UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

[ X ] Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

 

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

For quarterly period ended JANUARY 31, 2008 or

 

[

]

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

(I.R.S. Employer

 

Incorporation or Organization)

Identification No.)

 

110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, NJ 07701

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

 

732-747-7800

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Same (Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed

Since Last Report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (l) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section l3 or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of l934 during the preceding l2 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

[ X ]

No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer [ X ] Accelerated Filer [

]

 

Non-Accelerated Filer [

]

Smaller Reporting Company [

]

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 47,886,013 shares of Class A Common Stock and 14,647,062 shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding as of March 4, 2008.

 

 



 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

PAGE NUMBER

 

 

PART I. Financial Information

 

Item l. Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31,

 

2008 (unaudited) and October 31, 2007

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the

 

three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)

5

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders'

 

Equity for the three months ended January 31, 2008 (unaudited)

6

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for

 

the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)

7

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial

 

Statements (unaudited)

9

 

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis

 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

25

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures

 

About Market Risk

46

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

47

 

 

PART II. Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

47

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and

 

Use of Proceeds

47

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

48

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

50

 

 

Signatures

51

 

 

 



 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands Except Share Amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 

2008

 

October 31, 

2007

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Homebuilding:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$73,048

 

$12,275

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

4,455

 

6,594

 

 

 

 

Inventories - at the lower of cost or fair value:

 

 

 

Sold and unsold homes and lots under development

2,692,760

 

2,792,436

 

 

 

 

Land and land options held for future

 

 

 

development or sale

413,605

 

446,135

 

 

 

 

Consolidated inventory not owned:

 

 

 

Specific performance options

9,929

 

12,123

Variable interest entities

118,755

 

139,914

Other options

121,683

 

127,726

 

 

 

 

Total consolidated inventory not owned

250,367

 

279,763

 

 

 

 

Total inventories

3,356,732

 

3,518,334

 

 

 

 

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated

 

 

 

joint ventures

162,129

 

176,365

 

 

 

 

Receivables, deposits, and notes

88,897

 

109,856

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment – net

103,680

 

106,792

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

160,822

 

174,032

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

32,658

 

32,658

 

 

 

 

Definite life intangibles

3,289

 

4,224

 

 

 

 

Total homebuilding

3,985,710

 

4,141,130

 

 

 

 

Financial services:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

8,279

 

3,958

Restricted cash

4,973

 

11,572

Mortgage loans held for sale

104,696

 

182,627

Other assets

4,807

 

6,851

 

 

 

 

Total financial services

122,755

 

205,008

 

 

 

 

Income taxes receivable – including net deferred

 

 

 

tax benefits

216,601

 

194,410

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$4,325,066

 

$4,540,548

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 



 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands Except Share Amounts)

 

January 31,

2008

 

October 31,

2007

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding:

 

 

 

 

Nonrecourse land mortgages

$9,417 

 

$9,430 

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

456,116 

 

515,422 

 

Customers’ deposits

57,662 

 

65,221 

 

Nonrecourse mortgages secured by operating

 

 

 

 

Properties

22,803 

 

22,985 

 

Liabilities from inventory not owned

172,745 

 

189,935 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total homebuilding

718,743 

 

802,993 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial services:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

10,488 

 

19,597 

 

Mortgage warehouse line of credit

97,544 

 

171,133 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial services

108,032 

 

190,730 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable:

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit agreement

325,000 

 

206,750 

 

Senior notes

1,510,714 

 

1,510,600 

 

Senior subordinated notes

400,000 

 

400,000 

 

Accrued interest

22,310 

 

43,944 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total notes payable

2,258,024 

 

2,161,294 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

3,084,799 

 

3,155,017 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest from inventory not owned

54,094 

 

62,238 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest from consolidated joint ventures

1,427 

 

1,490 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value-authorized 100,000

 

 

 

 

shares; issued 5,600 shares at January 31,

 

 

 

 

2008 and at October 31, 2007 with a

 

 

 

 

liquidation preference of $140,000

135,299 

 

135,299 

 

Common stock, Class A, $.01 par value-authorized

 

 

 

 

200,000,000 shares; issued 59,550,269 shares at

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2008 and 59,263,887 shares at

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007 (including 11,694,720

 

 

 

 

shares at January 31, 2008 and

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007 held in Treasury)

596 

 

593 

 

Common stock, Class B, $.01 par value (convertible

 

 

 

 

to Class A at time of sale) authorized

 

 

 

 

30,000,000 shares; issued  15,338,810 shares at

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2008 and 15,338,840 shares at

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007 (including 691,748 shares at

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 held in

 

 

 

 

Treasury) 

153 

 

153 

 

Paid in capital – common stock

279,603 

 

276,998 

 

Retained earnings

884,352 

 

1,024,017 

 

Treasury stock - at cost

(115,257)

 

(115,257)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

1,184,746 

 

1,321,803 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$4,325,066 

 

$4,540,548 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

 



 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

January 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding:

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of homes

$1,051,818 

 

$1,135,916 

 

 

Land sales and other revenues

27,910 

 

8,337 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total homebuilding

1,079,728 

 

1,144,253 

 

 

Financial services

13,973 

 

21,548 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

1,093,701 

 

1,165,801 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales, excluding interest

1,003,564 

 

933,975 

 

 

Cost of sales interest

28,588 

 

26,872 

 

 

Inventory impairment loss and land option
       write-offs

90,168 

 

41,474 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

1,122,320 

 

1,002,321 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

100,169 

 

132,142 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total homebuilding

1,222,489 

 

1,134,463 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial services

10,870 

 

13,070 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate general and administrative

21,816 

 

22,633 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest

540 

 

1,220 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operations

806 

 

1,453 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible amortization

935 

 

61,556 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expenses

1,257,456 

 

1,234,395 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from unconsolidated joint

 

 

 

 

 

ventures

(5,039)

 

1,965 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

(168,794)

 

(66,629)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State and federal income tax
  (benefit) provision:

 

 

 

 

 

State

2,283 

 

(2,346)

 

 

Federal

(40,134)

 

(9,675)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total taxes

(37,851)

 

(12,021)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

(130,943)

 

(54,608)

 

 

Less:  preferred stock dividends

 

 

2,669 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss available to common

 

 

 

 

 

stockholders

$(130,943)

 

$(57,277)

 

 

Per share data:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per common share

$(2.07)

 

$(0.91)

 

 

Weighted average number of common

 

 

 

 

 

shares outstanding

63,358 

 

62,904 

 

 

Assuming dilution:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per common share

$(2.07)

 

$(0.91)

 

 

Weighted average number of common

 

 

 

 

 

shares outstanding

63,358 

 

62,904 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In Thousands Except Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Common Stock

 

B Common Stock

 

Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Issued and Outstanding

 

Amount

 

Shares Issued and Outstanding

 

Amount

 

Shares Issued and Outstanding

 

Amount

 

Paid-In

Capital

 

Retained Earnings

 

Treasury Stock

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, October 31, 2007

47,569,167

 

$593

 

14,647,092

 

$153

 

5,600

 

$135,299

 

$276,998

 

$1,024,017

 

$(115,257)

 

$1,321,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoption of FASB interpretation
No. 48 (FIN 48)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,722)

 

 

 

(8,722)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options amortization 

and issuances, net of tax

42,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted stock 

amortization, issuances and 

forfeitures, net of tax

244,152

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,528

 

 

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of Class B to 

Class A common stock

30

 

 

 

(30)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(130,943)

 

 

 

(130,943)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 31, 2008

47,855,549

 

$596

 

14,647,062

 

$153

 

5,600

 

$135,299

 

$279,603

 

$884,352

 

$(115,257)

 

$1,184,746

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

 



 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands - Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

January 31,

 

2008

 

2007

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net loss

$(130,943)

 

$(54,608)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash

 

 

 

provided by (used) in operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation

4,597

 

4,384

Intangible amortization

935

 

61,556

Compensation from stock options and awards

4,882

 

6,418

Amortization of bond discounts

114

 

275

Excess tax payments (benefits) from
         share-based payment

2,630

 

(255)

Gain on sale and retirement of property

 

 

 

and assets

(1,284)

 

(76)

Loss (income) from unconsolidated joint ventures

5,039

 

(1,965)

Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures

2,265

 

1,284

Deferred income taxes

19,256

 

(18,383)

Impairment and land option deposit write-offs

90,168

 

41,474

Decrease (increase) in assets:

 

 

 

Mortgage notes receivable

77,937

 

115,557

Restricted cash, receivables, prepaids and

 

 

 

other assets

44,625

 

29,040

Inventories

63,472

 

(70,560)

(Decrease) increase in liabilities:

 

 

 

State and Federal income taxes

(50,168)

 

4,018 

Customers’ deposits

(14,862)

 

(36,832)

Interest and other accrued liabilities

(62,960)

 

(179,270)

Accounts payable

(39,751)

 

(39,968)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

15,952

 

(137,911)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Net proceeds from sale of property and assets

1,534

 

243

Purchase of property, equipment and other fixed

 

 

 

assets and acquisitions

(1,485)

 

(24,475)

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated

 

 

 

joint ventures

(658)

 

(6,711)

Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures

7,659

 

13,811

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

7,050

 

(17,132)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds from mortgages and notes

67

 

18,798

Net proceeds related to revolving

 

 

 

credit agreement

118,250

 

225,700

Net payments related to mortgage

 

 

 

warehouse line of credit

(73,589)

 

(29,000)

Principal payments on mortgages and notes

(195)

 

(96,953)

Excess tax (payments) benefits from 
    share-based payment

(2,630)

 

255

Preferred dividends paid

 

 

(2,669)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(6,309)

Proceeds from sale of stock and employee stock plan

189

 

216

Net cash provided by financing activities

42,092

 

110,038

Net increase (decrease) in cash

65,094

 

(45,005)

Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning

 

 

 

of period

16,233

 

54,323

Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period

$81,327

 

$9,318

 

 



 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands - Unaudited)

(Continued)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

January 31,

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:

 

 

 

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

 

 

 

Interest

$52,015

 

$53,918

Income taxes

$(4,308)

 

$1,941

Supplemental disclosures of noncash operating

 

 

 

activities:

 

 

 

Consolidated inventory not owned:

 

 

 

Specific performance options

$8,799

 

$13,846

Variable interest entities

111,224

 

181,216

Other options

121,683

 

219,473

Total inventory not owned

$241,706

 

$414,535

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 



 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED

 

1. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments for interim periods presented have been made, which include normal recurring accruals and deferrals necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and changes in cash flows. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results which might be expected for a full year. The balance sheet at October 31, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

 

The Company’s reportable segments consist of six Homebuilding segments (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West) and the Financial Services segment (see Note 13).

 

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

2. For the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s total stock-based compensation expense was $4.9 million ($3.8 million net of tax) and $6.4 million ($5.3 million net of tax), respectively. Included in this total stock-based compensation expense was expense for stock options of $3.5 million ($2.7 million net of tax) and $3.3 million ($2.7 million net of tax) for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

 

3. Interest costs incurred, expensed and capitalized were:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Interest capitalized at

 

 

 

 

 

 

beginning of period

 

 

$155,642

 

$102,849

 

Plus interest incurred(1)

 

 

44,916

 

45,297

 

Less cost of sales interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

expensed(2)

 

 

28,588

 

26,872

 

Less other interest expensed

 

 

540

 

1,220

 

Interest capitalized at

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of period (3)

 

 

$171,430

 

$120,054

 

 

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

(2) Represents interest on borrowings for construction, land and development costs, which are

 

charged to interest expense when homes are delivered.

(3) We have incurred significant inventory impairments in recent quarters, which are determined based

 

on total inventory including capitalized interest. However, in accordance with GAAP,

 

we are not able to reduce the capitalized interest balance by allocating any portion

 

 

of the impairments to capitalized interest.

 

 

4. Accumulated depreciation at January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 amounted to $61.4 million and $57.4 million, respectively, for our homebuilding assets.

 

5. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 ("SFAS"), "Accounting for the Impairment of or Disposal of Long Lived Assets", 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. As a result of a continued decline in sales pace, sales price and general market conditions, for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, we recorded impairment losses, which are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and deducted from inventory, of $73.8 million and $46.5 million, respectively.

 

 

The following table represents impairments by segment for fiscal 2008 and 2007:

 

 

Three Months Ended

(Dollars in millions)

January 31, 2008

 

Number of

Communities

Dollar

Amount of

Impairment

Pre-

Impairment

Value(1)

Northeast

2

$2.4

$19.8

Mid-Atlantic

4

3.4

18.7

Midwest

3

5.6

20.2

Southeast

6

6.4

28.3

Southwest

5

4.8

17.1

West

8

51.2

215.3

Total

28

$73.8

$319.4

 

 

Three Months Ended

(Dollars in millions)

January 31, 2007

 

Number of

Communities

Dollar

Amount of

Impairment

Pre-

Impairment

Value(1)

Northeast

3

$1.4

$9.2

Mid-Atlantic

-

-

-

Midwest

3

3.2

15.1

Southeast

1

41.9

68.6

Southwest

-

-

-

West

-

-

-

Total

7

$46.5

$92.9

 

(1) Represents carrying value in dollars, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording

 

this period’s impairments.

 

The Consolidated Statements of Operations line entitled "Homebuilding—Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs" also includes write-offs of capitalized approval, engineering and interest costs that we record when we redesign communities and/or 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.

 

The total aggregate write-offs were $16.3 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The write-offs of $3.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 were offset by $8.0 million in recovered deposits that had been written off in the prior year as walk-away costs because, in certain instances where we walked away from option contracts in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we took legal action to recover our deposits. In two of these cases, we were successful and received a portion of our deposit back in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

 



 

 

The following table represents write-offs of such costs by segment for the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2007:

 

 

Three Months Ended

(In millions)

January 31,

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

Northeast

$1.7

 

$0.6

Mid-Atlantic

11.4

 

0.6

Midwest

-

 

-

Southeast

0.4

 

0.1

Southwest

2.8

 

-

West

-

 

(6.3)

Total

$16.3

 

$(5.0)

 

6. We provide a warranty accrual for repair costs under $5,000 per occurrence to homes, community amenities, and land development infrastructure. We accrue for warranty costs as part of cost of sales at the time each home is closed and title and possession have been transferred to the homebuyer. In addition, we accrue for warranty costs over $5,000 per occurrence as part of our general liability insurance deductible expensed as selling, general and administrative costs. For homes delivered in fiscal 2008, our deductible under our general liability insurance is $20 million per occurrence with an aggregate $20 million for liability claims and an aggregate $21.5 million for construction defect claims. Additions and charges in the warranty reserve and general liability accrual for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$120,653 

 

$93,516 

 

Additions

 

12,570 

 

8,427 

 

Charges incurred

 

(12,368)

 

(10,272)

 

Balance, end of period

 

$120,855 

 

$91,671 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warranty accruals are based upon historical experience. 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.

 

Insurance claims paid by our insurance carriers were $4.9 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for prior year deliveries.

 

7. 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 $236,895 and in March 2006, we agreed to make a donation of $118,447 to Riverside County, California and paid a fine of $118,448 to the State of California. With respect to the El Dorado notice, we paid a fine of $300,000 to the County of El Dorado, California in October 2006 and paid a fine of $300,000 to the State of California in January 2008.

 

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.

 

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. An amended complaint was filed on January 11, 2007, and a second amended complaint, adding Judy Wolf as a derivative plaintiff, was served on December 10, 2007. The second amended complaint alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty in connection with certain of our historical stock options grants and exercises by certain current and former officers and directors. The second amended complaint seeks an award of damages, disgorgement and/or rescission of certain stock options or any proceeds therefrom, equitable relief, an accounting of certain stock option grants, certain corporate governance changes and an award of fees and expenses. The parties have reached a settlement in principle with respect to all matters and intend to petition the court to approve the settlement. The terms of the settlement will have no material impact on the Company.

 

The Company, Chief Executive Officer and President Ara K. Hovnanian and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer J. Larry Sorsby have been named as defendants in a purported class action. The original compliant was filed on September 14, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, captioned Herbert Mankofsky v. J. Larry Sorsby, and named only Mr. Sorsby as a defendant. On January 31, 2008, the court appointed Herbert Mankofsky as Lead Plaintiff. On February 19, 2008, the action was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. On March 10, 2008, plaintiff filed an amended complaint, captioned In re Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Securities Litigation, alleging among other things, that the Company, Mr. Hovnanian, and Mr. Sorsby made false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business and future prospects with respect to the Company’s acquisition and operation of First Home Builders of Florida in violation of federal securities laws.

 

The Company has been named as a defendant in a purported class action suit filed May 30, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Mark W. Mellar et al v. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. et al, asserting that the Company's sales of homes along with the financing of home purchases and the provision of title insurance by affiliated companies violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. The Company’s Motion to Dismiss the complaint was denied by the Court on March 4, 2008 without prejudice.

 

 



 

 

A subsidiary of the Company has been named as defendant in a purported class action suit filed May 30, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Randolph Sewell et al v. D'Allesandro & Woodyard et al, alleging violations of the federal securities acts, among other allegations, in connection with the sale of some of the Company's subsidiary's homes in Fort Myers, Florida. The Company's subsidiary has filed a Motion to Dismiss the complaint.

 

8. As of January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, we are obligated under various performance letters of credit amounting to $269.1 million and $306.4 million, respectively.

 

9. On March 7, 2008, we entered into an amended and restated secured Revolving Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which we make our homebuilding bank borrowings. The Credit Agreement amended our prior revolving credit agreement and reduced the revolving credit line from $1.2 billion to $900 million. The maturity of the Credit Agreement remains May 2011. We and each of our significant subsidiaries are guarantors under the Credit Agreement, except for K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (“K. Hovnanian”), the borrower, various subsidiaries formerly engaged in the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations, a subsidiary formerly engaged in homebuilding activity in Poland, certain financial services subsidiaries, joint ventures, and certain other subsidiaries, In connection with the recent amendments to the Credit Agreement, K. Hovnanian and each of the guarantors has provided a security interest in their accounts receivables, contracts and ownership interests in K. Hovnanian and the guarantors as collateral for obligations under the Credit Agreement. In addition, under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the guarantors are required to provide mortgages on certain real property of K. Hovnanian and its subsidiaries. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at various rates based on (1) a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% per annum depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 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% , (2) a margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.50% per annum, depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus a LIBOR-based rate for a one, two, three, or six month interest period as selected by us or (3) a margin ranging from 2.125% to 3.625% per annum, based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus an index rate determined by reference to a LIBOR-based rate for one month. In addition, we pay a fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.55% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit line depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio and the average percentage unused portion of the revolving credit line. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes. As of January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, there was $325.0 million and $206.8 million drawn under our prior revolving credit agreement excluding letters of credit totaling $269.1 million and $306.4 million, respectively. Under the borrowing base limits, as of January 31, 2008, we had an excess of $252.4 million available.

 

The Credit Agreement has covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability of Hovnanian and certain of its subsidiaries, including K. Hovnanian, to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on common and preferred stock and repurchase capital stock, make other restricted payments, make investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Credit Agreement also contains covenants that require the Company to stay within specified financial ratios, including a net worth requirement, maximum leverage ratio, minimum fixed charge ratio and a borrowing base covenant. 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. As of January 31, 2008, we were not in compliance with the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Adjusted Leverage Ratio covenants under the prior revolving credit agreement; however, we obtained waivers of compliance, effective January 31, 2008, under these covenants. We are currently in compliance with the covenants and financial ratios under the Credit Agreement. We may explore alternative or supplementary financing arrangements to the Credit Agreement.

 

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. Our secured master repurchase agreement (which replaced our amended secured mortgage loan warehouse agreement) with a group of banks is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $161 million through December 26, 2008. Interest is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 1.10%. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. We also had a commercial paper facility which provided for up to $200 million through April 25, 2008 with interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 0.40%. On November 28, 2007 we paid the outstanding balance in full and terminated the commercial

 



 

paper facility. We believe that we will be able to extend the master repurchase agreement beyond its expiration date, but there can be no assurance of such extension. As of January 31, 2008, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings under the agreement was $97.5 million. The master repurchase agreement requires K. Hovnanian American Mortgage, LLC to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other financial condition tests. As of January 31, 2008, we were in compliance with the covenants of the master repurchase agreement.

 

10. At January 31, 2008, we had $1,515.0 million of outstanding senior notes ($1,510.7 million, net of discount), $100 million 8% Senior Notes due 2012, $215 million 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2014, $150 million 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2014, $200 million 6 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015, $300 million 6 1/4% Senior Notes due 2016, $300 million 7 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016, and $250 million 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017. At January 31, 2008, we had $400.0 million of outstanding senior subordinated notes, comprised of $150 million 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012, $150 million 7 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and $100 million 6% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010.

 

The senior and senior subordinated notes and the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Hovnanian and certain of its subsidiaries (See Note 18). The indentures governing the senior notes and senior subordinated notes contain restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of Hovnanian and certain of its subsidiaries, including K. Hovnanian, the issuer of the senior notes and senior subordinated notes, to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on common and preferred stock and repurchase capital stock, make other restricted payments, make investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. If our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indentures governing our senior notes and senior subordinated notes is less than 2.0 to 1.0, we are restricted from making certain payments, including dividends, and from incurring indebtedness other than certain permitted indebtedness, refinancing indebtedness and non-recourse indebtedness. As a result of this restriction, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on our 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock and will continue to be restricted during the remainder of fiscal 2008. If current market trends continue or worsen, we anticipate that we will continue to be restricted from paying dividends into fiscal 2009. The restriction on making preferred dividend payments under our bond indentures will not affect our compliance with any of the covenants contained in our Credit Agreement. The indentures also contain events of default which would permit the holders of the senior notes and senior subordinated notes to declare those notes to be immediately due and payable if not cured within applicable grace periods, including the failure to make timely payments on the notes or other material indebtedness, the failure to satisfy covenants and specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency. As of January 31, 2008, we were in compliance with the covenants of these indentures. Under the terms of the indentures, we have the right to make certain redemptions and depending on market conditions and covenant restrictions, may do so from time to time. We may also make open market purchases from time to time depending on market conditions and covenant restrictions.

 

11. 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 non-vested stock and outstanding options to purchase common stock. However, for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, there were no incremental shares attributed to non-vested stock and outstanding options to purchase common stock because we had a net loss for the period, and any incremental shares would not be dilutive.

 

12. On July 12, 2005, we issued 5,600 shares of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock, with a liquidation preference of $25,000. 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”. In January 2007, we paid $2.7 million of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. In January 2008, we did not make any dividend payments as a result of restrictions in indentures governing our Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes. (See Note 10)

 

13. 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 49 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:

 

 

(1) Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania)

 

 

(2) Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C.)

 

(3) Midwest (Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio)

 

 

(4) Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina)

 

 

(5) Southwest (Arizona, Texas)

 

 

(6) 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 include 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 rights to investors.

 

Evaluation of segment performance is based primarily on operating earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes (“(Loss) income before income taxes”). (Loss) income before income taxes for the Homebuilding segments consist of revenues generated from the sales of homes and land, (loss) income from unconsolidated entities 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.

 

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.

 

 



 

 

 

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

 

 

Three Months Ended

January 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northeast

$181,917

 

$214,094 

 

Mid-Atlantic

127,808

 

223,742 

 

Midwest

47,684

 

38,824 

 

Southeast

393,405

 

219,937 

 

Southwest

164,560

 

177,012 

 

West

164,136

 

270,515 

 

Total homebuilding revenues

1,079,510

 

1,144,124 

 

Financial services

13,973

 

21,548 

 

Corporate and unallocated

218

 

129 

 

Total revenues

$1,093,701

 

$1,165,801 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income
  taxes:

 

 

 

 

Northeast

$(11,535)

 

$16,460 

 

Mid-Atlantic

(23,038)

 

26,297 

 

Midwest

(14,377)

 

(10,532)

 

Southeast

(5,995)

 

(87,759)

 

Southwest

(6,725)

 

6,669 

 

West

(88,001)

 

(677)

 

Homebuilding loss
        before income taxes

(149,671)

 

(49,542)

 

Financial services

3,103 

 

8,478 

 

Corporate and unallocated

(22,226)

 

(25,565)

 

Loss before income
          taxes

$(168,794)

 

$(66,629)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northeast

$1,218,968

 

$1,240,221

 

Mid-Atlantic

585,616

 

606,343

 

Midwest

123,865

 

130,360

 

Southeast

334,073

 

360,172

 

Southwest

526,197

 

553,743

 

West

996,079

 

1,083,543

 

Total homebuilding assets

3,784,798

 

3,974,382

 

Financial services

122,755

 

205,008

 

Corporate and unallocated

417,513

 

361,158

 

Total assets

$4,325,066

 

$4,540,548

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. Variable Interest Entities - In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). A Variable Interest Entity

 



 

(“VIE”) is created when (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance 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.

 

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 are 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 nonrefundable option fee (we currently define significant as greater than $100,000 because we have determined that in the aggregate the VIEs related to deposits of this size or less are not material), we 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 consolidate it on our balance sheet. The fair value of the VIE’s inventory is reported as “Consolidated inventory not owned – variable interest entities”.

 

Typically, the determining factor in whether or not we are the primary beneficiary is the 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 our balance sheet. In certain cases, we will have to place inventory the VIE has optioned to other developers on our balance sheet. In addition, if the VIE has creditors, its debt will be placed on our balance sheet even though the creditors have no recourse against us. 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.

 

At January 31, 2008, all 19 VIEs we were required to consolidate were the result of our options to purchase land or lots from the selling entities. We paid cash or issued letters of credit deposits to these VIEs totaling $10.9 million. Our option deposits represent our maximum exposure to loss. The fair value of the property owned by these VIEs was $118.8 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, we determine the fair value of the assets of the consolidated entities 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 January 31, 2008, the balance reported in minority interest from inventory not owned was $54.1 million. Creditors of these VIEs have no recourse against us.

 

We will continue to control land and lots using options. Not all of our deposits are with VIEs. Including the deposits with the 19 VIEs described above, at January 31, 2008, we have total cash and letters of credit deposits amounting to approximately $142.6 million to purchase land and lots with a total purchase price of $1,893.8 billion. 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.

 

15. 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 entered into with developers, other homebuilders, and 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.

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2008

 

 

 

Homebuilding

 

Land Development

 

Total

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$29,251

 

$4,342

 

$33,593

Inventories

578,084

 

167,870

 

745,954

Other assets

34,750

 

6,019

 

40,769

Total assets

$642,085

 

$178,231

 

$820,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued

liabilities

$61,119

 

$16,410

 

$77,529

Notes payable

298,921

 

43,374

 

342,295

Equity of:

 

 

 

 

 

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

69,134

 

73,928

 

143,062

Others

212,911

 

44,519

 

257,430

Total equity

282,045

 

118,447

 

400,492

Total liabilities and equity

$642,085

 

$178,231

 

$820,316

Debt to capitalization ratio

51%

 

27%

 

46%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

Homebuilding

 

Land Development

 

Total

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$43,789

 

$9,903

 

$53,692

Inventories

574,195

 

171,067

 

745,262

Other assets

36,028

 

5,510

 

41,538

Total assets

$654,012

 

$186,480

 

$840,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued

liabilities

$76,197

 

$14,309

 

$90,506

Notes payable

292,633

 

46,546

 

339,179

Equity of:

 

 

 

 

 

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

75,858

 

77,129

 

152,987

Others

209,324

 

48,496

 

257,820

Total equity

285,182

 

125,625

 

410,807

Total liabilities and equity

$654,012

 

$186,480

 

$840,492

Debt to capitalization ratio

51%

 

27%

 

45%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, we had advances outstanding of approximately $19.1 million and $23.4 million, respectively, 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. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets our “Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures” amounted to $162.1 million and $176.4 million at January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, respectively.

 

 



 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended January 31, 2008

 

Homebuilding

 

Land Development

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$46,283 

 

$9,613 

 

$55,896 

Cost of sales and expenses

(55,392)

 

(9,675)

 

(65,067)

Net loss

$(9,109)

 

$(62)

 

$(9,171)

Our share of net (loss) income

$(4,988)

 

$22 

 

$(4,966)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended January 31, 2007

 

Homebuilding

 

Land Development

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$115,561 

 

$7,422 

 

$122,983 

Cost of sales and expenses

(104,176)

 

(6,978)

 

(111,154)

Net income

$11,385 

 

$444 

 

$11,829 

Our share of net income

$1,698 

 

$172 

 

$1,870 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from unconsolidated joint ventures is reflected as a separate line in the accompanying Condensed 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. Condensed 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%. 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 guarantees and limited environmental indemnifications, 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.

 

16. Recent Accounting Pronouncements - The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48), effective November 1, 2007. FIN 48 creates a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures, and transactions.

 

The November 1, 2007 adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a $8.7 million increase in income tax liabilities and a corresponding charge to beginning retained earnings. As of the date of adoption, we had $25.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including $3.3 million of accrued interest and penalties, all of which, if recognized,

 



 

would affect the effective tax rate. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense. Such amounts totaled $0.3 million of income tax benefit in the first fiscal quarter of 2008.

 

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. Implementation of EITF No. 06-8 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115" ("SFAS 159"). The statement permits entities to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 159 may have 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 consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In November 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 109, "Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings." SAB No. 109, which revises and rescinds portions of SAB No. 105, "Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments," specifically states that the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of a loan should be included in the measurements of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. The provisions of SAB No. 109 are applicable to written loan commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of SAB No. 109 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). The statement clarifies the accounting for non-controlling interests and establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, including classification as a component of equity. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 160 may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)). The statement replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”, and provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. It also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and is to be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 141(R) may have on our consolidated financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.

 

17. Intangible Assets – The intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet are goodwill, which has an indefinite life, and definite life intangibles, including tradenames, architectural designs, distribution processes, and contractual agreements 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, 2007.

 



 

We also assess definite life intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An intangible impairment is recorded when events and circumstances indicate the undiscounted future cash flows generated from the business unit with the intangible asset are less than the net assets of the business unit. The impairment loss is the lesser of the difference between the net assets of the business unit and the discounted future cash flows generated from the applicable business unit, which approximates fair value and the intangible asset balance. The estimates used in the determination of the estimated cash flows and fair value of a business unit are based on factors known to us at the time such estimates are made and our expectations of future operations and economic conditions. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated cash flows or fair value decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments. However, we only have $3.3 million remaining in intangible assets and $32.7 million remaining in goodwill so any future impairments are limited to these balances. Any intangible impairment charge is included in Intangible amortization on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. We are amortizing the remaining definite life intangibles over their expected useful lives, ranging from one to four years.

 

18. 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 January 31, 2008 had issued and outstanding $400 million of Senior Subordinated Notes, $1,515.0 million face value of Senior Notes, and $325.0 million drawn under the prior revolving Credit Agreement. The Senior Subordinated Notes, Senior Notes, and the current and former revolving Credit Agreement 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 obligations of the Subsidiary Issuer to pay principal and interest under the Senior Notes, Senior Subordinated Notes, and the revolving Credit Agreement.

 

In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries we have included the accompanying condensed consolidating 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 condensed consolidating financial statements present 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.

 

 



 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET – UNAUDITED

JANUARY 31, 2008

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Parent

 

Subsidiary Issuer

 

Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

$(316)

 

$110,113

 

$3,712,088

 

$163,825

 

$            

 

$3,985,710

Financial services

 

 

 

 

6,849

 

115,906

 

 

 

122,755

Income taxes (payable)
  receivable

(62,496)

 

46,318

 

233,354

 

(575)

 

 

 

216,601

Investments in and amounts
  due to and from
  consolidated subsidiaries

1,247,558

 

2,889,756

 

(2,983,045)

 

(109,719)

 

(1,044,550)

 

-

Total assets

$1,184,746

 

$3,046,187

 

$969,246

 

$169,437

 

$(1,044,550)

 

$4,325,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

$            

 

$1,449

 

$716,670

 

$624

 

$            

 

$718,743

Financial services

 

 

 

 

6,005

 

102,027

 

 

 

108,032

Notes payable

 

 

2,257,737

 

287

 

 

 

 

 

2,258,024

Minority interest

 

 

 

 

54,094

 

1,427

 

 

 

55,521

Stockholders’ equity

1,184,746

 

787,001

 

192,190

 

65,359

 

(1,044,550)

 

1,184,746

Total liabilities and
  stockholders’ equity

$1,184,746

 

$3,046,187

 

$969,246

 

$169,437

 

$(1,044,550)

 

$4,325,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

OCTOBER 31, 2007

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Subsidiary Issuer

 

Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

$105

 

$62,575

 

$3,833,782

 

$244,668

 

$               

 

$4,141,130

Financial services

 

 

 

 

448

 

204,560

 

 

 

205,008

Income taxes (payable)
  receivable

(92,282)

 

42,865

 

244,798

 

(971)

 

 

 

194,410

Investments in and amounts
  due to and from consolidated
  subsidiaries

1,413,980

 

2,824,461

 

(2,931,333)

 

(165,846)

 

(1,141,262)

 

-

Total assets

$1,321,803

 

$2,929,901

 

$1,147,695

 

$282,411

 

$(1,141,262)

 

$4,540,548

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

$               

 

$72,688

 

$706,629

 

$23,676

 

$               

 

$802,993

Financial services

 

 

 

 

104

 

190,626

 

 

 

190,730

Notes payable

 

 

2,117,350

 

43,944

 

 

 

 

 

2,161,294

Minority interest

 

 

 

 

62,238

 

1,490

 

 

 

63,728

Stockholders’ equity

1,321,803

 

739,863

 

334,780

 

66,619

 

(1,141,262)

 

1,321,803

Total liabilities and
  stockholders’ equity

$1,321,803

 

$2,929,901

 

$1,147,695

 

$282,411

 

$(1,141,262)

 

$4,540,548

 

 

 



 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS – UNAUDITED

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Subsidiary Issuer

 

Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

$            

 

$185

 

$1,079,543

 

$            

 

$            

 

$1,079,728

 

Financial services

 

 

 

 

2,242

 

11,731

 

 

 

13,973

 

Intercompany charges

 

 

62,537

 

62,224

 

 

 

(124,761)

 

-

 

Equity in pretax loss
  of consolidated
  subsidiaries

(168,794)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

168,794

 

-

 

Total revenues

(168,794)

 

62,722

 

1,144,009

 

11,731

 

44,033

 

1,093,701

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

 

 

498

 

1,290,452

 

3

 

(44,367)

 

1,246,586

 

Financial services

 

 

 

 

3,231

 

7,639

 

 

 

10,870

 

Total expenses

 

 

498

 

1,293,683

 

7,642

 

(44,367)

 

1,257,456

 

Loss from
  unconsolidated joint
  ventures

 

 

 

 

(5,039)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,039)

 

Income (loss) before
  income taxes

(168,794)

 

62,224

 

(154,713)

 

4,089

 

88,400

 

(168,794)

 

State and federal income
  (benefit)/taxes

(37,851)

 

21,778

 

(32,992)

 

1,501

 

9,713

 

(37,851)

 

Net income (loss)

$(130,943)

 

$40,446

 

$(121,721)

 

$2,588

 

$78,687

 

$(130,943)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS – UNAUDITED

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Subsidiary Issuer

 

Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

$               

 

$149

 

$1,138,035

 

$6,069

 

$               

 

$1,144,253

Financial services

 

 

 

 

1,057

 

20,491

 

 

 

21,548

Intercompany charges

 

 

71,552

 

71,182

 

 

 

(142,734)

 

 

Equity in pretax income
  of consolidated
  subsidiaries

(66,629)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

66,629

 

 

Total revenues

(66,629)

 

71,701

 

1,210,274

 

26,560

 

(76,105)

 

1,165,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding

 

 

519

 

1,260,028

 

5,344

 

(44,566)

 

1,221,325

Financial services

 

 

 

 

483

 

12,658

 

(71)

 

13,070

Total expenses

 

 

519

 

1,260,511

 

18,002

 

(44,637)

 

1,234,395

Income from
  unconsolidated joint
  ventures

 

 

 

 

1,965

 

 

 

 

 

1,965

Income (loss) before
  income taxes

(66,629)

 

71,182

 

(48,272)

 

8,558

 

(31,468)

 

(66,629)

State and federal income
  (benefit)/taxes

(12,021)

 

23,535

 

(4,447)

 

3,225

 

(22,313)

 

(12,021)

Net income (loss)

$(54,608)

 

$47,647

 

$(43,825)

 

$5,333

 

$(9,155)

 

$(54,608)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS – UNAUDITED

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Subsidiary Issuer

 

Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating
 activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

$(130,943)

 

$40,446

 

$(121,721)

 

$2,588

 

$78,687

 

$(130,943)

Adjustments to reconcile net
  (loss) income to net cash
  provided by (used in)
  operating activities

(18,977)

 

(45,134)

 

159,979

 

129,714

 

(78,687)

 

146,895

Net cash provided by (used in)
  operating activities

(149,920)

 

(4,688)

 

38,258

 

132,302

 

-

 

15,952

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by

investing activities

 

 

 

 

7,049

 

 

 

 

 

7,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in)
  financing activities

(16,946)

 

118,250

 

14,378

 

(73,589)

 

 

 

42,093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany investing and
 financing activities – net

166,422

 

(65,295)

 

(45,000)

 

(56,127)

 

 

 

-

Net increase (decrease) in cash

(444)

 

48,267

 

14,685

 

2,586

 

-

 

65,094

Cash and cash equivalents
  balance, beginning of period

126

 

31,993

 

(21,225)

 

5,339

 

-

 

16,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents
  balance, end of period

$(318)

 

$80,260

 

$(6,540)

 

$7,925

 

$-

 

$81,327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS – UNAUDITED

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Subsidiary Issuer

 

Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating
  activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$(54,608)

 

$47,647

 

$(43,825)

 

$5,333

 

$(9,155)

 

$(54,608)

Adjustments to reconcile net
  income to net cash provided by
  (used in) operating activities

(17,196)

 

(24,067)

 

(178,724)

 

127,529

 

9,155

 

(83,303)

Net cash provided by (used in)
  operating activities

(71,804)

 

23,580

 

(222,549)

 

132,862

 

-

 

(137,911)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investing activities

 

 

 

 

(13,926)

 

(3,206)

 

 

 

(17,132)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in)
  financing activities

14,737

 

225,700

 

(13,459)

 

(116,940)

 

 

 

110,038

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany investing and
  financing activities – net

57,067

 

(256,502)

 

214,355

 

(14,920)

 

 

 

-

Net increase (decrease) in cash

-

 

(7,222)

 

(35,579)

 

(2,204)

 

 

 

(45,005)

Cash and cash equivalents
  balance, beginning of period

16

 

59,529

 

(16,122)

 

10,900

 

 

 

54,323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents
  balance, end of period

$16

 

$52,307

 

$(51,701)

 

$8,696

 

$           -

 

$9,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

During the second half of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2006 and continuing through the first quarter of 2008, the U.S. housing market was impacted by a lack of consumer confidence, housing affordability and large supplies of resale and new home inventories and related pricing pressures. The result has been weakened demand for new homes, slower sales, higher cancellation rates, and increased price discounts and other sales incentives to attract homebuyers. Additionally, the availability of certain mortgage financing products became more constrained starting in February 2007 when the mortgage industry began to more closely scrutinize sub-prime, Alt-A, and other non-prime mortgage products. The combination of these homebuilding industry and related mortgage financing developments resulted in significant decreases in our gross margins during fiscal 2007 and the first quarter of fiscal 2008 compared with the same periods in the prior years. Additionally, we incurred total land-related charges of $457.8 million and $90.2 million for the year ended October 31, 2007 and the three months ended January 31, 2008, respectively. These charges resulted from the write-off of deposit and pre-acquisition costs of $126.0 million and $16.3 million, respectively, related to land we no longer plan to pursue and impairments on owned inventory of $331.8 million and $73.8 million, respectively, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 and the three months ended January 31, 2008. In addition to land related charges, the continued weakening of the market resulted in impairments of our intangible assets of $135.2 million during fiscal 2007, the majority of which related to intangibles in our Southeast’s segment.

 

We continue to operate our business with the expectation that difficult market conditions will continue to impact us for at least the near term. We have adjusted our approach to land acquisition and construction practices and continue to shorten our land pipeline, reduce production volumes, and balance home price and profitability with sales pace. We are delaying planned land purchases and renegotiating land prices and have significantly reduced our total number of controlled lots owned and under option. Additionally, we are significantly reducing the number of speculative homes put into production. While we will continue to purchase select land positions where it makes strategic and economic sense to do so, we currently anticipate minimal investment in new land parcels in fiscal 2008. We have also closely evaluated and made reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses, including Corporate general and administrative expenses, due in large part to a 46% reduction in head count from our peak in June 2006. Given the persistence of these difficult market conditions, improving the efficiency of our selling, general and administrative expenses will continue to be a significant area of focus. We believe that these measures will help to strengthen our market position and allow us to take advantage of opportunities that will develop in the future.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Management believes that the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates 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 (SFAS) No. 141 “Business Combinations”. 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 initial and continuing investments have 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 a component of inventory until the revenue is recognized.

 

Income Recognition from High-Rise/Mid-Rise Projects – 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 initial and continuing investment that the buyer cannot require to 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. 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 community, less the associated costs to complete and direct costs to sell, which approximates fair value. For land held for sale, a loss is recorded if the fair value less cost to sell is below the carrying amount. The loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value less the cost to sell. The estimates used in the determination of the estimated cash flows and fair value of a community are based on factors known to us at the time such estimates are made and our expectations of future operations. These estimates of cash flows are significantly impacted by estimates of the amounts and timing of revenues and costs and other factors which, in turn, are impacted by local market economic conditions and the actions of competitors. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated cash flows or fair value decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments related to current and future communities.

 

Insurance Deductible Reserves – For homes delivered in fiscal 2008 and 2007, our deductible is $20 million per occurrence with an aggregate $20 million for liability claims and an aggregate $21.5 million for construction defect claims under our general liability insurance. Our worker’s compensation insurance deductible is $0.5 million per occurrence in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007. Reserves have been established based upon actuarial analysis of estimated losses for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007. 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. These estimates are subject to a high degree

 



 

of variability due to uncertainties such as trends in construction defect claims relative to our markets and the types of products we build, claim settlement patterns, insurance industry practices and legal interpretations, among others. Because of the high degree of judgment required in determining these estimated liability amounts, actual future costs could differ significantly from our currently estimated amounts.

 

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”) Interpretation No. 46R (“FIN 46R”) “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 Condensed 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” and “Minority interest from inventory not owned”.

 

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, which has an indefinite life, and definite life intangibles, including trade names, architectural designs, distribution processes, and contractual agreements 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, 2007. We also assess definite life intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An intangible impairment is recorded when events and circumstances indicate the undiscounted future cash flows generated from the business unit with the intangible asset are less than the net assets of the business unit. The impairment loss is the lesser of the difference between the net assets of the business unit and the discounted future cash flows generated from the applicable business unit, which approximates fair value and the intangible asset balance. The estimates used in the determination of the estimated cash flows and fair value of a business unit are based on factors known to us at the time such estimates are made and our expectations of future operations and economic conditions. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated cash flows or fair value decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments. However, we only have $3.3 million remaining in intangible assets and $32.7 million remaining in goodwill so any future impairments are limited to these balances. Any intangible impairment charge is included in Intangible amortization on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. We are amortizing the remaining definite life intangibles over their expected useful lives, ranging from one to four years.

 

Post Development Completion and Warranty 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. In addition, we accrue warranty costs as part of cost of sales for repair costs under $5,000 per occurrence to homes, community amenities and land development infrastructure. In addition, we accrue for warranty costs over $5,000 per occurrence as part of our general liability insurance deductible expensed as selling, general and administrative costs. As previously stated, the deductible for our general liability insurance for homes delivered in fiscal 2008 and 2007 is $20 million per occurrence with an aggregate $20 million

 



 

for liability claims, and an aggregate $21.5 million for construction defect claims. Both of these liabilities are recorded in “Accounts payable and other liabilities” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Deferred Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes or income tax benefits are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. 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 or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"), we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. SFAS 109 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard. See Total Taxes below under Results of Operations for further discussion of the valuation allowances.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

 

See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

 

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

 

Our operations consist primarily of residential housing development and sales in the Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania), the Midwest (Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota), the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D. C.), 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 three months ended January 31, 2008 were for operating expenses, construction, income taxes, and interest. We provided for our cash requirements from housing and land sales, the revolving credit facility, financial service revenues, and other revenues. We believe that these sources of cash are sufficient to finance our working capital requirements and other needs.

 

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 January 31, 2008, 3.4 million shares of Class A Common Stock have been purchased under this program, (See Part II Item 2 for information on equity purchases). 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. 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”. In January 2007, we paid $2.7 million of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. In January 2008, we did not make any dividend payments as a result of restrictions in indentures governing our Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

On March 7, 2008, we entered into an amended and restated secured Revolving Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which we make our homebuilding bank borrowings. The Credit Agreement amended our prior revolving credit agreement and reduced the revolving credit line from $1.2 billion to $900 million. The maturity of the Credit Agreement remains May 2011. We and each of our significant subsidiaries are guarantors under the Credit Agreement, except for K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (“K. Hovnanian”), the borrower, various subsidiaries formerly engaged in the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations, a subsidiary formerly engaged in homebuilding activity in Poland, certain financial services subsidiaries, joint ventures, and certain other subsidiaries, is a. In connection with the recent amendments to the Credit Agreement, K. Hovnanian and each of the guarantors has provided a security interest in their accounts receivables, contracts and ownership interests in K. Hovnanian and the guarantors as collateral for obligations under the Credit Agreement. In addition, under the terms of the Credit

 



 

Agreement, the guarantors are required to provide mortgages on certain real property of K. Hovnanian and its subsidiaries. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at various rates based on (1)  a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% per annum depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 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% , (2) a margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.50% per annum, depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus a LIBOR-based rate for a one, two, three, or six month interest period as selected by us or (3) a margin ranging from 2.125% to 3.625% per annum, based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus an index rate determined by reference to a LIBOR-based rate for one month. In addition, we pay a fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.55% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit line depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio and the average percentage unused portion of the revolving credit line. Borrowings under the agreement may be used for general corporate purposes. As of January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, there was $325.0 million and $206.8 million drawn under our prior revolving credit agreement excluding letters of credit totaling $269.1 million and $306.4 million, respectively. Under the borrowing base limits, as of January 31, 2008, we had an excess of $252.4 million available.

 

The Credit Agreement has covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability of Hovnanian and certain of its subsidiaries, including K. Hovnanian, to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on common and preferred stock and repurchase capital stock, make other restricted payments, make investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Credit Agreement also contains covenants that require us to stay within specified financial ratios, including a net worth requirement, maximum leverage ratio, minimum fixed charge ratio and a borrowing base covenant. 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. As of January 31, 2008, we were not in compliance with the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Adjusted Leverage Ratio covenants under the prior revolving credit agreement; however, we obtained waivers of compliance effective January 31, 2008, under these covenants. We are currently in compliance with the covenants and financial ratios under the Credit Agreement. We may also explore alternative or supplementary financing arrangements to the Credit Agreement.

 

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. Our secured master repurchase agreement (which replaced our amended secured mortgage loan warehouse agreement) with a group of banks, which is a short-term borrowing facility, provides up to $161 million through December 26, 2008. Interest is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 1.10%. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. We also had a commercial paper facility which provided for up to $200 million through April 25, 2008 with interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 0.40%. On November 28, 2007 we paid the outstanding balance in full and terminated the commercial paper facility. We believe that we will be able to extend the master repurchase agreement beyond its expiration date or negotiate a replacement facility, but there can be no assurance of such extension or replacement facility. As of January 31, 2008, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings under the agreement was $97.5 million. The master repurchase agreement requires K. Hovnanian American Mortgage, LLC to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other financial condition tests. As of January 31, 2008, we were in compliance with the covenants of the master repurchase agreement.

 

At January 31, 2008, we had $1,515.0 million of outstanding senior notes ($1,510.7 million, net of discount), comprised of $100 million 8% Senior Notes due 2012, $215 million 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2014, $150 million 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2014, $200 million 6 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015, $300 million 6 1/4% Senior Notes due 2016, $300 million 7 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016, and $250 million 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017. At January 31, 2008, we had $400.0 million of outstanding senior subordinated notes, comprised of $150 million 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012, $150 million 7 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and $100 million 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, certain financial services subsidiaries, joint ventures, and certain other subsidiaries, is a guarantor of the senior notes and senior subordinated notes. Under the terms of the indentures governing our debt securities, we have the right to make certain redemptions and depending on market conditions and covenant restrictions, may

 



 

do so from time to time. We may also make open market purchases from time to time depending on market conditions and covenant restrictions. The indentures governing the senior notes and senior subordinated notes contain restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of Hovnanian and certain of its subsidiaries, including K. Hovnanian, the issuer of the senior notes and senior subordinated notes, to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on common and preferred stock and repurchase capital stock, make other restricted payments, make investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. If our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indentures governing our senior notes and senior subordinated notes is less than 2.0 to 1.0, we are restricted from making certain payments, including dividends, and from incurring indebtedness other than certain permitted indebtedness, refinancing indebtedness and non-recourse indebtedness . As a result of this restriction, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and will continue to be restricted during the remainder of fiscal 2008. If current market trends continue or worsen, we anticipate that we will continue to be restricted from paying dividends into fiscal 2009. The restriction on making preferred dividend payments under our bond indentures will not affect our compliance with any of the covenants contained in our Revolving Credit Agreement. The indentures also contain events of default which would permit the holders of the senior notes and senior subordinated notes to declare those notes to be immediately due and payable if not cured within applicable grace periods, including the failure to make timely payments on the notes or other material indebtedness, the failure to satisfy covenants and specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency. As of January 31, 2008, we were in compliance with the covenants of these indentures.

 

Total inventory decreased $132.2 million during the three months ended January 31, 2008 of which $73.8 million was attributed to impairments. This decrease excluded the decrease in consolidated inventory not owned of $29.4 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 46R. See “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” – Note 14 for additional information on FIN 46R. Specific performance decreased $2.2 million for the quarter. This was due to the fact that some of the lots previously recorded as a future obligation were taken down during the first three months of 2008. Other options inventory decreased $6.0 million for this period. Other options consist of our GMAC model program and structured lot option agreements. GMAC model inventory decreased $5.4 million as a result of our decision to remove homes from the program, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic. Structured lot option inventory decreased $0.6 million during the three months ended January 31, 2008. This decrease was primarily due to the decision to walk away from a deal in the Northeast and the purchase of some lots under a structured option in the Southeast. This decrease was offset by additional inventory recorded for a deal in the Northeast during the period. Total inventory decreased in the Mid-Atlantic $17.7 million, the Southeast $24.3 million, the Midwest $5.1 million, the Southwest $7.5 million, and the West $81.7 million. These decreases were offset by an increase of $4.1 million in the Northeast. The decreases were primarily the result of deliveries in existing communities and inventory impairments incurred in the quarter. Substantially all homes under construction or completed and included in inventory at January 31, 2008 are expected to be closed during the next twelve months. Most inventory completed or under development is partially 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 are only subject to the loss of the cost of the option and predevelopment costs if we choose not to exercise the option. As a result, our commitment for major land acquisitions is reduced. Inventory impairment losses, which include inventory that has been written-off or written-down, increased $48.7 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008, compared to the same period in the prior year. During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we incurred $73.8 million in write-downs primarily attributable to significant impairments taken as a result of continued deterioration in our California operations in the West, as well as smaller impairments in our other segments. In addition, we recorded land option write-offs in the amount of $16.3 million.

 

 



 

 

 

The following table summarizes the number of buildable homes included in our total residential real estate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active Communities

 

Active Communities Homes

 

Proposed Developable Homes

 

Grand Total Homes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northeast

 

35

 

5,239

 

6,809

 

12,048

Mid-Atlantic

 

70

 

6,720

 

4,782

 

11,502

Midwest

 

24

 

2,851

 

996

 

3,847

Southeast

 

83

 

6,819

 

4,262

 

11,081

Southwest

 

125

 

9,548

 

2,490

 

12,038

West

 

67

 

7,754

 

1,547

 

9,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total

 

404

 

38,931

 

20,886

 

59,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

3,579

 

592

 

4,171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total including

unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

42,510

 

21,478

 

63,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

 

 

21,627

 

5,745

 

27,372

Optioned

 

 

 

16,588

 

15,141

 

31,729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Controlled lots

 

 

 

38,215

 

20,886

 

59,101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction to

permanent financing

lots

 

 

 

716

 

 

 

716

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total

 

 

 

38,931

 

20,886

 

59,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots controlled by

unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

3,579

 

592

 

4,171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total including

unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

42,510

 

21,478

 

63,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active Communities

 

Active Communities Homes

 

Proposed Developable Homes

 

Grand Total Homes

October 31, 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northeast

 

37

 

5,497

 

7,426

 

12,923

Mid-Atlantic

 

74

 

7,169

 

5,458

 

12,627

Midwest

 

31

 

3,066

 

996

 

4,062

Southeast

 

88

 

9,087

 

4,491

 

13,578

Southwest

 

129

 

10,689

 

3,247

 

13,936

West

 

72

 

8,250

 

1,547

 

9,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total

 

431

 

43,758

 

23,165

 

66,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

3,734

 

592

 

4,326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total including

unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

47,492

 

23,757

 

71,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

 

 

22,559

 

6,121

 

28,680

Optioned

 

 

 

19,060

 

17,044

 

36,104

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Controlled lots

 

 

 

41,619

 

23,165

 

64,784

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction to
  permanent financing
  lots

 

 

 

2,139

 

 

 

2,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total

 

 

 

43,758

 

23,165

 

66,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots controlled by

unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

3,734

 

592

 

4,326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total including

unconsolidated joint

ventures

 

 

 

47,492

 

23,757

 

71,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

The following table summarizes our started unsold homes and models. The decrease in total started unsold homes compared to the prior year end is primarily due to a focused effort to sell inventoried homes during the first quarter. In some instances, this required additional incentives to be given to homebuyers on completed unsold homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2008

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Started Unsold Homes

 

Models

 

Total

 

Started Unsold Homes

 

Models

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northeast

252

 

53

 

305

 

301

 

49

 

350

Mid-Atlantic

264

 

5

 

269

 

318

 

3

 

321

Midwest

103

 

25

 

128

 

125

 

28

 

153

Southeast

316

 

24

 

340

 

386

 

24

 

410

Southwest

582

 

93

 

675

 

787

 

91

 

878

West

381

 

223

 

604

 

473

 

237

 

710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

1,898

 

423

 

2,321

 

2,390

 

432

 

2,822

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures decreased $14.2 million during the three months ended January 31, 2008. This decrease is due to distributions received from the joint ventures and losses incurred by the joint ventures during the three months ended January 31, 2008, offset by increases resulting from income from joint ventures not distributed and additional investment in joint ventures. As of January 31, 2008, we have investments in ten homebuilding joint ventures and nine land development joint ventures. Other than guarantees limited only to completion of development, environmental indemnification and standard indemnification for fraud and misrepresentation including voluntary bankruptcy, we have no other guarantees associated with unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

Receivables, deposits, and notes decreased $21.0 million to $88.9 million at January 31, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the receipts of cash from insurance carriers related to outstanding warranty claims, as well as the return of deposits on land option deals we terminated in fiscal 2007.

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

October 31,

 

Dollar

 

2008

 

2007

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid insurance

$10,181

 

$6,769

 

$3,412 

Prepaid project costs

106,768

 

110,439

 

(3,671)

Senior residential rental
  properties

7,584

 

7,694

 

(110)

Other prepaids

22,237

 

20,995

 

1,242 

Other assets

14,052

 

28,135

 

(14,083)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$160,822

 

$174,032

 

$(13,210)

 

Prepaid insurance increased due to a payment of a full year of certain liability insurance premium costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. These costs are amortized over the life of the associated insurance policy. Prepaid project costs decreased due to the reduction in the number of active selling communities. 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. Other assets decreased because there were significant distributions in the first quarter from our executive deferred compensation plan.

 

At January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, we had $32.7 million of goodwill. This amount resulted from Company acquisitions prior to fiscal 2002.

 

Definite life intangibles decreased $0.9 million to $3.3 million at January 31, 2008, as a result of amortization during the three months.

 

Income taxes receivable increased $22.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 as a result of temporary differences between book and tax related to the inventory and intangible impairment charges taken, partially offset by an increase in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $21.2 million.

 

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

October 31,

 

Dollar

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$214,871

 

$170,091

 

$44,780

Reserves

 

129,681

 

131,790

 

(2,109)

Accrued expenses

 

58,479

 

97,753

 

(39,274)

Accrued compensation

 

22,453

 

53,767

 

(31,314)

Other liabilities

 

30,632

 

62,021

 

(31,389)

Total

 

$456,116

 

$515,422

 

$(59,306)

 

The increase in accounts payable was primarily due to an increase in our accrual for inventory received but not yet invoiced. The decrease in accrued expenses is due to payments made for land options that were terminated and accrued in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. The decrease in accrued compensation was primarily due to the significant distributions in the first quarter from our executive deferred compensation plan as well as payment of our fiscal year 2007 bonuses during the first quarter of 2008. The decrease in other liabilities is primarily related to accrued costs paid when the significant number of homes closed in our Fort Myers operation during the quarter. Also contributing to the decrease was a decrease in deferred revenue for homes financed through our wholly-owned mortgage subsidiary, whereby a less than 5% deposit was obtained on the home sale.

 

Financial Services - Mortgage loans held for sale consist of residential mortgages receivable of which $104.7 million and $182.6 million at January 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, respectively, are being temporarily warehoused and awaiting sale in the secondary mortgage market. 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 house. Historically, we have incurred minimal credit losses. The decrease in the receivable from October 31, 2007 is directly related to a decrease in the volume of loans financed at January 31, 2008.

 

Customer deposits decreased $7.6 million to $57.7 million at January 31, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the reduction in the number of homes in backlog from 5,938 at October 31, 2007 to 3,845 at January 31, 2008. Also contributing to the decrease was the timing of cash received in excess of billings related to homes that have customer construction financing arrangements in the Southeast.

 

Mortgage warehouse line of credit under our secured master repurchase agreement decreased $73.6 million to $97.5 million at January 31, 2008. The decrease is directly correlated to the decrease in mortgage loans held for sale from October 31, 2007 to January 31, 2008.

 

Accrued interest decreased $21.6 million to $22.3 million at January 31, 2008. The decrease is primarily attributable to the semi-annual interest payments on senior notes and senior subordinated notes made during the first quarter of 2008.

 

 

 



 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

 

Total revenues:

 

 

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

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

January 31, 2008

 

January 31, 2007

 

Dollar Change

 

Percentage Change

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of homes

$1,051,818

 

$1,135,916

 

$(84,098)

 

(7)%

Land sales and other

revenues

27,910

 

8,337

 

19,573 

 

235%

Financial services

13,973

 

21,548

 

(7,575)

 

(35)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

$1,093,701

 

$1,165,801

 

$(72,100)

 

(6)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding:

 

Compared to the same prior period, homebuilding revenues decreased $84.1 million, or 7%, during the three months ended January 31, 2008. The mix of deliveries changed significantly from the first quarter of 2007, resulting in an average price per home of $291,800 in 2008 compared to $347,800 in 2007. The significant difference in mix was the result of 37% of the deliveries coming from our Fort Myers operations in the first quarter of 2008 compared to 11% in 2007. This trend is not expected to continue as the majority of the Fort Myers backlog has now been delivered. 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. Land sales are ancillary to our homebuilding operations and are expected to continue in the future but may significantly fluctuate up or down. For further details on land sales and other revenues, see section titled “Land Sales and Other Revenues” below.

 

 



 

 

 

Information on homes delivered by market area is set forth below:

 

 

Three Months Ended

January 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

Northeast:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$160,346

 

$213,286

 

 

Homes

314

 

460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-Atlantic:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$125,558

 

$222,688

 

 

Homes

297

 

470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midwest:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$46,580

 

$38,579

 

 

Homes

211

 

196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeast:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$393,182

 

$217,725

 

 

Homes

1,629

 

814

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$164,184

 

$176,170

 

 

Homes

691

 

787

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$161,968

 

$267,468

 

 

Homes

462

 

539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$1,051,818

 

$1,135,916

 

 

Homes

3,604

 

3,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconsolidated joint

 

 

 

 

 

ventures:

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$66,568

 

$108,496

 

 

Homes

155

 

289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals:

 

 

 

 

 

Housing revenues

$1,118,386

 

$1,244,412

 

 

Homes delivered

3,759

 

3,555

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

                An important indicator of our future results are recently signed contracts and home contract backlog for future deliveries. Our sales contracts and homes in contract backlog primarily using base sales prices by segment are set forth below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Contracts(1) for the

Three Months Ended January 31,

 

Contract Backlog as of

January 31,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

Northeast:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$83,416

 

$175,048

 

$431,517

 

$564,067

Homes

198

 

386

 

859

 

1,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-Atlantic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$73,424

 

$192,639

 

$308,344

 

$534,211

Homes

201

 

431

 

657

 

1,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midwest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$18,737

 

$55,945

 

$126,937

 

$137,355

Homes

102

 

254

 

650

 

726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeast:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$42,423

 

$40,021

 

$195,367

 

$895,371

Homes

155

 

144

 

677

 

3,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$124,385

 

$166,202

 

$136,931

 

$219,183

Homes

545

 

731

 

605

 

943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$115,405

 

$274,853

 

$149,539

 

$338,617

Homes

310

 

624

 

397

 

749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$457,790

 

$904,708

 

$1,348,635

 

$2,688,804

Homes

1,511

 

2,570

 

3,845

 

7,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconsolidated joint   ventures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$52,747

 

$(2,170)

 

$187,417

 

$410,104

Homes

108

 

43

 

380

 

884

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollars

$510,537

 

$902,538

 

$1,536,052

 

$3,098,908

Homes

1,619

 

2,613

 

4,225

 

8,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Net contracts are defined as new contracts during the period for the purchase of homes, less cancellations

 

of prior contracts.

 

Our reported level of sales contracts (net of cancellations) has been impacted by a slowdown in the pace in most of the Company’s segments and an increase in our cancellation rates over the past two years, 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

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

First

38%

36%

30%

27%

23%

Second

 

32%

32%

21%

19%

Third

 

35%

33%

24%

20%

Fourth

 

40%

35%

25%

24%

 

Another common and meaningful way to analyze our cancellation trends is to compare the number of contract cancellations as a percentage of backlog. For comparison, the following table provides this historical comparison, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures:

 

Quarter

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

First

24%

18%

12%

15%

14%

Second

 

19%

16%

14%

14%

Third

 

19%

16%

15%

12%

Fourth

 

31%

20%

12%

16%

 

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. 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 offered by us and other builders, leading the buyer to lose confidence in the contract price, and due to tighter mortgage underwriting criteria leading to some customer’s inability to be approved for a mortgage loan. In some cases, the buyer will walk away from a significant nonrefundable deposit that we recognize as other revenues. 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. A failure to return to a more normal level would continue to negatively impact our results of operations.

 

 



 

 

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

 

 

Three Months Ended

January 31,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of homes

$1,051,818

 

$1,135,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales, excluding interest

981,568

 

931,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding gross margin, before
  cost of sales interest expense and
  land charges

70,250

 

204,433

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales interest expense,
  excluding land sales interest expense

27,963

 

26,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding gross margin, after
  cost of sales interest expense, before
  land charges

42,287

 

177,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land charges

90,168

 

41,474

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding gross margin, after cost
  of sales interest expense and land
  charges

$(47,881)

 

$136,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin percentage, before cost
  of sales interest expense and land
  charges

6.7%

 

18.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin percentage, after cost of
  sales interest expense, before land
  charges

4.0%

 

15.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin percentage, after cost of
  sales interest expense and land
  charges

(4.6)%

 

12.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

January 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of homes

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales, excluding interest:

 

 

 

 

 

Housing, land & development costs

 

84.1%

 

71.2%

 

Commissions

 

2.3%

 

2.9%

 

Financing concessions

 

1.2%

 

1.3%

 

Overheads

 

5.7%

 

6.6%

 

Total cost of sales, before interest

expense and land charges

 

93.3%

 

82.0%

 

Gross margin percentage, before cost
          of sales interest expense and land
          charges

 

6.7%

 

18.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales interest

 

2.7%

 

2.4%

 

Gross margin percentage, after cost of
          sales interest expense and before
          land charges

 

4.0%

 

15.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. Total homebuilding gross margins, before interest expense and land impairment and option write off charges decreased to 6.7% during the three months ended January 31, 2008 compared to 18.0% for the same period last year. During 2003, 2004, and 2005, our gross margin was higher than where we would expect to see our normalized margins, which is approximately between 20% and 22%. Continued declines in percentages in the first quarter of 2008 from 10.9% in the fourth quarter of 2007, are primarily the result of decreased sales prices and increased buyer concessions, as well as a significant impact from the large number of deliveries in our Fort Myers operations. Excluding the Fort Myers deliveries, gross margin percentage would have been 8.6%. The declining pace of sales in our markets in 2007 and 2008 has led to intense competition in many of our specific community locations. In order to maintain a reasonable pace of absorption, we have increased incentives, reduced lot location premiums, as well as lowered some base prices, all of which have impacted our margins significantly. In addition, homes for which contracts have been cancelled have typically been resold at a lower price, resulting in a further decline in margins. As discussed in “Homebuilding Operations by Segment” below, certain of our segments experienced increases in average selling prices for the three months ended January 31, 2008 compared to 2007. It should be noted however, that these increases are primarily the result of geographic and community mix of our deliveries, rather than an ability to increase home prices.

 

Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of homebuilding revenues decreased to 9.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2008, compared to 11.6% for the three months ended January 31, 2007. Such expenses decreased $32.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the same period last year as we have reduced these costs through headcount reduction and other cost saving measures.

 

 



 

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

January 31,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land and lot sales

$22,753

 

$3,599

 

Cost of sales, excluding interest

21,996

 

2,492

 

Land and lot sales gross margin,     excluding interest

757

 

1,107

 

Land sales interest expense

625

 

56

 

Land and lot sales gross margin,     including interest

$132

 

$1,051

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land sales are ancillary to our residential homebuilding operations and are expected to continue in the future but may significantly fluctuate up or down. Profits from land sales in the first three months of the year were less than the first three months of 2007, and for the full fiscal year 2008, we expect pre-tax profit from land sales to be lower than they were in fiscal 2007. While land sales revenues in the first quarter of 2008 significantly exceeded land sales in 2007, profits did not as the sales in 2008 were primarily at break even prices. Although we budget land sales, they are often dependent upon receiving approvals and entitlements, the timing of which can be uncertain. As a result, projecting the amount and timing of land sales is difficult.

 

Other Revenues include income from contract cancellations, where the deposit has been forfeited due to contract terms, interest income, cash discounts and miscellaneous one-time receipts.

 

 



 

 

HOMEBUILDING OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT

 

Homebuilding Results by Segment

 

Segment Analysis

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands, except average sales price)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northeast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding revenue

 

$181,917

 

$214,094

 

$(32,177)

 

(Loss) income before taxes

 

$(11,535)

 

$16,460

 

$(27,995)

 

Homes delivered

 

314

 

460

 

(146)

 

Average sales price

 

$510,656

 

$463,663

 

$46,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-Atlantic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding revenue

 

$127,808

 

$223,742

 

$(95,934)

 

(Loss) income before taxes

 

$(23,038)

 

$26,297

 

$(49,335)

 

Homes delivered

 

297

 

470

 

(173)

 

Average sales price

 

$422,754

 

$473,800

 

$(51,046)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midwest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding revenue

 

$47,684

 

$38,824

 

$8,860

 

Loss before taxes

 

$(14,377)

 

$(10,532)

 

$(3,845)

 

Homes delivered

 

211

 

196

 

15

 

Average sales price

 

$220,758

 

$196,832

 

$23,926

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding revenue

 

$393,405

 

$219,937

 

$173,468

 

Loss before taxes

 

$(5,995)

 

$(87,759)

 

$81,764

 

Homes delivered

 

1,629

 

814

 

815

 

Average sales price

 

$241,364

 

$267,477

 

$(26,113)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding revenue

 

$164,560

 

$177,012

 

$(12,452)

 

(Loss) income before taxes

 

$(6,725)

 

$6,669

 

$(13,394)

 

Homes delivered

 

691

 

787

 

(96)

 

Average sales price

 

$237,603

 

$223,850

 

$13,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homebuilding revenue

 

$164,136

 

$270,515

 

$(106,379)

 

Loss before taxes

 

$(88,001)

 

$(677)

 

$(87,324)

 

Homes delivered

 

462

 

539

 

(77)

 

Average sales price

 

$350,580

 

$496,234

 

$(145,654)

 

 

Northeast - Homebuilding revenues decreased 15.0% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to a 31.7% decrease in homes delivered offset by a 10.1% increase in average selling price as the mix of communities delivered in 2008 was different than 2007. Income before income taxes decreased $28.0 million to a loss of $11.5 million in the first quarter mainly due to a significant reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense as the markets in this segment have become much more competitive and $4.1 million of inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs recorded in the first quarter of 2008.

 

Mid-Atlantic - Homebuilding revenues decreased 42.9% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to a 36.8% decrease in homes delivered and a 10.8% decrease in average selling price due to the increased incentives and the mix of communities delivered in 2008 was different than 2007. Income before income

 



 

taxes decreased $49.3 million to a loss of $23.0 million, with $14.8 million of the decrease due to inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs in the first quarter of 2008. The segment also had a significant reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense as the markets in this segment have become much more competitive.

 

Midwest - Homebuilding revenues increased 22.8% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to a 7.7% increase in homes delivered and a 12.2% increase in average selling price. The increases in homes delivered and average selling prices were the result of organic growth in this segment in Cleveland, Illinois and Minnesota, as these operations were started or acquired since 2004. Despite the growth in revenues, the segment loss before income taxes increased $3.8 million to a loss of $14.4 million in the first quarter. This was due to a reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense and $5.6 million of inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs in the first quarter of 2008.

 

Southeast - Homebuilding revenues increased 78.9% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to a 100.1% increase in homes delivered offset by a 9.8% decrease in average selling price. The primary reason for the increase in deliveries is due to the 1,345 deliveries from our Fort Myers operations. Loss before income taxes decreased $81.8 million to $6.0 million in the first quarter mainly due to $6.8 million in inventory impairments and land option write-offs taken in the first quarter of 2008 and a significant reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense primarily because the significant number of Fort Myers homes only had a 2% gross margin. The proportion of Fort Myers homes will be significantly less in the remainder of the year.

 

Southwest - Homebuilding revenues decreased 7.0% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to a 12.2% decrease in homes delivered offset by a 6.1% increase in average selling price as the mix of communities delivered in 2008 was different than 2007. Income before income taxes decreased $13.4 million to a loss of $6.7 million in 2008 mainly due to a reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense and $7.6 million in inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs in the first quarter of 2008.

 

West - Homebuilding revenues decreased 39.3% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to a 14.3% decrease in homes delivered and a 29.4% decrease in average selling price. The decrease in deliveries was the result of the more competitive and slowing housing market in California during 2007 and the first quarter of 2008. This reduced revenue was further compounded by a significant reduction in gross margin percentage before interest expense and $51.2 million in inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs in the first quarter of 2008. As a result of the above, loss before interest expense increased $87.3 million to a loss of $88.0 million in 2008.

 

Financial Services

 

Financial services consist primarily of originating mortgages from our homebuyers and selling such mortgages in the secondary market, and title insurance activities. For the three months ended January 31, 2008, financial services provided a $3.1 million profit before income taxes, compared to a profit of $8.5 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in pretax profit for the three months ended January 31, 2008 is due to decreased mortgage settlements, a decrease in the average price of settlements, partially offset by a reduction in costs.

 

 

 



 

 

Corporate General and Administrative

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses represent the operations at our headquarters in Red Bank, New Jersey. These 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 increased slightly to 2.0% for the three months ended January 31, 2008 from 1.9% for the prior year’s first quarter. However, in dollars, Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $0.8 million during the three months ended January 31, 2008, compared to the same period last year.

 

Other Interest

 

Other interest decreased $0.7 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008, compared to the three months ended January 31, 2007. In 2007, this interest included interest on completed homes in our Fort Myers operations, but those homes have now been delivered thus resulting in the decrease in other interest.

 

Other Operations

 

Other operations consist primarily of miscellaneous residential housing operations expenses, senior rental residential property operations, earnout payments from homebuilding company acquisitions, minority interest relating to consolidated joint ventures, and corporate owned life insurance. Other operations decreased to $0.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008, compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007. The decrease is primarily due to decreased minority interest expense as a consolidated joint venture comprising the majority of this fluctuation delivered its remaining homes in 2007.

 

Intangible Amortization

 

We are amortizing our definite life intangibles over their expected useful life, ranging from one to four years. Intangible amortization decreased $60.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008, when compared to the same period last year. This decrease was primarily the result of the write-off of intangible assets for the Fort Myers operations in the Southeast during the first quarter of 2007 and reduced intangible amortization in 2008 as a result of extensive write-offs during the fourth quarter of 2007.

 

(Loss) Income From Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

(Loss) income from unconsolidated joint ventures consists of our share of the losses or earnings of the joint venture. The balance decreased $7.0 million to a loss of $5.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 when compared to the same period last year. The decrease in 2008 is primarily related to our share of the losses from inventory impairments and land-option and walk-away costs from our joint venture with affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors.

 

Total Taxes

 

Total taxes as a percentage of the loss before taxes was 22% for the three months ended January 31, 2008. The rate was significantly below the statutory tax rate because we recorded an additional $21.2 million charge to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the quarter as discussed further below. For the remainder of the year, we do not expect to record any additional tax benefits.

 

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 or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"), we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. SFAS 109 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard. Given the continued downturn in the homebuilding industry during 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, resulting in additional inventory and intangible impairments, we now anticipate being in a three year cumulative loss position during fiscal 2008. According to SFAS 109, a three year cumulative loss is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and also precludes relying on projections of future taxable income to support the recovery of deferred tax assets. Therefore, during the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded an additional valuation allowance of $215.7 million against our deferred tax assets. Our deferred tax assets, for which there is no valuation allowance, relate to amounts that can be realized through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences or through carrybacks to the 2005 and 2006 years. Our valuation allowance increased $21.2 million during the first quarter of 2008 from $265.9 million at October 31, 2007 to $287.1 million at January 31, 2008.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has a long-term effect, 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 construction costs, including land and interest costs, will substantially outpace increases in the income of potential purchasers. Recently in the more highly regulated markets that have seen significant home price appreciation, customer affordability has become a concern. Our broad product array insulates us to some extent, but customer affordability of our homes is something we monitor closely.

 

Inflation has a lesser short-term effect, because we generally negotiate fixed price contracts with many, but not all, of 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 three to twelve months. Construction costs for residential buildings represent approximately 64% of our homebuilding cost of sales.

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

All statements in this Form 10-Q 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:

 

 

. Changes in general and local economic and business conditions;

 

 

. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;

 

 

. Changes in market conditions and seasonality of the Company’s business;

 

 

. Changes in home prices and sales activity in the markets where the Company builds homes;

 

. Government regulation, including regulations concerning development of land, the home

 

 

building, sales and customer financing processes, and the environment;

 

 

. Fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of mortgage financing;

 

 

. Shortages in, and price fluctuations of, raw materials and labor;

 

 

. The availability and cost of suitable land and improved lots;

 

 

. Levels of competition;

 

 

. Availability of financing to the Company;

 

 

. Utility shortages and outages or rate fluctuations; and

 

 

. Levels of indebtedness and restrictions on the Company's operations and activities imposed

 

 

 



 

 

 

by the agreements governing the Company's outstanding indebtedness;

 

. Operations through joint ventures with third parties;

 

 

. Product liability litigation and warranty claims;

 

 

. Successful identification and integration of acquisitions;

 

 

. Significant influence of the Company's controlling stockholders; and

 

 

. Geopolitical risks, terrorist acts and other acts of war.

 

 

Certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors are described in detail in Item 1 “Business” and Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason after the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

A primary 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 under our secured master repurchase agreement 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 use financial instruments to hedge interest rate risk except with respect to mortgage loans. We are also subject to foreign currency risk but this risk is not material. The following table sets forth as of January 31, 2008, our long term debt obligations principal cash flows by scheduled maturity, weighted average interest rates and estimated fair market value (“FMV”).

 

 

As of January 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected Maturity Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

FMV at January 31, 2008

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

Long term debt(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

$9,417

 

$760

 

$100,813

 

$870

 

$250,930

 

$1,584,430

 

$1,947,220

 

$1,297,520

Weighted
    average interest
      rate

5.14%

 

6.71%

 

6.01%

 

6.76%

 

8.52%

 

7.06%

 

7.18%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Does not include the mortgage warehouse line of credit made under our secured master repurchase

 

agreement.

 

In addition, we have reassessed the market risk for our variable rate debt, which at January 31, 2008 was, under the terms of our prior revolving credit facility, 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 Adjusted Leverage Ratio, as defined in the prior 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 1% increase in this rate would have resulted in an approximate $0.6 million increase in interest expense for the three months ended January 31, 2008, assuming an average of $265.9 million of variable rate debt outstanding from November 1, 2007 to January 31, 2008. We have also reassessed the market risk for our variable debt at January 31, 2008 under the terms of our amended and restated secured revolving Credit Agreement, under which interest is based on (1) a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% per annum depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 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% , (2) a margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.50% per annum, depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus a LIBOR-based rate for a one, two, three, or six month interest period as selected by us or (3) a margin ranging from 2.125% to 3.625% per annum, based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus an index rate determined by reference to a LIBOR-based rate for one month. We

 



 

believe that a 1% increase in this rate would have resulted in an approximate $0.6 million increase in interest expense for the three months ended January 31, 2008, assuming an average of $265.9 million of variable rate debt outstanding from November 1, 2007 to January 31, 2008.

 

Item 4. 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 January 31, 2008. 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 as of January 31, 2008 are effective to accomplish their objectives.

In addition, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended January 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. Other Information

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Information with respect to legal proceedings is incorporated into this Part II, Item 1 from Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item I.

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

On November 16, 2007, in transactions approved in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended we (i) exchanged 500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock held by Ara K. Hovnanian for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) immediately thereafter exchanged the 500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock received from Ara K. Hovnanian for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by Kevork S. Hovnanian. The aggregate Hovnanian family holdings of shares, both Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, remain unchanged by such exchanges. The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were exchanged pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Act.

 

On December 14, 2007, in transactions approved in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended we (i) exchanged 600,000 shares of Class B Common Stock held by Ara K. Hovnanian for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) immediately thereafter exchanged the 600,000 shares of Class B Common Stock received from Ara K. Hovnanian for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by Kevork S. Hovnanian. The aggregate Hovnanian family holdings of shares, both Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, remain unchanged by such exchanges. The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were exchanged pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Act.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities(1)

 

No shares of our 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock were purchased by or on behalf of Hovnanian Enterprises or any affiliated purchaser during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The table below provides information with respect to purchases of shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock made by or on behalf of Hovnanian Enterprises or any affiliated purchaser during the fiscal first quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

 



 

 

 

Period

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

Average Price

Paid Per Share

Total Number

Of Shares

Purchased as

Part of

Publicly Announced

Plans or Programs

Maximum Number

of Shares That

May Yet Be

Purchased Under

The Plans or Programs

 

 

 

 

 

November 1, 2007 through November 30, 2007

500,000 (Class A) (2)

 

 

612,668

November 1, 2007 through November 30, 2007

500,000 (Class B) (2)

 

 

612,668

December 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

600,000 (Class A) (3)

 

 

612,668

December 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

600,000 (Class B) (3)

 

 

612,668

January 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008

 

 

 

612,668

 

(1)

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).

 

 

(2)

On November 16, 2007, in transactions approved in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Securities

 

 

Exchange Act of 1934, as amended we (i) exchanged 500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock held

 

 

by Ara K. Hovnanian for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) immediately

 

 

thereafter exchanged the 500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock received from Ara K. Hovnanian

 

 

for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by Kevork S. Hovnanian. The aggregate

 

Hovnanian family holdings of shares, both Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock,

 

 

remain unchanged by such exchanges.

 

 

(3)

On December 14, 2007, in transactions approved in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Securities

 

 

Exchange Act of 1934, as amended we (i) exchanged 600,000 shares of Class B Common Stock held

 

 

by Ara K. Hovnanian for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) immediately

 

 

thereafter exchanged the 600,000 shares of Class B Common Stock received from Ara K. Hovnanian

 

 

for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by Kevork S. Hovnanian. The aggregate

 

 

Hovnanian family holdings of shares, both Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, remain

 

unchanged by such exchanges.

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

On March 7, 2008, we entered into an amended and restated secured Revolving Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement amended the Company’s prior Revolving Credit Agreement and reduced the revolving credit line from $1.2 billion to $900 million. The maturity of the Credit Agreement remains May 2011. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at various rates based on (1) a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% per annum depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 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% , (2) a margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.50% per annum, depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus a LIBOR-based rate for a one, two, three, or six month interest period as selected by us or (3) a margin ranging from 2.125% to 3.625% per annum, based on Adjusted Leverage Ratio, plus an index rate determined by reference to a LIBOR-based rate for one month. In addition, we pay a fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.55% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit line depending on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio and the average percentage unused portion of the revolving credit line.

 

The Credit Agreement has covenants that restrict, among other things, our and certain of our subsidiaries’, including K. Hovnanian’s, ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on common and preferred stock

 



 

and repurchase capital stock, make other restricted payments, make investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of its assets and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Credit Agreement also contains covenants that require us to stay within specified financial ratios, including a net worth requirement, maximum leverage ratio, minimum fixed charge ratio and borrowing base covenant, which are less restrictive than those under the facility it replaced. 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.

 

We and each of our significant subsidiaries, except for K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (“K. Hovnanian”), the borrower, various subsidiaries formerly engaged in the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations, a subsidiary formerly engaged in homebuilding activity in Poland, certain financial services subsidiaries, joint ventures, and certain other subsidiaries, is a guarantor under the Credit Agreement and have provided collateral (including accounts receivable, contracts and certain real property) to secure obligations under the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes. The amended facility is led by Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Bank of America Securities LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners, PNC Bank, National Association is Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National Association are Syndication Agents, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc are Documentation Agents.

 

 



 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit 3(a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (1)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3(b) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (2)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3(c) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (3)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3(d) Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. (4)

 

 

 

Exhibit 4(a) Certificate of Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of the 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., dated July 12, 2005.(5)

 

 

 

Exhibit 10(a) Seventh Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 7, 2008.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10(b) Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement, dated March 7, 2008.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10(c) Pledge Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2008.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10(d) Security Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2008.

 

 

 

Exhibit 31(a) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

Exhibit 31(b) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

Exhibit 32(a) Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

Exhibit 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 Exhibit 4.2 to Registration

Statement (No. 333-106761) on Form S-3 of the Registrant.

 

 

(3)

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

 

 

(4)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement (No. 1-08551) on Form 8-A of the Registrant.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

(5)

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

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

(Registrant)

 

 

 

DATE:

March 11, 2008

 

 

/S/J. LARRY SORSBY

 

 

J. Larry Sorsby,

 

 

Executive Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

DATE:

March 11, 2008

 

 

/S/PAUL W. BUCHANAN

 

Paul W. Buchanan

 

 

Senior Vice President/

 

 

Chief Accounting Officer