UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016.

 

 

For the transition period from ____________ to _____________.

 

001-07395

 

Commission File Number

 

 

AV HOMES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

(480) 214-7400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

As of April 26, 2016, there were 22,648,216 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, issued and outstanding.

 

 

AV HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I. Financial Information

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

AV HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

AV HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

AV HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

AV HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2016

 

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AV Homes, Inc. and all subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which AV Homes, Inc. (“AV Homes," “we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company”) has a controlling interest. Our investments in unconsolidated entities in which we have less than a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. These statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of AV Homes as of March 31, 2016 and for all periods presented. These statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in AV Homes' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Beginning with our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the selling, general and administrative expenses related to homebuilding previously included in Homebuilding expenses have been combined with corporate general and administrative expenses and reclassified into a separate new line item called "Selling, general and administrative expenses" to enhance the visibility to our core homebuilding operations and conform with standard industry presentation.  The selling, general and administrative expenses reclassified include commissions, other selling expenses and overhead incurred at the divisional level. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, selling, general and administrative costs of $9.7 million that were previously presented in Homebuilding expenses are now included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, in accordance with adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest, our debt issuance costs are now presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability.  This guidance was applied retrospectively and had the effect of reducing our Prepaid expenses and other assets and Senior notes, net balances in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2015, unamortized deferred debt issuance costs of $5.9 million were previously presented in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and are now included as a reduction to Senior notes, net.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  As of March 31, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents were invested primarily in money market accounts that invest primarily in U.S. government securities.  Due to the short maturity period of the cash equivalents, the carrying amount of these instruments approximates their fair values.

 

Our cash items that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage include deposits of $1.3 million and $26.9 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The balance as of December 31, 2015 was comprised primarily of $25.6 million on deposit as an interest reserve to comply with the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facility (defined below). As of February 2016, the Company had achieved compliance with the interest coverage ratio covenant and the restriction on the interest reserve was released.

 

Land and Other Inventories and Homebuilding Cost of Revenues

 

Land and other inventories include expenditures for land acquisition, land development, home construction, construction costs for homeowners association amenities, and direct and allocated indirect costs, including interest cost

capitalized until development and construction are substantially completed. These costs are assigned to components of land and other inventories based on specific identification, relative sales value, or area allocation methods.

 

Land and other inventories are stated at cost unless the asset is determined to be impaired, in which case the asset is written to its fair value, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification  ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”).

 

Homebuilding cost of revenues is comprised of direct and allocated costs, including estimated future costs for the limited warranty we provide on our homes. Land acquisition, land development and other common costs are generally allocated on a relative sales value or area allocation basis to the homes or lots within the applicable community or land parcel. Land acquisition and land development costs include related interest and real estate taxes.

 

We evaluate our land and other inventories for impairment on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC 360 to reflect market conditions, including a market by market consideration of supply of new and resale homes for sale, level of foreclosure activity and competition. For assets held and used, if indicators are present, we perform an impairment test in which the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If such cash flows are less than the asset’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value. Generally, fair value is determined by discounting the estimated cash flows at a rate commensurate with the inherent risks associated with the asset and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in the determination of fair value would vary, depending on the state of development. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of the estimated future cash flows are based on expectations of future operations and economic conditions and certain factors described below. Changes to these assumptions could significantly affect the estimates of future cash flows, which could affect the potential for future impairments. Due to the uncertainties of the estimation process, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, our impairment assessments resulted in $0.2 million and $0.0 million of impairment charges, respectively, and are included in homebuilding cost of revenues in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

Receivables

 

Receivables primarily consist of amounts in transit or due from title companies for house closings and mortgage notes receivable from the sale of land.

 

Property and Equipment, net

 

Property and equipment, net are stated at cost and depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: land improvements 10 to 25 years; buildings and improvements 8 to 39 years; and machinery, equipment and fixtures 3 to 7 years.  Maintenance and operating expenses of equipment utilized in the development of land are capitalized to land inventory.  Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

 

Property and equipment, net includes certain amenities such as club facilities on properties owned by us. These amenities include expenditures for land acquisition, land development, construction, and direct and allocated costs, including interest cost incurred during development and construction.

 

Each reporting period, we review our property and equipment for indicators of impairment in accordance with ASC 360. For our amenities, which are located within our housing communities, indicators of potential impairment are similar to those of our housing communities (described above), as these factors may impact our ability to generate revenues at our amenities or cause construction costs to increase. In addition, we factor in the collectability and potential delinquency of the membership dues for our amenities.  For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not identify indicators of impairment for property and equipment.

 

Assets Held for Sale

 

We classify assets held for sale in accordance with the criteria set forth in ASC 360. We continue to opportunistically sell non-core commercial and industrial assets, as well as scattered lot positions and land assets that are

in excess of our needed supply in a given market. Under this plan, assets that meet the criteria above are classified as held for sale.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we changed our plans to sell assets that were previously classified as held for sale, or the assets no longer met the held-for-sale criteria, resulting in a reclassification of $4.1 million of land positions to land and other inventories. There was no change in the carrying value in these assets due to this reclassification.

 

Investments in Partnerships and LLCs

 

When we are either deemed to hold the controlling interest in a voting interest entity or deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”), we are required to consolidate the investment. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the majority of losses of the VIE or the right to receive the majority of benefits from the VIE. Investments where we don't hold the controlling interest and we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method.

 

Factors considered when determining if we hold the controlling interest in a voting interest entity include who holds the general partnership or managing member interests, which partner or member makes the day-to-day decisions regarding the operations of the entity, and whether or not the other partners or members have substantive participating rights. With respect to VIEs, our variable interests may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets and/or (3) loans provided by us to the investor. We examine specific criteria and use judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), sufficiency of equity to conduct the operations of the entity, voting rights, involvement in decisions significantly impacting the entity's economic performance, level of economic disproportionality between us and the other partner(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs.

 

We have investments in unconsolidated entities, including joint ventures, with independent third parties. The equity method of accounting is used for unconsolidated entities over which we have significant influence. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize our proportionate share of the earnings and losses of these entities.

 

We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for recoverability in accordance with ASC 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”). If we determine that a loss in the value of the investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its estimated fair value. Any such losses are recorded to equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Due to uncertainties in the estimation process and the significant volatility in demand for new housing, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not identify indicators of impairment for our investments in unconsolidated entities.

 

Business Acquisitions

 

When acquiring a business, we allocate the purchase price of real estate to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values.  In making estimates of fair values for this purpose, we use a number of sources, including independent appraisals and information obtained about each property as a result our pre-acquisition due diligence and its marketing and housing activities.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill arises from business combinations and represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net fair value amounts that were assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. There were no indicators of impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. 

 

Homebuilding Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with ASC 360, homebuilding revenue and related profit from the sales of housing units are recognized when title to and possession of the property are transferred to the buyer. In addition, revenues from land sales are recognized in full at closing, provided the buyer's initial and continuing investment is adequate, any financing is considered collectible and there is no significant continuing involvement.

 

Sales Incentives

 

When sales incentives involve a discount on the selling price of the home, we record the discount as a reduction of revenue at the time of house closing. If the sales incentive requires us to provide a free product or service to the customer, the cost of the free product or service is recorded as homebuilding cost of revenues at the time of house closing. This includes the cost related to optional upgrades and seller-paid financing costs, closing costs, homeowners’ association fees, or merchandise.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs, sales commissions and closing costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

Warranty Costs

 

Warranty reserves for houses are established to cover estimated costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims to be incurred subsequent to the closing of a house.  Reserves are determined based on historical data and other relevant factors.  We have, and require our subcontractors to have, general liability, property, workers compensation, and other business insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims, subject to certain self-insured per occurrence and aggregate retentions, deductibles, and available policy limits. We may have recourse against subcontractors for certain claims relating to workmanship and materials.  Warranty reserves are included in accrued and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, changes in the warranty reserve consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes have been provided for using the asset and liability method under ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).  The asset and liability method is used in accounting for income taxes where deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by identifying the temporary differences arising from the different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the generation of future taxable income.  In determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns, judgment is required.  Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

We evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC 740 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. The realization of the deferred tax assets ultimately depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income in future periods. We established a valuation allowance against our

deferred tax assets in 2009 and regularly analyze all available positive and negative evidence in determining the continuing need for a valuation allowance with respect to our deferred tax assets. This evaluation considers, among other factors, historical operating results, our three-year cumulative profit or loss position, forecasts of future profitability, and the duration of statutory carryforward periods. We earned a profit before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015, and pre-tax income for the first quarter of 2016 was slightly positive. Additionally, we have seen significant increases in community count, new orders, and backlog. If homebuilding industry conditions and our business remain stable and additional positive evidence develops, we believe there could be sufficient positive evidence to support a conclusion that we will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize all or some portion of our deferred tax asset, which would allow us to significantly reduce the valuation allowance at some point during 2016.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized a decrease of $0.6 million in the valuation allowance.  As of March 31, 2016, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $123.9 million. 

 

Any interest or penalties assessed have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results.  In the event we are assessed any interest or penalties in the future, we plan to include them in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as income tax expense.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

On June 3, 2015, shareholders approved and we adopted the 2015 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2015 Plan"), which replaced the Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan (2011 Restatement), as amended (the “Incentive Plan"). Each of the Incentive Plan and 2015 Plan provide for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance awards, and stock units to officers, employees and directors of AV Homes.  The exercise prices of stock options granted under the Incentive Plan or the 2015 Plan may not be less than the stock exchange closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.  Stock option awards under the Incentive Plan and 2015 Plan generally expire 10 years after the date of grant.

 

As of March 31, 2016, an aggregate of 590,483 shares of our common stock, subject to certain adjustments, were reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan, relating to outstanding options and restricted stock units previously awarded prior to the adoption of the 2015 Plan and currently outstanding under the Incentive Plan. There were approximately 442,264 shares available for grant as of March 31, 2016 under the 2015 Plan and 24,698 shares reserved for issuance relating to restricted stock units previously awarded and currently outstanding under the 2015 Plan.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to AV Homes stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of AV Homes.  The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 did not assume the effect of employee stock options or the 6.00% Notes because the effects were antidilutive. The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 did not assume the effect of outstanding restricted stock, restricted stock units, employee stock options, the 7.50% Senior Convertible Notes or the 7.50% Senior Convertible Exchange Notes because the effects were antidilutive.

 

The following table represents a reconciliation of the net income (loss) and weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except share and per share data):

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are the same for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public entities, ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 will require organizations that lease assets — referred to as “lessees” — to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Under ASU 2016-02, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Lessor accounting remains substantially similar to current GAAP. In addition, disclosures of leasing activities are to be expanded to include qualitative along with specific quantitative information. For public entities, ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-02 mandates a modified retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which clarifies the treatment of debt issuance costs from line-of-credit arrangements after adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 (“ASU 2015-15”). ASU 2015-15 clarifies that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We have applied the provisions of ASU 2015-15 to the capitalized deferred financing costs related to our Senior Secured Credit Facility.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We have applied the provisions of ASU 2015-02 and there was no material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties About an entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU  2014-15"), which requires management to perform annual assessments on whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and to provide related disclosures, if required. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

Note 2 - Business Acquisitions

 

Bonterra Builders Acquisition

 

On July 1, 2015, we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Bonterra Builders, LLC (“Bonterra Builders”) for approximately $99.8 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. Part of the aggregate consideration includes a $6.0 million estimated earn-out. The actual amount of the earn-out may be more or less than the $6.0 million target amount based on the performance of the Bonterra Builders business through the end of 2016. A portion of the aggregate consideration equal to $0.8 million was held back by us at the closing as security for Bonterra Builder's indemnification and other potential obligations under the purchase agreement. Bonterra Builders acquires raw and developed land, develops raw land and constructs single-family homes in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. With approximately 1,700 lots owned or controlled at the time of acquisition, Bonterra Builders significantly enhances our position in a key growth market. The results of Bonterra Builders operations are included in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date of July 1, 2015.

 

We have completed our preliminary analysis of our business combination accounting as of March 31, 2016. We have not completed our final review of certain other assets and liabilities. Final determinations of the values of other assets acquired and liabilities assumed may result in adjustments to the values presented above and a corresponding adjustment to goodwill. As such, we have not completed the assignment of goodwill to reporting units at this time.

 

Note 3 - Land and Other Inventories

 

Land and other inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

We capitalize interest to inventories during the period of development in accordance with ASC 835, Interest ("ASC 835"). Homebuilding interest capitalized to cost of inventory is included in cost of sales as related units or lots are sold. To the extent our homebuilding debt exceeds our qualified assets, as defined in ASC 835, we expense a portion of interest incurred. Qualified homebuilding assets consist of land, lots and homes that are under development or construction, excluding finished unsold homes or finished models.

 

The following table represents interest incurred, interest capitalized, and interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Note 4 - Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

 

We participate in entities with equity interests ranging from 20% to 58% for the purpose of acquiring and/or developing land. We determine the method for accounting for our investment at inception or upon a reconsideration event.

 

We share in the profits and losses of unconsolidated entities generally in accordance with our ownership interests. We and our equity partners typically make initial and ongoing capital contributions to these unconsolidated entities on a pro rata basis. The obligation to make capital contributions is governed by each unconsolidated entity’s respective operating agreement or other governing documents. We made contributions totaling $0.0 million and $2.1 million to our unconsolidated entities during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The balance of our investments in unconsolidated entities was $1.2 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. 

 

In May 2012, we entered into an agreement with JEN Arizona 4, LLC to form a limited liability company, EM 646, LLC (“EM 646”).  We hold a 58% interest in the venture, which was organized for the purpose of acquiring, entitling, developing, and distributing specific sections of real property located in Mesa, Arizona.  The property was originally acquired in November 2012 and in April 2015 the final distribution of developed land to the partners was completed at cost.

 

As of March 31, 2016, EM 646 was financed by partner equity and does not have third-party debt. In addition, we have not provided any guarantees to the entity or our equity partner. The assets of our investee can only be used to settle obligations of the investee.

 

Note 5 – Senior Notes

 

Our Senior Notes are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

We made interest payments of $12.8 million and $12.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

7.50% Senior Convertible Notes and 7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes due 2016

 

On February 4, 2011, we completed an underwritten public offering for $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.50% Senior Convertible Notes due 2016 (the “7.50% Notes”). The maturity date of the 7.50% Notes was February 15, 2016. The 7.50% Notes were governed by the Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture, each dated February 4, 2011, between us and the trustee named therein. Interest on the 7.50% Notes was payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year.

 

In July 2012, we entered into exchange agreements under which we retired $44.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our 7.50% Notes, in exchange for the issuance of $44.5 million in aggregate principal of new 7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes due 2016 (“7.50% Exchange Notes”). The maturity date of the 7.50% Exchange Notes was February 15, 2016. The 7.50% Exchange Notes are governed by the Indenture dated February 4, 2011 and the Second Supplemental Indenture dated July 25, 2012 between us and the trustee named therein. Interest on the 7.50% Exchange Notes was payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2013. In connection with the issuance of the 6.00% Notes (defined below), $20.5 million of 7.50% Exchange Notes and $8.7 million of 7.50% Notes were repurchased on June 23, 2015. On July 20, 2015, the remaining 7.50% Exchange

Notes were redeemed, pursuant to our option to redeem such notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. On February 16, 2016, the remaining 7.50% Notes were repaid at maturity.

 

8.50% Senior Notes due 2019

 

On June 30, 2014, we completed an underwritten offering for $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.50% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “8.50% Notes”). The 8.50% Notes mature on July 1, 2019, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. Interest on the 8.50% Notes is 8.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on January 1 and July 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2015. The 8.50% Notes will be redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after July 1, 2016, at certain redemption prices, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

 

Certain of our subsidiaries are guarantors of the 8.50% Senior Notes. All of the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by us, and all of the guarantees are full, unconditional, and joint and several. We have no independent assets or operations and our subsidiaries, other than the subsidiary guarantors, are minor. 

 

6.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2020

 

On June 23, 2015, we completed a private offering of $80.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2020 (the “6.00% Notes”). The proceeds of the 6.00% Notes were used to (i) repurchase 7.50% Exchange Notes and 7.50% Notes, and (ii) pay approximately $1.5 million of accrued interest (in respect of the notes being exchanged or repurchased) and premium (in respect of the notes being repurchased). The 6.00% Notes will mature on July 1, 2020, unless earlier repurchased or converted. The 6.00% Notes are governed by the Indenture dated February 4, 2011 and the Third Supplemental Indenture dated June 23, 2015 between us and the trustee named therein. The 6.00% Notes bear regular cash interest on the principal amount of each note, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2016.

 

The 6.00% Notes were issued pursuant a series of separate, privately negotiated note purchase agreements (the “Note Purchase Agreements”) entered into on June 17, 2015 by us and certain qualified institutional buyers. TPG Aviator, L.P. (“TPG”), purchased $20.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.00% Notes for $20.0 million in cash and waived its rights to purchase additional 6.00% Notes, resulting in a fully diluted beneficial ownership of approximately 43.8% of our common stock. Pursuant to the terms of our Related Person Transaction Policy, the audit committee of our board of directors reviewed and approved the terms of the 6.00% Notes and TPG’s purchase of 6.00% Notes.

 

Senior Secured Credit Facility

 

On April 7, 2014 we entered into a $65.0 million senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, a lender and a letter of credit issuer, which became effective on June 6, 2014 (the "Senior Secured Credit Facility"). The other original lenders and letter of credit issuers include Royal Bank of Canada and Credit Suisse AG. Later in 2014, we increased the senior secured credit facility by $40.0 million with the addition of Citibank, N.A., and Deutsche Bank, A.G., as additional lenders.

 

The Senior Secured Credit Facility includes revolving credit and letter of credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of up to $105.0 million, with an “accordion” feature that allows us, with the consent of the lenders, to increase the aggregate amount to $175.0 million. The Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes a swing line loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30.0 million. As of March 31, 2016, we had sufficient qualified assets in the borrowing base to cover the full $105.0 million capacity and had $35.0 million borrowings outstanding.

 

Note 6 - Estimated Development Liability

 

The estimated development liability consists primarily of utilities improvements in Rio Rico and Poinciana for more than 8,000 home sites previously sold, in most cases prior to 1980. The estimated development liability is reduced by actual expenditures and is evaluated and adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect management’s estimate of potential costs.  In addition, we obtain third-party engineer evaluations on an annual basis and adjust this liability to reflect changes in the estimated costs. Cash expenditures associated with these obligations were $0.0 million and $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Future increases or decreases of costs for

construction, material and labor, as well as other land development and utilities infrastructure costs, may have a significant effect on the estimated development liability. The balance of the estimated development liability was $32.5 million and $32.6 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

 

Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal

 

We are involved in litigation from time to time, primarily arising in the normal course of our business. These cases are in various procedural stages. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of these legal and regulatory matters, we generally cannot predict the ultimate resolution of the pending matters, the related timing, or the eventual loss. While the outcome of such contingencies cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the resolution of such matters will have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

Surety Bonds

 

Surety bonds, issued by third-party entities, are used primarily to guarantee our performance to construct improvements in our various communities.  As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding surety bonds of approximately $27.7 million. The amount of outstanding surety bonds could fluctuate depending on the level of development activity. We do not believe that it is likely any of these outstanding surety bonds will be drawn upon.

 

Note 8 - Segment Information

 

Our operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. We have identified our chief operating decision maker as our Chief Executive Officer. Our reportable segments are as follows: Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas.

 

The following table summarizes our information for reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Note 9 - Fair Value Disclosures

 

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, expands disclosures about fair value measurements, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

The accounting standards require that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

Level 1: Fair value determined based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

Level 2: Fair value determined using significant observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, by correlation or other means.

 

Level 3: Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flows, or similar techniques.

 

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, and accounts payable and the Senior Secured Credit Facility approximates the fair value due to their short-term nature.

 

Certain assets are required to be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial liabilities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

In estimating the fair value of financial liabilities, we used the following methods and assumptions:

 

7.50% Notes, 8.50% Senior Notes, and 6.00% Notes

 

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the fair value of the 7.50% Notes, the 8.50% Notes and the 6.00% Notes is estimated, based on quoted or estimated market prices.  These fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Contingent consideration (“earn-out”)

 

This was first recognized as part of the purchase price paid for the Royal Oak and Bonterra Builders acquisitions in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. For the fair value as of December 31, 2015, valuation models were used to value the earn-outs by simulating earnings, applying the terms of the earn-out in each simulated path, determining the average payment in each year across all the trials of the simulation, and calculating the sum of the present values of the payments in each year. The primary inputs and key assumptions include estimated future earnings, probabilities of achievement, earnings volatility, and the discount rate.

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Executive Overview

 

We are engaged in the business of homebuilding and community development in Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas. We also engage to a limited degree in other real estate activities, such as the operation of amenities and the sale of land for third-party development. We manage our business through three reportable segments: Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we derived 56% of our revenues from Florida, 17% of our revenues from Arizona, and 27% of our revenues from the Carolinas.

 

Our primary business is the development of land and the construction and sale of homes for people of all ages, including active adults (55 years and older). Our current homebuilding sales activities include locations in Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas, with additional communities in the pipeline for each state. Within each geographical segment, we build both active adult communities, which are restricted to homeowners that are age 55 and older, and primary residential communities, which are open to all ages. This geographic and product segment diversification helps mitigate our overall business risks. We also opportunistically sell existing non-core commercial and industrial assets, as well as scattered lot positions and land assets, that are in excess of our needed supply in a given market.

 

As of March 31, 2016, our current selling community count included 60 locations, 26 in Florida, nine in Arizona, and 25 in the Carolinas, with additional communities in the pipeline for each area.  Our current count of communities with closings included 58 locations, 26 in Florida, eight in Arizona, and 24 in the Carolinas.

 

Solivita and Vitalia, our active adult communities in Central Florida; CantaMia and Encore in Arizona; and Creekside at Bethpage in Raleigh, North Carolina currently serve as our flagship communities in the active adult market.  These communities broaden our geographic footprint and product offering, and should provide us with market participation in the longer term growth of demand from the wave of Baby Boomers entering their retirement years.

 

We continue to invest in the primary residential market to create a more diversified portfolio that mitigates cyclical impact over time.  Through homebuilder acquisitions and by acquiring new land and lot positions, we have and continue to expand within our existing markets in Central Florida, Charlotte, Raleigh, Jacksonville and the greater Phoenix area. Replacement lot positions require new acquisitions of developed lots or platted or unplatted undeveloped land, or we may decide to develop current land holdings, depending on market conditions within the submarket of these assets.

 

Our business is significantly influenced by a number of factors that affect our revenues, costs and capital expenditures. In managing our business and the influence of these factors, we track several key operating metrics described below.

 

Key Operating Metrics

 

Contracts signed. Net contracts signed for a given period represents the number of contracts we have entered into with home buyers for the purchase and sale of homes, less the number of contracts that were cancelled in the same period. We consider a home sales contract cancelled when the customer terminates the contract.

 

Home starts. Home starts is the number of new homes on which we have started construction in a given period. Home starts are monitored by management in order to minimize the time between contract signing and closing.

 

Closings. Closings represents the number of home sales closed in the period. We recognize revenue equal to the sales price of a home when the sales are closed and title passes to the purchasers.

 

Backlog. Backlog is the number of homes we are building that are under contract for sale that have not closed as of the end of the period being presented. The dollar value of backlog is the revenue anticipated to be realized at closing equal to the purchase price provided in the applicable contract. Backlog is an important indicator of home closings and homebuilding revenues in future periods.

 

Average sales price. Average sales price represents total revenue for a given period divided by the number of closings for such period.

 

Seasonality

 

Our quarterly operating results generally fluctuate by season. We typically experience the highest new home order activity in the winter and spring months, although new order activity is also highly dependent on the number of actively selling communities and the timing of new community openings and closings as well as other market factors. We may experience higher liquidity demands during the first half of the calendar year as we incur the costs associated with new construction resulting from the increased sales volume. If, due to construction delays or other reasons, we are unable to deliver our expected number of homes in the second half of the calendar year, our full year results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table provides a comparison of certain financial data related to our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

Data from closings for the Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas segments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):  

 

 

First Quarter 2016 Highlights

 

During the first quarter of 2016, we continued to execute our strategic and operational business plan through (i) the continued deployment of existing capital into land and lot acquisitions, (ii) the development of existing land and lot positions, in addition to the construction of homes for sale, (iii) the increase in the number of homes sold and closed, and (iv) the profitable sale of non-core asset positions.

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

 

Consolidated Results

 

Overall revenue increased by $65.3 million or 110.9% to $124.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was comprised of homebuilding revenue, which increased by $67.9 million or 127.2% compared to the same period of 2015, partially offset by a decrease in land sales revenue of $2.6 million. The increase in homebuilding revenue was driven by a 100.9% increase in units closed and a 13.2% increase in the average sales price for homes closed. The decrease in land sales is primarily due to non-recurring sales of non-core assets in Florida in 2015. Land sales are highly variable from quarter to quarter and large fluctuations may occur. The gain on land sales during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $0.1 million compared to $2.4 million during the same period in 2015.

 

Homebuilding Operations

 

Homebuilding revenue, which is revenue from home closings, increased $67.9 million or 127.2% to $121.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to a 100.9% increase in units closed and a 13.2% increase in the average sales price for homes closed. In the Florida segment, homebuilding revenue increased $24.1 million or 57.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 driven by a 48.5% increase in units closed due to an increase in the number of communities in which we had closings from 20 to 26. In the Arizona segment, revenues increased $11.8 million or 118.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 driven by a 107.7% increase in units closed due to an increase in the number of communities in which we had closings from six to eight, including the addition of Encore at Eastmark, our new active adult community.  In the Carolinas segment, revenues increased by $32.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the 2015 due to an increase in the number of communities in which we had closings from four to 24, primarily as a result of the Bonterra Builders acquisition. Additionally, the average selling prices increased 6.0%, 5.5% and 13.7% for the Florida, Arizona and Carolinas segments, respectively.

 

Gross margin from combined home closings increased by 190 basis points to 18.3% from 16.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. Gross margin from the Florida segment increased by 400 basis points to 21.4% from 17.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in

2015, primarily due to cost reduction initiatives favorably impacting our construction costs and selective price increases. Gross margin from the Arizona segment increased by 130 basis points to 14.4% from 13.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to the addition of higher margin communities and selective price increases driving improvements in margins. Gross margin from the Carolinas segment increased by 440 basis points to 14.9% from 10.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to the acquisition of Bonterra Builders. Capitalized interest included in cost of sales for the Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas segments was $1.5 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and was $0.9 million, $0.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively, for the same period in 2015.

 

Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of homebuilding revenue improved to 13.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 18.2% for the same period in 2015 as we were able to continue to leverage the cost base over our increased revenues, primarily driven by the Bonterra Builders acquisition. Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses for the Florida segment as a percentage of homebuilding revenue for the Florida segment was 13.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 15.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses for the Arizona segment as a percentage of homebuilding revenue for the Arizona segment improved to 14.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 23.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 primarily due to the cost leverage achieved from the doubling of revenue from last year. Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses for the Carolinas segment as a percentage of homebuilding revenue for the Carolinas segment improved to 12.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 53.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 due to the significant increase in revenue primarily from the acquisition of Bonterra Builders.

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $0.4 million to $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. As a percentage of total revenue, corporate general and administrative expenses improved to 3.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 6.2% for the same period in 2015. The decrease as a percentage of revenue was driven by the significant increase in revenue, while containing our costs.

 

Interest expense decreased to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $3.3 million in the same period in 2015. The decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to an increase in capitalized interest due to an expansion of inventory under development in 2016 as compared to 2015. Interest costs incurred, prior to capitalization, also increased to $6.9 million for the first three months of 2016 from $6.7 million in the same period of 2015 due to the amount outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facility during 2016.

 

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $0.8 million or $0.04 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $5.0 million or ($0.23) per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2015.  The increase in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to (i) the higher volume of closings and increases in average selling price, driving leverage in our cost base, and (ii) improved gross margins, partially offset by a decrease of $2.4 million in land sale gains.

 

Data from contracts signed for the Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas segments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

The total number of net housing contracts signed during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 increased by 197 or 40.6%. The dollar value of housing contracts signed increased by $79.4 million or 60.8% over the same period. The increase in units and value were driven by improvements in all segments. The number of net housing contracts signed for the Florida segment during the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased by 17 or 4.7%, while the dollar value of housing contracts signed increased by $10.1 million or 10.6%, due to an increase in the number of selling communities from 22 to 26. The number of net housing contracts signed for the Arizona segment during the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased by 20 or 18.5%, while the dollar value of housing contracts signed increased by $8.7 million or 28.5%, due to an increase in the number of selling communities from eight to nine and higher volume from existing communities that were newly opened last year. The number of net housing contracts signed for the Carolinas segment during the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased by 160, while the dollar value of housing contracts signed increased by $60.6 million, due to an increase in the number of selling communities from six to 25, primarily as a result of the Bonterra Builders acquisition. The overall increase reflects an increase in the number of selling communities from 36 to 60 as well as higher average selling prices.

 

The cancellation rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased to 14.8% from 13.7% three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The cancellation rate in the Florida segment remained steady at 14.4% for three months ended March 31, 2016. The cancellation rate in the Arizona segment increased to 24.3% for three months ended March 31, 2016 from 10.0% for three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily attributable to lot transfers within existing communities. The cancellation rate in the Carolinas segment for three months ended March 31, 2016 was 7.0% compared to 26.3% for three months ended March 31, 2015 due to the addition of Bonterra Builders communities, which focus on move-up buyers who typically have a lower cancellation rate.

 

Backlog for the Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas segments as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):  

 

 

The backlog of housing contracts as of March 31, 2016 compared to March 31, 2015 increased by 450 or 74.6%, and the dollar value of backlog increased by $170.1 million or 103.2% over the same period. The increase in units of backlog was driven by increased sales due to higher community counts in all segments, as well as increases in the average price per unit sold due to price increases and the sales mix of product sold. The backlog of housing contracts in the Florida segment as of March 31, 2016 compared to March 31, 2015 increased by 78 or 16.7%, and the dollar value increased by $31.0 million or 24.7% over the same period, driven by the increase in selling communities from 22 to 26. The backlog of housing contracts in the Arizona segment as of March 31, 2016 compared to March 31, 2015 increased by 159 or 131.4%, and the dollar value increased by $55.7 million or 161.6% over the same period, driven by an increase in the number of selling communities from eight to nine, higher volume from existing communities that were newly opened last year, and a 13% increase in average selling price.  The backlog of housing contracts in the Carolinas segment as of March 31, 2016 compared to March 31, 2015 increased by 213 and the dollar value increased by $83.4 million over the same period, driven by the increase in selling communities from six to 25, primarily as a result of the Bonterra Builders acquisition.

 

As of March 31, 2016, our inventory of unsold (speculative) homes, both completed and under construction, was 341 units, as compared to 254 units as of March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, approximately 36% of unsold homes were completed compared to approximately 43% as of March 31, 2015. The increase in speculative homes is consistent with the growth in the number of communities.

 

The following is a breakdown of our land holdings as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

 

 

In addition to the lots presented in the table above, we also have approximately 1,700 acres of commercial and industrial land, approximately 5,600 acres of unplatted scattered mixed-use land, and 690 platted scattered lots.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes have been provided for using the asset and liability method under ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).  The asset and liability method is used in accounting for income taxes where deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by identifying the temporary differences arising from the different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the generation of future taxable income.  In determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns, judgment is required.  Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.