6 million and $187.2 million at October 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The minor difference between the Hovnanian equity balance plus Advances to unconsolidated joint ventures balance disclosed here compared to the Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheet is due to a different inside basis versus outside basis in certain joint ventures.

F-26            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



 
  Year Ended October 31, 2006
 

 
(In Thousands)
  Homebuilding
  Land Development
  Total
 

 
Revenues   $ 882,564   $ 28,530   $ 911,094  
Cost of sales and expenses     (828,904 )   (28,536 )   (857,440 )

 
Joint venture net income/(loss)   $ 53,660   $ (6 ) $ 53,654  

 
Our share of net earnings/(losses)   $ 15,427   $ (39 ) $ 15,388  

 
 
  Year Ended October 31, 2005
 

 
(In Thousands)
  Homebuilding
  Land Development
  Total
 

 
Revenues   $ 533,104   $ 34,527   $ 567,631  
Cost of sales and expenses     (464,224 )   (33,950 )   (498,174 )

 
Joint venture net income   $ 68,880   $ 577   $ 69,457  

 
Our share of net earnings/(losses)   $ 35,739   $ (700 ) $ 35,039  

 
 
  Year Ended October 31, 2004
 

 
(In Thousands)
  Homebuilding
  Land Development
  Total
 

 
Revenues   $ 37,572   $ 14,143   $ 51,715  
Cost of sales and expenses     (30,834 )   (11,799 )   (42,633 )

 
Joint venture net income   $ 6,738   $ 2,344   $ 9,082  

 
Our share of net earnings   $ 4,283   $ 508   $ 4,791  

 

        Income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures is reflected as a separate line in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and reflects our proportionate share of the income or loss of these unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures. The minor difference between our share of the income or loss from these unconsolidated joint ventures disclosed here compared to the Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Consolidated Income Statements is due to the reclass of the intercompany portion of management fee income from certain joint ventures and the deferral of income for lots purchased by us from certain joint ventures. Our ownership interests in the joint ventures vary but are generally less than or equal to 50 percent. In determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures where we are the manager of the joint venture, we consider the guidance in EITF 04-5 in assessing whether the other partners have specific rights to overcome the presumption of control by us as the manager of the joint venture. In most cases, the presumption is overcome because the joint venture agreements require that both partners agree on establishing the operating and capital decisions of the partnership, including budgets, in the ordinary course of business.

        Typically, our unconsolidated joint ventures obtain separate project specific mortgage financing for each venture. Generally, the amount of such financing is limited to no more than 50% of the joint venture's total assets, and such financing is obtained on a non-recourse basis, with guarantees from us limited only to performance and completion of development environmental indemnification, standard warranty and representation against fraud, misrepresentation and other similar actions, including a voluntary bankruptcy filing. In some instances, the joint venture entity is considered a variable interest entity (VIE) under FIN 46 due to the returns being capped to the equity holders; however, in these instances, we are not the primary beneficiary, therefore we do not consolidate these entities. (See Note 19)

21. Acquisitions

On April 17, 2006, we acquired for cash the assets of CraftBuilt Homes, a privately held homebuilder headquartered in Bluffton, South Carolina. The acquisition expands our operations into the coastal markets of South Carolina and Georgia. CraftBuilt Homes designs, markets and sells single family detached homes. Due to its close proximity to Hilton Head, CraftBuilt Homes focuses on first-time, move-up, empty-nester and retiree homebuyers. This acquisition is being accounted for as a purchase with the results of its operations included in our consolidated financial statements as of the date of the acquisition.

        In connection with the CraftBuilt Homes acquisition, we have definite life intangible assets equal to the excess purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets of $4.5 million in the aggregate. We expect to amortize the definite life intangibles over their estimated lives.

        On May 1, 2006, we acquired through the issuance of 175,936 shares of Class A common stock substantially all of the assets of two mechanical contracting businesses. These acquisitions are being accounted for as purchases with the results of their operations included in our

F-27            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.



consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

On March 1, 2005, we acquired for cash the assets of Cambridge Homes, a privately held Orlando homebuilder and provider of related financial services, headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Cambridge Homes also provides mortgage financing, as well as title and settlement services to its homebuyers. It is our policy to obtain appraisals of acquisition intangibles (See Note 3). In connection with the acquisition, based on an appraisal of acquisition intangibles, we have definite life intangible assets equal to the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of $22 million. We are amortizing the various definite life intangibles over their estimated lives.

        On March 2, 2005, we acquired the operations of Town & Country Homes, a privately held homebuilder and land developer headquartered in Lombard, Illinois, which occurred concurrently with our entering into a joint venture agreement with affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors in New York to own and develop Town & Country's existing residential communities. The joint venture is being accounted for under the equity method. Town & Country Homes operations beyond the existing owned and optioned communities, as of the acquisition date, are wholly-owned and included in our consolidated financial statements.

        On August 8, 2005, we acquired substantially all of the assets of First Home Builders of Florida, a privately held homebuilder and provider of related financial services headquartered in Cape Coral, Florida.

        On August 3, 2005, we acquired substantially all of the homebuilding assets of Oster Homes, a privately held Ohio homebuilder, headquartered in Lorain, Ohio.

        In connection with the First Home Builders of Florida and Oster Homes acquisitions, we have definite life intangible assets equal to the excess purchase price over the fair value of $103.3 million in the aggregate. We amortize the various definite life intangibles over their estimated lives for First Home Builders of Florida. The Oster intangible was evaluated for impairment and was written-off at October 31, 2006.

        On November 6, 2003, we acquired a Tampa, Florida homebuilder for cash and 489,236 shares of our Class A Common Stock. In connection with the acquisition, based on an appraisal of acquisition intangibles we have definite life intangible assets equal to the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of $33 million. We amortize the various definite life intangibles over their estimated lives.

        All of the above acquisitions were accounted for as purchases with results of operations of these entities included in our Consolidated Financial Statements as of the date of acquisition. Also, all the above noted acquisitions provide for other payments to be made, generally dependent upon achievement of certain future operating and return objectives. These additional payments, if any, will be recorded as either additional purchase price and allocated to the required definite life intangible assets or compensation expense. During fiscal 2006, one of these acquisitions for which we previously had accrued a contingent payment, did not achieve the necessary results, therefore, the accrual was reduced.

22. Unaudited Summarized Consolidated Quarterly Information

Summarized quarterly financial information for the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
  October 31, 2006
  July 31, 2006
  April 30, 2006
  January 31, 2006

Revenues   $ 1,745,603   $ 1,550,519   $ 1,574,121   $ 1,277,992
Expenses     1,932,700     1,426,403     1,421,070     1,150,341
Income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures     1,552     (3,239 )   9,497     7,575

(Loss) income before income taxes     (185,545 )   120,877     162,548     135,226
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision     (70,286 )   43,830     58,899     51,130

Net (loss) income     (115,259 )   77,047     103,649     84,096
Less: preferred stock dividends     2,669     2,668     2,669     2,669

Net (loss) income available to common stockholders   $ (117,928 ) $ 74,379   $ 100,980   $ 81,427

Per share data:                        
Basic:                        
  (Loss) income per common share   $ (1.88 ) $ 1.18   $ 1.60   $ 1.30

  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     62,758     62,804     62,919     62,810

Assuming dilution:                        
  (Loss) income per common share   $ (1.88 ) $ 1.15   $ 1.55   $ 1.25

  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     62,758     64,460     65,106     65,403

F-28            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


 
  Three Months Ended

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
  October 31, 2005
  July 31, 2005
  April 30, 2005
  January 31, 2005

Revenues   $ 1,771,661   $ 1,312,726   $ 1,209,469   $ 1,054,561
Expenses     1,504,957     1,131,742     1,042,082     924,090
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures     12,557     13,907     7,140     1,435

Income before income taxes     279,261     194,891     174,527     131,906
State and Federal income tax     111,126     78,797     68,391     50,424

Net income   $ 168,135   $ 116,094   $ 106,136   $ 81,482
Less: preferred stock dividends     2,758                  

Net income available to common stockholders   $ 165,377   $ 116,094   $ 106,136   $ 81,482

Per share data:                        
Basic:                        
  Income per common share   $ 2.64   $ 1.85   $ 1.71   $ 1.31

  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     62,721     62,754     62,233     62,240

Assuming dilution:                        
  Income per common share   $ 2.53   $ 1.76   $ 1.62   $ 1.25

  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding     65,474     65,796     65,498     65,419

23. Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the parent company (the "Parent") is the issuer of publicly traded common stock and preferred stock. One of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (the "Subsidiary Issuer"), acts as a finance entity that as of October 31, 2006 had issued and outstanding approximately $400.0 million Senior Subordinated Notes, 1,655.3 million Senior Notes ($1,649.8 million, net of discount), and zero drawn on a Revolving Credit Agreement. The Senior Subordinated Notes, Senior Notes, the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Revolving and Letter of Credit Facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Parent.

        In addition to the Parent, each of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Parent other than the Subsidiary Issuer (collectively, the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"), with the exception of various subsidiaries formerly engaged in the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations, our mortgage lending subsidiaries, a subsidiary formerly engaged in homebuilding activity in Poland, our title insurance subsidiaries, joint ventures, and certain other subsidiaries (collectively, the "Non-guarantor Subsidiaries"), have guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, the obligation of the Subsidiary Issuer to pay principal and interest under the Senior Notes, Senior Subordinated Notes, the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Revolving and Letter of Credit Facility.

        In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries, we have included the accompanying Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements. Management does not believe that separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are material to investors. Therefore, separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented.

        The following consolidating condensed financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of (i) the Parent (ii) the Subsidiary Issuer (iii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries (iv) the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries and (v) the eliminations to arrive at the information for Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. on a consolidated basis.

F-29            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
OCTOBER 31, 2006

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Assets:                                    
Homebuilding   $ 273   $ 93,148   $ 4,542,365   $ 279,518   $     $ 4,915,304
Financial services                 47     304,870           304,917
Income taxes receivable (payable)     71,430     (2,977 )   190,974     387           259,814
Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries     1,870,460     2,478,566     (2,570,100 )   (231,569 )   (1,547,357 )  

Total assets   $ 1,942,163   $ 2,568,737   $ 2,163,286   $ 353,206   $ (1,547,357 ) $ 5,480,035

Liabilities and stockholders' equity:                                    
Homebuilding         $ (65 ) $ 994,965   $ 27,275         $ 1,022,175
Financial services                 65     282,264           282,329
Notes payable           2,099,598     1,285                 2,100,883
Minority interest                 130,221     2,264           132,485
Stockholders' equity     1,942,163     469,204     1,036,750     41,403     (1,547,357 )   1,942,163

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 1,942,163   $ 2,568,737   $ 2,163,286   $ 353,206   $ (1,547,357 ) $ 5,480,035

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
OCTOBER 31, 2005

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Assets:                                    
Homebuilding   $ 1,192   $ 332,180   $ 3,931,333   $ 214,238   $     $ 4,478,943
Financial services                 200     237,092           237,292
Income taxes (payable) receivable     (22,704 )         32,970     (363 )         9,903
Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries     1,812,869     1,413,666     (1,617,271 )   (189,626 )   (1,419,638 )  

Total assets   $ 1,791,357   $ 1,745,846   $ 2,347,232   $ 261,341   $ (1,419,638 ) $ 4,726,138

Liabilities and stockholders' equity:                                    
Homebuilding   $     $ 20,431   $ 972,089   $ 27,965   $     $ 1,020,485
Financial services                 81     207,236           207,317
Notes payable           1,504,922     20,808                 1,525,730
Minority interest                 180,170     1,079           181,249
Stockholders' equity     1,791,357     220,493     1,174,084     25,061     (1,419,638 )   1,791,357

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 1,791,357   $ 1,745,846   $ 2,347,232   $ 261,341   $ (1,419,638 ) $ 4,726,138

F-30            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Revenues:                                    
  Homebuilding   $     $ 481   $ 6,018,119   $ 40,038   $ (1)   $ 6,058,637
  Financial services                 7,035     82,563           89,598
  Intercompany charges           294,717     293,371           (588,088)    
  Equity in pretax income of consolidated subsidiaries     233,106                       (233,106)    

Total Revenues     233,106     295,198     6,318,525     122,601     (821,195)     6,148,235

Expenses:                                    
  Homebuilding           1,828     6,001,028     33,713     (164,641)     5,871,928
  Financial services                 3,854     54,993     (261)     58,586

Total Expenses         1,828     6,004,882     88,706     (164,902)     5,930,514

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures                 15,385                 15,385
Income (loss) before income taxes     233,106     293,370     329,028     33,895     (656,293)     233,106
State and federal income taxes     83,573     102,680     120,091     8,917     (231,688)     83,573

Net income (elimination)   $ 149,533   $ 190,690   $ 208,937   $ 24,978   $ (424,605)   $ 149,533

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2005

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Revenues:                                    
  Homebuilding   $     $ 237   $ 5,274,683   $ 1,126   $     $ 5,276,046
  Financial services                 7,113     65,258           72,371
  Intercompany charges           219,759     218,461           (438,220)    
  Equity In pretax income of consolidated subsidiaries     780,585                       (780,585)    

Total Revenues     780,585     219,996     5,500,257     66,384     (1,218,805)     5,348,417

Expenses:                                    
  Homebuilding           1,535     4,651,008     2,369     (100,388)     4,554,524
  Financial services                 3,966     44,530     (149)     48,347

Total expenses         1,535     4,654,974     46,899     (100,537)     4,602,871

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures                 35,039                 35,039
Income (loss) before income taxes     780,585     218,461     880,322     19,485     (1,118,268)     780,585
State and federal income taxes     308,738     76,461     341,039     9,426     (426,926)     308,738

Net income (elimination)   $ 471,847   $ 142,000   $ 539,283   $ 10,059   $ (691,342)   $ 471,847

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2004

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Revenues:                                    
  Homebuilding   $     $ 4,860   $ 4,061,682   $ 27,143   $ (83)   $ 4,093,602
  Financial services                 5,582     54,706           60,288
  Intercompany charges           106,181     145,052           (251,233)    
  Equity in pretax income of consolidated subsidiaries     549,772                       (549,772)    

Total Revenues     549,772     111,041     4,212,316     81,849     (801,088)     4,153,890

Expenses:                                    
  Homebuilding           10,999     3,681,371     24,268     (142,511)     3,574,127
  Financial services                 2,734     32,684     (636)     34,782

Total expenses         10,999     3,684,105     56,952     (143,147)     3,608,909

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures                 4,791                 4,791
Income (loss) before income taxes     549,772     100,042     533,002     24,897     (657,941)     549,772
State and federal income taxes     201,091     34,971     193,672     10,308     (238,951)     201,091

Net income (elimination)   $ 348,681   $ 65,071   $ 339,330   $ 14,589   $ (418,990)   $ 348,681

F-31            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:                                    
  Net income   $ 149,533   $ 190,690   $ 208,937   $ 24,978   $ (424,605)   $ 149,533
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (99,552)     85,143     (1,090,356)     (120,083)     424,605     (800,243)

Net cash provided by (used In) operating activities     49,981     275,833     (881,419)     (95,105)         (650,710)
Net cash (used In) investing activities                 (62,500)     (12,044)           (74,544)
Net cash provided by (used In) financing activities     8,610     550,000     (56,727)     66,421           568,304
Intercompany investing and financing activities—net     (58,591)     (1,064,900)     1,081,548     41,943          

Net increase (decrease) in cash         (239,067)     80,902     1,215         (156,950)
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period     16     298,596     (97,024)     9,685           211,273

Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period   $ 16   $ 59,529   $ (16,122)   $ 10,900   $   $ 54,323

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2005

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:                                    
  Net income   $ 471,847   $ 142,000   $ 539,283   $ 10,059   $ (691,342)   $ 471,847
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (38,330)     22,935     (1,019,907)     (151,726)     691,342     (495,686)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     433,517     164,935     (480,624)     (141,667)         (23,839)
Net cash (used in) investing activities                 (406,472)     (42,938)           (449,410)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     117,184     480,287     (8,437)     34,529           623,563
Intercompany investing and financing activities — net     (550,700)     (375,995)     778,492     148,203          

Net increase (decrease) in cash     1     269,227     (117,041)     (1,873)         150,314
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period     15     29,369     20,017     11,558           60,959

Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period   $ 16   $ 298,596   $ (97,024)   $ 9,685   $   $ 211,273

F-32            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2004

(In Thousands)
  Parent
  Subsidiary
Issuer

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:                                    
  Net income   $ 348,681   $ 65,071   $ 339,330   $ 14,589   $ (418,990)   $ 348,681
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     156,763     (39,848)     (1,060,228)     (14,040)     418,990     (538,363)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     505,444     25,223     (720,898)     549         (189,682)
Net cash (used in) investing activities     (36,288)           (83,834)     (319)           (120,441)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (8,265)     215,000     22,631     21,524           250,890
Intercompany investing and financing activities — net     (460,891)     (346,700)     823,005     (15,414)          

Net increase (decrease) in cash           (106,477)     40,904     6,340         (59,233)
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period     15     135,846     (20,887)     5,218           120,192

Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period   $ 15   $ 29,369   $ 20,017   $ 11,558   $   $ 60,959

24.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As discussed in Note 8, on November 10, 2006, we amended our secured mortgage warehouse agreement. Pursuant to the amended agreement, we may borrow up to $200 million through November 9, 2007. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.0%. We also have a commercial paper facility which was amended on September 29, 2006. Pursuant to the amended agreement, the commercial paper facility amount increased from $100 million to $150 million. The facility expires on April 20, 2007 and interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR Rate plus 0.40%. As of October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2005, borrowings under both agreements were $270.2 million and $198.9 million, respectively.

        Also, as discussed in Note 8, on November 14, 2006, per the accordion feature provided for in the Credit Agreement, the aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement were increased to $250 million. As of October 31, 2006 the outstanding balance under the Agreement was zero, excluding letters of credit of $123.6 million.

F-33            Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.




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