Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
Annual Report 2015
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
Communities
Active Selling
Communities(1)
10
18
14
21
1
7
8
6
10
7
17
2
4
76
18
-
219
Proposed
Communities(1)
17
23
-
18
2
9
13
1
37
3
2
3
7
22
16
2
175
Arizona
California
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Minnesota
New Jersey
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia/DC
West Virginia
Total
Financial Highlights
REVENUES AND INCOME
(Dollars in Millions)
Total Revenues
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related
Charges, Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange
Offer and Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt(2)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
Net (Loss) Income
ASSETS, DEBT AND EQUITY
(Dollars in Millions)
Total Assets
Total Recourse Debt
Total Equity Deficit
INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
(Shares in Thousands)
Assuming Dilution:
(Loss) Income Per Common Share
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
Years Ended October 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
$2,148.5
$2,063.4
$1,851.3
$1,485.4
$1,134.9
$(9.7)
$(21.8)
$(16.1)
$26.6
$20.2
$307.1
$27.7
$21.9
$31.3
$(55.0)
$(101.2)
$(66.2)
$(194.1)
$(291.6)
$(286.1)
$2,602.3
$1,895.2
$2,289.9
$1,657.6
$1,759.1
$1,529.4
$(128.1)
$(117.8)
$(432.8)
$1,684.3
$1,542.2
$(485.3)
$1,602.2
$1,602.8
$(496.6)
$(0.11)
146,899
$1.87
162,441
$0.22
162,329
$(0.52)
126,350
$(2.85)
100,444
(1) Excludes unconsolidated joint ventures.
(2) (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related Charges, Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment
of Debt is not a financial measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). See page 3 of this Annual Report for a
reconciliation to (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
This summary should be read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Communities Under Development(1)
(Dollars In Thousands Except Average Price)
(Unaudited)
Years Ended October 31,
As of October 31,
Net Contracts(2)
Deliveries
Contract Backlog
2015
2014 % Change
2015
2014 % Change
2015
2014 % Change
Northeast
(NJ, PA)
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
Mid-Atlantic
527
$262,726
$498,531
476
$243,055
$510,620
10.7%
8.1%
(2.4)%
380
$189,049
$497,497
550
$274,734
$499,516
(30.9)%
(31.3)%
(0.4)%
293
$147,004
$501,719
146
$73,327
$502,240
100.7%
100.5%
(0.1)%
Midwest
(IL, MN, OH)
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
Southeast
(FL, GA, NC, SC)
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
Southwest
(AZ, TX)
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
West
(CA)
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
Consolidated Total
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
(DE, MD, VA, WV)
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
936
$448,307
$478,961
801
$379,514
$473,801
16.9%
18.1%
1.1%
10.4%
20.2%
8.9%
25.3%
25.5%
0.1%
1.8%
14.9%
12.9%
854
$398,132
$466,197
701
$331,759
$473,266
958
$311,364
$325,015
789
$225,958
$286,386
675
$207,407
$307,269
652
$202,620
$310,768
2,263
$822,371
$363,399
2,389
$747,753
$312,998
21.8%
20.0%
(1.5)%
21.4%
37.8%
13.5%
3.5%
2.4%
(1.1)%
(5.3)%
10.0%
16.1%
937
$317,059
$338,376
849
$263,837
$310,762
722
$232,272
$321,706
576
$185,035
$321,241
2,526
$949,763
$375,995
2,482
$826,707
$333,081
535
$238,080
$445,010
375
$208,273
$555,395
42.7%
14.3%
(19.9)%
377
$159,806
$423,889
416
$230,189
$553,337
(9.4)%
(30.6)%
(23.4)%
6,183
$2,448,207
$395,958
5,559
$2,106,421
$378,921
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
Total
Home
Dollars
Avg. Price
364
$202,879
$557,359
324
$127,270
$392,809
6,547
$2,651,086
$404,931
5,883
$2,233,691
$379,686
DELIVERIES INCLUDE EXTRAS
11.2%
16.2%
4.5%
12.3%
59.4%
41.9%
11.3%
18.7%
6.6%
5,507
$2,088,129
$379,177
5,497
$2,013,013
$366,202
269
$119,920
$445,799
437
$164,082
$375,475
5,776
$2,208,049
$382,280
5,934
$2,177,095
$366,885
0.2%
3.7%
3.5%
(38.4)%
(26.9)%
18.7%
(2.7)%
1.4%
4.2%
453
$239,099
$527,812
371
$188,923
$509,227
644
$194,290
$301,692
665
$188,595
$283,601
279
$105,935
$379,699
232
$81,071
$349,443
1,033
$422,711
$409,207
770
$295,319
$383,532
203
$106,886
$526,531
2,905
$1,215,925
$418,563
207
$132,082
$638,077
3,112
$1,348,007
$433,164
45
$28,612
$635,822
2,229
$855,847
$383,960
112
$49,123
$438,601
2,341
$904,970
$386,574
22.1%
26.6%
3.6%
(3.2)%
3.0%
6.4%
20.3%
30.7%
8.7%
34.2%
43.1%
6.7%
351.1%
273.6%
(17.2)%
30.3%
42.1%
9.0%
84.8%
168.9%
45.5%
32.9%
49.0%
12.1%
Notes:
(1) Segment data excludes unconsolidated joint ventures.
(2) Net contracts are defined as new contracts signed during the period for the purchase of homes, less cancellations of prior contracts.
Note: All statements in this Annual Report that are not historical facts should be considered as “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “Safe Harbor” provisions 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. Such forward-
looking statements include but are not limited to statements related to the Company’s goals and expectations with respect to its financial results for future periods. 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. By their nature, forward-looking statements: (1) speak only as of the date they are made, (2) are not guarantees of future performance or results and (3)
are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Therefore, actual results could differ materially and adversely from those forward-looking
statements as result of a variety of factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, (1) changes in general and local economic, industry and business
conditions and impacts of the sustained homebuilding downturn; (2) adverse weather and other environmental conditions and natural disasters; (3) levels of indebtedness and
restrictions on the Company’s operations and activities imposed by the agreements governing the Company’s outstanding indebtedness; (4) the Company's sources of liquidity; (5)
changes in credit ratings; (6) changes in market conditions and seasonality of the Company’s business; (7) the availability and cost of suitable land and improved lots; (8) shortages in,
and price fluctuations of, raw materials and labor; (9) regional and local economic factors, including dependency on certain sectors of the economy, and employment levels affecting
home prices and sales activity in the markets where the Company builds homes; (10) fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of mortgage financing; (11) changes in tax laws
affecting the after-tax costs of owning a home; (12) operations through joint ventures with third parties; (13) government regulation, including regulations concerning development of
land, the home building, sales and customer financing processes, tax laws and the environment; (14) product liability litigation, warranty claims and claims made by mortgage investors;
(15) levels of competition; (16) availability and terms of financing to the Company; (17) successful identification and integration of acquisitions; (18) significant influence of the
Company’s controlling stockholders; (19) availability of net operating loss carryforwards; (20) utility shortages and outages or rate fluctuations; (21) geopolitical risks, terrorist acts and
other acts of war; (22) increases in cancellations of agreements of sale; (23) loss of key management personnel or failure to attract qualified personnel; (24) information technology
failures and data security breaches; (25) legal claims brought against us and not resolved in our favor; and (26) other factors described in detail in the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.
1 Five-Year Financial Review
(In Thousands Except Number of Homes and Per-Share Data)
Statement of Operations Data:
Total Revenues
Inventory Impairment Loss and Land Option Write-Offs
Income (Loss) from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related Charges,
Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on
Extinguishment of Debt (1)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
Net (Loss) Income
Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share:
Diluted
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and Restricted Cash
Total Inventories
Total Assets
Total Recourse Debt
Total Non-Recourse Debt
Total Equity Deficit
Supplemental Financial Data:
Adjusted EBIT (2)
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities
Interest Incurred
Adjusted EBITDA/Interest Incurred
Financial Statistics:
Average Net Debt/Capitalization (3)
Homebuilding Inventory Turnover (4)
Homebuilding Gross Margin (5)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (6)
Operating Statistics:
Net Sales Contracts – Homes
Net Sales Contracts – Dollars
Deliveries – Homes
Deliveries – Dollars
Backlog – Homes
Backlog – Dollars
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Years Ended October 31,
$2,148,480
$12,044
$4,169
$2,063,380
$5,224
$7,897
$1,851,253
$4,965
$12,040
$1,485,353
$12,530
$5,401
$1,134,907
$101,749
$(8,958)
$(9,721)
$26,559
$(21,765)
$(16,100)
$20,180
$307,144
$(0.11)
146,899
$1.87
162,441
$27,660
$21,935
$31,295
$0.22
162,329
$(54,958)
$(194,078)
$(101,248)
$(66,197)
$(291,588)
$(286,087)
$(0.52)
126,350
$(2.85)
100,444
$280,267
$1,644,578
$2,602,298
$1,895,247
$159,374
$(128,084)
$141,727
$150,574
$(320,535)
$166,188
0.91x
$291,220
$1,344,310
$2,289,930
$1,657,557
$120,527
$(117,799)
$167,903
$175,712
$(190,585)
$145,409
1.21x
109.1%
1.3x
17.6%
7.0%
138.3%
1.5x
19.9%
8.5%
$361,047
$1,078,764
$1,759,130
$1,529,445
$80,636
$(432,799)
$337,434
$981,466
$1,684,250
$1,542,196
$57,077
$(485,345)
$171,234
$179,605
$9,268
$132,611
1.35x
158.0%
1.7x
20.1%
9.7%
$97,475
$107,411
$(66,998)
$147,048
0.73x
156.9%
1.4x
17.8%
7.2%
$328,358
$968,112
$1,602,180
$1,602,770
$45,869
$(496,602)
$(25,522)
$(12,204)
$(207,415)
$156,998
N/A
143.4%
1.1x
15.6%
N/A
6,183
$2,448,207
5,507
$2,088,129
2,905
$1,215,925
5,559
$2,106,421
5,497
$2,013,013
2,229
$855,847
5,544
$1,914,448
5,266
$1,784,327
2,167
$762,439
5,137
$1,597,698
4,676
$1,405,580
1,889
$632,318
4,023
$1,129,785
3,832
$1,072,474
1,387
$440,200
(1) (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related Charges, Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt is a non-GAAP financial
measure. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes. The reconciliation of (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related
Charges, Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt to (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes is presented on page 3 of this Annual Report.
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related Charges, Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt should be considered in
addition to, but not as a substitute for, (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes, Net (Loss) Income and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP that are presented
on the financial statements included in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, the Company's calculation of (Loss) Income Before Income
Taxes Excluding Land-Related Charges, Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt may be different than the calculation used by other
companies, and, therefore, comparability may be affected.
(2) Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is Net (Loss) Income. The reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT and
Adjusted EBITDA to Net (Loss) Income is presented on page 3 of this Annual Report. Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, (Loss)
Income Before Income Taxes, Net (Loss) Income, Cash Flow (Used In) Provided by Operating Activities and other measures of financial performance and liquidity prepared in accordance with
GAAP that are presented on the financial statements included in the Company's reports filed with the SEC. Additionally, the Company's calculation of Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA may
be different than the calculation used by other companies, and, therefore, comparability may be affected.
(3) Debt excludes mortgage warehouse debt and non-recourse debt and is net of homebuilding cash balances. Capitalization includes debt, as previously defined, and total equity deficit. Calculated
based on a five quarter average.
(4) Derived by dividing total cost of sales, excluding cost of sales interest, by the five quarter average homebuilding inventory, excluding inventory not owned and capitalized interest.
(5) Excludes cost of sales interest.
(6) Adjusted EBITDA Margin is derived by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by Total Revenues.
This summary should be read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
2 Reconciliation of (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related Charges, Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on
Extinguishment of Debt to (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes:
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
Inventory Impairment Loss and Land Option Write-Offs
Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer
Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investment Write-Downs
Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes Excluding Land-Related Charges,
Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer and Loss (Gain) on
Extinguishment of Debt
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss):
(Dollars In Thousands)
Net (Loss) Income
Income Tax Benefit
Interest Expense
EBIT
Inventory Impairment Loss and Land Option Write-offs
Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer
Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt
Adjusted EBIT
EBIT
Depreciation
Amortization of Debt Costs
EBITDA
Inventory Impairment Loss and Land Option Write-offs
Expenses Associated with the Debt Exchange Offer
Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt
Adjusted EBITDA
2015
$(21,765)
12,044
–
–
–
Years Ended October 31,
2014
$20,180
5,224
–
–
1,155
2013
$21,935
4,965
–
–
760
2012
$(101,248)
12,530
4,694
–
29,066
2011
$(291,588)
101,749
–
3,289
(7,528)
$(9,721)
$26,559
$27,660
$(54,958)
$(194,078)
Years Ended October 31,
2015
$(16,100)
(5,665)
151,448
129,683
12,044
–
–
$141,727
$129,683
3,388
5,459
138,530
12,044
–
–
$150,574
2014
$307,144
(286,964)
141,344
161,524
5,224
–
1,155
$167,903
$161,524
3,417
4,392
169,333
5,224
–
1,155
$175,712
2013
$31,295
(9,360)
143,574
165,509
4,965
–
760
$171,234
$165,509
4,712
3,659
173,880
4,965
–
760
$179,605
2012
$(66,197)
(35,051)
152,433
51,185
12,530
4,694
29,066
$97,475
$51,185
6,223
3,713
61,121
12,530
4,694
29,066
$107,411
2011
$(286,087)
(5,501)
171,845
(119,743)
101,749
–
(7,528)
$(25,522)
$(119,743)
9,340
3,978
(106,425)
101,749
–
(7,528)
$(12,204)
3 (This page has been left blank intentionally.)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended OCTOBER 31, 2015
☐ 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
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, N.J.
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
22-1851059
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
07701
(Zip Code)
732-747-7800
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Depositary Shares, each representing 1/1,000th of a share of
7.625% Series A Preferred Stock
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
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 “website”, 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of
this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a nonaccelerated filer, or a smaller
reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ☐ Accelerated Filer ☒ Nonaccelerated Filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☐
(Do Not Check if a smaller reporting Company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and nonvoting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at
which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity as of April 30, 2015 (the last business
day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $373,542,676.
As of the close of business on December 14, 2015, there were outstanding 131,532,118 shares of the Registrant’s Class A Common
Stock and 14,985,081 shares of its Class B Common Stock.
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Part III — Those portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection
with registrant’s annual meeting of stockholders to be held on March 15, 2016, which are responsive to those parts of Part III,
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 as identified herein.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item
Page
PART I .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
1
1A
1B
2
3
4
5
6
7
7A
8
9
9A
9B
10
11
12
13
14
15
Business ................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Risk Factors ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Unresolved Staff Comments.................................................................................................................................. 19
Properties ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Legal Proceedings ................................................................................................................................................. 20
Mine Safety Disclosures ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Executive Officers of the Registrant ..................................................................................................................... 21
PART II ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities ............................................................................................................................................................... 22
Selected Financial Data ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ................................ 23
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ............................................................................... 52
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ..................................................................................................... 53
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ................................ 53
Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................................................................ 53
Other Information .................................................................................................................................................. 55
PART III ........................................................................................................................................................... 55
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .................................................................................... 55
Executive Compensation ....................................................................................................................................... 56
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters .............. 56
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ...................................................... 56
Principal Accountant Fees and Services ................................................................................................................ 56
PART IV ........................................................................................................................................................... 57
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ......................................................................................................... 57
Signatures .............................................................................................................................................................. 62
i
Part I
ITEM 1
BUSINESS
Business Overview
We design, construct, market, and sell single-family detached homes, attached
townhomes and
condominiums, urban infill, and active lifestyle homes in planned residential developments and are one of the nation’s largest
builders of residential homes. Founded in 1959 by Kevork Hovnanian, Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,”
“us” or “our”) was incorporated in New Jersey in 1967 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1983. Since the incorporation of
our predecessor company and including unconsolidated joint ventures, we have delivered in excess of 318,000 homes,
including 5,776 homes in fiscal 2015. The Company has two distinct operations: homebuilding and financial services. Our
homebuilding operations consist of six segments: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West. Our
financial services operations provide mortgage loans and title services to the customers of our homebuilding operations.
We are currently, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, offering homes for sale in 219 communities in 34 markets
in 16 states throughout the United States. We market and build homes for first-time buyers, first-time and second-time move-
up buyers, luxury buyers, active lifestyle buyers and empty nesters. We offer a variety of home styles at base prices ranging
from $116,000 to $1,673,000 with an average sales price, including options, of $379,000 nationwide in fiscal 2015.
Our operations span all significant aspects of the home-buying process – from design, construction, and sale, to
mortgage origination and title services.
The following is a summary of our growth history:
1959 - Founded by Kevork Hovnanian as a New Jersey homebuilder.
1983 - Completed initial public offering.
1986 - Entered the North Carolina market through the investment in New Fortis Homes.
1992 - Entered the greater Washington, D.C. market.
1994 - Entered the Coastal Southern California market.
1998 - Expanded in the greater Washington, D.C. market through the acquisition of P.C. Homes.
1999 - Entered the Dallas, Texas market through our acquisition of Goodman Homes. Further diversified and
strengthened our position as New Jersey’s largest homebuilder through the acquisition of Matzel & Mumford.
2001 - Continued expansion in the greater Washington D.C. and North Carolina markets through the acquisition of
Washington Homes. This acquisition further strengthened our operations in each of these markets.
2002 - Entered the Central Valley market in Northern California and Inland Empire region of Southern California
through the acquisition of Forecast Homes.
2003 - Expanded operations in Texas and entered the Houston market through the acquisition of Parkside Homes
and Brighton Homes. Entered the greater Ohio market through our acquisition of Summit Homes and entered the
greater metro Phoenix market through our acquisition of Great Western Homes.
2004 - Entered the greater Tampa, Florida market through the acquisition of Windward Homes and started operations
in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota market.
1
2005 - Entered the Orlando, Florida market through our acquisition of Cambridge Homes and entered the greater
Chicago, Illinois market and expanded our position in Florida and Minnesota through the acquisition of the
operations of Town & Country Homes, which occurred concurrently with our entering into a joint venture with
affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors to own and develop Town & Country Homes’ existing residential
communities. We also entered the Cleveland, Ohio market through the acquisition of Oster Homes.
2006 - Entered the coastal markets of South Carolina and Georgia through the acquisition of Craftbuilt Homes.
Geographic Breakdown of Markets by Segment
The Company markets and builds homes that are constructed in 18 of the nation’s top 50 housing markets. We
segregate our homebuilding operations geographically into the following six segments:
Northeast: New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia
Midwest: Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio
Southeast: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina
Southwest: Arizona and Texas
West: California
For financial information about our segments, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Employees
We employed 2,078 full-time employees (whom we refer to as associates) as of October 31, 2015.
Corporate Offices and Available Information
Our corporate offices are located at 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701. Our
telephone number is 732-747-7800, and our Internet web site address is www.khov.com. Information available on or through
our web site is not a part of this Form 10-K. We make available through our web site our Annual Report on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to
Section 13(d) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably
practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of the
Company’s Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports are
available free of charge upon request. Any materials we file with the SEC may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public
Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C., 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room
may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the
SEC.
Business Strategies
Given the low levels of total U.S. housing starts, and our belief in the long-term recovery of the homebuilding
market, we remain focused on identifying new land parcels, growing our community count and growing our revenues, which
are critical to improving our financial performance. In the last three years, we have grown our inventory, excluding inventory
not owned, by approximately 71%, and our average active selling communities by approximately 27%. In addition, the dollar
value of our homes in backlog increased 42.1% to $1.2 billion at October 31, 2015 compared to the year ended October 31,
2014 and the dollar value of net contracts increased 16.2% to $2.4 billion for the year ended October 31, 2015 as compared
to the prior year. We expect this investment in new communities together with our backlog at October 31, 2015 and net
contract dollars to begin to pay off in fiscal 2016 with increased revenues and profitability. We continue to see opportunities
to purchase land at prices that make economic sense in light of our current sales prices and sales paces and plan to continue
pursuing such land acquisitions.
2
In addition to our current focus on maintaining adequate liquidity and evaluating new investment opportunities, we
intend to continue to focus on our historic key business strategies, as enumerated below. We believe that these strategies
separate us from our competitors in the residential homebuilding industry and the adoption, implementation and adherence
to these principles will continue to benefit our business.
Our goal is to become a significant builder in each of the selected markets in which we operate, which will enable
us to achieve powers and economies of scale and differentiate ourselves from most of our competitors.
We offer a broad product array to provide housing to a wide range of customers. Our customers consist of first-time
buyers, first-time and second-time move-up buyers, luxury buyers, active lifestyle buyers and empty nesters. Our diverse
product array includes single-family detached homes, attached townhomes and condominiums, urban infill and active
lifestyle homes.
We are committed to customer satisfaction and quality in the homes that we build. We recognize that our future
success rests in the ability to deliver quality homes to satisfied customers. We seek to expand our commitment to customer
service through a variety of quality initiatives. In addition, our focus remains on attracting and developing quality associates.
We use several leadership development and mentoring programs to identify key individuals and prepare them for positions
of greater responsibility within our Company.
We focus on achieving high return on invested capital. Each new community is evaluated based on its ability to
meet or exceed internal rate of return requirements. Our belief is that the best way to create lasting value for our shareholders
is through a strong focus on return on invested capital.
We prefer to use a risk-averse land strategy. We attempt to acquire land with a minimum cash investment and
negotiate takedown options, thereby limiting the financial exposure to the amounts invested in property and predevelopment
costs. This approach significantly reduces our risk and generally allows us to obtain necessary development approvals before
acquisition of the land.
We enter into homebuilding and land development joint ventures from time to time as a means of controlling lot
positions, expanding our market opportunities, establishing strategic alliances, reducing our risk profile, leveraging our
capital base and enhancing our returns on capital. Our homebuilding joint ventures are generally entered into with third-party
investors to develop land and construct homes that are sold directly to home buyers. Our land development joint ventures
include those with developers and other homebuilders, as well as financial investors to develop finished lots for sale to the
joint venture’s members or other third parties.
We manage our financial services operations to better serve all of our home buyers. Our current mortgage financing
and title service operations enhance our contact with customers and allow us to coordinate the home-buying experience from
beginning to end.
Operating Policies and Procedures
We attempt to reduce the effect of certain risks inherent in the housing industry through the following policies and
procedures:
Training - Our training is designed to provide our associates with the knowledge, attitudes, skills and habits
necessary to succeed in their jobs. Our training department regularly conducts online or webinar training in sales,
construction, administration and managerial skills.
Land Acquisition, Planning, and Development - Before entering into a contract to acquire land, we complete
extensive comparative studies and analyses which assist us in evaluating the economic feasibility of such land acquisition.
We generally follow a policy of acquiring options to purchase land for future community developments.
● Where possible, we acquire land for future development through the use of land options, which need not be
exercised before the completion of the regulatory approval process. We attempt to structure these options with
flexible takedown schedules rather than with an obligation to take down the entire parcel upon receiving regulatory
approval. If we are unable to negotiate flexible takedown schedules, we will buy parcels in a single bulk purchase.
Additionally, we purchase improved lots in certain markets by acquiring a small number of improved lots with an
option on additional lots. This allows us to minimize the economic costs and risks of carrying a large land
inventory, while maintaining our ability to commence new developments during favorable market periods.
3
● Our option and purchase agreements are typically subject to numerous conditions, including, but not limited to,
our ability to obtain necessary governmental approvals for the proposed community. Generally, the deposit on the
agreement will be returned to us if all approvals are not obtained, although predevelopment costs may not be
recoverable. By paying an additional nonrefundable deposit, we have the right to extend a significant number of
our options for varying periods of time. In most instances, we have the right to cancel any of our land option
agreements by forfeiture of our deposit on the agreement. In fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, rather than purchase
additional lots in underperforming communities, we took advantage of this right and walked away from 4,730 lots,
5,148 lots and 1,611 lots, respectively, out of 20,653 total lots, 22,119 total lots and 17,134 total lots, respectively,
under option, resulting in pretax charges of $4.7 million, $4.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Design - Our residential communities are generally located in urban and suburban areas easily accessible through
public and personal transportation. Our communities are designed as neighborhoods that fit existing land characteristics. We
strive to create diversity within the overall planned community by offering a mix of homes with differing architecture, textures
and colors. Recreational amenities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, clubhouses, open areas and tot lots, are frequently
included.
Construction - We design and supervise the development and building of our communities. Our homes are
constructed according to standardized prototypes, which are designed and engineered to provide innovative product design
while attempting to minimize costs of construction. We generally employ subcontractors for the installation of site
improvements and construction of homes. Agreements with subcontractors are generally short term and provide for a fixed
price for labor and materials. We rigorously control costs through the use of computerized monitoring systems.
Because of the risks involved in speculative building, our general policy is to construct an attached condominium
or townhouse building only after signing contracts for the sale of at least 50% of the homes in that building. A majority of
our single-family detached homes are constructed after the signing of a sales contract and mortgage approval has been
obtained. This limits the buildup of inventory of unsold homes and the costs of maintaining and carrying that inventory.
Materials and Subcontractors - We attempt to maintain efficient operations by utilizing standardized materials
available from a variety of sources. In addition, we generally contract with subcontractors to construct our homes. We have
reduced construction and administrative costs by consolidating the number of vendors serving certain markets and by
executing national purchasing contracts with select vendors. In recent years, we have experienced some construction delays
due to shortage of labor in certain markets like Houston and Dallas; and we cannot predict the extent to which shortages in
necessary materials or labor may occur in the future.
Marketing and Sales - Our residential communities are sold principally through on-site sales offices. In order to
respond to our customers’ needs and trends in housing design, we rely upon our internal market research group to analyze
information gathered from, among other sources, buyer profiles, exit interviews at model sites, focus groups and demographic
databases. We make use of our website, internet, newspaper, radio, television, magazine, billboard, video and direct mail
advertising, special and promotional events, illustrated brochures and full-sized and scale model homes in our comprehensive
marketing program. In addition, we have home design galleries in our Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina
and Virginia markets, which offer a wide range of customer options to satisfy individual customer tastes.
Customer Service and Quality Control - In many of our markets, associates are responsible for customer service and
preclosing quality control inspections as well as responding to postclosing customer needs. Prior to closing, each home is
inspected and any necessary completion work is undertaken by us or our subcontractors. Our homes are enrolled in a standard
limited warranty program which, in general, provides a homebuyer with a limited warranty for the home’s materials and
workmanship which follows each State’s applicable statute of repose. All of the warranties contain standard exceptions,
including, but not limited to, damage caused by the customer.
Customer Financing - We sell our homes to customers who generally finance their purchases through mortgages.
Our financial services segment provides our customers with competitive financing and coordinates and expedites the loan
origination transaction through the steps of loan application, loan approval, and closing and title services. We originate loans
in each of the states in which we build homes, except Ohio. We believe that our ability to offer financing to customers on
competitive terms as a part of the sales process is an important factor in completing sales.
During the year ended October 31, 2015, for the markets in which our mortgage subsidiaries originated loans, 12.7%
of our home buyers paid in cash and 74.6% of our noncash home buyers obtained mortgages from our mortgage banking
subsidiary. The loans we originated in fiscal 2015 were 27.1% Federal Housing Administration/Veterans Affairs
(“FHA/VA”), 72.3% prime and 0.6% United States Department of Agriculture.
4
We customarily sell virtually all of the loans and loan-servicing rights that we originate within a short period of
time. Loans are sold either individually or against forward commitments to institutional investors, including banks, mortgage
banking firms, and savings and loan associations.
Residential Development Activities
Our residential development activities include site planning and engineering, obtaining environmental and other
regulatory approvals and constructing roads, sewer, water, and drainage facilities, recreational facilities, and other amenities
and marketing and selling homes. These activities are performed by our associates, together with independent architects,
consultants and contractors. Our associates also carry out long-term planning of communities. A residential development
generally includes single-family detached homes and/or a number of residential buildings containing from 2 to 24 individual
homes per building, together with amenities, such as club houses, swimming pools, tennis courts, tot lots and open areas.
Current base prices for our homes in contract backlog at October 31, 2015, range from $175,000 to $855,000 in the
Northeast, from $159,000 to $1,525,000 in the Mid-Atlantic, from $116,000 to $1,050,000 in the Midwest, from $124,000 to
$1,000,000 in the Southeast, from $165,000 to $1,040,000 in the Southwest and from $178,000 to $1,673,000 in the West.
Closings generally occur and are typically reflected in revenues within six to nine months of when sales contracts are signed.
Information on homes delivered by segment for the year ended October 31, 2015, is set forth below:
(Housing revenue in thousands)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
Unconsolidated joint ventures
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures
Housing
Revenues
$189,049
398,132
311,364
207,407
822,371
159,806
$2,088,129
119,920
$2,208,049
Homes
Delivered
380
854
958
675
2,263
377
5,507
269
5,776
Average
Price
$497,497
466,197
325,015
307,269
363,399
423,889
$379,177
445,799
$382,280
The value of our net sales contracts, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, increased 16.2% to $2.4 billion for the
year ended October 31, 2015 from $2.1 billion for the year ended October 31, 2014. The number of homes contracted
increased 11.2% to 6,183 in fiscal 2015 from 5,559 in fiscal 2014. The increase in the number of homes contracted occurred
along with a 9.0% increase in the number of open-for-sale communities from 201 at October 31, 2014 to 219 at October 31,
2015. We contracted an average of 30.0 homes per average active selling community in fiscal 2015 compared to 28.4 homes
per average active selling community in fiscal 2014, a 5.6% increase in sales pace per community as our performance per
community improved in fiscal 2015, especially in the latter half of the year.
Information on the value of net sales contracts by segment for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, is set
forth below:
(Value of net sales contracts in thousands)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
Unconsolidated joint ventures
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures
2015
$262,726
448,307
317,059
232,272
949,763
238,080
$2,448,207
202,879
$2,651,086
2014
$243,055
379,514
263,837
185,035
826,707
208,273
$2,106,421
127,270
$2,233,691
Percentage of
Change
8.1 %
18.1 %
20.2 %
25.5 %
14.9 %
14.3 %
16.2 %
59.4 %
18.7 %
5
The following table summarizes our active selling communities under development as of October 31, 2015. The
contracted not delivered and remaining homes available in our active selling communities are included in the consolidated
total homesites under the total residential real estate chart in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.”
Active Selling Communities
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
Communities
12
40
30
33
86
18
219
Approved
Homes
2,281
4,937
4,845
3,450
12,309
2,599
30,421
Homes
Delivered
1,061
2,209
1,740
1,106
7,396
931
14,443
Contracted
Not
Delivered(1)
293
453
644
279
1,033
203
2,905
Remaining
Homes
Available(2)
927
2,275
2,461
2,065
3,880
1,465
13,073
(1) Includes 255 home sites under option.
(2) Of the total remaining homes available, 897 were under construction or completed (including 77 models and sales
offices), and 5,081 were under option.
Backlog
At October 31, 2015 and 2014, including unconsolidated joint ventures, we had a backlog of signed contracts for
3,112 homes and 2,341 homes, respectively, with sales values aggregating $1.3 billion and $905.0 million, respectively. The
majority of our backlog at October 31, 2015, is expected to be completed and closed within the next six to nine months. At
November 30, 2015 and 2014, our backlog of signed contracts, including unconsolidated joint ventures, was 3,317 homes
and 2,458 homes, respectively, with sales values aggregating $1.5 billion and $964.6 million, respectively. For information
on our backlog excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, see the table on page 42 under Item 7 “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations -Homebuilding.”
Sales of our homes typically are made pursuant to a standard sales contract that provides the customer with a
statutorily mandated right of rescission for a period ranging up to 15 days after execution. This contract requires a nominal
customer deposit at the time of signing. In addition, in the Northeast, and some sections of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest,
we typically obtain an additional 5% to 10% down payment due within 30 to 60 days after signing. In most markets, an
additional deposit is required when the customer selects and commits to optional upgrades in the home. The contract may
include a financing contingency, which permits customers to cancel their obligation in the event mortgage financing at
prevailing interest rates (including financing arranged or provided by us) is unobtainable within the period specified in the
contract. This contingency period typically is four to eight weeks following the date of execution of the contract. When
housing values decline in certain markets, some customers cancel their contracts and forfeit their deposits. Cancellation rates
are discussed further in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Sales contracts are included in backlog once the sales contract is signed by the customer, which in some cases includes
contracts that are in the rescission or cancellation periods. However, revenues from sales of homes are recognized in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations, when title to the home is conveyed to the buyer, adequate initial and continuing
investments have been received, and there is no continued involvement.
Residential Land Inventory in Planning
It is our objective to control a supply of land, primarily through options, whenever possible, consistent with
anticipated homebuilding requirements in each of our housing markets. Controlled land (land owned and under option) as of
October 31, 2015, exclusive of communities under development described above under “Active Selling Communities” and
excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, is summarized in the following table. The proposed developable home sites in
communities in planning are included in the 34,729 consolidated total home sites under the total residential real estate table
in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on page 36.
6
Communities in Planning
(Dollars in thousands)
Northeast:
Under option(1)
Owned
Total
Mid-Atlantic:
Under option(1)
Owned
Total
Midwest:
Under option(1)
Owned
Total
Southeast:
Under option(1)
Owned
Total
Southwest:
Under option(1)
Owned
Total
West:
Under option(1)
Owned
Total
Totals:
Under option(1)
Owned
Combined total
Number
of Proposed
Communities
Proposed
Developable
Home Sites
Total
Land
Option
Price
Book
Value
30
10
40
20
11
31
6
6
12
21
9
30
37
2
39
1
22
23
3,056 $240,494 $12,098
$98,775
1,334
$110,873
4,390
1,157 $116,767
1,703
2,860
$3,950
$35,986
$39,936
917 $54,800
482
1,399
$1,008
$6,841
$7,849
3,478 $215,611
441
3,919
$4,493
$9,493
$13,986
1,884 $172,104 $13,750
$7,399
$21,149
109
1,993
95 $11,125
$2,785
$17,925
$20,710
4,095
4,190
115
60
175
10,587 $810,901 $38,084
$176,419
8,164
$214,503
18,751
(1) Properties under option also include costs incurred on properties not under option but which are under evaluation. For
properties under option, as of October 31, 2015, option fees and deposits aggregated $28.6 million. As of October 31,
2015, we spent an additional $9.4 million in nonrefundable predevelopment costs on such properties.
We either option or acquire improved or unimproved home sites from land developers or other sellers. Under a
typical agreement with the land developer, we purchase a minimal number of home sites. The balance of the home sites to
be purchased is covered under an option agreement or a nonrecourse purchase agreement. During the declining homebuilding
market, we decided to mothball (or stop development on) certain communities where we determined that current market
conditions did not justify further investment at that time. When we decide to mothball a community, the inventory is
reclassified on our Consolidated Balance Sheet from Sold and unsold homes and lots under development to Land and land
options held for future development or sale. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on
mothballed communities. For additional financial information regarding our homebuilding segments, see Note 10 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
Raw Materials
The homebuilding industry has from time to time experienced raw material and labor shortages. In particular,
shortages and fluctuations in the price of lumber or in other important raw materials could result in delays in the start or
completion of or increase the cost of developing one or more of our residential communities. We attempt to maintain efficient
operations by utilizing standardized materials available from a variety of sources. In recent years, we have experienced some
construction delays due to shortage of labor in certain markets like Houston and Dallas; and we cannot predict the extent to
which shortages in necessary materials or labor may occur in the future. In addition, we generally contract with subcontractors
to construct our homes. We have reduced construction and administrative costs by consolidating the number of vendors
serving certain markets and by executing national purchasing contracts with select vendors.
Seasonality
Our business is seasonal in nature and, historically, weather-related problems, typically in the fall, late winter and
early spring, can delay starts or closings and increase costs.
Competition
Our homebuilding operations are highly competitive. We are among the top 10 homebuilders in the United States
in both homebuilding revenues and home deliveries. We compete with numerous real estate developers in each of the
geographic areas in which we operate. Our competition ranges from small local builders to larger regional builders to publicly
owned builders and developers, some of which have greater sales and financial resources than we do. Previously owned
homes and the availability of rental housing provide additional competition. We compete primarily on the basis of reputation,
price, location, design, quality, service and amenities.
Regulation and Environmental Matters
We are subject to extensive and complex laws and regulations that affect the development of land and home building,
sales and customer financing processes concerning zoning, building design, construction, and similar matters, including local
regulations which impose restrictive zoning and density requirements in order to limit the number of homes that can
eventually be built within the boundaries of a particular locality. In addition, we are subject to registration and filing
requirements in connection with the construction, advertisement and sale of our communities in certain states and localities
in which we operate even if all necessary government approvals have been obtained. We may also be subject to periodic
delays or may be precluded entirely from developing communities due to building moratoriums that could be implemented
in the future in the states in which we operate. Generally, such moratoriums relate to insufficient water or sewerage facilities
or inadequate road capacity.
In addition, some state and local governments in markets where we operate have approved, and others may approve,
slow-growth, or no-growth initiatives that could negatively affect the availability of land and building opportunities within
those areas. Approval of these initiatives could adversely affect our ability to build and sell homes in the affected markets
and/or could require the satisfaction of additional administrative and regulatory requirements, which could result in slowing
the progress or increasing the costs of our homebuilding operations in these markets. Any such delays or costs could have a
negative effect on our future revenues and earnings.
We are also subject to a variety of local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations concerning protection of
health and the environment, including those regulating the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, the
management of stormwater runoff at construction sites, the handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances,
impacts to wetlands and other sensitive environments, and the remediation of contamination at properties that we have owned
or developed or currently own or are developing (“environmental laws”). The particular environmental laws which apply to
any given community vary greatly according to the community site, the site’s environmental conditions and the present and
former uses of the site. See Risk Factors – “Homebuilders are subject to a number of federal, local, state, and foreign laws
and regulations concerning the development of land, the homebuilding, sales, and customer financing processes and the
protection of the environment, which can cause us to incur delays and costs associated with compliance and which can
prohibit or restrict our activity in some regions or areas”, Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 18 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
8
Despite our past ability to obtain necessary permits and approvals for our communities, we anticipate that
increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future. Although we cannot
reliably predict the extent of any effect these requirements may have on us, 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, our ability to obtain or renew permits or approvals and the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or
approvals already obtained is dependent upon many factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as changes in
policies, rules and regulations and their interpretation and application.
ITEM 1A
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risks in addition to the other information included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.
The homebuilding industry is significantly affected by changes in general and local economic conditions, real estate markets,
and weather and other environmental conditions, which could affect our ability to build homes at prices our customers are
willing or able to pay, could reduce profits that may not be recaptured, could result in cancellation of sales contracts, and
could affect our liquidity.
The homebuilding industry is cyclical, has from time to time experienced significant difficulties, and is significantly
affected by changes in general and local economic conditions such as:
• Employment levels and job growth;
• Availability of financing for home buyers;
• Interest rates;
• Foreclosure rates;
• Inflation;
• Adverse changes in tax laws;
• Consumer confidence;
• Housing demand in general and for our particular community locations and product designs, as well as consumer
interest in purchasing a home compared to other housing alternatives;
• Population growth; and
• Availability of water supply in locations in which we operate.
Turmoil in the financial markets could affect our liquidity. In addition, our cash balances are primarily invested in
short-term government-backed instruments. The remaining cash balances are held at numerous financial institutions and may,
at times, exceed insurable amounts. We seek to mitigate this risk by depositing our cash in major financial institutions and
diversifying our investments. In addition, our homebuilding operations often require us to obtain letters of credit. We have a
$75.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that can be used for general purposes, or under which letters of credit may
be issued. We also have certain stand-alone letter of credit facilities and agreements pursuant to which letters of credit are
issued. However, we may need additional letters of credit above the amounts provided under these facilities and agreements.
If we are unable to obtain such additional letters of credit as needed to operate our business, we may be adversely affected.
Weather conditions and man-made or natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, droughts,
fires and other environmental conditions, can harm the local homebuilding business. For example, our production process
slowed and our cost of operations increased in Texas during fiscal 2015 as a result of record wet conditions in this state. In
August 2011 and October 2012, Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy, respectively, caused widespread flooding and
disruptions on the Atlantic seaboard, which impacted our sales and construction activity in affected markets during those
months.
9
The difficulties described above could cause us to take longer and incur more costs to build our homes. In addition,
our insurance may not fully cover business interruptions or losses caused by weather conditions and man-made or natural
disasters and we may not be able to recapture increased costs by raising prices in many cases because we fix our prices up to
12 months in advance of delivery by signing home sales contracts. Some home buyers may also cancel or not honor their
home sales contracts altogether.
The homebuilding industry experienced a significant and sustained downturn which has, and could continue to, materially
and adversely affect our business, liquidity, and results of operations.
The homebuilding industry experienced a significant and sustained downturn that began in 2007. The market has
improved in the last few years, but was still near historical low volumes in 2015. An industry-wide softening of demand for
new homes resulted from a lack of consumer confidence, decreased availability of mortgage financing, and large supplies of
resale and new home inventories, among other factors. In addition, an oversupply of alternatives to new homes, such as rental
properties, resale homes, and foreclosures, depressed prices, and reduced margins for the sale of new homes. Industry
conditions had a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations in fiscal years 2007 through 2011 and may
continue to materially adversely affect our business and results of operations in future years. Further, we substantially
increased our inventory through fiscal 2006, which required significant cash outlays and which increased our price and margin
exposure as we worked through this inventory.
Several challenges, such as general U.S. economic weakness and uncertainty, historically low oil prices (which has
affected our Texas markets), extreme weather conditions, increasing cycle times due to labor shortages, the restrictive
mortgage lending environment and rising mortgage interest rates, could further impact the housing market and, consequently,
our performance. Both national new home sales and our home sales remain below historical levels. We continue to believe
that we are still in the early stages of the housing recovery. However, given our recent uneven operating performance, we
may continue to experience mixed results in some of our operating markets.
Our leverage places burdens on our ability to comply with the terms of our indebtedness, may restrict our ability to operate,
may prevent us from fulfilling our obligations, and may adversely affect our financial condition.
We have a significant amount of debt.
• Our debt (excluding nonrecourse secured debt and debt of our financial subsidiaries), as of October 31,
2015, including the debt of the subsidiaries that guarantee our debt, was $1,905.9 million ($1,895.2 million net of
discount), which includes borrowings under our $75.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility under which at
October 31, 2015, we had $2.1 million of borrowing capacity (net of $25.9 million in letters of credit outstanding
under the facility) under the facility, subject to borrowing conditions; and
• Our debt service payments for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2015, were $207.3 million, substantially
all of which represented interest incurred and the remainder of which represented payments on the principal of our
amortizing notes, and do not include principal and interest on nonrecourse secured debt, debt of our financial
subsidiaries and fees under our letter of credit and other credit facilities and agreements.
In addition, as of October 31, 2015, we had $28.5 million in aggregate outstanding face amount of letters of credit
issued under various letter of credit and other credit facilities and agreements, certain of which were collateralized by $2.6
million of cash. Our fees for these letters of credit for the year ended October 31, 2015, which are based on both the used and
unused portion of the facilities and agreements, were $1.8 million. We also had substantial contractual commitments and
contingent obligations, including $235.8 million of performance bonds as of October 31, 2015. See Item 7 “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Contractual Obligations.”
Our significant amount of debt could have important consequences. For example, it could:
• Limit our ability to obtain future financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service
requirements, or other requirements;
• Require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of our debt and reduce
our ability to use our cash flow for other purposes;
• Limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business;
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• Place us at a competitive disadvantage because we have more debt than some of our competitors;
• Limit our ability to implement our strategies and operational actions;
• Require us to consider selling some of our assets or debt or equity securities, possibly on unfavorable terms, to
satisfy obligations; and
• Make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business and general economic conditions.
Our ability to meet our debt service and other obligations will depend upon our future performance. We are engaged
in businesses that are substantially affected by changes in economic cycles. Our revenues and earnings vary with the level of
general economic activity in the markets we serve. Our businesses are also affected by customer sentiment and financial,
political, business, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The factors that affect our ability to generate
cash can also affect our ability to raise additional funds for these purposes through the sale of equity securities, the refinancing
of debt, or the sale of assets. Changes in prevailing interest rates may affect our ability to meet our debt service obligations
to the extent we have any floating rate indebtedness. A higher interest rate on our debt service obligations could result in
lower earnings or increased losses.
Our sources of liquidity are limited and may not be sufficient to meet our needs.
We are largely dependent on our current cash balance and future cash flows from operations (which may not be
positive) to enable us to service our indebtedness, to cover our operating expenses, and/or to fund our other liquidity needs.
We used $320.5 million and $190.6 million of cash from operating activities in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and
2014, respectively, after taking into account land purchases, and currently expect to continue to generate negative or slightly
positive cash flow, after taking into account land purchases. In addition, we have $172.7 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due
on January 15, 2016 and $86.5 million of 7.5% Senior Notes due on May 15, 2016. While our preference is to refinance these
near term maturities as they come due, in light of the availability of debt financing in the capital or loan markets to companies
with comparable credit ratings, we may not be able to refinance these obligations or do so at an attractive rate. If the
homebuilding industry does not experience improved conditions over the next several years, our cash flows could be
insufficient to fund our obligations and support land purchases; if we cannot buy additional land we would ultimately be
unable to generate future revenues from the sale of houses. In addition, we may need to further refinance all or a portion of
our debt on or before maturity, which we may not be able to do on favorable terms or at all. If our cash flows and capital
resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations or we are unable to refinance our indebtedness, we may be
forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital, or restructure our
indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful or, if successful, made on desirable terms and may not permit
us to meet our debt service obligations. We have also entered into certain cash collateralized letters of credit agreements and
facilities that require us to maintain specified amounts of cash in segregated accounts as collateral to support our letters of
credit issued thereunder. If our available cash and capital resources are insufficient to meet our debt service and other
obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to
meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or the proceeds from the
dispositions may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. For additional information about capital
resources and liquidity, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
— Capital Resources and Liquidity.”
Our cash flows, liquidity and consolidated financial statements could be materially and adversely affected if we are unable
to obtain letters of credit.
Our homebuilding operations often require us to obtain letters of credit. In June 2013, we entered into a new $75.0
million unsecured revolving credit facility under which letters of credit may be issued. We also have certain stand-alone letter
of credit facilities and agreements pursuant to which letters of credit are issued. However, we may need additional letters of
credit above the amounts provided under these facilities and agreements. If we are unable to obtain such additional letters of
credit as needed to operate our business, we may be adversely affected.
We may have difficulty in obtaining the additional financing required to operate and develop our business.
Our operations require significant amounts of cash, and we may be required to seek additional capital, whether from
sales of debt or equity securities or borrowing additional money, for the future growth and development of our business. The
terms and/or availability of additional capital is uncertain. Moreover, the agreements governing our outstanding debt
instruments contain provisions that restrict the debt we may incur in the future and our ability to pay dividends on equity. If
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we are not successful in obtaining sufficient capital, it could reduce our sales and may hinder our future growth and results
of operations. In addition, pledging substantially all of our assets to support our senior secured notes may make it more
difficult to raise additional financing in the future.
Restrictive covenants in our debt instruments may restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to operate and if our
financial performance worsens, we may not be able to undertake transactions within the restrictions of our debt instruments.
The indentures governing our outstanding debt securities and our revolving credit facility impose certain restrictions
on our and certain of our subsidiaries’ operations and activities. The most significant restrictions relate to debt incurrence,
creating liens, sales of assets, cash distributions, including paying dividends on common and preferred stock, capital stock
and debt repurchases, and investments by us and certain of our subsidiaries. Because of these restrictions, we are currently
prohibited from paying dividends on our common and preferred stock and anticipate that we will remain prohibited for the
foreseeable future.
The restrictions in our debt instruments could prohibit or restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries’ activities, such
as undertaking capital raising or restructuring activities or entering into other transactions. In such a situation, we may be
unable to amend the instrument or obtain a waiver. In addition, if we fail to comply with these restrictions or to make timely
payments on this debt and other material indebtedness, an event of default could occur and our debt under these debt
instruments could become due and payable prior to maturity. Any such event of default could lead to cross defaults under
certain of our other debt or negatively impact other covenants. In these situations, we may be unable to amend the applicable
instrument or obtain a waiver without significant additional cost, or at all. In such a situation, there can be no assurance that
we would be able to obtain alternative financing. Any such situation could have a material adverse effect on the solvency of
the Company.
The terms of our debt instruments allow us to incur additional indebtedness.
Under the terms of our indebtedness under our indentures and under our revolving credit facility, we have the ability,
subject to our debt covenants, to incur additional amounts of debt. The incurrence of additional indebtedness could magnify
the risks described above. In addition, certain obligations, such as standby letters of credit and performance bonds issued in
the ordinary course of business, including those issued under our stand-alone letter of credit agreements and facilities, are
not considered indebtedness under our debt instruments (and may be secured), and therefore, are not subject to limits in our
debt covenants.
We could be adversely affected by a negative change in our credit rating.
Our ability to access capital on favorable terms is a key factor in our ability to service our indebtedness to cover our
operating expenses and to fund our other liquidity needs. For example, during fiscal 2011 and thereafter, credit agencies took
a series of negative actions with respect to their credit ratings of us and our debt. More recently, in November and December
2015, Moody’s Investor Services and Fitch Ratings, respectively, took certain negative rating actions, including downgrades
with respect to their credit ratings of us and our debt, as discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Conditions and Results of Operation – Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Downgrades may make it more difficult and costly
for us to access capital. Therefore, any further downgrade by any of the principal credit agencies may exacerbate these
difficulties. There can be no assurances that our credit ratings will not be further downgraded in the future, whether as a result
of deteriorating general economic conditions, a more protracted downturn in the housing industry, failure to successfully
implement our operating strategy, the adverse impact on our results of operations or liquidity position of any of the above, or
otherwise.
Our business is seasonal in nature and our quarterly operating results can fluctuate.
Our quarterly operating results generally fluctuate by season. The construction of a customer’s home typically begins
after signing the agreement of sale and can take six to nine months or more to complete. Weather-related problems, typically
in the fall, winter and early spring, can delay starts or closings and increase costs and thus reduce profitability. In addition,
delays in opening communities could have an adverse effect on our sales and revenues. Due to these factors, our quarterly
operating results will likely continue to fluctuate.
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Our success depends on the availability of suitable undeveloped land and improved lots at acceptable prices and our having
sufficient liquidity to fund such investments.
Our success in developing land and in building and selling homes depends in part upon the continued availability of
suitable undeveloped land and improved lots at acceptable prices. The homebuilding industry is highly competitive for land
that is suitable for residential development and the availability of undeveloped land and improved lots for purchase at
favorable prices depends on a number of factors outside of our control, including the risk of competitive over bidding on land
and lots, geographical or topographical constraints and restrictive governmental regulation. Should suitable land opportunities
become less available, our ability to implement our strategies and operational actions would be limited and the number of
homes we may be able to build and sell would be reduced, which would reduce revenue and profits. In addition, our ability
to make land purchases will depend upon us having sufficient liquidity to fund such purchases. We may be at a disadvantage
in competing for land due to our significant debt obligations, which require substantial cash resources.
Raw material and labor shortages and price fluctuations could delay or increase the cost of home construction and adversely
affect our operating results.
The homebuilding industry has from time to time experienced raw material and labor shortages. In particular,
shortages and fluctuations in the price of lumber or in other important raw materials could result in delays in the start or
completion of, or increase the cost of, developing one or more of our residential communities. For example, manufacturers
increased the price of drywall in 2013 by approximately 20% as compared to the prior year, and there is a potential for
significant future price increases. In addition, we contract with subcontractors to construct our homes. Therefore, the timing
and quality of our construction depends on the availability, skill, and cost of our subcontractors. Delays or cost increases
caused by shortages and price fluctuations, including as a result of inflation, could harm our operating results, the impact of
which may be further affected depending on our ability to raise sales prices to offset increased costs. We have experienced
some labor shortages and increased labor costs over the past few years, including more recently in several geographies,
including Houston and Dallas, which has resulted in longer delivery times. It is uncertain whether these shortages will
continue as is, improve or worsen.
We rely on subcontractors to construct our homes and should our homes not be properly constructed, it may be costly.
We engage subcontractors to perform the actual construction of our homes. Despite our quality control efforts, we
may discover that our subcontractors failed to properly construct our homes. The occurrence of such events could require us
to repair the homes in accordance with our standards and as required by law. The cost of satisfying our legal obligations in
these instances may be significant, and we may be unable to recover the cost of repair from subcontractors and insurers.
Changes in economic and market conditions could result in the sale of homes at a loss or holding land in inventory longer
than planned, the cost of which can be significant.
Land inventory risk can be substantial for homebuilders. We must continuously seek and make acquisitions of land
for expansion into new markets and for replacement and expansion of land inventory within our current markets. We incur
many costs even before we begin to build homes in a community. Depending on the stage of development of a land parcel
when we acquire it, these may include costs of preparing land, finishing and entitling lots, installing roads, sewers, water
systems and other utilities, taxes and other costs related to ownership of the land on which we plan to build homes. The
market value of undeveloped land, buildable lots, and housing inventories can fluctuate significantly as a result of changing
economic and market conditions. In the event of significant changes in economic or market conditions, we may have to sell
homes at a loss or hold land in inventory longer than planned. In the case of land options, we could choose not to exercise
them, in which case we would write off the value of these options. Inventory carrying costs can be significant and can result
in losses in a poorly performing project or market. The assessment of communities for indication of impairment is performed
quarterly. While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the reporting
period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change. See Item 7
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Critical Accounting Policies.”
For example, while in fiscal 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we did not have significant land option write-offs or impairments,
during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, we decided not to exercise many option contracts and walked away from land option
deposits and predevelopment costs, which resulted in land option write-offs of $24.3 million, $13.2 million, and $45.4
million, respectively. Also, in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, as a result of the difficult market conditions, we recorded inventory
impairment losses on owned property of $77.5 million, $122.5 million and $614.1 million, respectively. If market conditions
worsen, additional inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs will likely be necessary.
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We conduct a significant portion of our business in Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia, and
accordingly, regional factors affecting home sales and activities in these markets may have a large impact on our results of
operations.
We presently conduct a significant portion of our business in Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas and
Virginia, which subjects us to risks associated with the regional and local economies of these markets. Home prices and sales
activities in these markets and in most of the other markets in which we operate have declined from time to time, particularly
as a result of slow economic growth. These markets may also depend, to a degree, on certain sectors of the economy and any
declines in those sectors may impact home sales and activities in that region. For example, to the extent the oil and gas
industries, which can be very volatile, are negatively impacted by declining commodity prices, climate change, legislation or
other factors, it could result in reduced employment, or other negative economic consequences, which in turn has adversely
impacted our home sales and activities in Texas. Furthermore, precarious economic and budget situations at the state
government level may adversely affect the market for our homes in the affected areas. Events impacting these markets could
also negatively affect the other markets in which we operate. If home prices and sales activity decline in one or more of the
markets in which we operate, our costs may not decline at all or at the same rate and the Company’s business, financial
condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Because almost all of our customers require mortgage financing, increases in interest rates or the decreased availability of
mortgage financing could impair the affordability of our homes, lower demand for our products, limit our marketing
effectiveness, and limit our ability to fully realize our backlog.
Virtually all of our customers finance their acquisitions through lenders providing mortgage financing. Increases in
interest rates (or the perception that interest rates will rise, including as a result of government actions), increases in the costs
to obtain mortgages or decreases in availability of mortgage financing could lower demand for new homes because of the
increased monthly mortgage costs and cash required to close on mortgages to potential home buyers. Even if potential
customers do not need financing, changes in interest rates and mortgage availability could make it harder for them to sell
their existing homes to potential buyers who need financing. This could prevent or limit our ability to attract new customers
as well as our ability to fully realize our backlog because our sales contracts generally include a financing contingency.
Financing contingencies permit the customer to cancel its obligation in the event mortgage financing at prevailing interest
rates, including financing arranged or provided by us, is unobtainable within the period specified in the contract. This
contingency period is typically four to eight weeks following the date of execution of the sales contract.
Starting in 2007, many lenders have been significantly tightening their underwriting standards, even above the
minimum standards set by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD/FHA, and subprime and other alternative mortgage products
are no longer being made available in the marketplace. If these trends continue and mortgage loans continue to be difficult
to obtain, the ability and willingness of prospective buyers to finance home purchases or to sell their existing homes will be
adversely affected, which will adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we believe that the availability of mortgage
financing, including Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp, and FHA/VA financing,
is an important factor in marketing many of our homes. The maximum size of mortgage loans that are treated as conforming
by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was reduced in the past few years, which could further weaken home sales in general as
mortgages may become more expensive and, if conforming loan limits are further reduced, it could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. In addition, in 2010 HUD tightened FHA underwriting standards and the mortgage environment
remains constrained. Any limitations or restrictions on the availability of those types of financing could reduce our sales.
Further, if we are unable to originate mortgages for any reason going forward, our customers may experience significant
mortgage loan funding issues, which could have a material impact on our homebuilding business and our consolidated
financial statements.
Increases in cancellations of agreements of sale could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our backlog reflects agreements of sale with our home buyers for homes that have not yet been delivered. We have
received a deposit from our home buyer for each home, which is reflected in our backlog, and we generally have the right to
retain the deposit if the home buyer does not complete the purchase. In some situations, however, a home buyer may cancel
the agreement of sale and receive a complete or partial refund of the deposit for reasons, such as state and local law, his or
her inability to obtain mortgage financing at prevailing interest rates (including financing arranged or provided by us), his or
her inability to sell his or her current home, or our inability to complete and deliver the home within the specified time. At
October 31, 2015, including unconsolidated joint ventures, we had a backlog of signed contracts for 3,112 homes with a sales
value aggregating $1.3 billion. If mortgage financing becomes less accessible, or if economic conditions deteriorate, more
home buyers may cancel their agreements of sale with us, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of
operations.
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Increases in the after-tax costs of owning a home could prevent potential customers from buying our homes and adversely
affect our business or financial results.
Significant expenses of owning a home, including mortgage interest expenses and real estate taxes, generally are
deductible expenses for an individual’s federal, and in some cases state, income taxes, subject to limitations under current
tax law and policy. If the federal government or a state government were to change its income tax laws to eliminate or
substantially limit these income tax deductions, as has been discussed from time to time, the after-tax cost of owning a new
home would increase for many of our potential customers. The loss or reduction of these homeowner tax deductions, if such
tax law changes were enacted without any offsetting legislation, would adversely impact demand for and sales prices of new
homes, including ours. In addition, increases in property tax rates or fees on developers by local governmental authorities, as
experienced in response to reduced federal and state funding or to fund local initiatives, such as funding schools or road
improvements, or increases in insurance premiums can adversely affect the ability of potential customers to obtain financing
or their desire to purchase new homes, and can have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
We conduct certain of our operations through unconsolidated joint ventures with independent third parties in which we do
not have a controlling interest. These investments involve risks and are highly illiquid.
We currently operate through a number of unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures with
independent third parties in which we do not have a controlling interest. At October 31, 2015, we had invested an aggregate
of $61.2 million in these joint ventures, including advances to these joint ventures of $0.8 million. In addition, as part of our
strategy, we intend to continue to evaluate additional joint venture opportunities.
These investments involve risks and are highly illiquid. There are a limited number of sources willing to provide
acquisition, development, and construction financing to land development and homebuilding joint ventures, and if market
conditions become more challenging, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain financing for our joint ventures on
commercially reasonable terms. Over the past few years, it has been difficult to obtain financing for newly created joint
ventures. In addition, we lack a controlling interest in these joint ventures and, therefore, are usually unable to require that
our joint ventures sell assets or return invested capital, make additional capital contributions, or take any other action without
the vote of at least one of our venture partners. Therefore, absent partner agreement, we will be unable to liquidate our joint
venture investments to generate cash.
Homebuilders are subject to a number of federal, local, state, and foreign laws and regulations concerning the development
of land, the homebuilding, sales, and customer financing processes and the protection of the environment, which can cause
us to incur delays and costs associated with compliance and which can prohibit or restrict our activity in some regions or
areas.
We are subject to extensive and complex laws and regulations that affect the development of land and homebuilding,
sales and customer financing processes, including zoning, density, building standards and mortgage financing. These laws
and regulations often provide broad discretion to the administering governmental authorities. This can delay or increase the
cost of development or homebuilding. In light of recent developments in the home building industry and the financial markets,
federal, state, or local governments may seek to adopt regulations that limit or prohibit homebuilders from providing mortgage
financing to their customers. If adopted, any such regulations could adversely affect future revenues and earnings. In addition,
some state and local governments in markets where we operate have approved, and others may approve, slow-growth or no-
growth initiatives that could negatively impact the availability of land and building opportunities within those areas. Approval
of these initiatives could adversely affect our ability to build and sell homes in the affected markets and/or could require the
satisfaction of additional administrative and regulatory requirements, which could result in slowing the progress or increasing
the costs of our homebuilding operations in these markets. Any such delays or costs could have a negative effect on our future
revenues and earnings.
We also are subject to a variety of local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations concerning protection of
health and the environment, including those regulating the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, the
management of stormwater runoff at construction sites, the handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances,
impacts to wetlands and other sensitive environments, and the remediation of contamination at properties that we have owned
or developed or currently own or are developing (“environmental laws”). The particular environmental laws that 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 addition,
noncompliance with these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, obligations to remediate, permit
15
revocations or other sanctions; and contamination or other environmental conditions at or in the vicinity of our developments
may result in claims against us for personal injury, property damage or other losses.
For example, in March 2013, we received a letter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”)
requesting information about our involvement in a housing redevelopment project in Newark, New Jersey that a Company
entity undertook during the 1990s. We understand that the development is in the vicinity of a former lead smelter and that
recent tests on soil samples from properties within the development conducted by the EPA show elevated levels of lead. We
also understand that the smelter ceased operations many years before the Company entity involved acquired the properties in
the area and carried out the re-development project. We responded to the EPA’s request. In August 2013, we were notified
that the EPA considers us a potentially responsible party (or “PRP”) with respect to the site, that the EPA will clean up the
site, and that the EPA is proposing that we fund and/or contribute towards the cleanup of the contamination at the site. We
have begun preliminary discussions with the EPA concerning a possible resolution but do not know the scope or extent of
the Company's obligations, if any, that may arise from the site and therefore cannot provide any assurance that this matter
will not have a material impact on the Company. The EPA requested additional information in April 2014 and the Company
has responded to its information request.
We anticipate that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future.
Although we cannot reliably predict the extent of any effect these requirements may have on us, 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, our ability to obtain or renew permits or approvals and 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.
Several other homebuilders have received inquiries from regulatory agencies regarding the potential for
homebuilders using contractors to be deemed employers of the employees of their contractors under certain circumstances.
Contractors are independent of the homebuilders that contract with them under normal management practices and the terms
of trade contracts and subcontracts within the industry; however, if regulatory agencies reclassify the employees of
contractors as employees of homebuilders, homebuilders using contractors could be responsible for wage, hour and other
employment-related liabilities of their contractors.
Product liability litigation and warranty claims that arise in the ordinary course of business may be costly.
As discussed in Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings,” in the ordinary course of business, we are involved in litigation from
time to time, including with home buyers and other persons with whom we have contractual relationships. As a homebuilder,
we are subject to construction defect and home warranty claims, including moisture intrusion and related claims, arising in
the ordinary course of business. Such claims are common in the homebuilding industry and can be costly. For example, in
the past we have received construction defect and home warranty claims associated with, and we were involved in a
multidistrict litigation concerning, allegedly defective drywall manufactured in China (“Chinese Drywall”) that may have
been responsible for noxious smells and accelerated corrosion of certain metals in certain homes we have constructed. We
remediated certain homes in response to such claims and settled the litigation.
With regard to certain general liability exposures such as product liability claims, construction defect claims and
related claims, assessment of claims and the related liability and reserve estimation process is highly judgmental and 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. Furthermore, after claims are asserted for construction defects, it
can be difficult to determine the extent to which assertions of such claims will expand geographically. In addition, the amount
and scope of coverage offered by insurance companies is currently limited, and this coverage may be further restricted and
become more costly. If we are not able to obtain adequate insurance against such claims, if the costs associated with such
claims significantly exceed the amount of our insurance coverage, or if our insurers do not pay on claims under our policies
(whether because of dispute, inability, or otherwise), we may experience losses that could hurt our financial results.
Our financial results could also be adversely affected if we were to experience an unusually high number of claims
or unusually severe claims. Our insurance companies have the right to review our claims and claims history, and do so from
time to time, and could decline to pay on such claims if such reviews determine the claims did not meet the terms for coverage.
For example, we had a dispute with XL, our prior insurance carrier, regarding coverage issues pertaining to the fiscal 2006
insurance policy, which was resolved as a result of mediation. See Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings.” Additionally, we may need
16
to significantly increase our construction defect and home warranty reserves as a result of insurance not being available for
any of the reasons discussed above, such claims or the results of our annual actuarial study.
Mortgage investors could seek to have us buy back loans or compensate them for losses incurred on mortgages we have sold
based on claims that we breached our limited representations or warranties.
Our financial services segment originates mortgages, primarily for our homebuilding customers. Substantially all of
the mortgage loans originated are sold within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released,
nonrecourse basis, although we remain liable for certain limited representations, such as fraud, and warranties related to loan
sales. Accordingly, mortgage investors have in the past and could in the future seek to have us buy back loans or compensate
them for losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based on claims that we breached our limited representations or
warranties. We believe there continues to be an industry-wide issue with the number of purchaser claims in which purchasers
purport to have found inaccuracies related to sellers’ representations and warranties in particular loan sale agreements. We
have established reserves for potential losses. While we believe these reserves are adequate for known losses and projected
repurchase requests, given the volatility in the mortgage industry and the uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of
these claims, if either actual repurchases or the losses incurred resolving those repurchases exceed our expectations, additional
expense may be incurred. There can be no assurance that we will not have significant liabilities in respect of such claims in
the future, which could exceed our reserves, or that the impact of such claims on our results of operations will not be material.
Further, an increase in the default rate on the mortgages we originate may adversely affect our ability to sell mortgages or
the pricing we receive upon the sale of mortgages.
We compete on several levels with homebuilders that may have greater sales and financial resources, which could hurt future
earnings.
We compete not only for home buyers but also for desirable properties, financing, raw materials, and skilled labor
often within larger subdivisions designed, planned, and developed by other homebuilders. Our competitors include other
local, regional, and national homebuilders, some of which have greater sales and financial resources or more established
relationships with suppliers and subcontractors in the markets in which we operate. In addition, we compete with other
housing alternatives, such as existing homes and rental housing. In the homebuilding industry, we compete primarily on the
basis of reputation, price, location, design, quality, service and amenities. Our financial services segment competes with other
mortgage bankers, primarily on the basis of fees, interest rates and other features of mortgage loan products.
The competitive conditions in the homebuilding industry together with current market conditions have, and could
continue to, result in:
• difficulty in acquiring suitable land at acceptable prices;
• increased selling incentives;
• lower sales;
• delays in construction; or
• impairment of our ability to implement our strategies and operational actions.
Any of these problems could increase costs and/or lower profit margins.
Our future growth may include additional acquisitions of companies that may not be successfully integrated and may not
achieve expected benefits.
Acquisitions of companies have contributed to our historical growth and may again be a component of our growth
strategy in the future. In the future, we may acquire businesses, some of which may be significant. As a result of acquisitions
of companies, we may need to seek additional financing and integrate product lines, dispersed operations, and distinct
corporate cultures. These integration efforts may not succeed or may distract our management from operating our existing
business. Additionally, we may not be able to enhance our earnings as a result of acquisitions. Our failure to successfully
identify and manage future acquisitions could harm our operating results.
17
Our controlling stockholders are able to exercise significant influence over us.
Members of the Hovnanian family, including Ara K. Hovnanian, our chairman of the board, president, and chief
executive officer, have voting control, through personal holdings, the limited partnership and the limited liability company
established for members of Mr. Hovnanian’s family, family trusts and shares held by the estate of our former chairman,
Kevork S. Hovnanian, of Class A and Class B common stock that enabled them to cast approximately 58% of the votes that
could be cast by the holders of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock combined as of October 31, 2015. Their
combined stock ownership enables them to exert significant control over us, including power to control the election of the
Board of Directors and to approve matters presented to our stockholders. This concentration of ownership may also make
some transactions, including mergers or other changes in control, more difficult or impossible without their support. Also,
because of their combined voting power, circumstances may occur in which their interests could be in conflict with the
interests of other stakeholders.
Our net operating loss carryforwards could be substantially limited if we experience an ownership change as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code.
Based on past impairments and our current financial performance, we generated a federal net operating loss
carryforward of $1.5 billion through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, and we may generate net operating loss
carryforwards in future years.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) contains rules that limit the ability of a company that
undergoes an ownership change, which is generally any change in ownership of more than 50% of its stock over a three year
period, to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards and certain built-in losses recognized in years after the ownership
change. These rules generally operate by focusing on ownership shifts among stockholders owning directly or indirectly 5%
or more of the stock of a company and any change in ownership arising from a new issuance of stock by the company.
If we undergo an ownership change for purposes of Section 382 as a result of future transactions involving our stock,
including purchases or sales of stock between 5% shareholders, our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and to
recognize certain built-in losses would be subject to the limitations of Section 382. Depending on the resulting limitation, a
significant portion of our net operating loss carryforwards could expire before we would be able to use them. A limitation
imposed under Section 382 on our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards could have a negative impact on our
financial position and results of operations.
In August 2008, we announced that the Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”)
designed to preserve shareholder value and the value of certain tax assets primarily associated with net operating loss
carryforwards and built-in losses under Section 382 of the Code, and on December 5, 2008, our stockholders approved the
Board’s decision to adopt the Rights Plan. The Rights Plan is intended to act as a deterrent to any person or group acquiring
4.9% or more of our outstanding Class A common stock (any such person an “Acquiring Person”), without the approval of
the Company’s Board of Directors. Subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights Plan, if and when they
become exercisable, each right would entitle its holder to purchase from the Company one ten-thousandth of a share of the
Company’s Series B Junior Preferred Stock for a purchase price of $35.00 per share (the “purchase price”). The rights will
not be exercisable until the earlier of (i) 10 business days after a public announcement by us that a person or group has
become an Acquiring Person and (ii) 10 business days after the commencement of a tender or exchange offer by a person or
group for 4.9% of the Class A common stock (the “distribution date”). If issued, each fractional share of Series B Junior
Preferred Stock would give the stockholder approximately the same dividend, voting and liquidation rights as does one share
of the Company’s Class A common stock. However, prior to exercise, a right does not give its holder any rights as a
stockholder of the Company, including without limitation any dividend, voting or liquidation rights. After the distribution
date, each holder of a right, other than rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person (which will thereupon become
void), will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise of a right and payment of the purchase price, that number of
shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock, as the case may be, having a market value of two times the
purchase price. After the distribution date, our Board of Directors may exchange the rights (other than rights owned by an
Acquiring Person which will have become void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock, or
a fractional share of Series B Junior Preferred Stock (or of a share of a similar class or series of Hovnanian’s preferred stock
having similar rights, preferences and privileges) of equivalent value, per right (subject to adjustment).
In addition, on December 5, 2008, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to
restrict certain transfers of our common stock in order to preserve the tax treatment of our net operating loss carryforwards
and built-in losses under Section 382 of the Code. Subject to certain exceptions pertaining to pre-existing 5% stockholders
and Class B stockholders, the transfer restrictions in the amended Certificate of Incorporation generally restrict any direct or
18
indirect transfer (such as transfers of the Company’s stock that result from the transfer of interests in other entities that own
the Company’s stock) if the effect would be to: (i) increase the direct or indirect ownership of the Company’s stock by any
person (or public group) from less than 5% to 5% or more of the Company’s stock; (ii) increase the percentage of the
Company’s stock owned directly or indirectly by a person (or public group) owning or deemed to own 5% or more of the
Company’s stock; or (iii) create a new “public group” (as defined in the applicable United States Treasury regulations).
Utility shortages and outages or rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our operations.
In prior years, the areas in which we operate in California have experienced power shortages, including periods
without electrical power, as well as significant fluctuations in utility costs. We may incur additional costs and may not be
able to complete construction on a timely basis if such power shortages and outages and utility rate fluctuations continue.
Furthermore, power shortages and outages and rate fluctuations may adversely affect the regional economies in which we
operate, which may reduce demand for our homes. Our operations may be adversely affected if further rate fluctuations and/or
power shortages and outages occur in California, the Northeast or in our other markets.
Geopolitical risks and market disruption could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Geopolitical events, acts of war or terrorism, civil unrest, or any outbreak or escalation of hostilities throughout the
world or health pandemics, may have a substantial impact on the economy, consumer confidence, the housing market, our
associates and our customers. Further, perceived threats to national security and other actual or potential conflicts or wars
and related geopolitical risks have created many economic and political uncertainties. If any such events were to occur, it
could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
We could be adversely impacted by the loss of key management personnel or if we fail to attract qualified personnel.
To a significant degree, our future success depends on the efforts of our senior management, many of whom have
been with the Company for a significant number of years, and our ability to attract qualified personnel. Our operations could
be adversely affected if key members of our senior management leave the Company or if we cannot attract qualified personnel
to manage growth in our business.
Information technology failures and data security breaches could harm our business.
We use information technology, digital telecommunications and other computer resources to carry out important
operational activities and to maintain our business records. Our computer systems, including our backup systems, are subject
to damage or interruption from computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, power outages, security
breaches (including through data-theft and cyber-attack), usage errors by our associates and catastrophic events, such as fires,
floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. If our computer systems and our backup systems are breached, compromised, damaged, or
otherwise cease to function properly, we could suffer interruptions in our operations or unintentionally allow
misappropriation of proprietary or confidential information, including information about our business partners and home
buyers, which could require us to incur significant costs to remediate or otherwise resolve these issues and could damage our
reputation.
ITEM 1B
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2
PROPERTIES
We own a 69,000 square-foot office complex located in the Northeast that serves as our corporate headquarters. We
own 215,000 square feet of office and warehouse space throughout the Midwest. We lease approximately 457,000 square
feet of space for our segments located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West. Included in
this amount is 88,000 square feet of abandoned lease space.
19
ITEM 3
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is expected to have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and we are subject to extensive and complex laws
and regulations that affect the development of land and home building, sales and customer financing processes, including
zoning, density, building standards and mortgage financing. These laws and 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, including those regulating the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, the
management of stormwater runoff at construction sites, the handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances,
impacts to wetlands and other sensitive environments, and the remediation of contamination at properties that we have owned
or developed or currently own or are developing (“environmental laws”). The particular environmental laws that 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 addition,
noncompliance with these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, obligations to remediate, permit
revocations or other sanctions; and contamination or other environmental conditions at or in the vicinity of our developments
may result in claims against us for personal injury, property damage or other losses.
In March 2013, we received a letter from the EPA requesting information about our involvement in a housing
redevelopment project in Newark, New Jersey that a Company entity undertook during the 1990s. We understand that the
development is in the vicinity of a former lead smelter and that recent tests on soil samples from properties within the
development conducted by the EPA show elevated levels of lead. We also understand that the smelter ceased operations
many years before the Company entity involved acquired the properties in the area and carried out the re-development project.
We responded to the EPA’s request. In August 2013, we were notified that the EPA considers us a potentially responsible
party (or “PRP”) with respect to the site, that the EPA will clean up the site, and that the EPA is proposing that we fund
and/or contribute towards the cleanup of the contamination at the site. We have begun preliminary discussions with the EPA
concerning a possible resolution but do not know the scope or extent of the Company’s obligations, if any, that may arise
from the site and therefore cannot provide any assurance that this matter will not have a material impact on the Company.
The EPA requested additional information in April 2014 and the Company has responded to its information request.
We anticipate that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future.
Although we cannot reliably predict the extent of any effect these requirements may have on us, 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, our ability to obtain or renew permits or approvals and 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.
The Company was also involved in the following litigation: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and K. Hovnanian Venture
I, L.L.C. (collectively, the “Company Defendants”) were named as defendants in a class action suit. The action was filed by
Mike D’Andrea and Tracy D’Andrea, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated in the Superior Court of New
Jersey, Gloucester County. The action was initially filed on May 8, 2006 alleging that the HVAC systems installed in certain
of the Company’s homes are in violation of applicable New Jersey building codes and are a potential safety issue. The plaintiff
class was seeking unspecified damages as well as treble damages pursuant to the NJ Consumer Fraud Act. The Company
Defendants, the Company Defendants’ insurance carriers and the plaintiff class agreed to the terms of a settlement on May
15, 2014 in which the plaintiff class was to receive a payment of $21 million in settlement of all claims, with the majority of
the settlement being funded by the Company Defendants’ insurance carriers. The Company had previously reserved for its
share of the settlement. The Superior Court approved the settlement agreement on December 23, 2014, and the judgment
became final on February 20, 2015, when no appeal was taken. The settlement amount was paid in full and the class action
matter is now concluded. The Company Defendants’ separate action seeking indemnification against the various
manufacturers and subcontractors implicated by the class action is ongoing.
The Company had been involved in a dispute with XL, its insurance carrier for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2006 through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, regarding coverage issues pertaining to the fiscal year 2006 insurance
policy. Specifically, XL maintained that the Company had not satisfied its aggregate retention of $21 million for fiscal 2006
and therefore the Company’s submitted claims in excess of the aggregate retention for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006
were not reimbursable by XL under the policy terms. To date, the Company has not met the aggregate retention for any of
20
the other policy years. The Company provided XL with detailed information to support its position that the fiscal year 2006
aggregate retention has been exceeded by more than $30 million; however, XL disputed the Company’s interpretation of
certain definitions within the policy and therefore was denying coverage. Because the parties were not successful in
discussions to resolve the matter, the Company filed a Notice of Claim on November 26, 2014 with an arbitration panel,
appointed by the Company and XL, in London to begin arbitration proceedings. In mid-2015, discovery commenced for both
parties with documentation exchanged and motions heard with the arbitration panel. In June 2015, XL and the Company
agreed to a two day mediation, which occurred in early September 2015 in London. As a consequence of the mediation, an
agreement was reached under which XL made a payment in October 2015 to the Company to fully settle coverage for its
2006 and 2007 insurance policy years. The Company is therefore self-insured for those policy years (policy years 2008
through 2010 remain in effect). There was no financial impact from the settlement. For an additional discussion of
construction defect reserves, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 4
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information on executive officers of the registrant is incorporated herein from Part III, Item 10.
21
Part II
ITEM 5
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Class A Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOV” and was held
by 482 stockholders of record at December 14, 2015. There is no established public trading market for our Class B Common
Stock, which was held by 235 stockholders of record at December 14, 2015. In order to trade Class B Common Stock, the
shares must be converted into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. The high and low closing sales prices for our
Class A Common Stock were as follows for each fiscal quarter during the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014:
Quarter
First
Second
Third
Fourth
October 31, 2015
Low
High
$3.32
$4.38
$3.12
$3.87
$1.97
$3.35
$1.48
$2.35
October 31, 2014
Low
High
$4.80
$6.63
$4.42
$6.18
$4.00
$5.30
$3.10
$4.35
Certain debt instruments to which we are a party contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends. As a result
of the most restrictive of these provisions, we are not currently able to pay any cash dividends. We have never paid a cash
dividend to common stockholders.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
No shares of our Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock were purchased by or on behalf of the Company
or any affiliated purchaser during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2015. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased
under the Company’s repurchase plans or programs is 0.5 million.
22
ITEM 6
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial data and should be read in conjunction with Item
7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial
Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended
Summary of Consolidated Statements of
Operations Data
(In thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Revenues
Expenses excluding inventory impairment loss and
land option write-offs
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs
Total Expenses
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt
Income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures
(Loss) income before income taxes
State and federal income tax benefit
Net (loss) income
Per share data:
Basic:
(Loss) income per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding
Assuming dilution:
(Loss) income per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding
Summary of Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(In thousands)
Total assets
Mortgages, lines of credit and revolving credit
agreement
Senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing
notes, senior exchangeable notes and TEU senior
subordinated amortizing notes (net of discount)
Total equity deficit
October
31, 2015
October
31, 2011
$2,148,480 $2,063,380 $1,851,253 $1,485,353 $1,134,907
October
31, 2014
October
31, 2012
October
31, 2013
4,965
5,224
12,044
2,162,370 2,044,718 1,835,633 1,550,406 1,323,316
101,749
2,174,414 2,049,942 1,840,598 1,562,936 1,425,065
7,528
(29,066)
(8,958)
5,401
(291,588)
(101,248)
(5,501)
(35,051)
$31,295 $(66,197) $(286,087)
(1,155)
7,897
20,180
(286,964)
$(16,100) $307,144
-
4,169
(21,765)
(5,665)
(760)
12,040
21,935
(9,360)
12,530
$(0.11)
$2.05
$0.22
$(0.52)
$(2.85)
146,899
146,271
145,087
126,350
100,444
$(0.11)
$1.87
$0.22
$(0.52)
$(2.85)
146,899
162,441
162,329
126,350
100,444
October
31, 2015
October
31, 2011
$2,602,298 $2,289,930 $1,759,130 $1,684,250 $1,602,180
October
31, 2013
October
31, 2014
October
31, 2012
$315,249 $197,446 $172,299 $164,562
$95,598
$1,848,247 $1,657,557 $1,529,445 $1,542,196 $1,602,770
$(128,084) $(117,799) $(432,799) $(485,345) $(496,602)
ITEM 7
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
During fiscal 2015, a number of our operating results were positive compared to the same period of the prior year.
For the year ended October 31, 2015, sale of homes revenue increased 3.7% as compared to the prior year. The increase was
primarily due to a higher average price per home, which was a result of geographic and community mix of our deliveries, as
opposed to home price increases (which we increase or decrease in communities depending on the respective community’s
performance). Net contracts per average active selling community increased to 30.0 for the year ended October 31, 2015
compared to 28.4 in the same period in the prior year. Active selling communities increased from 201 at October 31, 2014 to
219 at October 31, 2015. Net contracts increased 11.2% for the year ended October 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative costs (including corporate general and administrative expenses) as a percentage of total
revenue decreased to 11.7% for the year ended October 31, 2015, which included a $15.2 million benefit from a reduction in
reserves discussed further below, compared to 12.4% for the year ended October 31, 2014. Deliveries were relatively flat for
the year ended October 31, 2015 compared to the same period of the prior year, partially resulting from extended cycle times
23
due to labor shortages causing delays in deliveries. Despite the positive operating results, we also experienced some negative
operating results. Gross margin percentage, before cost of sales interest expense and land charges, decreased from 19.9% for
the year ended October 31, 2014 to 17.6% for the year ended October 31, 2015. In the first and second quarters of fiscal
2015, we significantly discounted some of our started unsold homes (commonly referred to as “specs”) to sell them. In
addition, we have been experiencing pricing pressure since midway through fiscal 2014, leading us to increase incentives
and concessions on to be built homes, although to a lesser extent than on specs in the first half of fiscal 2015. Combined, this
resulted in a decrease in gross margin percentage for the year ended October 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year. The
decrease in gross margin for fiscal 2015 resulted in a net loss before income taxes of $21.8 million for the year ended October
31, 2015, which compares to net income of $20.2 million for the year ended October 31, 2014.
When comparing sequentially from the third quarter of fiscal 2015 to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, our gross
margin percentage, before cost of sales interest expense and land charges, increased slightly to 18.0% compared to 17.8%.
Selling, general and administrative costs decreased $15.9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the third
quarter of fiscal 2015, primarily due to an adjustment to our construction defect reserves, based on our annual actuarial
estimates. Excluding this adjustment, selling, general and administrative costs remained flat. Selling, general and
administrative costs (including corporate general and administrative expenses) as a percentage of total revenue decreased
from 12.6% to 7.1% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 as a result of the decrease
in selling, general and administrative costs, along with a 28.2% increase in homebuilding revenues in the fourth quarter.
We had 2,905 homes in backlog with a dollar value of $1.2 billion at October 31, 2015 (an increase of 42.1% in
dollar value compared to the year ended October 31, 2014). Based on this backlog and the anticipated gross margin associated
with this backlog, along with the increase in net contracts per average active selling community as well as our increase in
community count, we believe that we are well-positioned for stronger results in fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015.
However, several challenges, such as general U.S. economic weakness and uncertainty, historically low oil prices (which has
affected our Texas markets), extreme weather conditions, increasing cycle times due to labor shortages, the restrictive
mortgage lending environment and rising mortgage interest rates, could further impact the housing market and, consequently,
our performance. Additionally, we could be negatively impacted by our inability to access capital as described below under
“ – Capital Resources and Liquidity.” Both national new home sales and our home sales remain below historical levels. We
continue to believe that we are still in the early stages of the housing recovery. However, given our recent uneven operating
performance, we may continue to experience mixed results in some of our operating markets.
Given the low levels of total U.S. housing starts, and our belief in the long-term recovery of the homebuilding
market, we remain focused on identifying new land parcels, growing our community count and growing our revenues, which
are critical to improving our financial performance. We continue to see opportunities to purchase land at prices that make
economic sense in light of our current sales prices and sales paces and plan to continue pursuing such land acquisitions. New
land purchases at pricing that we believe will generate appropriate investment returns and drive greater operating efficiencies
are needed to return to sustained profitability. During the year ended October 31, 2015, we opened for sale 101 new
communities and closed 83 communities, resulting in a net increase of 18 communities from 201 communities at October 31,
2014 to 219 communities at October 31, 2015. In addition, during the year ended October 31, 2015, we put under option or
acquired approximately 10,000 lots in 172 wholly owned communities and walked away from 4,730 lots in 69 wholly owned
communities. Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.1 million from $191.5 million for the
year ended October 31, 2014 to $188.4 million for the year ended October 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to an
adjustment to our construction defect reserves based on our annual actuarial estimates, partially offset by increases due to
additional headcount related costs and increased architectural expense, related to recent and expected future community count
growth, as well as a reduction of joint venture management fees, which offset general and administrative expenses, received
as a result of fewer joint venture deliveries in the year ended October 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended October 31,
2014. Corporate general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue remained relatively flat at 2.9% for the
year ended October 31, 2015 compared to 3.1% for the year ended October 31, 2014. Improving the efficiency of our selling,
general and administrative expenses will continue to be a significant area of focus, and as we generate revenue from our
increased community count, we expect to be able to leverage these costs.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management believes that the following critical accounting policies require its most significant judgments and
estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements:
24
Income Recognition from Mortgage Loans - Our Financial Services segment originates mortgages, primarily for our
homebuilding customers. We use mandatory investor commitments and forward sales of MBS to hedge our mortgage-related
interest rate exposure on agency and government loans.
We elected the fair value option for our mortgage loans held for sale in accordance with Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) 825, “Financial Instruments,” which permits us to measure our loans held for sale at fair value.
Management believes that the election of the fair value option for loans held for sale improves financial reporting by
mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring the fair value of the loans and the derivative instruments used
to economically hedge them without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.
Substantially all of the mortgage loans originated are sold within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage
market on a servicing released, nonrecourse basis, although the Company remains liable for certain limited representations,
such as fraud, and warranties related to loan sales. Mortgage investors could seek to have us buy back loans or compensate
them for losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based on claims that we breached our limited representations and
warranties. We believe there continues to be an industry-wide issue with the number of purchaser claims in which purchasers
purport to have found inaccuracies related to the sellers’ representations and warranties in particular loan sale agreements. We
have established reserves for probable losses. While we believe these reserves are adequate for known losses and projected
repurchase requests, given the volatility in the mortgage industry and the uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of
these claims, if either actual repurchases or the losses incurred resolving those repurchases exceed our expectations, additional
expense may be incurred.
Inventories - Inventories consist of land, land development, home construction costs, capitalized interest, construction
overhead and property taxes. 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.
We record inventories in our consolidated balance sheets at cost unless the inventory is determined to be impaired, in
which case the inventory is written down to its fair value. Our inventories consist of the following three components: (1) sold
and unsold homes and lots under development, which includes all construction, land, capitalized interest and land
development costs related to started homes and land under development in our active communities; (2) land and land options
held for future development or sale, which includes all costs related to land in our communities in planning or mothballed
communities; and (3) consolidated inventory not owned, which includes all costs related to specific performance options,
variable interest entities and other options, which consists primarily of model homes financed with an investor and inventory
related to land banking arrangements accounted for as financings.
We decide to mothball (or stop development on) certain communities when we determine that current market
conditions do not justify further investment at that time. When we decide to mothball a community, the inventory is
reclassified on our consolidated balance sheets from "Sold and unsold homes and lots under development" to "Land and land
options held for future development or sale." As of October 31, 2015, the net book value associated with our 31 mothballed
communities was $103.0 million, net of impairment charges recorded in prior periods of $334.5 million. We regularly review
communities to determine if mothballing is appropriate. During fiscal 2015, we did not mothball any additional communities,
or sell any mothballed communities, but re-activated 14 communities which were previously mothballed.
From time to time we enter into option agreements that include specific performance requirements, whereby we are
required to purchase a minimum number of lots. Because of our obligation to purchase these lots, for accounting purposes in
accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, we are required to record this inventory on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of
October 31, 2015, we had $1.2 million of specific performance options recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets to
“Consolidated inventory not owned – specific performance options,” with a corresponding liability of $1.2 million recorded
to “Liabilities from inventory not owned.” Consolidated inventory not owned also consists of other options that were included
on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (“US GAAP”).
We sell and lease back certain of our model homes with the right to participate in the potential profit when each home
is sold to a third party at the end of the respective lease. As a result of our continued involvement, for accounting purposes
in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, these sale and leaseback transactions are considered a financing rather than a sale.
Therefore, for purposes of our Consolidated Balance Sheet, at October 31, 2015, inventory of $95.9 million was recorded to
“Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $87.9 million recorded to “Liabilities
from inventory not owned.”
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We have land banking arrangements, whereby we sell our land parcels to the land banker and they provide us an option
to purchase back finished lots on a quarterly basis. Because of our options to repurchase these parcels, for accounting
purposes, in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, these transactions are considered financings rather than sales. For purposes
of our Consolidated Balance Sheet, at October 31, 2015, inventory of $25.1 million was recorded as “Consolidated inventory
not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $16.8 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned”
for the amount of net cash received from the transactions.
The recoverability of inventories and other long-lived assets is assessed in accordance with the provisions of ASC
360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment - Overall” (“ASC 360-10”). ASC 360-10 requires long-lived assets, including
inventories, held for development to be evaluated for impairment based on undiscounted future cash flows of the assets at
the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows. As such, we evaluate inventories for impairment at the individual
community level, the lowest level of discrete cash flows that we measure.
We evaluate inventories of communities under development and held for future development for impairment when
indicators of potential impairment are present. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, decreases in local
housing market values, decreases in gross margins or sales absorption rates, decreases in net sales prices (base sales price net
of sales incentives), or actual or projected operating or cash flow losses. The assessment of communities for indication of
impairment is performed quarterly. As part of this process, we prepare detailed budgets for all of our communities at least
semi-annually and identify those communities with a projected operating loss. For those communities with projected losses,
we estimate the remaining undiscounted future cash flows and compare those to the carrying value of the community, to
determine if the carrying value of the asset is recoverable.
The projected operating profits, losses, or cash flows of each community can be significantly impacted by our estimates
of the following:
●
future base selling prices;
●
future home sales incentives;
●
future home construction and land development costs; and
●
future sales absorption pace and cancellation rates.
These estimates are dependent upon specific market conditions for each community. While we consider available
information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the end of a quarterly reporting period, these estimates
are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change. Local market-specific conditions that
may impact our estimates for a community include:
●
the intensity of competition within a market, including available home sales prices and home sales incentives
offered by our competitors;
●
the current sales absorption pace for both our communities and competitor communities;
●
community specific attributes, such as location, availability of lots in the market, desirability and uniqueness
of our community, and the size and style of homes currently being offered;
● potential for alternative product offerings to respond to local market conditions;
●
changes by management in the sales strategy of the community;
●
current local market economic and demographic conditions and related trends of forecasts; and
●
existing home inventory supplies, including foreclosures and short sales.
These and other local market-specific conditions that may be present are considered by management in preparing
projection assumptions for each community. The sales objectives can differ between our communities, even within a given
market. For example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of
yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes
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to minimize deterioration in our gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace. In addition, the key
assumptions included in our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in
estimated base sales price or an increase in homes sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption
pace. Additionally, a decrease in the average sales price of homes to be sold and closed in future reporting periods for one
community that has not been generating what management believes to be an adequate sales absorption pace may impact the
estimated cash flow assumptions of a nearby community. Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated construction
and development costs, absorption pace and selling strategies, could materially impact future cash flow and fair-value
estimates. Due to the number of possible scenarios that would result from various changes in these factors, we do not believe
it is possible to develop a sensitivity analysis with a level of precision that would be meaningful to an investor.
If the undiscounted cash flows are more than the carrying value of the community, then the carrying amount is
recoverable, and no impairment adjustment is required. However, if the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying
amount, then the community is deemed impaired and is written down to its fair value. We determine the estimated fair value
of each community by determining the present value of its estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with
the risk of the respective community, or in limited circumstances, prices for land in recent comparable sale transactions,
market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced
liquidation sale), and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties. Our discount rates used for all impairments
recorded from October 31, 2013 to October 31, 2015 ranged from 16.8% to 19.8%. The estimated future cash flow
assumptions are virtually the same for both our recoverability and fair value assessments. Should the estimates or expectations
used in determining estimated cash flows or fair value, including discount rates, decrease or differ from current estimates in
the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments related to current and future communities. The impairment
of a community is allocated to each lot on a relative fair value basis.
From time to time, we write off deposits and approval, engineering and capitalized interest costs when we determine
that it is no longer probable that we will exercise options to buy land in specific locations or when we redesign communities
and/or abandon certain engineering costs. In deciding not to exercise a land option, we take into consideration changes in
market conditions, the timing of required land takedowns, the willingness of land sellers to modify terms of the land option
contract (including timing of land takedowns), and the availability and best use of our capital, among other factors. The write-
off is recorded in the period it is deemed not probable that the optioned property will be acquired. In certain instances, we
have been able to recover deposits and other pre-acquisition costs that were previously written off. These recoveries have not
been significant in comparison to the total costs written off.
Inventories held for sale are land parcels ready for sale in their current condition, where we have decided not to build
homes but are instead actively marketing for sale. These land parcels represented $1.3 million and $0.6 million of our total
inventories at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less
costs to sell. In determining fair value for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices for land in
recent comparable sale transactions, market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for
the land (other than in a forced liquidation sale) and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties.
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 interests in the joint ventures vary but our voting interests are generally 50% or less. In
determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures where we are the managing member of the joint venture, we
assess 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 significant operating and capital decisions of the partnership, including budgets, in the ordinary
course of business. The evaluation of whether or not we control a venture can require significant judgment. In accordance
with ASC 323-10, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures – Overall,” we assess our investments in unconsolidated
joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment below its carrying amount is
other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment
based on the joint venture’s projected cash flows. This process requires significant management judgment and estimates.
There were no write-downs in fiscal 2013, 2014 or 2015.
Post-Development Completion, Warranty Costs and Insurance Deductible Reserves - 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. We accrue for warranty costs that are covered under our existing general
liability and construction defect policy as part of our general liability insurance deductible. This accrual is expensed as selling,
general, and administrative costs. For homes delivered in fiscal 2015 and 2014, our deductible under our general liability
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insurance is a $20 million aggregate for construction defect and warranty claims. For bodily injury claims, our deductible per
occurrence in fiscal 2015 and 2014 is $0.25 million, up to a $5 million limit. Our aggregate retention in fiscal 2015 and 2014
is $21 million for construction defect, warranty and bodily injury claims. We do not have a deductible on our worker's
compensation insurance. Reserves for estimated losses for construction defects, warranty and bodily injury claims have been
established using the assistance of a third-party actuary. We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical warranty
and construction defect data to assist our management in estimating 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 construction defect
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. In addition, we establish a warranty accrual for lower cost-related issues
to cover home repairs, community amenities and land development infrastructure that are not covered under our general
liability and construction defect policy. We accrue an estimate for these 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. See Note 16 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information on the amount of warranty costs recognized in cost of goods sold and
administrative expenses.
Deferred Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded
for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. If 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 ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes - Overall” (“ASC 740-10”), we
evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC 740-10 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.
In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we recognize tax liabilities in
accordance with ASC 740-10, for more likely than not exposures. We re-evaluate the exposures associated with our tax
positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax
law, new audit activity by taxing authorities and effectively settled issues. Determining whether an uncertain tax position is
effectively settled requires judgment. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax
benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we
have established a liability is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and
income tax provision in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, or the statute of limitations expires
for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available. Due to the
complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a liability that is materially different from our
current estimate. Any such changes will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which
they are determined.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Our operations consist primarily of residential housing development and sales in the Northeast (New Jersey and
Pennsylvania), the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia), the Midwest (Illinois,
Minnesota and Ohio), the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina), the Southwest (Arizona and
Texas) and the West (California). In addition, we provide certain financial services to our homebuilding customers.
We have historically funded our homebuilding and financial services operations with cash flows from operating
activities, borrowings under our bank credit facilities and the issuance of new debt and equity securities.
Our homebuilding cash balance at October 31, 2015 decreased by $9.7 million from October 31, 2014 to $245.4
million at October 31, 2015. During the period, we spent $656.5 million on land and land development. After considering
this land and land development and all other operating activities, including revenue received from deliveries, we used $320.5
million of cash in operations. During the year ended October 31, 2015, cash provided by investing activities was $2.5 million,
primarily related to decreases in our restricted cash. Cash provided by financing activities was $309.9 million during the year
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ended October 31, 2015, which included proceeds from the issuance of $250.0 million of senior unsecured notes in the first
quarter of fiscal 2015 and $47.0 million drawn under our revolving credit facility, along with net proceeds from nonrecourse
mortgages and model sale leasebacks during the period. Cash used in financing activities in the year ended October 31, 2015
included the use of cash to pay off our 11.875% Senior Notes at maturity and to repay certain of our land banking
arrangements. We intend to continue to use nonrecourse mortgage financings, model sale leaseback and land banking
programs as our business needs dictate.
Our cash uses during the year ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 were for operating expenses, land purchases, land
deposits, land development, construction spending, financing transactions, debt payments, state income taxes, interest
payments and investments in joint ventures. During these periods, we provided for our cash requirements from available cash
on hand, housing and land sales, financing transactions, debt issuances, our revolving credit facility, model sale leasebacks,
land banking deals, financial service revenues and other revenues. We believe that these sources of cash will be
sufficient through fiscal 2016 to finance our working capital requirements and other needs, and enable us to add new
communities to grow our homebuilding operations.
We have $172.7 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due on January 15, 2016 and $86.5 million of 7.5% Senior Notes
due on May 15, 2016. While our preference is to refinance these near term maturities as they come due, in light of the
availability of debt financing in the capital and loan markets to companies with comparable credit ratings, we may not be
able to refinance these obligations or do so at an attractive rate. In this situation, as an alternative to refinancing, we have a
number of means to provide sufficient liquidity to enable us to pay these bonds at maturity while continuing to execute our
strategic objectives, which include growing our company. Such means include: additional land banking transactions, an
increase in joint venture activity and/or project specific financings and model sale leasebacks. For example, we recently
announced one new land banking arrangement with Domain Real Estate Partners for up to $125.0 million and an increase to
the existing GSO Capital Partners LP arrangement for up to $175.0 million. In these arrangements, we sell certain of our
existing land parcels to the land bank partner with an option to buy back finished lots subject to a cost of carry. We will
receive a majority of the $300.0 million funds available under our land banking programs at the time we sell our existing
land parcels to our land banking partners. The remainder of the land banking programs’ funds will be paid to us by our land
banking partners as reimbursement of our land development costs as incurred.
Our net income (loss) historically does not approximate cash flow from operating activities. The difference between
net income (loss) and cash flow from operating activities is primarily caused by changes in inventory levels together with
changes in receivables, prepaid and other assets, mortgage loans held for sale, interest and other accrued liabilities, deferred
income taxes, accounts payable and other liabilities, and noncash charges relating to depreciation, stock compensation awards
and impairment losses for inventory. When we are expanding our operations, inventory levels, prepaids and other assets
increase causing cash flow from operating activities to decrease. Certain liabilities also increase as operations expand and
partially offset the negative effect on cash flow from operations caused by the increase in inventory levels, prepaids and other
assets. Similarly, as our mortgage operations expand, net income from these operations increases, but for cash flow purposes
net income is partially offset by the net change in mortgage assets and liabilities. The opposite is true as our investment in
new land purchases and development of new communities decrease, which is what happened during the last half of fiscal
2007 through fiscal 2009, allowing us to generate positive cash flow from operations during this period. Since the latter part
of fiscal 2009 cumulative through October 31, 2015, as a result of the new land purchases and land development, we have
used cash in operations as we have added new communities. Looking forward, given the unstable housing market, we
anticipate that it will continue to be difficult to generate positive cash flow from operations until we reach levels of sustained
profitability higher than our recent fiscal years. However, we plan to continue to make adjustments to our structure and our
business plans in order to maximize our liquidity while also taking steps to return to sustained profitability, including through
land acquisitions.
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. We did not repurchase any shares under this program during fiscal 2015 or 2014. As of October
31, 2015, the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may yet be purchased under this program is 0.5
million. (See Part II, Item 5 for information on equity purchases).
On July 12, 2005, we issued 5,600 shares of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock, with a liquidation preference of
$25,000 per share. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative and are payable 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. 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 fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, we did not make any dividend
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payments on the Series A Preferred Stock as a result of covenant restrictions in our debt instruments. We anticipate that we
will continue to be restricted from paying dividends, which are not cumulative, for the foreseeable future.
On August 8, 2005, K. Hovnanian issued $300.0 million 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016. The 6.25% Senior Notes
were issued at a discount to yield 6.46% and have been reflected net of the unamortized discount in the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount
plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance
under our then existing revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. These notes were
the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below. On September 16, 2013, K. Hovnanian issued $41.6 million
of additional 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016 at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount as discussed below.
On February 27, 2006, K. Hovnanian issued $300.0 million of 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016. The notes are
redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount.
The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our then existing revolving
credit facility as of February 27, 2006. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below.
On June 12, 2006, K. Hovnanian issued $250.0 million of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017. The notes are redeemable
in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net
proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our then existing revolving credit
facility as of June 12, 2006. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below.
On February 14, 2011, K. Hovnanian issued $155.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11.875% Senior Notes
due 2015. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus an
applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below. On
October 15, 2015, the remaining $60.8 million of our 11.857% Senior Notes due 2015 matured and was paid.
On November 1, 2011, K. Hovnanian issued $141.8 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Secured
Notes due 2021 (the “5.0% 2021 Notes”) and $53.2 million aggregate principal amount of 2.0% Senior Secured Notes due
2021 (the “2.0% 2021 Notes” and, together with the 5.0% 2021 Notes, the “2021 Notes”) in exchange for $195.0 million of
certain of K Hovnanian’s unsecured senior notes with maturities ranging from 2014 through 2017. The 5.0% 2021 Notes and
the 2.0% 2021 Notes were issued as separate series under an indenture, but have substantially the same terms other than with
respect to interest rate and related redemption provisions, and vote together as a single class. The 2021 Notes are redeemable
in whole or in part at our option at any time, at 100.0% of the principal amount plus the greater of 1% of the principal amount
and an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.”
The guarantees by K. Hovnanian JV Holdings, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries except for certain joint ventures and joint
venture holding companies (collectively, the “Secured Group”) with respect to the 2021 Notes are secured, subject to
permitted liens and other exceptions, by a first-priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the members of the Secured
Group. As of October 31, 2015, the collateral securing the guarantees included (1) $50.9 million of cash and cash equivalents
(subsequent to such date, cash uses include general business operations and real estate and other investments); (2) $140.1
million aggregate book value of real property of the Secured Group, which does not include the impact of inventory
investments, home deliveries, or impairments thereafter and which may differ from the value if it were appraised, and (3)
equity interests in guarantors that are members of the Secured Group. Members of the Secured Group also own equity in
joint ventures, either directly or indirectly through ownership of joint venture holding companies, with a book value of $57.3
million as of October 31, 2015; this equity is not pledged to secure, and is not collateral for, the 2021 Notes. Members of the
Secured Group are “unrestricted subsidiaries” under K. Hovnanian's other senior notes and senior secured notes, and thus
have not guaranteed such indebtedness.
On October 2, 2012, K. Hovnanian issued $577.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior secured first
lien notes due 2020 (the "First Lien Notes") and $220.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% senior secured second
lien notes due 2020 (the "Second Lien Notes" and, together with the First Lien Notes, the "2020 Secured Notes") in a private
placement (the "2020 Secured Notes Offering"). The net proceeds from the 2020 Secured Notes Offering, together with the
net proceeds of the Units offering discussed below, and cash on hand, were used to fund the tender offer and consent
solicitation with respect to the Company’s then-outstanding 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 and the redemption of
the remaining notes that were not purchased in the tender offer as described below.
The First Lien Notes are secured by a first-priority lien and the Second Lien Notes are secured by a second-priority
lien, in each case, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, on substantially all the assets owned by us, K. Hovnanian
and the guarantors of such notes. At October 31, 2015, the aggregate book value of the real property that constituted collateral
30
securing the 2020 Secured Notes was $784.7 million, which does not include the impact of inventory investments, home
deliveries, or impairments thereafter and which may differ from the value if it were appraised. In addition, cash collateral
that secured the 2020 Secured Notes was $197.1 million as of October 31, 2015, which included $2.6 million of restricted
cash collateralizing certain letters of credit. Subsequent to such date, cash uses include general business operations and real
estate and other investments.
We may redeem some or all of the First Lien Notes at 105.438% of principal commencing October 15, 2015, at
103.625% of principal commencing October 15, 2016, at 101.813% of principal commencing October 15, 2017 and 100%
of principal commencing October 15, 2018.
We may redeem some or all of the Second Lien Notes at 106.844% of principal commencing November 15, 2015,
at 104.563% of principal commencing November 15, 2016, at 102.281% of principal commencing November 15, 2017 and
100% of principal commencing November 15, 2018.
Also on October 2, 2012, the Company and K. Hovnanian issued $100,000,000 aggregate stated amount of 6.0%
Exchangeable Note Units (the “Units”) (equivalent to 100,000 Units). Each $1,000 stated amount of Units initially consists
of (1) a zero coupon senior exchangeable note due December 1, 2017 (a “Senior Exchangeable Note”) issued by K.
Hovnanian, which bears no cash interest and has an initial principal amount of $768.51 per Senior Exchangeable Note, and
that will accrete to $1,000 at maturity and (2) a senior amortizing note due December 1, 2017 (a “Senior Amortizing Note”)
issued by K. Hovnanian, which has an initial principal amount of $231.49 per Senior Amortizing Note, bears interest at a rate
of 11.0% per annum, and has a final installment payment date of December 1, 2017. Each Unit may be separated into its
constituent Senior Exchangeable Note and Senior Amortizing Note after the initial issuance date of the Units, and the separate
components may be combined to create a Unit.
Each Senior Exchangeable Note had an initial principal amount of $768.51 (which will accrete to $1,000 over the
term of the Senior Exchangeable Note at an annual rate of 5.17% from the date of issuance, calculated on a semi-annual bond
equivalent yield basis). Holders may exchange their Senior Exchangeable Notes at their option at any time prior to 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the business day immediately preceding December 1, 2017. Each Senior Exchangeable Note will be
exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock at an initial exchange rate of 185.5288 shares of Class A Common Stock
per Senior Exchangeable Note (equivalent to an initial exchange price, based on $1,000 principal amount at maturity, of
approximately $5.39 per share of Class A Common Stock). The exchange rate will be subject to adjustment in certain events.
If certain corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, the Company will increase the applicable exchange rate for any
holder who elects to exchange its Senior Exchangeable Notes in connection with such corporate event. In addition, holders
of Senior Exchangeable Notes will also have the right to require K. Hovnanian to repurchase such holders’ Senior
Exchangeable Notes upon the occurrence of certain of these corporate events. As of October 31, 2015, 18,305 Senior
Exchangeable Notes have been converted into 3.4 million shares of our Class A Common Stock, all of which were converted
during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
On each June 1 and December 1 (each, an “installment payment date”), K. Hovnanian will pay holders of Senior
Amortizing Notes equal semi-annual cash installments of $30.00 per Senior Amortizing Note (except for the June 1, 2013
installment payment, which was $39.83 per Senior Amortizing Note), which cash payment in the aggregate will be equivalent
to 6.0% per year with respect to each $1,000 stated amount of Units. Each installment will constitute a payment of interest
(at a rate of 11.0% per annum) and a partial repayment of principal on the Senior Amortizing Note. Following certain
corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date, holders of the Senior Amortizing Notes will have the right to require
K. Hovnanian to repurchase such holders’ Senior Amortizing Notes.
The net proceeds of the Units offering, along with the net proceeds from the 2020 Secured Notes Offering previously
discussed, and cash on hand, were used to fund the tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to the Company’s then
outstanding 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 and redemption of the remaining notes that were not purchased in the
tender offer.
On September 16, 2013, K. Hovnanian issued an aggregate principal amount of $41.6 million of its 6.25% Senior
Notes due 2016. The Notes were issued as additional 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016 under the indenture dated as of August
8, 2005. The net proceeds from this offering were used to fund the redemption on October 15, 2013 of all of K. Hovnanian’s
outstanding 6.5% Senior Notes due 2014 and 6.375% Senior Notes due 2014 and to pay related fees and expenses.
On January 10, 2014, K. Hovnanian issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.0% Senior Notes due
2019, resulting in net proceeds of $147.8 million. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time prior
to July 15, 2016 at 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” We may also redeem some or
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all of the notes at 103.5% of principal commencing July 15, 2016, at 101.75% of principal commencing January 15, 2017
and 100% of principal commencing January 15, 2018. In addition, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal
amount of the notes prior to July 15, 2016, with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at 107.0% of principal.
We used a portion of the net proceeds to fund the redemption on February 9, 2014 (effected on February 10, 2014, which
was the next business day after the redemption date) of the remaining outstanding principal amount ($21.4 million) of our
6.25% Senior Notes due 2015. The redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million, net of the write-
off of unamortized fees, and is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as “Loss on extinguishment of debt”
for fiscal 2014. The remaining net proceeds from the offering were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general
corporate purposes.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, K. Hovnanian solicited and obtained the requisite consent of holders of its 2020
Secured Notes to certain amendments to the indentures under which such notes were issued. K. Hovnanian paid an aggregate
of $3.3 million to holders who consented thereunder.
On November 5, 2014, K. Hovnanian issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Notes due
2019, resulting in net proceeds of $245.7 million. These proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The notes are
redeemable in whole or in part at K. Hovnanian’s option at any time prior to August 1, 2019 at a redemption price equal to
100% of their principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” At any time and from time to time on or after
August 1, 2019, K. Hovnanian may also redeem some or all of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal
amount.
As of October 31, 2015, we had $992.0 million of outstanding senior secured notes ($981.3 million, net of discount),
comprised of $577.0 million First Lien Notes, $220.0 million Second Lien Notes, $53.2 million 2.0% 2021 Notes and $141.8
million 5.0% 2021 Notes. As of October 31, 2015, we also had $780.3 million of outstanding senior notes, comprised of
$172.8 million 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016, $86.5 million 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016, $121.0 million 8.625% Senior
Notes due 2017, $150.0 million 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 and $250.0 million 8.0% Senior Notes due 2019. In addition,
as of October 31, 2015, we had outstanding $12.8 million 11.0% Senior Amortizing Notes due 2017 (issued as a component
of our 6.0% Exchangeable Note Units) and $73.8 million Senior Exchangeable Notes due 2017 (issued as a component of
our 6.0% Exchangeable Note Units). Except for K. Hovnanian, the issuer of the notes, our home mortgage subsidiaries, joint
ventures and subsidiaries holding interests in our joint ventures, certain of our title insurance subsidiaries and our foreign
subsidiary, we and each of our subsidiaries are guarantors of the senior secured, senior, senior amortizing and senior
exchangeable notes outstanding at October 31, 2015 (see Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, the
2021 Notes are guaranteed by the Secured Group. Members of the Secured Group do not guarantee K. Hovnanian's other
indebtedness.
The indentures governing the notes do not contain any financial maintenance covenants, but do contain restrictive
covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability and that of certain of its subsidiaries, including K.
Hovnanian, to incur additional indebtedness (other than certain permitted indebtedness, refinancing indebtedness and
nonrecourse indebtedness), pay dividends and make distributions on common and preferred stock, repurchase subordinated
indebtedness (with respect to certain of the senior secured and senior notes), make other restricted payments, make
investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all assets and
enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The indentures also contain events of default which would permit the holders
of the notes to declare the 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 comply with agreements and
covenants and specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency and, with respect to the indentures governing the senior secured
notes, the failure of the documents granting security for the senior secured notes to be in full force and effect and the failure
of the liens on any material portion of the collateral securing the senior secured notes to be valid and perfected. As of October
31, 2015, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants of the indentures governing our outstanding notes.
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 also continue to evaluate our capital structure and may
also continue to make debt purchases and/or exchanges for debt or equity from time to time through tender offers, open
market purchases, private transactions, or otherwise, or seek to raise additional debt or equity capital, depending on market
conditions and covenant restrictions.
If our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indentures governing our senior secured and senior
notes (other than the senior exchangeable 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 nonrecourse indebtedness. As a result of this restriction, we are currently restricted from paying dividends, which are not
32
cumulative, on our 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock. We anticipate that we will continue to be restricted from paying
dividends for the foreseeable future. Our inability to pay dividends is in accordance with covenant restrictions and will not
result in a default under our debt instruments or otherwise affect compliance with any of the covenants contained in the debt
instruments.
We have nonrecourse mortgage loans for certain communities totaling $143.9 million and $103.9 million at October
31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are secured by the related real property, including any improvements, with an
aggregate book value of $388.1 million and $220.1 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these
obligations was 5.1% and 5.0% at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the mortgage loan payments on each
community primarily correspond to home deliveries. We also have nonrecourse mortgage loans on our corporate headquarters
totaling $15.5 million and $16.6 million at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These loans had a weighted-average
interest rate of 8.8% at October 31, 2015 and 7.0% at October 31, 2014. As of October 31, 2015, these loans had installment
obligations with annual principal maturities in the years ending October 31 of: $1.2 million in 2016, $1.3 million in 2017,
$1.4 million in 2018, $1.5 million in 2019, $1.7 million in 2020 and $8.4 million after 2020.
In June 2013, K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (“K. Hovnanian”), as borrower, and we and certain of our subsidiaries,
as guarantors, entered into a five-year, $75.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citicorp
USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing bank, and Citibank, N.A., as a lender. The Credit Facility is available for both
letters of credit and general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility does not contain any financial maintenance covenants,
but does contain certain restrictive covenants that track those contained in our indenture governing the 8.0% Senior Notes
due 2019, which are described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Credit Facility also contains certain
customary events of default which would permit the administrative agent at the request of the required lenders to, among
other things, declare all loans then outstanding to be immediately due and payable if such default is not cured within
applicable grace periods, including the failure to make timely payments of amounts payable under the Credit Facility or other
material indebtedness or the acceleration of other material indebtedness, the failure to comply with agreements and covenants
or for representations or warranties to be correct in all material respects when made, specified events of bankruptcy and
insolvency, and the entry of a material judgment against a loan party. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue
interest at an annual rate equal to either, as selected by K. Hovnanian, (i) the alternate base rate plus the applicable spread
determined on the date of such borrowing or (ii) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate plus the
applicable spread determined as of the date two business days prior to the first day of the interest period for such borrowing.
As of October 31, 2015 there were $47.0 million of borrowings and $25.9 million of letters of credit outstanding under the
Credit Facility. As of October 31, 2014, there were no borrowings and $26.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the
Credit Facility. As of October 31, 2015, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facility.
In addition to the Credit Facility, we have certain stand–alone cash collateralized letter of credit agreements and
facilities under which there were a total of $2.6 million and $5.5 million letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2015 and
October 31, 2014, respectively. These agreements and facilities require us to maintain specified amounts of cash as collateral
in segregated accounts to support the letters of credit issued thereunder, which will affect the amount of cash we have
available for other uses. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of cash collateral in these segregated accounts was
$2.6 million and $5.6 million, respectively, which is reflected in “Restricted cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
Our wholly owned mortgage banking subsidiary, K. Hovnanian American Mortgage, LLC (“K. Hovnanian
Mortgage”), originates mortgage loans primarily from the sale of our homes. Such mortgage loans and related servicing rights
are sold in the secondary mortgage market within a short period of time. In certain instances, we retain the servicing rights
for a small amount of loans. Our secured Master Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase Master
Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on July 31, 2015, is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $50.0
million through July 29, 2016. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying
mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly on outstanding advances at an adjusted LIBOR rate,
which was 0.19% at October 31, 2015, plus the applicable margin of 2.5% or 2.63% based upon type of loan. As of October
31, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Chase Master Repurchase
Agreement was $30.5 million and $25.5 million, respectively.
K. Hovnanian Mortgage has another secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Customers Bank (“Customers
Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on February 19, 2015 to extend the maturity date to February 18, 2016,
that is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $37.5 million through maturity. The loan is secured by the mortgages
held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable daily or as
loans are sold to permanent investors on outstanding advances at the current LIBOR, plus the applicable margin ranging from
2.75% to 5.25% based on the type of loan and the number of days outstanding on the warehouse line. As of October 31, 2015
33
and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Customers Master Repurchase Agreement
was $29.7 million and $20.4 million, respectively.
K. Hovnanian Mortgage has a third secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston
Mortgage Capital LLC (“Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on July 31, 2015, that is a
short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $50.0 million through July 29, 2016. The loan is secured by the mortgages
held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly
on outstanding advances at the Credit Suisse Cost of Funds, which was 0.58% at October 31, 2015, plus the applicable margin
of 2.5% until the loan documents have been provided to the lender, at which point the margin is lowered to 2.25%. As of
October 31, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Credit Suisse Master
Repurchase Agreement was $30.1 million and $19.7 million, respectively.
In February 2014, K. Hovnanian Mortgage executed a secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Comerica Bank
(“Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on June 29, 2015 to extend the maturity date to June 28,
2016. The Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $35.0 million
through maturity. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage
loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly at LIBOR, subject to a floor of 0.25%, plus the applicable margin
of 2.5%. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Comerica
Master Repurchase Agreement was $18.6 million and $11.3 million, respectively.
The Chase Master Repurchase Agreement, Customers Master Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse Master
Repurchase Agreement and Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement (together, the “Master Repurchase Agreements”)
require K. Hovnanian Mortgage to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other financial condition tests. Because
of the extremely short period of time mortgages are held by K. Hovnanian Mortgage before the mortgages are sold to investors
(generally a period of a few weeks), the immateriality to us on a consolidated basis of the size of the Master Repurchase
Agreements, the levels required by these financial covenants, our ability based on our immediately available resources to
contribute sufficient capital to cure any default, were such conditions to occur, and our right to cure any conditions of default
based on the terms of the agreement, we do not consider any of these covenants to be substantive or material. As of October
31, 2015, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants under the Master Repurchase Agreements.
On November 9, 2015, Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) took certain rating actions as follows:
● Corporate Family Rating, downgraded to Caa1;
● Probability of Default Rating, downgraded to Caa1;
● Preferred stock, downgraded to Caa3;
● First Lien Notes, downgraded to B1;
● Second Lien Notes, downgraded to Caa1; and
● Senior unsecured notes, downgraded to Caa2.
On December 9, 2015, Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) took certain rating actions as follows:
● Long-term Issuer Default Rating, downgraded to CCC;
● First Lien Notes, downgraded to B;
● Second Lien Notes, downgraded to CCC-;
● Senior unsecured notes, downgraded to CCC-; and
● Series A perpetual preferred stock, downgraded to C.
Downgrades in our credit ratings do not accelerate the scheduled maturity dates of our debt or affect the interest
rates charged on any of our debt issues or our debt covenant requirements or cause any other operating issue. A potential risk
from negative changes in our credit ratings is that they may make it more difficult or costly for us to access capital. However,
due to the alternative means of providing us with sufficient liquidity as discussed above, these downgrades to our credit
ratings are not anticipated to materially impact management’s operating plans, or our financial condition, results of operations
or liquidity.
Total inventory, excluding consolidated inventory not owned, increased $287.0 million during the year ended
October 31, 2015 from October 31, 2014. Total inventory, excluding consolidated inventory not owned, increased in the
Northeast by $17.6 million, in the Mid-Atlantic by $38.8 million, in the Midwest by $27.4 million, in the Southeast by $57.2
million, in the Southwest by $52.5 million and in the West by $93.5 million. The increases were primarily attributable to new
land purchases and land development during the period, partially offset by home deliveries. During the year ended October
34
31, 2015, we had impairments in the amount of $7.3 million resulting from lowering prices due to increased competition
from new communities by other homebuilders as well as weak economic conditions in certain markets. We wrote off costs
in the amount of $4.7 million during the year ended October 31, 2015 related to land options that expired or that we
terminated, as the communities’ forecasted profitability was not projected to produce adequate returns on investment
commensurate with the risk. In the last few years, we have been able to acquire new land parcels at prices that we believe
will generate reasonable returns under current homebuilding market conditions. There can be no assurances that this trend
will continue in the near term. Substantially all homes under construction or completed and included in inventory at October
31, 2015 are expected to be closed during the next six to nine months.
The total inventory increase discussed above excluded the increase in consolidated inventory not owned of $13.3
million. Consolidated inventory not owned consists of specific performance options and other options that were included in
our Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with US GAAP. The increase in consolidated inventory not owned from
October 31, 2014 to October 31, 2015 was primarily due to an increase in the sale and leaseback of certain model homes,
partially offset by a decrease in land banking transactions during the period. We have land banking arrangements, whereby
we sell land parcels to the land bankers and they provide us an option to purchase back finished lots on a predetermined
schedule. Because of our options to repurchase these parcels, for accounting purposes in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-
38, these transactions are considered a financing rather than a sale. For purposes of our Consolidated Balance Sheet, at
October 31, 2015, inventory of $25.1 million was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned - other options,” with a
corresponding amount of $16.8 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned” for the amount of net cash received
from the transactions. In addition, we sell and lease back certain of our model homes with the right to participate in the
potential profit when each home is sold to a third party at the end of the respective lease. As a result of our continued
involvement, for accounting purposes in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, these sale and leaseback transactions are
considered a financing rather than a sale for accounting purposes. Therefore, for purposes of our Consolidated Balance Sheet,
at October 31, 2015, inventory of $95.9 million was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned - other options,” with a
corresponding amount of $87.9 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned” for the amount of net cash received
from the transactions. From time to time, we enter into option agreements that include specific performance requirements
whereby we are required to purchase a minimum number of lots. Because of our obligation to purchase these lots, for
accounting purposes in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, we are required to record this inventory on our Consolidated
Balance Sheets. As of October 31, 2015, we had $1.2 million of specific performance options recorded on our Consolidated
Balance Sheets to “Consolidated inventory not owned-specific performance options,” with a corresponding liability of $1.2
million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned.”
When possible, we 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 (other than with respect
to specific performance options discussed above). As a result, our commitment for major land acquisitions is reduced. The
costs associated with optioned properties are included in “Land and land options held for future development or sale” on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Also included in “Land and land options held for future development or sale” are amounts
associated with inventory in mothballed communities. We mothball (or stop development on) certain communities when we
determine the current performance does not justify further investment at the time. That is, we believe we will generate higher
returns if we decide against spending money to improve land today and save the raw land until such time as the markets
improve or we determine to sell the property. As of October 31, 2015, we had mothballed land in 31 communities. The book
value associated with these communities at October 31, 2015 was $103.0 million, which was net of impairment charges
recorded in prior periods of $334.5 million. We continually review communities to determine if mothballing is appropriate.
During fiscal 2015, we did not mothball any additional communities, or sell any mothballed communities, but re-activated
14 communities which were previously mothballed.
Inventories held for sale, which are land parcels where we have decided not to build homes, represented $1.3 million
and $0.6 million of our total inventories at October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively, and are reported at the lower
of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In determining fair value for land held for sale, management considers,
among other things, prices for land in recent comparable sale transactions, market analysis studies, which include the
estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced liquidation sale) and recent bona fide offers
received from outside third parties.
35
The following tables summarize home sites included in our total residential real estate. The decrease in remaining
home sites available at October 31, 2015 compared to October 31, 2014 is attributable to terminating certain option
agreements and delivering homes, partially offset by signing new land option agreements and acquiring new land parcels.
October 31, 2015:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
Unconsolidated joint ventures
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures
Owned
Optioned
Construction to permanent financing lots
Consolidated total
Lots controlled by unconsolidated joint ventures
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures
October 31, 2014:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
Unconsolidated joint ventures
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures
Owned
Optioned
Construction to permanent financing lots
Consolidated total
Lots controlled by unconsolidated joint ventures
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures
Total
Home
Contracted
Not
Sites
Delivered
Remaining
Home
Sites
Available
5,610
5,588
4,504
6,263
6,906
5,858
34,729
3,124
37,853
18,612
15,923
194
34,729
3,124
37,853
5,293
5,949
4,798
6,458
6,432
6,023
34,953
2,867
37,820
17,720
16,971
262
34,953
2,867
37,820
293
453
644
279
1,033
203
2,905
207
3,112
2,456
255
194
2,905
207
3,112
146
371
665
232
770
45
2,229
112
2,341
1,746
221
262
2,229
112
2,341
5,317
5,135
3,860
5,984
5,873
5,655
31,824
2,917
34,741
16,156
15,668
-
31,824
2,917
34,741
5,147
5,578
4,133
6,226
5,662
5,978
32,724
2,755
35,479
15,974
16,750
-
32,724
2,755
35,479
36
The following table summarizes our started or completed unsold homes and models, excluding unconsolidated joint
ventures, in active and substantially completed communities. The decrease from October 31, 2014 to October 31, 2015 is due
to a concerted effort to reduce our started unsold homes inventory.
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
Started or completed unsold
homes and models per active
selling communities(1)
October 31, 2015
Unsold
Homes Models
68
132
61
99
395
65
820
14
13
3
17
4
26
77
October 31, 2014
Unsold
Homes Models
2
12
13
23
6
1
57
111
181
59
107
413
65
936
Total
82
145
64
116
399
91
897
Total
113
193
72
130
419
66
993
3.7
0.4
4.1
4.6
0.3
4.9
(1) Active selling communities (which are communities that are open for sale with ten or more home sites available) were
219 and 201 at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Ratio does not include substantially completed communities,
which are communities with less than ten home sites available.
Homebuilding – Restricted cash and cash equivalents decreased $5.8 million from October 31, 2014 to $7.3 million
at October 31, 2015. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in the cash collateral required on certain of our letters of
credit issued under our stand alone letter of credit facilities/agreements, corresponding to a decrease in the letters of credit
outstanding at October 31, 2015 as compared to October 31, 2014.
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures decreased $2.7 million during the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2015 compared to October 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to partnership distributions, partially offset
by additional investments during the period, along with the timing of advances at October 31, 2015 as compared to October
31, 2014. At both October 31, 2015 and 2014, we had investments in nine homebuilding joint ventures. We also had an
investment in one land development joint venture as of each of October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014. We have no
guarantees associated with our unconsolidated joint ventures, other than guarantees limited only to performance and
completion of development, environmental indemnification and standard warranty and representation against fraud
misrepresentation and similar actions, including a voluntary bankruptcy.
Receivables, deposits and notes, net decreased $22.2 million from October 31, 2014 to $70.3 million at October 31,
2015. The decrease was primarily due to receivables from our insurance carriers for certain warranty claims collected during
the period. When reserves for claims are recorded or paid by us, the portion that is probable for recovery from insurance
carriers is recorded as a receivable. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in refundable deposits during the period.
Prepaid expenses and other assets were as follows as of:
(In thousands)
Prepaid insurance
Prepaid project costs
Net rental properties
Other prepaids
Other assets
Total
October 31,
October 31,
2015
$2,389
42,459
924
31,496
403
$77,671
2014
$3,378
32,186
1,456
32,184
154
$69,358
Dollar
Change
$(989)
10,273
(532)
(688)
249
$8,313
Prepaid insurance decreased $1.0 million due to the timing of premium payments. These costs are amortized over
the life of the associated insurance policy, which can be one to three years. Prepaid project costs consist of community specific
expenditures that are used over the life of the community. Such prepaids are expensed as homes are delivered. The increase
of $10.3 million from October 31, 2014 to October 31, 2015 was associated with the opening of 101 new communities during
fiscal 2015. Other prepaids decreased $0.7 million during the period, primarily due to the amortization of prepaid bond fees.
37
Financial Services - Restricted cash and cash equivalents increased $3.0 million to $19.2 million at October 31,
2015. The increase was primarily related to an increase in the volume and timing of home closings at the end of fiscal 2015
compared to the end of fiscal 2014.
Financial Services - Mortgage loans held for sale consist primarily of residential mortgages receivable held for sale
of which $124.1 million and $92.1 million at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were being temporarily warehoused
and are awaiting sale in the secondary mortgage market. The increase in mortgage loans held for sale from October 31, 2014
was related to an increase in the volume of loans originated during the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter
of 2014, along with an increase in the average loan value.
Income Taxes Receivable increased $5.8 million from $284.5 million at October 31, 2014 to $290.3 million at
October 31, 2015 primarily due to an increase in deferred federal taxes, as a result of the loss before income taxes for the
year ended October 31, 2015, as discussed under “- Results of Operations” and Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Nonrecourse mortgages increased to $143.9 million at October 31, 2015, from $103.9 million at October 31,
2014. The increase was primarily due to new mortgages for communities across all homebuilding segments obtained during
fiscal 2015, partially offset by reductions in nonrecourse mortgages that existed as of October 31, 2014.
Accounts payable and other liabilities are as follows as of:
(In thousands)
Accounts payable
Reserves
Accrued expenses
Accrued compensation
Other liabilities
Total
October 31,
October 31,
2015
$144,735
140,566
19,280
36,349
7,586
$348,516
2014
$119,657
183,231
22,490
37,689
7,809
$370,876
Dollar
Change
$25,078
(42,665)
(3,210)
(1,340)
(223)
$(22,360)
The increase in accounts payable was primarily related to the timing of invoices and payments, due to an increase
in construction spending during the period, which correlates to the increase in backlog from October 31, 2014 to October 31,
2015. Reserves decreased during fiscal 2015 primarily because of the conclusion of the D’Andrea litigation discussed in Note
18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and our reserves related to construction defects were reduced as a result of the
annual actuarial study as discussed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The decrease in accrued expenses
was primarily due to the amortization of accruals related to abandoned lease space along with the timing of other accruals. The
decrease in accrued compensation is primarily due to accrued bonuses payable at the end of fiscal 2015 as compared to the
end of fiscal 2014.
Customers’ deposits increased $9.2 million to $44.2 million at October 31, 2015. The increase was primarily related
to the increase in backlog during the period.
Liabilities from inventory not owned increased $13.5 million to $105.9 million at October 31, 2015. The increase
was due to an increase in the sale and leaseback of certain model homes accounted for as financing transactions, partially
offset by a decrease in land banking and specific performance transactions during the period as described above.
Financial Services - Accounts payable and other liabilities increased $5.6 million to $27.9 million at October 31,
2015. The increase was primarily related to the increase in Financial Services restricted cash during the period, due to an
increase in the volume and timing of home closings during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2014.
Financial Services - Mortgage warehouse lines of credit increased $32.0 million from $76.9 million at October 31,
2014, to $108.9 million at October 31, 2015. The increase correlates to the increase in the volume of mortgage loans held for
sale during the period as discussed above.
Accrued interest increased $8.2 million to $40.4 million at October 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to
interest related to our 8.0% Senior Notes issued in November 2014.
38
Results of Operations
Total Revenues
Compared to the prior period, revenues increased (decreased) as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Sale of homes
Land sales
Other revenues
Financial services
Total change
Total revenues percent change
Homebuilding
October 31,
Year Ended
October 31,
2015
2014
October 31,
2013
$75,116
(4,374)
107
14,251
$85,100
4.1%
$228,686
(12,487)
1,241
(5,313)
$212,127
11.5%
$378,747
(14,077)
(7,762)
8,992
$365,900
24.6%
Sale of homes revenues increased $75.1 million, or 3.7%, for the year ended October 31, 2015, increased $228.7
million, or 12.8%, for the year ended October 31, 2014 and increased $378.7 million, or 26.9%, for the year ended October
31, 2013 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increased revenues in fiscal 2015 were primarily due to the
average price per home increasing to $379,177 in fiscal 2015 from $366,202 in fiscal 2014. The increased revenues in fiscal
2014 were primarily due to the number of home deliveries increasing 4.4% and the average price per home increasing to
$366,202 in fiscal 2014 from $338,839 in fiscal 2013. The increased revenues in fiscal 2013 were primarily due to the number
of home deliveries increasing 12.6% and the average price per home increasing to $338,839 in fiscal 2013 from $300,595 in
fiscal 2012. For fiscal 2015 and 2014, the fluctuations in average prices were a result of the geographic and community mix
of our deliveries, as opposed to home price increases (which we increase or decrease in communities depending on the
respective community’s performance). Our ability to raise prices in fiscal 2015 and 2014 was limited because in order to
increase our sales pace per community, we lowered prices or increased incentives in certain communities, especially with
respect to spec homes in the first half of fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2013, we were able to raise prices in a number of our
communities. For information on land sales, see the section titled “Land Sales and Other Revenues” below.
39
Information on homes delivered by segment is set forth below:
(Housing Revenue in thousands)
Northeast:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
Mid-Atlantic:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
Midwest:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
Southeast:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
Southwest:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
West:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
Consolidated total:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
Unconsolidated joint ventures:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
Total including unconsolidated joint ventures:
Housing revenues
Homes delivered
Average price
October 31,
Year Ended
October 31,
2015
2014
October 31,
2013
$189,049
380
$497,497
$398,132
854
$466,197
$311,364
958
$325,015
$207,407
675
$307,269
$822,371
2,263
$363,399
$159,806
377
$423,889
$274,734
550
$499,516
$331,759
701
$473,266
$225,958
789
$286,386
$202,620
652
$310,768
$747,753
2,389
$312,998
$230,189
416
$553,337
$279,695
617
$453,314
$288,323
623
$462,798
$162,758
657
$247,730
$146,264
535
$273,391
$684,258
2,331
$293,547
$223,029
503
$443,398
$2,088,129
5,507
$379,177
$2,013,013
5,497
$366,202
$1,784,327
5,266
$338,839
$119,920
269
$445,799
$164,082
437
$375,475
$306,174
664
$461,105
$2,208,049
5,776
$382,280
$2,177,095
5,934
$366,885
$2,090,501
5,930
$352,530
The increase in housing revenues during year ended October 31, 2015, as compared to year ended October 31, 2014,
was primarily attributed to an increase in average sales price. Housing revenues and average sales prices in fiscal 2015
increased in all of our homebuilding segments combined by 3.7% and 3.5%, respectively, excluding joint ventures. In our
homebuilding segments, homes delivered increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 by 21.8%, 21.4% and 3.5% in
the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast, respectively, and decreased by 30.9%, 5.3% and 9.4% in the Northeast, Southwest
and West, respectively. Overall in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 homes delivered only increased 0.2% across all our
segments, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures.
The increase in housing revenues during year ended October 31, 2014, as compared to year ended October 31, 2013,
was primarily attributed to an increase in deliveries and average sales price. The increase in deliveries was primarily due to
the increase in community count. Housing revenues and average sales prices in fiscal 2014 increased in all of our
homebuilding segments combined by 12.8% and 8.1%, respectively, excluding joint ventures. In our homebuilding segments,
homes delivered increased in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 by 12.5%, 20.1%, 21.9% and 2.5% in the Mid-Atlantic,
Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, respectively, and decreased by 10.9% and 17.3% in the Northeast and West, respectively.
40
Quarterly housing revenues and net sales contracts by segment, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, for the
years ending October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are set forth below:
(In thousands)
Housing revenues:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
Sales contracts (net of cancellations):
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
(In thousands)
Housing revenues:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
Sales contracts (net of cancellations):
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
(In thousands)
Housing revenues:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
Sales contracts (net of cancellations):
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Consolidated total
October 31, 2015 July 31, 2015 April 30, 2015
January 31, 2015
Quarter Ended
$63,175
127,233
91,122
63,074
262,713
66,013
$673,330
$66,846
114,191
73,693
58,382
216,371
95,419
$624,902
$36,109
113,886
82,618
57,294
203,075
33,174
$526,156
$69,410
115,164
70,578
54,776
248,907
60,573
$619,408
$39,123
76,102
73,214
49,255
189,974
27,504
$455,172
$69,717
116,843
101,807
66,824
290,901
54,648
$700,740
$50,642
80,911
64,410
37,784
166,609
33,115
$433,471
$56,753
102,109
70,981
52,290
193,584
27,440
$503,157
October 31, 2014 July 31, 2014 April 30, 2014
January 31, 2014
Quarter Ended
$95,886
113,144
78,203
57,297
254,668
82,325
$681,523
$51,176
96,981
77,917
51,495
194,178
40,030
$511,777
$60,165
89,834
55,392
55,403
200,788
76,425
$538,007
$64,356
91,701
72,287
39,855
204,460
44,686
$517,345
$65,550
68,431
48,624
50,792
164,212
40,693
$438,302
$75,485
119,935
65,242
59,467
269,985
79,167
$669,281
$53,133
60,350
43,739
39,128
128,085
30,746
$355,181
$52,038
70,897
48,391
34,218
158,084
44,390
$408,018
October 31, 2013 July 31, 2013 April 30, 2013
January 31, 2013
Quarter Ended
$66,447
89,123
37,918
35,265
181,593
52,030
$462,376
$69,118
79,104
57,066
54,581
195,403
39,322
$494,594
$53,099
57,706
39,356
37,119
160,988
61,308
$409,576
$86,311
89,896
60,898
51,479
235,517
55,461
$579,562
$54,234
52,447
32,172
28,605
120,728
46,095
$334,281
$45,356
69,922
39,988
33,263
159,269
49,148
$396,946
$105,914
89,048
53,313
45,276
220,948
63,595
$578,094
$68,499
71,797
59,808
42,901
149,594
50,747
$443,346
41
Contracts per average active selling community in fiscal 2015 were 30.0 compared to fiscal 2014 of 28.4. Our
reported level of sales contracts (net of cancellations) has been impacted by an increase in the pace of sales in most of the
Company’s segments during fiscal 2015. Cancellation rates represent 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
First
Second
Third
Fourth
2015
16%
16%
20%
20%
2014
18 %
17%
22%
22%
2013
16 %
15 %
17 %
23 %
2012
21%
16%
20%
23%
2011
22 %
20 %
18 %
21 %
Another common and meaningful way to analyze our cancellation trends is to compare the number of contract
cancellations as a percentage of the beginning backlog. The following table provides this historical comparison, excluding
unconsolidated joint ventures.
Quarter
First
Second
Third
Fourth
2015
11%
14%
13%
12%
2014
11 %
17%
13%
14%
2013
12 %
15 %
12 %
14 %
2012
18%
21%
18%
18%
2011
18 %
22 %
20 %
18 %
Most cancellations occur within the legal rescission period, which varies by state but is generally less than two
weeks after the signing of the contract. Cancellations also occur as a result of a buyer's failure to qualify for a mortgage,
which generally occurs during the first few weeks after signing. The contract cancellations over the past several years, as
shown in the tables above, have been within what we believe to be a normal range. However, market conditions remain
uncertain and it is difficult to predict what cancellation rates will be in the future.
An important indicator of our future results is recently signed contracts and our home contract backlog for future
deliveries. Our consolidated contract backlog, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, by segment is set forth below:
(Dollars In thousands)
Northeast:
Total contract backlog
Number of homes
Mid-Atlantic:
Total contract backlog
Number of homes
Midwest:
Total contract backlog
Number of homes
Southeast:
Total contract backlog
Number of homes
Southwest:
Total contract backlog
Number of homes
West:
Total contract backlog
Number of homes
Totals:
October 31,
October 31,
2015
2014
October 31,
2013
$147,004
293
$73,327
146
$105,006
220
$239,099
453
$188,923
371
$141,168
271
$194,290
644
$188,595
665
$150,716
605
$105,935
279
$81,071
232
$98,656
308
$422,711
1,033
$295,319
770
$216,367
677
$106,886
203
$28,612
45
$50,526
86
Total consolidated contract backlog
Number of homes
$1,215,925
2,905
$855,847
2,229
$762,439
2,167
Contract backlog dollars increased 42.1% as of October 31, 2015 compared to October 31, 2014, while the number
of homes in backlog increased 30.3% for the same period. The increase in backlog is driven by an 11.2% increase in net
contracts, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, for the year ended October 31, 2015 compared to the prior fiscal year. In
42
the month of November 2015, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, we signed an additional 477 net contracts amounting
to $194.6 million in contract value.
Total cost of sales on our Consolidated Statements of Operations includes expenses for consolidated housing and
land and lot sales, including inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs (defined as “land charges” in the tables
below). A breakout of such expenses for housing sales and housing gross margin is set forth below:
(Dollars In thousands)
Sale of homes
Cost of sales, net of impairment reversals and excluding interest expense
Homebuilding gross margin, before cost of sales interest expense and land
charges
Cost of sales interest expense, excluding land sales interest expense
Homebuilding gross margin, after cost of sales interest expense, before land
charges
Land charges
Homebuilding gross margin, after cost of sales interest expense and land
charges
$
Gross margin percentage, before cost of sales interest expense and land charges
Gross margin percentage, after cost of sales interest expense, before land
charges
Gross margin percentage after cost of sales interest expense and land charges
Year Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 October 31, 2013
1,784,327
$
1,426,032
2,013,013 $
1,612,122
2,088,129 $
1,721,336
366,793
59,574
307,219
12,044
400,891
53,101
347,790
5,224
358,295
51,939
306,356
4,965
295,175 $
17.6%
342,566 $
19.9 %
301,391
20.1%
14.7%
14.1%
17.3 %
17.0 %
17.2%
16.9%
Cost of sales expenses as a percentage of consolidated home sales revenues are presented below:
Year Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 October 31, 2013
Sale of homes
Cost of sales, net of impairment reversals and excluding interest:
Housing, land and development costs
Commissions
Financing concessions
Overheads
Total cost of sales, before interest expense and land charges
Gross margin percentage, before cost of sales interest expense and land charges
Cost of sales interest
Gross margin percentage, after cost of sales interest expense and before land
charges
100%
72.0 %
3.6 %
1.4 %
5.4 %
82.4 %
17.6 %
2.9 %
14.7 %
100%
70.3 %
3.4 %
1.3 %
5.1 %
80.1 %
19.9 %
2.6 %
17.3 %
100%
70.0%
3.3%
1.4%
5.2%
79.9%
20.1%
2.9%
17.2%
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 margin percentage, before interest expense and land impairment and option write-off charges, decreased
to 17.6% for the year ended October 31, 2015 compared to 19.9% for the same period last year. During the first half of fiscal
2015, we significantly discounted some of our spec homes to sell them. In addition, we have experienced pricing pressure
since midway through fiscal 2014, leading us to increase incentives and concessions on to be built homes as well, although
to a lesser extent than started unsold homes. Combined, this resulted in a decrease in gross margin percentage for fiscal 2015
compared to fiscal 2014. The slight decrease in gross margin percentage during the year ended October 31, 2014 was due to
minor increases in price concessions and direct costs from some of our communities delivering homes that year. For the years
ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, gross margin was favorably impacted by the reversal of prior period inventory
impairments of $35.6 million, $48.0 million and $60.5 million, respectively, which represented 1.7%, 2.4% and 3.4%,
respectively, of “Sale of homes” revenue.
Reflected as inventory impairment loss and land option write offs in cost of sales (“land charges”), we have written
off or written down certain inventories totaling $12.0 million, $5.2 million and $5.0 million during the years ended October
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to their estimated fair value. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for an additional discussion. During the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we wrote off residential land options
and approval and engineering costs totaling $4.7 million, $4.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively, which are included in
the total land charges mentioned above. Option, approval and engineering costs are written off when a community’s pro
forma profitability is not projected to produce adequate returns on the investment commensurate with the risk and when we
believe it is probable we will cancel the option, or when a community is redesigned engineering costs related to the initial
design are written off. Such write-offs were located in all segments in fiscal 2015, and all segments except the West in fiscal
43
2014 and 2013. The inventory impairments amounted to $7.3 million, $1.2 million and $2.4 million for the years ended
October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the past three years, inventory impairments were lower than they had
been in several previous years. It is difficult to predict if impairment levels will remain low, and should it become necessary
to further lower prices, or 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 need to recognize additional impairments.
Below is a breakdown of our lot option walk-aways and impairments by segment for fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2015, we
walked away from 22.9% of all the lots we controlled under option contracts. The remaining 77.1% of our option lots are in
communities that we believe remain economically feasible.
The following table represents lot option walk-aways by segment for the year ended October 31, 2015:
(In millions)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
Dollar
Amount
of Walk
Away
$0.9
0.2
0.6
1.3
1.4
0.3
$4.7
Number
of Walk-
Away
Lots
802
325
876
1,629
957
141
4,730
% of
Walk-
Away
Lots
17.0%
6.9%
18.5%
34.4%
20.2%
3.0%
100.0%
Walk-
Away Lots
as a % of
Total
Option
Lots
19.8%
10.3%
40.0%
28.2%
19.4%
25.6%
22.9%
Total
Option
Lots(1)
4,060
3,144
2,189
5,774
4,935
551
20,653
(1) Includes lots optioned at October 31, 2015 and lots optioned that the Company walked away from in the year ended
October 31, 2015.
The following table represents impairments by segment for the year ended October 31, 2015:
(In millions)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
Dollar
Amount of
Impairment
$0.8
0.9
1.3
2.5
-
1.8
$7.3
% of
Impairments
11.0%
12.3%
17.8%
34.2%
0%
24.7%
100.0%
Pre-
Impairment
Value(1)
$0.9
2.5
8.4
10.1
-
7.5
$29.4
% of Pre-
Impairment
Value
88.9%
36.0%
15.5%
24.8%
0%
24.0%
24.8%
(1) Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period’s
impairments.
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:
(In thousands)
Land and lot sales
Cost of sales, net of impairment reversals and excluding interest
Land and lot sales gross margin, excluding interest
Land and lot sales interest expense
Land and lot sales gross margin, including interest
44
Year Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 October 31, 2013
$17,711
16,012
1,699
291
$1,408
$5,224
3,077
2,147
865
$1,282
$850
702
148
39
$109
Land sales are ancillary to our residential homebuilding operations and are expected to continue in the future but
may significantly fluctuate up or down. 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.
There were three land sales in the year ended October 31, 2015, compared to 13 in the same period of the prior year, resulting
in a $4.4 million decrease in land sales revenue. There were 13 land sales in the year ended October 31, 2014, compared to
14 in the same period of the prior year. Despite one less number of land sales in the period, revenue associated therewith can
vary significantly due to the mix of land parcels sold. For example, there was one significant land sale in the Southwest
during the year ended October 31, 2013, resulting in a decrease of $12.5 million in land sales revenue for the year ended
October 31, 2014.
Land sales and other revenues decreased $4.3 million and $11.2 million for the years ended October 31, 2015 and
2014 compared to the same period in the prior year. Other revenues include income from contract cancellations where the
deposit has been forfeited due to contract terminations, interest income, cash discounts and miscellaneous one-time receipts.
The decrease for the year ended October 31, 2014, compared to the year ended October 31, 2013, was mainly due to the
decrease in land sales discussed above, offset by an increase among the various components of other revenue with $0.4
million coming from an increase in forfeited deposits.
Homebuilding Selling, General and Administrative
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative (“SGA”) expenses decreased $3.1 million to $188.4 million for
the year ended October 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended October 31, 2014. This decrease was mainly due to the
reduction of $15.2 million of our construction defect reserves based on our annual actuarial estimates, as discussed further in
Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, partially offset by increases due to additional headcount related costs and
increased architectural expense, related to recent and expected future community growth, as well as a reduction of joint
venture management fees, which offset general and administrative expenses, received as a result of fewer joint venture
deliveries in the year ended October 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended October 31, 2014. SGA increased $25.7 million
to 191.5 million for the year ended October 31, 2014 compared to the year ended October 31, 2013. Approximately half of
the increase was due to higher sales compensation, increased advertising costs and increased architectural expense, all related
to recent and future community count growth, as well as a reduction of joint venture management fees, which offset general
and administrative expenses, received as a result of fewer joint venture deliveries. The other half of the increase was due to
increased staffing levels primarily associated with the new communities and increased compensation reflective of the
competitive homebuilding market.
45
Homebuilding Operations by Segment
Financial information relating to the Company’s operations was as follows:
Segment Analysis (Dollars in thousands, except average sales price)
Years Ended October 31,
Variance
2015
Compared
Variance
2014
Compared
2015
to 2014
2014
to 2013
2013
Northeast
Homebuilding revenue
(Loss) income before income taxes
Homes delivered
Average sales price
Mid-Atlantic
Homebuilding revenue
Income before income taxes
Homes delivered
Average sales price
Midwest
Homebuilding revenue
Income before income taxes
Homes delivered
Average sales price
Southeast
Homebuilding revenue
(Loss) income before income taxes
Homes delivered
Average sales price
Southwest
Homebuilding revenue
Income before income taxes
Homes delivered
Average sales price
West
Homebuilding revenue
(Loss) income before income taxes
Homes delivered
Average sales price
Homebuilding Results by Segment
$189,497 $(86,333) $275,830
$(7,517)
550
$(2,019) $499,516
$(7,742)
380
$497,497
$(225)
(170)
$(7,025) $282,855
$1,519
$(9,036)
617
(67)
$46,202 $453,314
$399,500
$21,431
854
$466,197
$66,871 $332,719
$23,897
$(2,466)
701
153
$(7,069) $473,266
$43,416 $289,303
$24,388
623
$10,468 $462,798
$(491)
78
$311,449
$14,012
958
$325,015
$85,275 $226,174
$17,879
$(3,867)
789
169
$38,629 $286,386
$62,689 $163,485
$12,270
657
$38,656 $247,730
$5,609
132
$207,662
$(6,330) $(15,577)
23
$2,991 $204,671
$9,247
652
$(3,499) $310,768
675
$307,269
$57,101 $147,570
$6,455
535
$37,377 $273,391
$2,792
117
$823,853
$67,437
2,263
$363,399
$72,427 $751,426
$74,527
$(7,090)
2,389
(126)
$50,401 $312,998
$54,068 $697,358
$76,459
$(1,932)
2,331
58
$19,451 $293,547
$159,969 $(70,339) $230,308
$21,303
$(17,145) $(38,448)
416
(39)
$7,222 $223,086
$14,398
$6,905
503
(87)
$423,889 $(129,448) $553,337 $109,939 $443,398
377
Northeast – Homebuilding revenues decreased 31.3% in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to a
30.9% decrease in homes delivered, a 0.4% decrease in average selling price and a $0.6 million decrease in land sales and
other revenue. The decrease in average sales prices was the result of the mix of communities delivering, along with pricing
pressure in certain communities in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Loss before income taxes increased $0.2 million to
a loss of $7.7 million, which was mainly due to the decrease in homebuilding revenues discussed above. Additionally, the
gross margin percentage before interest expense was relatively flat for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014.
Homebuilding revenues decreased 2.5% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to a 10.9% decrease
in homes delivered and a $2.1 million decrease in land sales and other revenue, partially offset by a 10.2% increase in average
selling price. The increase in average sales prices was the result of the mix of communities delivering in fiscal 2014 compared
to fiscal 2013. Income before income taxes decreased $9.0 million to a loss of $7.5 million, compared to income before
income taxes in the prior year of $1.5 million, which was mainly due to a $7.9 million increase in selling, general and
administrative costs, a decrease of $5.0 million in income from unconsolidated joint ventures and a slight decrease in gross
margin percentage before interest expense for fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013.
46
Mid-Atlantic – Homebuilding revenues increased 20.1% in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to a
21.8% increase in homes delivered, partially offset by a 1.5% decrease in average selling price. The decrease in average sales
price was due to the mix of communities delivering, along with pricing pressure in certain communities in fiscal 2015
compared to fiscal 2014. Income before income taxes decreased $2.5 million to $21.4 million, due mainly to a $1.9 million
increase in selling, general and administrative costs, a $0.9 million increase in inventory impairment loss and land option
write-offs, partially offset by the increase in homebuilding revenues discussed above. Additionally, the gross margin
percentage before interest expense was relatively flat for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014.
Homebuilding revenues increased 15.0% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to a 12.5% increase
in homes delivered and a 2.3% increase in average selling price. The increase in average sales price was due to the mix of
communities that delivered in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. Income before income taxes decreased $0.5 million to
$23.9 million, due mainly to a $9.5 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs, offset by the increase in
homebuilding revenues discussed above. Additionally, the gross margin percentage before interest expense was relatively
flat for fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013.
Midwest – Homebuilding revenues increased 37.7% in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. The increase was
primarily due to a 21.4% increase in homes delivered and a 13.5% increase in average sales price. The increase in average
sales price was due to the mix of communities delivering in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Income before income taxes
decreased $3.9 million to $14.0 million. The decrease in income was primarily due to a $10.7 million increase in selling,
general and administrative costs and a slight decrease in gross margin percentage before interest expense, partially offset by
the increase in homebuilding revenues discussed above.
Homebuilding revenues increased 38.3% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. The increase was primarily due to
a 20.1% increase in homes delivered and a 15.6% increase in average sales price. Income before income taxes increased $5.6
million to $17.9 million. The increase in income was primarily due to the increase in homebuilding revenues discussed above
and a slight increase in gross margin percentage before interest expense, offset by a $4.8 million increase in selling, general
and administrative costs and a $1.7 million increase in inventory impairment and land option write-offs.
Southeast – Homebuilding revenues increased 1.5% in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. The increase was
primarily due to a 3.5% increase in homes delivered, partially offset by a 1.1% decrease in average sales price. The decrease
in average sales price was due to the mix of communities delivering, along with pricing pressure in certain communities in
fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Income before income taxes decreased $15.6 million to a loss of $6.3 million due to a
$5.4 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs, a $3.1 million increase in inventory impairment loss and
land option write-offs and a slight decrease in gross margin percentage before interest expense.
Homebuilding revenues increased 38.7% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. The increase was primarily due to
a 21.9% increase in homes delivered and a 13.7% increase in average sales price. Income before income taxes increased by
$2.8 million to $9.2 million due to the increase in homebuilding revenues discussed above, a $0.7 million increase in land
sales and other revenue and a $0.8 million increase in income from unconsolidated joint ventures. These increases are being
offset by a $4.9 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs and a slight decrease in gross margin percentage
before interest expense.
Southwest – Homebuilding revenues increased 9.6% in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to a 16.1%
increase in average sales price, partially offset by a 5.3% decrease in homes delivered and a $2.2 million decrease in land
sales and other revenue. The increase in average sales price was due to the mix of communities delivering in fiscal 2015
compared to fiscal 2014. Income before income taxes decreased $7.1 million to $67.4 million in fiscal 2015 mainly due to a
$2.3 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs, the decrease in land sales and other revenue discussed above
and a slight decrease in gross margin percentage before interest expense, offset by the increase in homebuilding revenues
discussed above.
Homebuilding revenues increased 7.8% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to a 2.5% increase in
homes delivered and a 6.6% increase in average sales price, offset by a $9.4 million decrease in land sales and other revenue.
The increase in average sales price was due to the mix of communities that delivered in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013.
Income before income taxes decreased $1.9 million to $74.5 million in fiscal 2014 mainly due to a $5.7 million increase in
selling, general and administrative costs, the decrease in land sales and other revenue discussed above and a slight decrease
in gross margin percentage before interest expense, offset by the increase in homebuilding revenues discussed above.
47
West – Homebuilding revenues decreased 30.5% in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to a 23.4%
decrease in average sales price and a 9.4% decrease in homes delivered, which was due to the different mix of communities
delivering, along with pricing pressure in certain communities in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Income before income
taxes decreased $38.4 million to a loss of $17.1 million in fiscal 2015 due mainly to a $1.5 million increase in selling, general
and administrative costs, a $2.1 million increase in inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs, a significant
decrease in gross margin percentage before interest expense and the decrease in homebuilding revenues discussed above.
Homebuilding revenues increased 3.2% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to a 24.8% increase in
average sales price, partially offset by a 17.3% decrease in homes delivered, which was due to the different mix of
communities delivered in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. Income before income taxes increased $6.9 million to $21.3
million in fiscal 2014 due mainly to the increase in homebuilding revenues discussed above and an increase in gross margin
percentage before interest expense, offset by $1.5 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs.
Financial Services
Financial services consist primarily of originating mortgages from our home buyers, selling such mortgages in the
secondary market, and title insurance activities. We use mandatory investor commitments and forward sales of MBS to hedge
our mortgage-related interest rate exposure on agency and government loans. These instruments involve, to varying degrees,
elements of credit and interest rate risk. Credit risk associated with MBS forward commitments and loan sales transactions
is managed by limiting our counterparties to investment banks, federally regulated bank affiliates and other investors meeting
our credit standards. Our risk, in the event of default by the purchaser, is the difference between the contract price and fair
value of the MBS forward commitments. For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, FHA/VA loans represented
27.1%, 28.4%, and 32.7%, respectively, of our total loans. While the origination of FHA/VA loans have decreased over the
last three fiscal years, our conforming conventional loan originations as a percentage of our total loans increased from 62.7%
for fiscal 2013 to 69.2% for fiscal 2014 and was flat at 69.2% for fiscal 2015. The remaining 3.7%, 2.4% and 4.6% of our
loan originations represent USDA and jumbo 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.
During the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, financial services provided a $24.7 million, $13.8 million
and $18.7 million pretax profit, respectively. In fiscal 2015, financial services pretax profit increased $10.9 million due to
the increase in mortgage capture rate and the average price of loans settled. In fiscal 2014, financial services pretax profit
decreased $4.9 million compared to fiscal 2013 due to a decrease in the number of mortgage originations, as the percentage
of our noncash home buyers that obtained mortgages from our subsidiary decreased by 600 basis points. In the market areas
served by our wholly owned mortgage banking subsidiaries, approximately 75%, 65%, and 71% of our noncash home buyers
obtained mortgages originated by these subsidiaries during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Servicing rights on new mortgages originated by us are sold with the loans.
Corporate General and Administrative
Corporate general and administrative expenses include the operations at our headquarters in Red Bank, New Jersey.
These expenses include payroll, stock compensation, facility and other costs associated with our executive offices,
information services, human resources, corporate accounting, training, treasury, process redesign, internal audit, construction
services and administration of insurance, quality and safety. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $0.9
million for the year ended October 31, 2015 compared to the year ended October 31, 2014, and increased $9.0 million for the
year ended October 31, 2014 compared to the year ended October 31, 2013. The decrease in expense for fiscal 2015 was due
mainly to lower stock compensation expense largely due to the impact of lower stock prices on stock awards granted in fiscal
2015, including under the Company’s 2013 long term incentive plan, which reached the end of its measurement period on
October 31, 2015. See the discussion of the stock awards granted under the Company’s 2013 long term incentive plan in
Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The increase in expenses for fiscal 2014 was attributed to increased total
compensation as a result of an increase in headcount, additional expenses related to earned amounts under the company’s
2010 long-term incentive plan and increased professional services for various corporate operations.
Other Interest
Other interest increased $4.5 million to $91.8 million for the year ended October 31, 2015 compared to October 31,
2014, but had decreased $3.9 million to $87.4 million for the year ended October 31, 2014 compared to October 31, 2013.
Our assets that qualify for interest capitalization (inventory under development) are less than our debt, and therefore a portion
of interest not covered by qualifying assets must be directly expensed. For fiscal 2015, other interest increased despite a
continued increase in inventory because interest incurred increased as a result of higher debt balances, attributed primarily to
48
the $250.0 million senior unsecured notes issued in November 2014. In fiscal 2014, as our inventory balances for the
qualifying assets increased compared to 2013, the amount of interest required to be directly expensed decreased.
Other Operations
Other operations consist primarily of the amortization of prepaid bond fees along with rent expense for commercial
office space. Compared to the previous year, other operations increased $1.4 million to $6.0 million for the year ended
October 31, 2015, and increased $3.8 million to $4.6 million for the year ended October 31, 2014. This increase in other
operations for the year ended October 31, 2015 compared to the prior year was due to increased prepaid bond fees
amortization as a result of additional debt issuances. The increase in expenses from October 31, 2014 compared to October
31, 2013 was mainly due to the gain recognized in fiscal 2013 from the sale of our last remaining senior rental residential
property.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
We did not incur any loss on the extinguishment of debt for the year ended October 31, 2015. For the year ended
October 31, 2014, our loss on extinguishment of debt was $1.2 million, due to the redemption of the remaining outstanding
principal amount ($21.4 million) of our 6.25% Senior Notes due 2015.
During the year ended October 31, 2013, our loss on extinguishment of debt was $0.8 million. In the fourth quarter
of 2013, K. Hovnanian issued an aggregate principal amount of $41.6 million of its 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016. The Notes
were issued as additional 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016 under the indenture dated as of August 8, 2005. The net proceeds
from this offering were used to fund the redemption on October 15, 2013 of all of K. Hovnanian’s outstanding 6.5% Senior
Notes due 2014 and 6.375% Senior Notes due 2014 and to pay related fees and expenses. These transactions resulted in a
write-off of prepaid fees and a make whole true-up, totaling $0.8 million
Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures consists of our share of the earnings or losses of our joint ventures.
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased $3.7 million for the year ended October 31, 2015 from $7.9 million for
the year ended October 31, 2014 to $4.2 million for the year ended October 31, 2015. The decrease in income was due to
fewer deliveries in certain of our joint ventures and recognition of our share of losses on our newly formed joint ventures that
have not yet begun to deliver homes or just started delivering homes. Income from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased
$4.1 million to $7.9 million for the year ended October 31, 2014 compared to $12.0 million for the year ended October 31,
2013. The decrease in income was due to fewer deliveries in certain of our joint ventures, and a decrease in the average sales
price of the joint venture deliveries. The decrease in average sales price was primarily the result of the mix of communities
during each of the respective periods.
Total Taxes
The total income tax benefit of $5.7 million recognized for the year ended October 31, 2015 was primarily due to
deferred taxes resulting from the loss before income taxes plus the reversal of state tax reserves for uncertain state tax
positions, partially offset by state tax expenses. The total income tax benefit of $287.0 million recognized for the year ended
October 31, 2014 was primarily due to the reversal of a substantial portion of our valuation allowance previously recorded
against our deferred tax assets, plus a refund received for a loss carryback to a previously profitable year and the impact of
state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions, partially offset by state tax expenses. The total income tax benefit of $9.4
million recognized for the year ended October 31, 2013 was primarily due to the release of reserves for a federal tax position
that was settled with the Internal Revenue Service and a favorable state tax audit settlement, partially offset by state tax
expenses and state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions.
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 the combination of future years’ income (or loss) and the reversal of the timing differences results in a loss, such losses
can be carried forward to future years. In accordance with ASC 740, 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.
49
As of October 31, 2014, and again at October 31, 2015, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a
substantial amount of our deferred tax assets (“DTA”) would be utilized. This conclusion was based on a detailed evaluation
of all relevant evidence, both positive and negative. The positive evidence included factors such as positive earnings for two
of the last three fiscal years and the expectation of earnings going forward over the long term and evidence of a sustained
recovery in the housing markets in which we operate. Such evidence is supported by significant increases in key financial
indicators over the last few years, including new orders, backlog, and community count compared with the prior years.
Economic data has also been affirming the housing market recovery. Housing starts, homebuilding volume and prices are
increasing and forecasted to continue to increase. Historically low mortgage rates, affordable home prices, reduced
foreclosures and a favorable home ownership to rental comparison are key factors in the recovery.
Potentially offsetting this positive evidence is the fact that we had a loss before income taxes for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 2015. However, as we expected last year when we reversed a substantial portion of our deferred tax asset
valuation allowance, we are no longer in a three year cumulative loss position as of October 31, 2015. As per ASC 740,
cumulative losses are one of the most objectively verifiable forms of negative evidence; we no longer have this negative
evidence and we expect to be profitable going forward over the long term. Our recent three years cumulative performance
and our expectations for the coming years based on our current backlog, community count and recent sales contracts provide
evidence that reaffirms our conclusion last year that a full valuation allowance was not necessary and that the current valuation
allowance for deferred taxes of $635.3 million as of October 31, 2015 is appropriate.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land and lot option purchase contracts in order to procure land or
lots for the construction of homes. Lot option contracts enable us to control significant lot positions with a minimal capital
investment and substantially reduce the risks associated with land ownership and development. At October 31, 2015, we had
$82.8 million in option deposits in cash to purchase land and lots with a total purchase price of $1.4 billion. Our financial
exposure is generally limited to forfeiture of the nonrefundable deposits, letters of credit and other nonrefundable amounts
incurred. We have no material third-party guarantees.
Contractual Obligations
The following summarizes our aggregate contractual commitments at October 31, 2015.
Payments Due by Period (1)
(In thousands)
Long term debt (2)(3)(4)
Operating leases
Purchase obligations (5)
Total
Total
1 year
Less than
More than
5 years
$2,454,476 $385,915 $468,907 $1,164,774 $434,880
180
-
$2,477,617 $397,464 $477,621 $1,167,472 $435,060
10,349
1,200
21,941
1,200
8,714
-
2,698
-
3-5 years
1-3 years
(1) Total contractual obligations exclude our accrual for uncertain tax positions of $1.4 million recorded for financial
reporting purposes as of October 31, 2015 because we were unable to make reasonable estimates as to the period of
cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.
(2) Represents our revolving credit facility, senior secured, senior, senior amortizing and senior exchangeable notes, and
other notes payable and $533.1 million of related interest payments for the life of such debt.
(3) Does not include $143.9 million of nonrecourse mortgages secured by inventory. These mortgages have various
maturities spread over the next two to three years and are paid off as homes are delivered.
(4) Does not include the mortgage warehouse lines of credit made under our Master Repurchase Agreements. See“- Capital
Resources and Liquidity.” Also does not include $25.9 million of letters of credit issued as of October 31, 2015 under
our $75.0 million revolving Credit Facility.
(5) Represents obligations under option contracts with specific performance provisions, net of cash deposits.
50
We had outstanding letters of credit and performance bonds of $28.5 million and $235.8 million, respectively, at
October 31, 2015, related principally to our obligations to local governments to construct roads and other improvements in
various developments. We do not believe that any such letters of credit or bonds are likely to be drawn upon.
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.
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 56% of our homebuilding cost of sales.
Safe Harbor Statement
All statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts should be considered as “Forward-
Looking Statements” within the meaning of the “Safe Harbor” provisions 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. Such forward looking statements include but are not limited to
statements related to the Company's goals and expectations with respect to its financial results for future financial periods.
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. By their nature, forward-
looking statements: (i) speak only as of the date they are made, (ii) are not guarantees of future performance or results and
(iii) are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Therefore, actual results could
differ materially and adversely from those forward-looking statements as result of a variety of factors. Such risks,
uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Changes in general and local economic, industry and business conditions and impacts of the sustained
homebuilding downturn;
Adverse weather and other environmental conditions and natural disasters;
Levels of indebtedness and restrictions on the Company’s operations and activities imposed by the agreements
governing the Company’s outstanding indebtedness;
The Company’s sources of liquidity;
Changes in credit ratings;
Changes in market conditions and seasonality of the Company’s business;
The availability and cost of suitable land and improved lots;
Shortages in, and price fluctuations of, raw materials and labor;
Regional and local economic factors, including dependency on certain sectors of the economy, and employment
levels affecting home prices and sales activity in the markets where the Company builds homes;
Fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of mortgage financing;
Changes in tax laws affecting the after-tax costs of owning a home;
Operations through joint ventures with third parties;
Government regulation, including regulations concerning development of land, the home building, sales and
customer financing processes, tax laws and the environment;
Product liability litigation, warranty claims and claims made by mortgage investors;
Levels of competition;
Availability and terms of financing to the Company;
Successful identification and integration of acquisitions;
Significant influence of the Company’s controlling stockholders;
Availability of net operating loss carryforwards;
Utility shortages and outages or rate fluctuations;
Geopolitical risks, terrorist acts and other acts of war;
Increases in cancellations of agreements of sale;
Loss of key management personnel or failure to attract qualified personnel;
51
●
●
Information technology failures and data security breaches; and
Legal claims are brought against us and not resolved in our favor.
Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors are described in detail in Part I, Item 1 “Business” and Part I, Item 1A
“Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
A primary market risk facing us is interest rate risk on our long term debt, including debt instruments at variable
interest rates. In connection with our mortgage operations, mortgage loans held for sale and the associated mortgage
warehouse lines of credit under our Master Repurchase Agreements 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 interest rate 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 we do not believe this risk is material. The following tables set forth as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, our
long-term debt obligations, principal cash flows by scheduled maturity, weighted-average interest rates and estimated fair
value (“FV”).
Long-Term Debt Tables
Long-Term Debt as of October 31, 2015 by Fiscal Year of Debt Maturity
(Dollars in
FV at
10/31/15
thousands)
Long term debt(1)(2): $265,194 $127,593 $125,027 $151,536 $ 828,673 $ 423,390 $ 1,921,413 $ 1,703,269
Fixed rate
Weighted-average
2020 Thereafter
Total
2018
2017
2016
2019
interest rate
6.75%
8.72%
4.40%
7.02%
7.48%
6.85%
7.08%
(1) Does not include the mortgage warehouse lines of credit made under our Master Repurchase Agreements. Also does
not include $25.9 million of letters of credit issued as of October 31, 2015 under our $75.0 million revolving Credit Facility.
(2) Does not include $143.9 million of nonrecourse mortgages secured by inventory. These mortgages have various
maturities spread over the next two to three years and are paid off as homes are delivered.
Long-Term Debt as of October 31, 2014 by Fiscal Year of Debt Maturity
FV at
10/31/14
$ 66,160 $265,194 $ 127,593 $ 74,357 $ 151,536 $ 1,002,064 $ 1,686,904 $ 1,733,098
2019 Thereafter
Total
2015
2018
2017
2016
(Dollars in thousands)
Long term debt(1)(2):
Fixed rate
Weighted-average
interest rate
11.75%
6.75%
8.72%
6.24 %
7.02%
7.08%
7.29%
(1) Does not include the mortgage warehouse lines of credit made under our Master Repurchase Agreements. Also does
not include our $75.0 million revolving Credit Facility under which there were no borrowings outstanding and $26.5
million of letters of credit issued as of October 31, 2014.
(2) Does not include $103.9 million of nonrecourse mortgages secured by inventory. At October 31, 2014, these mortgages
had various maturities spread over the next two to three years and are paid off as homes are delivered.
52
ITEM 8
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Financial statements of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are set forth herein beginning
on page 65.
ITEM 9
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to
be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is
accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial
officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how
well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The
Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has
evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of October
31, 2015. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial
officer concluded that the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to
accomplish their objectives.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter
ended October 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting,
as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems
determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and
presentation.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting
based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
October 31, 2015.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2015 has been audited
by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report below.
53
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company")
as of October 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's
board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on
a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree
of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
October 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended October 31, 2015 of the Company and our report dated
December 18, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, NY
December 18, 2015
54
ITEM 9B
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information called for by Item 10, except as set forth in this Item 10, is incorporated herein by reference to our
definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to
be held on March 15, 2016, which will involve the election of directors.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Our executive officers are listed below and brief summaries of their business experience and certain other
information with respect to them are set forth following the table. Each executive officer holds such office for a one-year
term.
Name
Ara K. Hovnanian
Thomas J. Pellerito
J. Larry Sorsby
Brad G. O’Connor
Age Position
58 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of the Company
68 Chief Operating Officer
60 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Company
45 Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller
Year
Started
With
Company
1979
2001
1988
2004
Mr. Hovnanian has been Chief Executive Officer since July 1997 after being appointed President in 1988 and
Executive Vice President in 1983. Mr. Hovnanian joined the Company in 1979 and has been a Director of the Company since
1981 and was Vice Chairman from 1998 through November 2009. In November 2009, he was elected Chairman of the Board
following the death of Kevork S. Hovnanian, the chairman and founder of the Company and the father of Mr. Hovnanian.
Mr. Pellerito was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company in January 2010. Since joining the Company
in connection with the Company's acquisition of Washington Homes, Inc. in 2001, Mr. Pellerito has served as a Group
President overseeing homebuilding operations in certain of the Company's Mid-Atlantic and Southeast segments (excluding
Florida). Before joining the Company, Mr. Pellerito was the President of homebuilding operations and Chief Operating
Officer of Washington Homes, Inc.
Mr. Sorsby has been Chief Financial Officer of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. since 1996, and Executive Vice
President since November 2000. Mr. Sorsby was also Senior Vice President from March 1991 to November 2000 and was
elected as a Director of the Company in 1997. He is Chairman of the Board of Visitors for Urology at The Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia (“CHOP”) and also serves on the Foundation Board of Overseers at CHOP.
Mr. O’Connor joined the Company in April 2004 as Vice President and Associate Corporate Controller. In
December 2007, he was promoted to Vice President, Corporate Controller and then in May 2011, he also became Vice
President, Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. O’Connor was the Corporate Controller for
Amershem Biosciences, and prior to that a Senior Manager in the audit practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines
In more than 50 years of doing business, we have been committed to enhancing our shareholders’ investment through
conduct that is in accordance with the highest levels of integrity. Our Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines and policies that
govern broad principles of ethical conduct and integrity embraced by our Company. Our Code of Ethics applies to our
principal executive officer, principal financial officer, chief accounting officer, and all other associates of our Company,
including our directors and other officers.
55
We also remain committed to fostering sound corporate governance principles. The Company’s Corporate
Governance Guidelines” assist the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) in fulfilling its responsibilities related
to corporate governance conduct. These guidelines serve as a framework, addressing the function, structure, and operations
of the Board, for purposes of promoting consistency of the Board’s role in overseeing the work of management.
We have posted our Code of Ethics on our web site at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate
Governance.” We have also posted our Corporate Governance Guidelines on our web site at www.khov.com under “Investor
Relations/Corporate Governance.” A printed copy of the Code of Ethics and Guidelines is also available to the public at no
charge by writing to: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Attn: Human Resources Department, 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box
500, Red Bank, N.J. 07701 or calling corporate headquarters at 732-747-7800. We will post amendments to or waivers from
our Code of Ethics that are required to be disclosed by the rules of either the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange (the
“NYSE”) on our web site at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.”
Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charters
We have adopted charters that apply to the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee. We have posted the text of these charters on our web site at www.khov.com under
“Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.” A printed copy of each charter is available at no charge to any shareholder who
requests it by writing to: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Attn: Human Resources Department, 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box
500, Red Bank, N.J. 07701 or calling corporate headquarters at 732-747-7800.
ITEM 11
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 15, 2015.
ITEM 12
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 15, 2016.
ITEM 13
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 15, 2016.
ITEM 14
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 15, 2016.
56
PART IV
ITEM 15
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements ...................................................................................................................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ............................................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 31, 2015 and 2014 ..........................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .....................................
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ............................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 ...................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...................................................................................................................
63
64
65
67
68
69
71
Page
No schedules have been prepared because the required information of such schedules is not present, is not present in amounts
sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the required information is included in the financial statements
and notes thereto.
Exhibits:
3(a)
3(b)
4(a)
4(b)
4(c)
4(d)
4(e)
4(f)
4(g)
4(h)
4(i)
4(j)
4(k)
4(l)
4(m)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.(5)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.(24)
Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate.(13)
Specimen Class B Common Stock Certificate.(13)
Certificate of Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of the 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock of
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., dated July 12, 2005.(11)
Certificate of Designations of the Series B Junior Preferred Stock of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., dated
August 14, 2008.(1)
Rights Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2008, between Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and National City Bank,
as Rights Agent, which includes the Form of Certificate of Designation as Exhibit A, Form of Right Certificate
as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights as Exhibit C.(22)
Indenture dated as of November 3, 2003, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee), as Trustee.(2)
Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 16, 2013, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.,
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., and the other guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank National Trust
Company, as trustee, including form of 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016.(15)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2004, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee),
as Trustee.(18)
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2004, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee),
as Trustee.(18)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2005, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee),
as Trustee.(18)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2005, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee),
as Trustee.(18)
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2006, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee),
as Trustee (including form of 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016).(19)
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2006, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee),
as Trustee (including form of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017).(20)
57
4(n)
4(o)
4(p)
4(q)
4(r)
4(s)
4(t)
4(u)
4(v)
4(w)
4(x)
4(y)
4(z)
4(aa)
10(a)
10(b)
10(c)
10(d)
10(e)
10(f)
10(g)
Indenture dated as of August 8, 2005, relating to 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016, among K. Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (as successor trustee), as
Trustee, including form of 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016.(7)
Indenture dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the 7.25% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2020, among
K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other guarantors named therein and Wilmington
Trust, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent, including the form of 7.25% Senior Secured First
Lien Note due 2020.(14)
Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2011, relating to Senior Debt Securities, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises,
Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.(12)
Indenture dated as of January 10, 2014, relating to the 7.000% Senior Notes due 2019, among K. Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust,
National Association, as Trustee, including the form of 7.000% Senior Note due 2019.(36)
Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2011, relating to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, among K. Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.(12)
Indenture dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the 9.125% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2020,
among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other guarantors named therein and
Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent, including the form of 9.125% Senior
Secured Second Lien Note due 2020.(14)
Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 21, 2011, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc. and the other guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (as
successor trustee), as trustee, relating to 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017.(9)
Secured Notes Indenture dated as of November 1, 2011 relating to the 5.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 and
2.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the
other guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent,
including the forms of 5.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 and 2.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021.(4)
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 22, 2014, relating to the 9.125% Senior Secured Second
Lien Notes due 2020, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other guarantors
party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent.(35)
Units Agreement, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and Wilmington Trust
Company, as Units Agent, including form of Unit, component amortizing notes and component exchangeable
notes.(14)
Amortizing Notes Indenture, dated as of October 2, 2012, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc. and the other guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, including
the form of Amortizing Note.(14)
Exchangeable Notes Indenture, dated as of October 2, 2012, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc. and the other guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, including
the form of Exchangeable Note.(14)
Indenture, dated as of November 5, 2014, relating to the 8.000% Senior Notes due 2019, among K. Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National
Association, as Trustee, including the form of 8.000% Senior Note due 2019.(10)
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 26, 2014, relating to the 7.25% Senior Secured First Lien
Notes due 2020, among K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the other guarantors party
thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent.(34)
First Lien Pledge Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the 7.25% Senior Secured First Lien Notes
due 2020.(14)
Second Lien Pledge Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the 9.125% Senior Secured Second Lien
Notes due 2020.(14)
First Lien Security Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the 7.25% Senior Secured First Lien
Notes due 2020.(14)
Second Lien Security Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the 9.125% Senior Secured Second
Lien Notes due 2020.(14)
Form of First Lien Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the 7.25%
Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2020.(14)
Form of Second Lien Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2012, relating to the
9.125% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2020.(14)
Intercreditor Agreement, dated October 2, 2012, among Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., K. Hovnanian Enterprises,
Inc., the other guarantors party thereto, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent
under the Senior Noteholder Documents as defined therein, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as
58
10(h)
10(i)
collateral agent for the Mortgage Tax Collateral as defined therein, and Wilmington Trust, National Association,
as trustee and collateral agent under the Junior Noteholder Documents as defined therein.(14)
First Lien Pledge Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2011, relating to the 5.0% Senior Secured Notes due
2021 and the 2.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021.(4)
First Lien Security Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2011, relating to the 5.0% Senior Secured Notes due
2021 and the 2.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021.(4)
10(o)
10(110(j)* Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (2012) for Ara K. Hovnanian. (30)
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Class A shares).(25)
10(k)*
Amended and Restated 2008 Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan.(16)
10(l)*
1983 Stock Option Plan (as amended and restated).(17)
10(m)*
Management Agreement dated August 12, 1983, for the management of properties by K. Hovnanian Investment
10(n)
Properties, Inc.(3)
Management Agreement dated December 15, 1985, for the management of properties by K. Hovnanian
Investment Properties, Inc.(21)
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated on May 24, 2012. (30)
Death and Disability Agreement between the Registrant and Ara K. Hovnanian, dated February 2, 2006. (27)
Form of Hovnanian Deferred Share Policy for Senior Executives.(8)
Form of Hovnanian Deferred Share Policy.(8)
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Class B shares).(8)
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.(8)
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Directors.(8)
Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement.(8)
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.(26)
Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement.(26)
Form of Performance Vesting Incentive Stock Option Agreement.(26)
Form of Performance Vesting Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement.(26)
Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement for Directors.(25)
Form of Long Term Incentive Program Award Agreement (Class A Shares).(23)
Form of Long Term Incentive Program Award Agreement (Class B Shares).(23)
Form of Change in Control Severance Protection Agreement entered into with Brad G. O’Connor.(28)
Form of Amendment to Outstanding Stock Option Grants.(29)
Form of Amendment to 2011 Restricted Share Unit Agreement for Ara K. Hovnanian and J. Larry Sorsby.(29)
Form of Amendment to 2011 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Ara K. Hovnanian.(29)
Form of Amendment to 2011 Incentive Stock Option Agreement for J. Larry Sorsby.(29)
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (2012).(30)
Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement (2012).(30)
Form of Stock Option Agreement (2012) for Directors.(30)
Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement (2012) for Directors.(30)
Form of 2013 Long-Term Incentive Program Award.(31)
Form of 2013 Incentive Stock Option Agreement – Performance Option Grant (Class A shares).(32)
Form of 2013 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement – Performance Option Grant (Class B shares).(32)
Form of Market Share Unit Agreement (Class A shares).(37)
Form of Market Share Unit Agreement (Class B shares).(37)
Form of Market Share Unit Agreement (Performance Vesting) (Class A shares).(37)
Form of Market Share Unit Agreement (Performance Vesting) (Class B shares).(37)
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (2014 grants and thereafter).(37)
Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement (2014 grants and thereafter).(37)
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Directors (2014 grants and thereafter).(37)
Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement for Directors (2014 grants and thereafter).(37)
2012 Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.(38)
Amended and Restated Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Senior Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan.(6)
Form of Letter Agreement Relating to Change in Control Severance Protection Agreement entered into with
Brad G. O’Connor.(33)
Statements re Computation of Ratios.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
10(p)*
10(q)*
10(r)*
10(s)*
10(t)*
10(u)*
10(v)*
10(w)*
10(x)*
10(y)*
10(z)*
10(aa)*
10(bb)*
10(cc)*
10(dd)*
10(ee)*
10(ff)*
10(gg)*
10(hh)*
10(ii)*
10(jj)*
10(kk)*
10(ll)*
10(mm)*
10(nn)*
10(oo)*
10(pp)*
10(qq)*
10(rr)*
10(ss)*
10(tt)*
10(uu)*
10(vv)*
10(ww)*
10(xx)*
10(yy)*
10(zz)*
10(aaa)
12
21
23(a)
23(b)
31(a)
31(b)
59
32(a)
32(b)
99
101
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
Financial Statements of GTIS – HOV Holdings, L.L.C.
The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2015,
formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at October
31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended October 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Equity for years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013 (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and
(v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
*
Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 (No. 001-
08551) of the Registrant.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) filed on
November 7, 2003.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 2-85198) on Form S-1 of the Registrant.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) of the Registrant filed on
November 7, 2011.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) filed on March
15, 2013.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (No. 001-
08551) filed on January 27, 2014.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-127806) on Form S-4 of the Registrant.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2008 (No. 001-
08551) of the Registrant.
(9) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) of the Registrant filed on May
5, 2011.
(10) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant (No. 001-08551) filed November
5, 2014.
(11) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) of the Registrant filed on July 13,
2005.
(12) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2011 (No.
001-08551) of the Registrant.
(13) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2009 (No.
001-08551) of the Registrant.
(14) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) of the Registrant filed on October
2, 2012.
(15) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) of the Registrant filed on
September 16, 2013.
(16) Incorporated by reference to definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of the Registrant filed on February 1, 2010.
(17) Incorporated by reference to Appendix C of the definitive Proxy Statement of the Registration on Schedule 14A filed on
February 19, 2008.
(18) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registration Statement (No. 333-131982) on Form S-3 of the Registrant.
60
(19) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K (No. 001-08551) filed on
February 27, 2006.
(20) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant (No. 001-08551) filed on June 15,
2006.
(21) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003 (No. 001-
08551), of the Registrant.
(22) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registration Statement (No. 001-08551) on Form 8-A of the Registrant filed
August 14, 2008
(23) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2010 (No. 001-
08551), of the Registrant.
(24) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant (No. 001-08551), filed March
11, 2015
(25) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2009 (No. 001-
08551), of the Registrant.
(26) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2009 (No. 001-
08551), of the Registrant.
(27) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2006 (No.
001-08551) of the Registrant.
(28) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2012 (No.
001-08551) of the Registrant.
(29) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2012 (No. 001-
08551) of the Registrant.
(30) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2012 (No. 001-
08551) of the Registrant.
(31) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2013 (No. 001-
08551) of the Registrant.
(32) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2013 (No. 001-
08551) of the Registrant.
(33) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2015 of the
Registrant (No. 001-08551)
(34) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant (No. 001-08551) filed on
September 29, 2014.
(35) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant (No. 001-08551) filed on
September 23, 2014.
(36) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant (No. 001-08551) filed on January
10, 2014.
(37) Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2014 (No. 001-
08551) of the Registrant.
(38) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (No. 001-
08551) filed on January 27, 2014.
61
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.
By: /s/ ARA K. HOVNANIAN
Ara K. Hovnanian
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
and President
December 18, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant on December 18, 2015, and in the capacities indicated.
/s/ ARA K. HOVNANIAN
Ara K. Hovnanian
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ J. LARRY SORSBY
J. Larry Sorsby
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ BRAD G. O’CONNOR
Brad G. O’Connor
Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ EDWARD A. KANGAS
Edward A. Kangas
/s/ STEPHEN D. WEINROTH
Stephen D. Weinroth
Chairman of Audit Committee and Director
Chairman of Compensation Committee and Director
62
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Statements:
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ............................................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 ......................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ...................................
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ..........................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ..................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...................................................................................................................
64
65
67
68
69
71
No schedules have been prepared because the required information of such schedules is not present, is not present in amounts
sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the required information is included in the financial statements
and notes thereto.
63
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
and our report dated December 18, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial
reporting.
/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, NY
December 18, 2015
64
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
ASSETS
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Inventories:
Sold and unsold homes and lots under development
Land and land options held for future development or sale
Consolidated inventory not owned:
Specific performance options
Other options
Total consolidated inventory not owned
Total inventories
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures
Receivables, deposits and notes, net
Property, plant and equipment, net
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total homebuilding
Financial services:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value
Other assets
Total financial services
Income taxes receivable – including net deferred tax benefits (Note 11)
Total assets
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014
$245,398
7,299
1,307,850
214,503
1,242
120,983
122,225
1,644,578
61,209
70,349
45,534
77,671
2,152,038
8,347
19,223
130,320
2,091
159,981
290,279
$2,602,298
$255,117
13,086
961,994
273,463
3,479
105,374
108,853
1,344,310
63,883
92,546
46,744
69,358
1,885,044
6,781
16,236
95,338
1,988
120,343
284,543
$2,289,930
65
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014
$143,863
348,516
44,218
15,511
105,856
657,964
27,908
108,875
136,783
47,000
981,346
780,319
12,811
73,771
40,388
1,935,635
2,730,382
$103,908
370,876
34,969
16,619
92,381
618,753
22,278
76,919
99,197
-
979,935
590,472
17,049
70,101
32,222
1,689,779
2,407,729
135,299
135,299
1,433
1,428
157
703,751
(853,364)
(115,360)
(128,084)
$2,602,298
155
697,943
(837,264)
(115,360)
(117,799)
$2,289,930
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Nonrecourse mortgages
Accounts payable and other liabilities
Customers’ deposits
Nonrecourse mortgages secured by operating properties
Liabilities from inventory not owned
Total homebuilding
Financial services:
Accounts payable and other liabilities
Mortgage warehouse lines of credit
Total financial services
Notes payable:
Revolving credit agreement
Senior secured notes, net of discount
Senior notes, net of discount
Senior amortizing notes
Senior exchangeable notes
Accrued interest
Total notes payable
Total liabilities
Equity:
Stockholders' equity deficit:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 100,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 5,600 shares with a liquidation preference of $140,000 at
October 31, 2015 and 2014
Common stock, Class A, $0.01 par value - authorized 400,000,000 shares;
issued 143,292,881 shares at October 31, 2015 and 142,836,563 shares at
October 31, 2014 (including 11,760,763 shares at October 31, 2015 and 2014
held in Treasury)
Common stock, Class B, $0.01 par value (convertible to Class A at time of
sale) - authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued 15,676,829 shares at October 31,
2015 and 15,497,543 shares at October 31, 2014 (including 691,748 shares at
October 31, 2015 and 2014 held in Treasury)
Paid in capital - common stock
Accumulated deficit
Treasury stock - at cost
Total stockholders' equity deficit
Total liabilities and equity
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
66
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except per share data)
Revenues:
Homebuilding:
Sale of homes
Land sales and other revenues
Total homebuilding
Financial services
Total revenues
Expenses:
Homebuilding:
Cost of sales, excluding interest
Cost of sales interest
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs
Total cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Total homebuilding expenses
Financial services
Corporate general and administrative
Other interest
Other operations
Total expenses
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures
(Loss) income before income taxes
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision:
State
Federal
Total income taxes
Net (loss) income
Per share data:
Basic:
(Loss) income per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Assuming dilution:
(Loss) income per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
October 31,
2015
Year Ended
October 31,
2014
October 31,
2013
$2,088,129
3,686
2,091,815
56,665
2,148,480
$2,013,013
7,953
2,020,966
42,414
2,063,380
$1,784,327
19,199
1,803,526
47,727
1,851,253
1,722,038
59,613
12,044
1,793,695
188,403
1,982,098
31,972
62,506
91,835
6,003
2,174,414
-
4,169
(21,765)
4,293
(9,958)
(5,665)
$(16,100)
1,615,199
53,966
5,224
1,674,389
191,537
1,865,926
28,616
63,375
87,378
4,647
2,049,942
(1,155)
7,897
20,180
(12,452)
(274,512)
(286,964)
$307,144
1,442,044
52,230
4,965
1,499,239
165,809
1,665,048
29,059
54,357
91,344
790
1,840,598
(760)
12,040
21,935
518
(9,878)
(9,360)
$31,295
$(0.11)
146,899
$(0.11)
146,899
$2.05
146,271
$1.87
162,441
$0.22
145,087
$0.22
162,329
67
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
A Common Stock
Shares
Issued and
B Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Shares
Issued and
Shares
Issued and
Outstanding Amount
Outstanding Amount
Outstanding Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Treasury
Non
Controlling
Deficit
Stock
Interest
Total
118,294,541
$1,300
14,658,353
$154
5,600 $135,299 $668,735
$(1,175,703) $(115,360 )
$230 $(485,345)
(Dollars In
thousands)
Balance, October
31, 2012
Stock options,
amortization and
issuances
Restricted stock
amortization,
issuances and
forfeitures
Settlement of
prepaid Class A
Common Stock
purchase
contracts
Exchange of senior
exchangeable
notes for Class
A Common
Stock
Conversion of
Class B to Class
A common stock
Changes in
44,812
123,840
1
2,683,679
27
3,396,102
34
2,486
1
(2,486)
(1)
4,169
2,608
(27)
14,242
4,169
2,609
-
14,276
-
noncontrolling
interest in
consolidated
joint ventures
Net income
Balance, October
31, 2013
Stock options,
124,545,460
1,363
14,655,867
153
5,600 135,299 689,727
(1,144,408)
(115,360 )
427
(432,799)
31,295
197
197
31,295
amortization and
issuances
Restricted stock
amortization,
issuances and
forfeitures
Settlement of
prepaid Class A
Common Stock
purchase
contracts
Conversion of
Class B to Class
A common stock
42,375
1
400,751
4
151,918
2
6,085,224
60
1,990
(1,990)
3,700
4,576
(60)
3,701
4,582
-
-
Changes in
noncontrolling
interest in
consolidated
joint ventures
Net income
Balance, October
31, 2014
Stock options,
131,075,800
1,428
14,805,795
155
5,600 135,299 697,943
(837,264)
(115,360 )
-
(117,799)
307,144
(427)
(427)
307,144
amortization and
issuances
Restricted stock
amortization,
issuances and
forfeitures
Conversion of
Class B to Class
A common stock
Net loss
Balance, October
18,125
438,093
5
179,386
2
100
(100)
723
5,085
(16,100)
723
5,092
-
(16,100)
31, 2015
131,532,118
$1,433
14,985,081
$157
5,600 $135,299 $703,751
$(853,364) $(115,360 )
$- $(128,084)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
68
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in)
provided by operating activities:
Year Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 October 31, 2013
$(16,100 )
$307,144
$31,295
Depreciation
Compensation from stock options and awards
Amortization of bond discounts and deferred financing costs
Gain on sale and retirement of property and assets
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Inventory impairment and land option write-offs
Deferred income tax benefit
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Origination of mortgage loans
Sale of mortgage loans
Restricted cash, receivables, prepaids, deposits and other assets
Inventories
(Decrease) increase in liabilities:
State and federal income tax payable
Customers’ deposits
Accounts payable, accrued interest and other accrued liabilities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and assets
Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash related to mortgage company
Decrease in restricted cash related to letters of credit
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from mortgages and notes
Payments related to mortgages and notes
Proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs
Payments related to model sale leaseback financing programs
Proceeds from land bank financing programs
Payments related to land bank financing programs
Proceeds from senior notes
Payments related to senior notes
Borrowings from revolving credit facility
Net proceeds (payments) related to mortgage warehouse lines of credit
Deferred financing cost from land banking financing programs and note
issuances
Principal payments and debt repurchases
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows:
Cash paid during the period for:
3,388
8,816
11,687
(1,119 )
(4,169 )
8,438
-
12,044
(4,691 )
(1,042,407 )
1,007,425
10,855
(312,312 )
(1,045 )
9,249
(10,594 )
(320,535 )
1,573
(2,054 )
1,555
2,993
(18,707 )
17,112
2,472
180,284
(140,901 )
43,181
(20,197 )
16,985
(24,330 )
250,000
(60,815 )
47,000
31,956
(9,015 )
(4,238 )
309,910
(8,153 )
261,898
$253,745
3,417
10,279
10,320
(483)
(7,897)
6,044
1,155
5,224
(287,740)
(807,411)
825,026
(48,908)
(270,770)
(104)
4,850
59,269
(190,585)
515
(3,423)
(655)
-
(21,699)
11,107
(14,155)
152,906
(112,136)
42,402
(23,188)
24,696
(42,002)
150,000
(22,593)
-
(14,744)
(11,947)
(5,960)
137,434
(67,306)
329,204
$261,898
4,712
6,842
7,843
(4,696)
(12,040)
2,340
760
4,965
-
(893,960)
898,031
52,940
(111,770)
(3,581)
6,273
19,314
9,268
7,369
(1,558)
4,575
-
(4,907)
24,806
30,285
109,209
(76,142)
21,948
(9,193)
36,233
(39,669)
41,581
(40,424)
-
(15,822)
(5,071)
(6,231)
16,419
55,972
273,232
$329,204
Interest, net of capitalized interest (see Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements)
Income taxes
$85,719
$1,779
$85,386
$538
$86,257
$(5,780)
69
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
In fiscal 2013, a property that we previously acquired when our partner in a land development joint venture
transferred its interest in the venture to us, was foreclosed on by the note holder. As a result, the inventory with a book value
of $9.5 million and corresponding nonrecourse liability of equal amount were taken off of our balance sheet.
In fiscal 2013, 18,305 of our senior exchangeable notes were exchanged for 3,396,102 shares of Class A Common
Stock.
In fiscal 2013, we entered into a new unconsolidated homebuilding joint venture which resulted in the transfer of
an existing receivable from our joint venture partners of $0.6 million at October 31, 2012, to an investment in the joint venture
at January 31, 2013.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
70
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and include our accounts and those
of all wholly owned subsidiaries, after elimination of all intercompany balances and transactions. Our fiscal year ends October
31.
2. Business
Our operations consist of homebuilding, financial services and corporate. Our homebuilding operations are made
up of six reportable segments defined as Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West. Homebuilding
operations comprise the substantial part of our business, representing approximately 97% of consolidated revenues for the
year ended October 31, 2015, approximately 98% for the year ended October 31, 2014 and approximately 97% for the year
ended October 31, 2013. We are a Delaware corporation, building and selling homes at October 31, 2015 in 219 consolidated
new home communities in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, North
Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. We offer a wide variety
of homes that are designed to appeal to first-time buyers, first and second-time move-up buyers, luxury buyers, active lifestyle
buyers and empty nesters. Our financial services operations, which are a reportable segment, provide mortgage banking and
title services to the homebuilding operations’ customers. We do not typically retain or service the mortgages that we originate
but rather sell the mortgages and related servicing rights to investors. Corporate primarily includes the operations of our
corporate office whose primary purpose is to provide executive services, accounting, information services, human resources,
management reporting, training, cash management, internal audit, risk management, and administration of process redesign,
quality, and safety.
See Note 10 “Operating and Reporting Segments” for further disclosure of our reportable segments.
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP 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.
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 Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-20, “Property, Plant and
Equipment - Real Estate Sales,” 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 investment or continuing investment as prescribed
by ASC 360-20, the profit on such sales is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-party investor has
been completed.
Income Recognition from Mortgage Loans - Our Financial Services segment originates mortgages, primarily for our
homebuilding customers. We use mandatory investor commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities
(“MBS”) to hedge our mortgage-related interest rate exposure on agency and government loans.
We elected the fair value option for our mortgage loans held for sale in accordance with ASC 825, “Financial
Instruments,” which permits us to measure our loans held for sale at fair value. Management believes that the election of the
fair value option for loans held for sale improves financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by
measuring the fair value of the loans and the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them without having to apply
complex hedge accounting provisions.
71
Substantially all of the mortgage loans originated are sold within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage
market on a servicing released, nonrecourse basis, although the Company remains liable for certain limited representations,
such as fraud, and warranties related to loan sales. Mortgage investors could seek to have us buy back loans or compensate
them from losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based on claims that we breached our limited representations and
warranties. We believe there continues to be an industry-wide issue with the number of purchaser claims in which purchasers
purport to have found inaccuracies related to the sellers’ representations and warranties in particular loan sale agreements. We
have established reserves for probable losses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash represents cash deposited in checking accounts. Cash equivalents
include certificates of deposit, Treasury bills and government money–market funds with maturities of 90 days or less when
purchased. Our cash balances are held at a few financial institutions and may, at times, exceed insurable amounts. We believe
we help to mitigate this risk by depositing our cash in major financial institutions. At October 31, 2015 and 2014, $15.8
million and $15.4 million, respectively, of the total cash and cash equivalents was in cash equivalents, the book value of
which approximates fair value.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various
market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash and cash equivalents, receivables, deposits and notes, accounts payable and other liabilities, customer deposits,
mortgage loans held for sale, nonrecourse mortgages, mortgage warehouse lines of credit, revolving credit facility, accrued
interest, and the senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes and senior exchangeable notes. The fair value of
the senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes and senior exchangeable notes is estimated based on the quoted
market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities.
Inventories - Inventories consist of land, land development, home construction costs, capitalized interest,
construction overhead and property taxes. 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.
We record inventories in our consolidated balance sheets at cost unless the inventory is determined to be impaired,
in which case the inventory is written down to its fair value. Our inventories consist of the following three components: (1)
sold and unsold homes and lots under development, which includes all construction, land, capitalized interest and land
development costs related to started homes and land under development in our active communities; (2) land and land options
held for future development or sale, which includes all costs related to land in our communities in planning or mothballed
communities; and (3) consolidated inventory not owned, which includes all costs related to specific performance options,
variable interest entities, and other options, which consists primarily of model homes financed with an investor and inventory
related to land banking arrangements accounted for as financings.
We decide to mothball (or stop development on) certain communities when we determine that the current
performance does not justify further investment at the time. When we decide to mothball a community, the inventory is
reclassified on our Consolidated Balance Sheets from “Sold and unsold homes and lots under development” to “Land and
land options held for future development or sale.” During fiscal 2015, we did not mothball any additional communities, or
sell any mothballed communities, but re-activated 14 communities which were previously mothballed. As of October 31,
2015 and 2014, the net book value associated with our 31 and 45 total mothballed communities was $103.0 million and
$103.3 million, respectively, which was net of impairment charges recorded in prior periods of $334.5 million and $412.4
million, respectively.
From time to time we enter into option agreements that include specific performance requirements, whereby we are
required to purchase a minimum number of lots. Because of our obligation to purchase these lots, for accounting purposes in
accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-20-40-38, we are required to record this inventory on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of
specific performance options recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets to “Consolidated inventory not owned — specific
performance options,” with a corresponding liability of $1.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively, recorded to “Liabilities
from inventory not owned.”
We sell and lease back certain of our model homes with the right to participate in the potential profit when each
home is sold to a third party at the end of the respective lease. As a result of our continued involvement, for accounting
purposes in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, these sale and leaseback transactions are considered a financing rather
than a sale. Therefore, for purposes of our Consolidated Balance Sheets, at October 31, 2015 and 2014, inventory of $95.9
72
million and $70.4 million, respectively, was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a
corresponding amount of $87.9 million and $64.9 million, respectively, recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned”
for the amount of net cash received from the transactions.
We have land banking arrangements, whereby we sell our land parcels to the land banker and they provide us an
option to purchase back finished lots on a predetermined schedule. Because of our options to repurchase these parcels, for
accounting purposes, in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, these transactions are considered a financing rather than a sale.
For purposes of our Consolidated Balance Sheets, at October 31, 2015 and 2014, inventory of $25.1 million and $35.0 million,
respectively, was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $16.8
million and $24.1 million, respectively, recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned” for the amount of net cash
received from the transactions.
The recoverability of inventories and other long-lived assets is assessed in accordance with the provisions of ASC
360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Overall,” ASC 360-10 requires long-lived assets, including inventories, held for
development to be evaluated for impairment based on undiscounted future cash flows of the assets at the lowest level for
which there are identifiable cash flows. As such, we evaluate inventories for impairment at the individual community level,
the lowest level of discrete cash flows that we measure.
We evaluate inventories of communities under development and held for future development for impairment when
indicators of potential impairment are present. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, decreases in local
housing market values, decreases in gross margins or sales absorption rates, decreases in net sales prices (base sales price net
of sales incentives), or actual or projected operating or cash flow losses. The assessment of communities for indication of
impairment is performed quarterly. As part of this process, we prepare detailed budgets for all of our communities at least
semi-annually and identify those communities with a projected operating loss. For those communities with projected losses,
we estimate the remaining undiscounted future cash flows and compare those to the carrying value of the community, to
determine if the carrying value of the asset is recoverable.
The projected operating profits, losses or cash flows of each community can be significantly impacted by our
estimates of the following:
●
future base selling prices;
●
future home sales incentives;
●
future home construction and land development costs; and
●
future sales absorption pace and cancellation rates.
These estimates are dependent upon specific market conditions for each community. While we consider available
information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the end of a quarterly reporting period, these estimates
are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change. Local market-specific conditions that
may impact our estimates for a community include:
●
the intensity of competition within a market, including available home sales prices and home sales incentives
offered by our competitors;
●
the current sales absorption pace for both our communities and competitor communities;
●
community-specific attributes, such as location, availability of lots in the market, desirability and uniqueness of
our community, and the size and style of homes currently being offered;
● potential for alternative product offerings to respond to local market conditions;
●
changes by management in the sales strategy of the community;
●
current local market economic and demographic conditions and related trends and forecasts; and
●
existing home inventory supplies, including foreclosures and short sales.
73
These and other local market-specific conditions that may be present are considered by management in preparing
projection assumptions for each community. The sales objectives can differ between our communities, even within a given
market. For example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of
yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes
to minimize deterioration in our gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace. In addition, the key
assumptions included in our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in
estimated base sales price or an increase in homes sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption
pace. Additionally, a decrease in the average sales price of homes to be sold and closed in future reporting periods for one
community that has not been generating what management believes to be an adequate sales absorption pace may impact the
estimated cash flow assumptions of a nearby community. Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated construction
and development costs, absorption pace and selling strategies, could materially impact future cash flow and fair value
estimates. Due to the number of possible scenarios that would result from various changes in these factors, we do not believe
it is possible to develop a sensitivity analysis with a level of precision that would be meaningful to an investor.
If the undiscounted cash flows are more than the carrying value of the community, then the carrying amount is
recoverable, and no impairment adjustment is required. However, if the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying
amount, then the community is deemed impaired and is written down to its fair value. We determine the estimated fair value
of each community by determining the present value of its estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with
the risk of the respective community, or in limited circumstances, prices for land in recent comparable sale transactions,
market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced
liquidation sale), and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties. Our discount rates used for all impairments
recorded from October 31, 2013 to October 31, 2015 ranged from 16.8% to 19.8%. The estimated future cash flow
assumptions are virtually the same for both our recoverability and fair value assessments. Should the estimates or expectations
used in determining estimated cash flows or fair value, including discount rates, decrease or differ from current estimates in
the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments related to current and future communities. The impairment
of a community is allocated to each lot on a relative fair value basis.
From time to time, we write off deposits and approval, engineering and capitalized interest costs when we determine
that it is no longer probable that we will exercise options to buy land in specific locations or when we redesign communities
and/or abandon certain engineering costs. In deciding not to exercise a land option, we take into consideration changes in
market conditions, the timing of required land takedowns, the willingness of land sellers to modify terms of the land option
contract (including timing of land takedowns), and the availability and best use of our capital, among other factors. The write-
off is recorded in the period it is deemed not probable that the optioned property will be acquired. In certain instances, we
have been able to recover deposits and other pre-acquisition costs that were previously written off. These recoveries have not
been significant in comparison to the total costs written off.
Inventories held for sale are land parcels ready for sale in their current condition, where we have decided not to
build homes but are instead actively marketing for sale. These land parcels represented $1.3 million and $0.6 million of our
total inventories at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value
less costs to sell. In determining fair value for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices for land
in recent comparable sale transactions, market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay
for the land (other than in a forced liquidation sale) and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties.
Post-Development Completion, Warranty Costs and Insurance Deductible Reserves - 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. We accrue for warranty costs that are covered under our existing general
liability and construction defect policy as part of our general liability insurance deductible. This accrual is expensed as selling,
general and administrative costs. For homes delivered in fiscal 2015 and 2014, our deductible under our general liability
insurance is a $20 million aggregate for construction defect and warranty claims. For bodily injury claims, our deductible per
occurrence in fiscal 2015 and 2014 is $0.25 million, up to a $5 million limit. Our aggregate retention in fiscal 2015 and 2014
is $21 million for construction defect, warranty and bodily injury claims. We do not have a deductible on our worker's
compensation insurance. Reserves for estimated losses for construction defects, warranty and bodily injury claims have been
established using the assistance of a third-party actuary. We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical warranty
and construction defect data to assist our management in estimating 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 construction defect
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
74
significantly from our currently estimated amounts. In addition, we establish a warranty accrual for lower cost-related issues
to cover home repairs, community amenities and land development infrastructure that are not covered under our general
liability and construction defect policy. We accrue an estimate for these 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. See Note 16 for additional information
on the amount of warranty costs recognized in cost of goods sold and administrative expenses.
Interest - Interest attributable to properties under development during the land development and home construction
period is capitalized and expensed along with the associated cost of sales as the related inventories are sold. Interest incurred
in excess of interest capitalized, which occurs when assets qualifying for interest capitalization are less than our outstanding
debt balances, is expensed as incurred in “Other interest.”
Interest costs incurred, expensed and capitalized were:
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest capitalized at beginning of year
Plus interest incurred(1)
Less cost of sales interest expensed
Less other interest expensed(2)(3)
Interest capitalized at end of year(4)
October 31,
Year Ended
October 31,
2015
$109,158
166,188
59,613
91,835
$123,898
2014
$105,093
145,409
53,966
87,378
$109,158
October 31,
2013
$116,056
132,611
52,230
91,344
$105,093
(1)
(2)
(3)
Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.
Other interest expensed includes interest that does not qualify for interest capitalization because our assets that
qualify for interest capitalization (inventory under development) do not exceed our debt. Also includes interest on
completed homes and land in planning, which does not qualify for capitalization, and therefore, is expensed.
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest, is the sum of other interest expensed, as defined above, and interest
paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries adjusted for the change in accrued interest on notes payable, which
is calculated as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Other interest expensed
Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries
Increase in accrued interest
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest
October 31,
Year Ended
October 31,
2015
$91,835
2,050
(8,166)
$85,719
2014
$87,378
1,969
(3,961)
$85,386
October 31,
2013
$91,344
2,975
(8,062)
$86,257
(4)
Capitalized interest amounts are shown gross before allocating any portion of impairments, if any, to capitalized
interest.
Land Options - Costs incurred to obtain options to acquire improved or unimproved home sites are capitalized. Such
amounts are either included as part of the purchase price if the land is acquired or charged to “Inventory impairments loss
and land option write-offs” if we determine we will not exercise the option. If the options are with variable interest entities
and we are the primary beneficiary, we record the land under option on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Consolidated
inventory not owned” with an offset under “Liabilities from inventory not owned.” If the option includes an obligation to
purchase land under specific performance or has terms that require us to record it as financing, then we record the option on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Consolidated inventory not owned” with an offset under “Liabilities from inventory
not owned.” In accordance with ASC 810-10 “Consolidation – Overall,” we record costs associated with other options on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Land and land options held for future development or sale.”
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 interests in the joint ventures vary but our voting interests are generally 50% or less.
In determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures where we are the managing member of the joint venture,
we assess 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
75
agree on establishing the significant operating and capital decisions of the partnership, including budgets, in the ordinary
course of business. The evaluation of whether or not we control a venture can require significant judgment. In accordance
with ASC 323-10, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures – Overall,” we assess our investments in unconsolidated
joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment below its carrying amount is
other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment
based on the joint venture’s projected cash flows. This process requires significant management judgment and estimates.
There were no write-downs in fiscal 2013, 2014 or 2015.
Deferred Bond Issuance Costs - Costs associated with borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the
issuance of senior secured, senior, senior amortizing and senior exchangeable are capitalized and amortized over the term of
each note’s issuance.
Debt Issued At a Discount - Debt issued at a discount to the face amount is accreted up to its face amount utilizing
the effective interest method over the term of the note and recorded as a component of interest on the Consolidated Statements
of Operations.
Advertising Costs - Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. During the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013, advertising costs expensed totaled $21.0 million, $21.5 million and $17.2 million, respectively.
Deferred Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded
for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. If 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 ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes – Overall,” we evaluate our deferred
tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC 740-10 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.
In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we recognize tax liabilities in accordance
with ASC 740-10, for more likely than not exposures. We re-evaluate the exposures associated with our tax positions on a
quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit
activity by taxing authorities, and effectively settled issues. Determining whether an uncertain tax position is effectively
settled requires judgment. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an
additional charge to the tax provision. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established
a liability is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax
provision in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, or the statute of limitations expires for the
relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available. Due to the complexity of
some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a liability that is materially different from our current
estimate. Any such changes will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are
determined.
Depreciation - Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful life of the assets ranging from 3 to 40 years.
Prepaid Expenses - Prepaid expenses which relate to specific housing communities (model setup, architectural fees,
homeowner warranty program fees, etc.) are amortized to cost of sales as the applicable inventories are sold. All other prepaid
expenses are amortized over a specific time period or as used and charged to overhead expense.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – We regularly review our receivable balances, which are included in Receivables,
deposits and notes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for collectability and record an allowance against a receivable when
it is deemed that collectability is uncertain. These receivables include receivables from our insurance carriers, receivables
from municipalities related to the development of utilities or other infrastructure, and other miscellaneous receivables. At
October 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance for allowance for doubtful accounts was $7.6 million and $13.8 million, respectively.
The balance at October 31, 2015 and 2014 primarily related to allowances for receivables from municipalities, an allowance
for a receivable for a prior year land sale and an allowance for a receivable related to a contract settlement. The balance at
October 31, 2014 also included a $6.0 million allowance for receivables from our insurance carriers for certain warranty
claims which was resolved in fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2015 and 2014, we recorded $0.7 million and $0.4 million,
respectively, of additional reserves and $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in recoveries.
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Stock Options - We account for our stock options under ASC 718-10, “Compensation - Stock Compensation –
Overall,” which requires the fair-value based method of accounting for stock awards granted to employees and measures and
records the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair
value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in
exchange for the award.
Compensation cost arising from nonvested stock granted to employees and from nonemployee stock awards is based
on the fair value of the awards at the grant date recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period.
Per Share Calculations - Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) (the “numerator”) by
the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for nonvested shares of restricted stock (the
“denominator”) for the period. The basic weighted-average number of shares included 6.1 million shares for the year ended
October 31, 2014 related to Purchase Contracts (issued as part of our then outstanding 7.25% Tangible Equity Units) which
shares were all issued upon settlement of the Purchase Contracts in February 2014. Computing diluted earnings per share is
similar to computing basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the dilutive effects of
options and nonvested shares of restricted stock, as well as common shares issuable upon exchange of our Senior
Exchangeable Notes issued as part of our 6.0% Exchangeable Note Units. Any options that have an exercise price greater
than the average market price are considered to be anti-dilutive and are excluded from the diluted earnings per share
calculation.
All outstanding nonvested shares that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents that
participate in undistributed earnings with common stock are considered participating securities and are included in computing
earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines
earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents
and participation rights in undistributed earnings in periods where we have net income. The Company’s restricted common
stock (“nonvested shares”) are considered participating securities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-04, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors,” which
clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer
mortgage loan has occurred. By doing so, this guidance helps determine when the creditor should derecognize the loan
receivable and recognize the real estate property. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2015
and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with
Customers” (Topic 606), (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue that represents the transfer
of promised goods or services to customers in an amount equivalent to the consideration to which the entity expects to be
entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The following steps should be applied to determine this amount: (1)
identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction
price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as)
the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASU 605,
“Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance in the Accounting Standards Codification. In August 2015, the
FASB issued ASU 2015-14 on this same topic, which defers for one year the effective date of ASU 2014-09, therefore making
the guidance effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2018. Additionally, the FASB also decided to permit entities
to early adopt the standard, which allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective methods of adoption, for
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on
our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue
as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which requires management to perform interim and 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. ASU 2014-15 is effective
for the Company for our fiscal year ending October 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption
of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation
Analysis” (“ASU 2015-02”), which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810, primarily related to limited
partnerships and VIEs. ASU 2015-02 is effective for the Company beginning on November 1, 2016. Early adoption is
77
permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2015-02 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated
Financial Statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest” (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires
that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the
carrying amount of that debt liability. This new guidance is a change from the current treatment of recording debt issuance
costs as an asset representing a deferred charge, and is consistent with the accounting treatment for debt discounts. The
guidance, which requires retrospective application, is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2016. Early adoption
is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 will result in reclassification of our deferred bond issuance costs from assets to
an offset of our notes payable on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, in August 2015, as a
follow-up to ASU 2015-03, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)” (“ASU
2015-15”). ASU 2015-15 addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements, allowing an entity
to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize 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. The Company does not expect ASU 2015-15 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated
Financial Statements.
4. Leases
We lease certain property under non-cancelable leases. Office leases are generally for terms of three to five years
and generally provide renewal options. Model home leases are generally for shorter terms of approximately one to three years
with renewal options on a month-to-month basis. In most cases, we expect that in the normal course of business, leases that
will expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases. The future lease payments required under operating leases that have
initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:
Years Ending October 31,
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
(In Thousands)
$10,349
6,147
2,567
1,562
1,136
180
$21,941
Net rental expense for the three years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was $11.6 million, $11.6 million and
$10.8 million, respectively. These amounts include rent expense for various month-to-month leases on model homes,
furniture and equipment. These amounts also include the amortization of abandoned lease costs for leased space that we have
abandoned due to our reduction in size and consolidation of certain locations. Certain leases contain renewal or purchase
options and generally provide that the Company shall pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance.
5. Property, Plant and Equipment
Homebuilding property, plant, and equipment consists of land, land improvements, buildings, building
improvements, furniture and equipment used to conduct day-to-day business and are recorded at cost less accumulated
depreciation.
Property, plant, and equipment balances as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
(In thousands)
Land and land improvements
Buildings
Building improvements
Furniture
Equipment
Total
Less accumulated depreciation
Total
78
October 31,
2015
2014
$2,398
67,039
7,145
5,878
35,103
117,563
72,029
$45,534
$2,398
66,871
9,660
6,187
35,227
120,343
73,599
$46,744
6. Restricted Cash and Deposits
Restricted cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled to $26.5 million and $29.3 million
as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which included cash collateralizing our letter of credit agreements and facilities
as discussed in Note 8. Also included in this balance were homebuilding and financial services customers’ deposits of $4.7
million and $17.2 million at October 31, 2015, respectively, and $7.5 million and $12.1 million as of October 31, 2014,
respectively, which are restricted from use by us, and $2.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of restricted cash under the
terms of our mortgage warehouse lines of credit.
Total Homebuilding Customers’ deposits are shown as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These
liabilities are significantly more than the applicable periods’ restricted cash balances because, in some states, the deposits are
not restricted from use and, in other states, we are able to release the majority of these customer deposits to cash by pledging
letters of credit and surety bonds.
7. Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Our mortgage banking subsidiary originates mortgage loans, primarily from the sale of our homes. Such mortgage
loans are sold in the secondary mortgage market within a short period of time of origination. Mortgage loans held for sale
consist primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the underlying property. We have elected the fair value
option to record loans held for sale and therefore these loans are recorded at fair value with the changes in the value recognized
in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Revenues: Financial services.” We currently use forward sales of MBS,
interest rate commitments from borrowers and mandatory and/or best efforts forward commitments to sell loans to third-
party purchasers to protect us from interest rate fluctuations. These short-term instruments, which do not require any payments
to be made to the counterparty or investor in connection with the execution of the commitments, are recorded at fair value.
Gains and losses on changes in the fair value are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Revenues:
Financial services.”
At October 31, 2015 and 2014, $114.0 million and $78.6 million, respectively, of mortgages held for sale were
pledged against our mortgage warehouse lines of credit (see Note 8). We may incur losses with respect to mortgages that
were previously sold that are delinquent and which had underwriting defects, but only to the extent the losses are not covered
by mortgage insurance or resale value of the home. The reserves for these estimated losses are included in the “Financial
services – Accounts payable and other liabilities” balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of October 31, 2015 and
2014, we had reserves specifically for 131 and 130 identified mortgage loans, respectively, as well as reserves for an estimate
for future losses on mortgages sold but not yet identified to us.
The activity in our loan origination reserves in fiscal 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
(In thousands)
Loan origination reserves, beginning of period
Provisions for losses during the period
Adjustments to pre-existing provisions for losses from changes in estimates
Payments/settlements (1)
Loan origination reserves, end of period
Year Ended
October 31,
2015
2014
$7,352
221
452
-
$8,025
$11,036
3,814
(2,574)
(4,924)
$7,352
(1) Includes the global settlement of all loans sold to one of our previously significant mortgage purchasers, which
settlements covers all of our potential liability for such loans.
The decrease in the volume of activity in loan origination reserves from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015 is due to only two
loan repurchase requests during fiscal 2015, compared to 78 in fiscal 2014. In addition, adjustments to pre-existing provisions
for losses from changes in estimates and payments/settlements were both impacted in fiscal 2014 by the global settlement of
all loans sold to one of our previously significant mortgage purchasers.
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8. Mortgages and Notes Payable
We have nonrecourse mortgage loans for certain communities totaling $143.9 million and $103.9 million at October
31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are secured by the related real property, including any improvements, with an
aggregate book value of $388.1 million and $220.1 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these
obligations was 5.1% and 5.0% at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the mortgage loan payments on each
community primarily correspond to home deliveries. We also have nonrecourse mortgage loans on our corporate headquarters
totaling $15.5 million and $16.6 million at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These loans had a weighted-average
interest rate of 8.8% at October 31, 2015 and 7.0% at October 31, 2014. As of October 31, 2015, these loans had installment
obligations with annual principal maturities in the years ending October 31 of: $1.2 million in 2016, $1.3 million in 2017,
$1.4 million in 2018, $1.5 million in 2019, $1.7 million in 2020 and $8.4 million after 2020.
In June 2013, K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (“K. Hovnanian”), as borrower, and we and certain of our subsidiaries,
as guarantors, entered into a five-year, $75.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citicorp
USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing bank, and Citibank, N.A., as a lender. The Credit Facility is available for both
letters of credit and general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility does not contain any financial maintenance covenants,
but does contain certain restrictive covenants that track those contained in our indenture governing the 8.0% Senior Notes
due 2019, which are described in Note 9. The Credit Facility also contains certain customary events of default which would
permit the administrative agent at the request of the required lenders to, among other things, declare all loans then outstanding
to be immediately due and payable if such default is not cured within applicable grace periods, including the failure to make
timely payments of amounts payable under the Credit Facility or other material indebtedness or the acceleration of other
material indebtedness, the failure to comply with agreements and covenants or for representations or warranties to be correct
in all material respects when made, specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency, and the entry of a material judgment
against a loan party. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue interest at an annual rate equal to either, as
selected by K. Hovnanian, (i) the alternate base rate plus the applicable spread determined on the date of such borrowing or
(ii) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate plus the applicable spread determined as of the date two
business days prior to the first day of the interest period for such borrowing. As of October 31, 2015 there were $47.0 million
of borrowings and $25.9 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. As of October 31, 2014, there were
no borrowings and $26.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. As of October 31, 2015, we believe
we were in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facility.
In addition to the Credit Facility, we have certain stand–alone cash collateralized letter of credit agreements and
facilities under which there were a total of $2.6 million and $5.5 million letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2015 and
2014, respectively. These agreements and facilities require us to maintain specified amounts of cash as collateral in segregated
accounts to support the letters of credit issued thereunder, which will affect the amount of cash we have available for other
uses. As of October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the amount of cash collateral in these segregated accounts was $2.6
million and $5.6 million, respectively, which is reflected in “Restricted cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
Our wholly owned mortgage banking subsidiary, K. Hovnanian American Mortgage, LLC (“K. Hovnanian
Mortgage”), originates mortgage loans primarily from the sale of our homes. Such mortgage loans and related servicing rights
are sold in the secondary mortgage market within a short period of time. In certain instances, we retain the servicing rights
for a small amount of loans. Our secured Master Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase Master
Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on July 31, 2015, is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $50.0
million through July 29, 2016. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying
mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly on outstanding advances at an adjusted LIBOR rate,
which was 0.19% at October 31, 2015, plus the applicable margin of 2.5% or 2.63% based upon type of loan. As of October
31, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Chase Master Repurchase
Agreement was $30.5 million and $25.5 million, respectively.
K. Hovnanian Mortgage has another secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Customers Bank (“Customers
Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on February 19, 2015 to extend the maturity date to February 18, 2016,
that is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $37.5 million through maturity. The loan is secured by the mortgages
held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable daily or as
loans are sold to permanent investors on outstanding advances at the current LIBOR, plus the applicable margin ranging from
2.75% to 5.25% based on the type of loan and the number of days outstanding on the warehouse line. As of October 31, 2015
and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Customers Master Repurchase Agreement
was $29.7 million and $20.4 million, respectively.
80
K. Hovnanian Mortgage has a third secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston
Mortgage Capital LLC (“Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on July 31, 2015, that is a
short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $50.0 million through July 29, 2016. The loan is secured by the mortgages
held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly
on outstanding advances at the Credit Suisse Cost of Funds, which was 0.58% at October 31, 2015, plus the applicable margin
of 2.5% until the loan documents have been provided to the lender, at which point the margin is lowered to 2.25%. As of
October 31, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Credit Suisse Master
Repurchase Agreement was $30.1 million and $19.7 million, respectively.
In February 2014, K. Hovnanian Mortgage executed a secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Comerica Bank
(“Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on June 29, 2015 to extend the maturity date to June 28,
2016. The Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $35.0 million
through maturity. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage
loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly at LIBOR, subject to a floor of 0.25%, plus the applicable margin
of 2.5%. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Comerica
Master Repurchase Agreement was $18.6 million and $11.3 million, respectively.
The Chase Master Repurchase Agreement, Customers Master Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse Master
Repurchase Agreement and Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement (together, the “Master Repurchase Agreements”)
require K. Hovnanian Mortgage to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other financial condition tests. Because
of the extremely short period of time mortgages are held by K. Hovnanian Mortgage before the mortgages are sold to investors
(generally a period of a few weeks), the immateriality to us on a consolidated basis of the size of the Master Repurchase
Agreements, the levels required by these financial covenants, our ability based on our immediately available resources to
contribute sufficient capital to cure any default, were such conditions to occur, and our right to cure any conditions of default
based on the terms of the agreement, we do not consider any of these covenants to be substantive or material. As of October
31, 2015, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants under the Master Repurchase Agreements.
9. Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing and Senior Exchangeable Notes
Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing and Senior Exchangeable Notes balances as of October 31, 2015 and
2014, were as follows:
(In thousands)
Senior Secured Notes:
7.25% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due October 15, 2020
9.125% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due November 15, 2020
2.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)
5.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)
Total Senior Secured Notes
Senior Notes:
11.875% Senior Notes due October 15, 2015 (net of discount)
6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016 (net of discount)
7.5% Senior Notes due May 15, 2016
8.625% Senior Notes due January 15, 2017
7.0% Senior Notes due January 15, 2019
8.0% Senior Notes due November 1, 2019
Total Senior Notes
11.0% Senior Amortizing Notes due December 1, 2017
Senior Exchangeable Notes due December 1, 2017
Year Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014
$577,000
220,000
53,139
131,207
$981,346
$-
172,744
86,532
121,043
150,000
250,000
$780,319
$12,811
$73,771
$577,000
220,000
53,129
129,806
$979,935
$60,414
172,483
86,532
121,043
150,000
-
$590,472
$17,049
$70,101
81
As of October 31, 2015, future maturities of our borrowings (assuming no exchange of our senior exchangeable
notes), were as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ended October 31,
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
2015
$263,994
126,293
76,614
150,000
827,000
415,000
$1,858,901
Except for K. Hovnanian, the issuer of the notes, our home mortgage subsidiaries, joint ventures and subsidiaries
holding interests in our joint ventures, certain of our title insurance subsidiaries and our foreign subsidiary, we and each of
our subsidiaries are guarantors of the senior secured, senior, senior amortizing and senior exchangeable notes outstanding at
October 31, 2015 (see Note 22). In addition, the 5.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “5.0% 2021 Notes”) and the 2.0%
Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “2.0% 2021 Notes” and together with the 5.0% 2021 Notes, the “2021 Notes”) are
guaranteed by K. Hovnanian JV Holdings, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries except for certain joint ventures and joint venture
holding companies (collectively, the “Secured Group”). Members of the Secured Group do not guarantee K.
Hovnanian's other indebtedness.
The indentures governing the notes do not contain any financial maintenance covenants, but do contain restrictive
covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability and that of certain of its subsidiaries, including K.
Hovnanian, to incur additional indebtedness (other than certain permitted indebtedness, refinancing indebtedness and
nonrecourse indebtedness), pay dividends and make distributions on common and preferred stock, repurchase subordinated
indebtedness (with respect to certain of the senior secured and senior notes), make other restricted payments, make
investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all assets, and
enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The indentures also contain events of default which would permit the holders
of the notes to declare the 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 comply with agreements and
covenants and specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency and, with respect to the indentures governing the senior secured
notes, the failure of the documents granting security for the senior secured notes to be in full force and effect, and the failure
of the liens on any material portion of the collateral securing the senior secured notes to be valid and perfected. As of October
31, 2015, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants of the indentures governing our outstanding notes.
If our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indentures governing our senior secured and senior
notes (other than the senior exchangeable 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 nonrecourse indebtedness. As a result of this restriction, we are currently restricted from paying dividends, which are not
cumulative, on our 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock. We anticipate that we will continue to be restricted from paying
dividends for the foreseeable future. Our inability to pay dividends is in accordance with covenant restrictions and will not
result in a default under our debt instruments or otherwise affect compliance with any of the covenants contained in the debt
instruments.
On August 8, 2005, K. Hovnanian issued $300.0 million 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016. The 6.25% Senior Notes
were issued at a discount to yield 6.46% and have been reflected net of the unamortized discount in the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount
plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance
under our then existing revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. These notes were
the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below. On September 16, 2013, K. Hovnanian issued $41.6 million
of additional 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016 at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount as discussed below.
On February 27, 2006, K. Hovnanian issued $300.0 million of 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016. The notes are
redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount.
The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our then existing revolving
credit facility as of February 27, 2006. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below.
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On June 12, 2006, K. Hovnanian issued $250.0 million of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017. The notes are redeemable
in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net
proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our then existing revolving credit
facility as of June 12, 2006. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below.
On February 14, 2011, K. Hovnanian issued $155.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11.875% Senior Notes
due 2015. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus an
applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below. On
October 15, 2015, the remaining $60.8 million of our 11.875% Senior Notes due 2015 matured and was paid.
On November 1, 2011, K. Hovnanian issued $141.8 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% 2021 Notes and
$53.2 million aggregate principal amount of 2.0% 2021 Notes in exchange for $195.0 million of certain of K.
Hovnanian's unsecured senior notes with maturities ranging from 2014 through 2017. The 5.0% 2021 Notes and the 2.0%
2021 Notes were issued as separate series under an indenture, but have substantially the same terms other than with respect
to interest rate and related redemption provisions, and vote together as a single class. The 2021 Notes are redeemable in
whole or in part at our option at any time, at 100.0% of the principal amount plus the greater of 1% of the principal amount
and an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.”
The guarantees with respect to the 2021 Notes of the Secured Group are secured, subject to permitted liens and other
exceptions, by a first-priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the members of the Secured Group. As of October 31,
2015, the collateral securing the guarantees included (1) $50.9 million of cash and cash equivalents (subsequent to such date,
cash uses include general business operations and real estate and other investments); (2) $140.1 million aggregate book value
of real property of the Secured Group, which does not include the impact of inventory investments, home deliveries, or
impairments thereafter and which may differ from the value if it were appraised, and (3) equity interests in guarantors that
are members of the Secured Group. Members of the Secured Group also own equity in joint ventures, either directly or
indirectly through ownership of joint venture holding companies, with a book value of $57.3 million as of October 31, 2015;
this equity is not pledged to secure, and is not collateral for, the 2021 Notes. Members of the Secured Group are “unrestricted
subsidiaries” under K. Hovnanian's other senior notes and senior secured notes, and thus have not guaranteed such
indebtedness.
On October 2, 2012, K. Hovnanian issued $577.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior secured first
lien notes due 2020 (the "First Lien Notes") and $220.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% senior secured second
lien notes due 2020 (the "Second Lien Notes" and, together with the First Lien Notes, the "2020 Secured Notes") in a private
placement (the "2020 Secured Notes Offering"). The net proceeds from the 2020 Secured Notes Offering, together with the
net proceeds of the Units offering discussed below, and cash on hand, were used to fund the tender offer and consent
solicitation with respect to the Company’s then-outstanding 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 and the redemption of
the remaining notes that were not purchased in the tender offer as described below.
The First Lien Notes are secured by a first-priority lien and the Second Lien Notes are secured by a second-priority
lien, in each case, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, on substantially all the assets owned by us, K. Hovnanian
and the guarantors of such notes. At October 31, 2015, the aggregate book value of the real property that constituted collateral
securing the 2020 Secured Notes was $784.7 million, which does not include the impact of inventory investments, home
deliveries, or impairments thereafter and which may differ from the value if it were appraised. In addition, cash collateral
that secured the 2020 Secured Notes was $197.1 million as of October 31, 2015, which included $2.6 million of restricted
cash collateralizing certain letters of credit. Subsequent to such date, cash uses include general business operations and real
estate and other investments.
We may redeem some or all of the First Lien Notes at 105.438% of principal commencing October 15, 2015, at
103.625% of principal commencing October 15, 2016, at 101.813% of principal commencing October 15, 2017 and 100%
of principal commencing October 15, 2018.
We may redeem some or all of the Second Lien Notes at 106.844% of principal commencing November 15, 2015,
at 104.563% of principal commencing November 15, 2016, at 102.281% of principal commencing November 15, 2017 and
100% of principal commencing November 15, 2018.
Also on October 2, 2012, the Company and K. Hovnanian issued $100,000,000 aggregate stated amount of 6.0%
Exchangeable Note Units (the “Units”) (equivalent to 100,000 Units). Each $1,000 stated amount of Units initially consists
of (1) a zero coupon senior exchangeable note due December 1, 2017 (a “Senior Exchangeable Note”) issued by K.
Hovnanian, which bears no cash interest and has an initial principal amount of $768.51 per Senior Exchangeable Note, and
83
that will accrete to $1,000 at maturity and (2) a senior amortizing note due December 1, 2017 (a “Senior Amortizing Note”)
issued by K. Hovnanian, which has an initial principal amount of $231.49 per Senior Amortizing Note, bears interest at a rate
of 11.0% per annum, and has a final installment payment date of December 1, 2017. Each Unit may be separated into its
constituent Senior Exchangeable Note and Senior Amortizing Note after the initial issuance date of the Units, and the separate
components may be combined to create a Unit.
Each Senior Exchangeable Note had an initial principal amount of $768.51 (which will accrete to $1,000 over the
term of the Senior Exchangeable Note at an annual rate of 5.17% from the date of issuance, calculated on a semi-annual bond
equivalent yield basis). Holders may exchange their Senior Exchangeable Notes at their option at any time prior to 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the business day immediately preceding December 1, 2017. Each Senior Exchangeable Note will be
exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock at an initial exchange rate of 185.5288 shares of Class A Common Stock
per Senior Exchangeable Note (equivalent to an initial exchange price, based on $1,000 principal amount at maturity, of
approximately $5.39 per share of Class A Common Stock). The exchange rate will be subject to adjustment in certain
events. If certain corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, the Company will increase the applicable exchange rate
for any holder who elects to exchange its Senior Exchangeable Notes in connection with such corporate event. In addition,
holders of Senior Exchangeable Notes will also have the right to require K. Hovnanian to repurchase such holders’ Senior
Exchangeable Notes upon the occurrence of certain of these corporate events. As of October 31, 2015, 18,305 Senior
Exchangeable Notes have been converted into 3.4 million shares of our Class A Common Stock, all of which were converted
during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
On each June 1 and December 1 (each, an “installment payment date”), K. Hovnanian will pay holders of Senior
Amortizing Notes equal semi-annual cash installments of $30.00 per Senior Amortizing Note (except for the June 1, 2013
installment payment, which was $39.83 per Senior Amortizing Note), which cash payment in the aggregate will be equivalent
to 6.0% per year with respect to each $1,000 stated amount of Units. Each installment will constitute a payment of interest
(at a rate of 11.0% per annum) and a partial repayment of principal on the Senior Amortizing Note. Following certain
corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date, holders of the Senior Amortizing Notes will have the right to require
K. Hovnanian to repurchase such holders’ Senior Amortizing Notes.
The net proceeds of the Units offering, along with the net proceeds from the 2020 Secured Notes Offering previously
discussed, and cash on hand, were used to fund the tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to the Company’s then
outstanding 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 and redemption of the remaining notes that were not purchased in the
tender offer.
On September 16, 2013, K. Hovnanian issued an aggregate principal amount of $41.6 million of its 6.25% Senior
Notes due 2016. The Notes were issued as additional 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016 under the indenture dated as of August
8, 2005. The net proceeds from this offering were used to fund the redemption on October 15, 2013 of all of K. Hovnanian’s
outstanding 6.5% Senior Notes due 2014 and 6.375% Senior Notes due 2014 and to pay related fees and expenses.
On January 10, 2014, K. Hovnanian issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.0% Senior Notes due
2019, resulting in net proceeds of $147.8 million. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time prior
to July 15, 2016 at 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” We may also redeem some or
all of the notes at 103.5% of principal commencing July 15, 2016, at 101.75% of principal commencing January 15, 2017
and 100% of principal commencing January 15, 2018. In addition, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal
amount of the notes prior to July 15, 2016, with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at 107.0% of principal.
We used a portion of the net proceeds to fund the redemption on February 9, 2014 (effected on February 10, 2014, which
was the next business day after the redemption date) of the remaining outstanding principal amount ($21.4 million) of our
6.25% Senior Notes due 2015. The redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million, net of the write-
off of unamortized fees, and is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as “Loss on extinguishment of debt”
for fiscal 2014. The remaining net proceeds from the offering were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general
corporate purposes.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, K. Hovnanian solicited and obtained the requisite consent of holders of its 2020
Secured Notes to certain amendments to the indentures under which such notes were issued. K. Hovnanian paid an aggregate
of $3.3 million to holders who consented thereunder.
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On November 5, 2014, K. Hovnanian issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Notes due
2019, resulting in net proceeds of $245.7 million. These proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The notes are
redeemable in whole or in part at K. Hovnanian’s option at any time prior to August 1, 2019 at a redemption price equal to
100% of their principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” At any time and from time to time on or after
August 1, 2019, K. Hovnanian may also redeem some or all of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal
amount.
We have $172.7 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due on January 15, 2016 and $86.5 million of 7.5% Senior Notes
due on May 15, 2016. While our preference is to refinance these near term maturities as they come due, in light of the
availability of debt financing in the capital or loan markets to companies with comparable credit ratings, we may not be able
to refinance these obligations or do so at an attractive rate. In this situation, as an alternative to refinancing, we have a number
of means to provide sufficient liquidity to enable us to pay these bonds at maturity while continuing to execute our strategic
objectives, which include growing our company. Such means include: additional land banking transactions, an increase in
joint venture activity and/or project specific financings and model sale leasebacks. For example, we recently announced one
new land banking arrangement with Domain Real Estate Partners for up to $125.0 million and an increase to the existing
GSO Capital Partners LP arrangement for up to $175.0 million. In these arrangements, we sell certain of our existing land
parcels to the land bank partner with an option to buy back finished lots subject to a cost of carry. We will receive a majority
of the $300.0 million funds available under our land banking programs at the time we sell our existing land parcels to our
land banking partners. The remainder of the land banking programs’ funds will be paid to us by our land banking partners as
reimbursement of our land development costs as incurred.
10. Operating and Reporting Segments
Our operating segments are components of our business for which discrete financial information is available and
reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, to evaluate performance and make
operating decisions. Based on this criteria, each of our communities qualifies as an operating segment, and therefore, it is
impractical to provide segment disclosures for this many segments. As such, we have aggregated the homebuilding operating
segments into six reportable segments.
Our homebuilding operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments based primarily upon geographic
proximity, similar regulatory environments, land acquisition characteristics and similar methods used to construct and sell
homes. Our reportable segments consist of the following six homebuilding segments and a financial services segment:
Homebuilding:
(1) Northeast (New Jersey and Pennsylvania)
(2) Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia)
(3) Midwest (Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio)
(4) Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina)
(5) Southwest (Arizona and 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, urban infill and active lifestyle homes in planned
residential developments. In addition, from time to time, operations of the homebuilding segments include sales of
land. Operations of the Company’s Financial Services segment include mortgage banking and title services provided to the
homebuilding operations’ customers. We do not typically retain or service mortgages that we originate but rather sell the
mortgages and related servicing rights to investors.
Corporate and unallocated primarily represents operations at our headquarters in Red Bank, New Jersey. This
includes our executive offices, information services, human resources, corporate accounting, training, treasury, process
redesign, internal audit, construction services, and administration of insurance, quality and safety. It also includes interest
income and interest expense resulting from interest incurred that cannot be capitalized in inventory in the Homebuilding
segments, as well as the gains or losses on extinguishment of debt from debt repurchases or exchanges.
Evaluation of segment performance is based primarily on operating earnings from continuing operations before
provision for income taxes (“Income (loss) before income taxes”). Income (loss) before income taxes for the Homebuilding
segments consist of revenues generated from the sales of homes and land, income (loss) from unconsolidated entities,
85
management fees and other income, less the cost of homes and land sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, interest
expense and non-controlling interest expense. 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 operations of our segments was as follows:
(In thousands)
Revenues:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total homebuilding
Financial services
Corporate and unallocated
Total revenues
(Loss) income before income taxes:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total homebuilding
Financial services
Corporate and unallocated
(Loss) Income before income taxes
(In thousands)
Assets:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total homebuilding
Financial services
Corporate and unallocated (1)
Total assets
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
2013
$189,497
399,500
311,449
207,662
823,853
159,969
2,091,930
56,665
(115)
$2,148,480
$275,830
332,719
226,174
204,671
751,426
230,308
2,021,128
42,414
(162)
$2,063,380
$282,855
289,303
163,485
147,570
697,358
223,086
1,803,657
47,727
(131)
$1,851,253
$(7,742)
21,431
14,012
(6,330)
67,437
(17,145)
71,663
24,693
(118,121)
$(21,765)
$(7,517)
23,897
17,879
9,247
74,527
21,303
139,336
13,798
(132,954)
$20,180
$1,519
24,388
12,270
6,455
76,459
14,398
135,489
18,668
(132,222)
$21,935
October 31,
2015
2014
$321,983
342,159
197,899
223,206
465,740
259,943
1,810,930
159,981
631,387
$2,602,298
$315,573
313,494
169,967
148,096
410,756
143,245
1,501,131
120,343
668,456
$2,289,930
(1) Includes $290.3 million and $284.5 million of income taxes receivable - including deferred tax assets in fiscal 2015
and 2014, respectively.
86
(In thousands)
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total homebuilding
Corporate and unallocated
Total investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures
(In thousands)
Homebuilding interest expense:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total homebuilding
Corporate and unallocated
Financial services interest expense (1)
Total interest expense, net
October 31,
2015
$12,340
22,417
(20)
10,224
-
16,122
61,083
126
$61,209
2014
$6,987
36,285
806
4,787
-
14,562
63,427
456
$63,883
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
2013
$14,150
16,268
10,405
9,552
26,147
10,381
86,903
64,545
(1,066)
$150,382
$20,940
9,542
5,354
7,827
20,543
12,619
76,825
64,519
(119)
$141,225
$26,163
10,037
3,737
5,861
16,071
12,960
74,829
68,745
499
$144,073
(1) Financial services interest expenses are included in the Financial services lines on the Consolidated Statements of
Operations in the respective revenues and expenses sections.
(In thousands)
Depreciation:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total homebuilding
Financial services
Corporate and unallocated
Total depreciation
(In thousands)
Net additions to operating properties and equipment:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total homebuilding
Financial services
Corporate and unallocated
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment
87
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
2013
$136
28
361
40
89
79
733
47
2,608
$3,388
$250
45
355
31
131
33
845
68
2,504
$3,417
$245
283
528
31
163
148
1,398
285
3,029
$4,712
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
2013
$-
58
637
227
173
88
1,183
-
871
$2,054
$44
23
927
59
39
170
1,262
28
2,133
$3,423
$388
35
279
7
44
19
772
6
780
$1,558
(In thousands)
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures:
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures
11. Income Taxes
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
2013
$856
4,502
(105)
1,213
-
(2,297)
$4,169
$(1,302)
6,459
17
2,119
-
604
$7,897
$3,738
5,631
1,045
1,287
-
339
$12,040
Income taxes payable (receivable), including deferred benefits, consists of the following:
(In thousands)
State income taxes:
Current
Deferred
Federal income taxes:
Current
Deferred
Total
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
$2,151
(11,148)
$3,197
(14,918 )
-
(281,282)
$(290,279)
-
(272,822 )
$(284,543 )
The provision for income taxes is composed of the following charges (benefits):
(In thousands)
Current income tax (benefit) expense:
Federal (1)
State (2)
Total current income tax (benefit) expense:
Federal
State
Total deferred income tax (benefit):
Total
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
2013
$(1,497)
523
(974)
(8,461)
3,770
(4,691)
$(5,665)
$(1,690)
2,466
776
(272,822)
(14,918)
(287,740)
$(286,964)
$(9,878)
518
(9,360)
-
-
-
$(9,360)
(1)
(2)
The current federal income tax (benefit) expense is net of the use of federal net operating losses totaling $3.7
million, $57.8 million and $0.0 million for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The current state income tax (benefit) expense is net of the use of state net operating losses totaling $12.3 million,
$24.5 million and $23.1 million for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The total income tax benefit of $5.7 million recognized for the year ended October 31, 2015 was primarily due to
deferred taxes resulting from the loss before income taxes plus the reversal of state tax reserves for uncertain state tax
positions, partially offset by state tax expenses. The total income tax benefit of $287.0 million recognized for the year ended
October 31, 2014 was primarily due to the reversal of a substantial portion of our valuation allowance previously recorded
against our deferred tax assets, plus a refund received for a loss carryback to a previously profitable year and the impact of
state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions, partially offset by state tax expenses. The total income tax benefit of $9.4
million recognized for the year ended October 31, 2013 was primarily due to the release of reserves for a federal tax position
that was settled with the Internal Revenue Service and a favorable state tax audit settlement, partially offset by state tax
expenses and state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions.
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 the combination of future years’ income (or loss) and the reversal of the timing differences results in a loss, such losses
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can be carried forward to future years. In accordance with ASC 740, 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.
As of October 31, 2014, and again at October 31, 2015, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a
substantial amount of our deferred tax assets (“DTA”) would be utilized. This conclusion was based on a detailed evaluation
of all relevant evidence, both positive and negative. The positive evidence included factors such as positive earnings for two
of the last three fiscal years and the expectation of earnings going forward over the long term and evidence of a sustained
recovery in the housing markets in which we operate. Such evidence is supported by significant increases in key financial
indicators over the last few years, including new orders, backlog, and community count compared with the prior years.
Economic data has also been affirming the housing market recovery. Housing starts, homebuilding volume and prices are
increasing and forecasted to continue to increase. Historically low mortgage rates, affordable home prices, reduced
foreclosures and a favorable home ownership to rental comparison are key factors in the recovery.
Potentially offsetting this positive evidence is the fact that we had a loss before income taxes for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 2015. However, as we expected last year when we reversed a substantial portion of our deferred tax asset
valuation allowance, we are no longer in a three year cumulative loss position as of October 31, 2015. As per ASC 740,
cumulative losses are one of the most objectively verifiable forms of negative evidence; we no longer have this negative
evidence and we expect to be profitable going forward over the long term. Our recent three years cumulative performance
and our expectations for the coming years based on our current backlog, community count and recent sales contracts provide
evidence that reaffirms our conclusion last year that a full valuation allowance was not necessary and that the current valuation
allowance for deferred taxes of $635.3 million as of October 31, 2015 is appropriate.
Our state net operating losses of $2.2 billion expire between 2016 and 2036. Our federal net operating losses of $1.5
billion expire between 2028 and 2033.
The deferred tax assets and liabilities have been recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Depreciation
Inventory impairment loss
Uniform capitalization of overhead
Warranty and legal reserves
Deferred income
Acquisition intangibles
Restricted stock bonus
Rent on abandoned space
Stock options
Provision for losses
Joint venture loss
Federal net operating losses
State net operating losses
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Acquisition intangibles
Debt repurchase income
Total deferred tax liabilities
Valuation allowance
Net deferred income taxes
89
Year Ended October 31,
2015
2014
$2,176
210,716
11,203
13,319
682
13,374
8,191
1,888
7,474
36,350
2,891
524,125
169,046
17,752
1,019,187
-
91,452
91,452
(635,305)
$292,430
$2,407
219,487
9,005
14,342
547
18,014
7,121
2,830
8,481
43,585
5,633
524,879
176,225
19,516
1,052,072
395
121,934
122,329
(642,003 )
$287,740
The effective tax rate varied from the statutory federal income tax rate. The effective tax rate is affected by a number
of factors, the most significant of which has been the valuation allowance related to our deferred tax assets. Due to the effects
of these factors, our effective tax rates for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are not correlated to the amount of our income or loss before
income taxes. The sources of these factors were as follows:
Computed “expected” tax rate
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
Permanent differences, net
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance impact
Tax contingencies
Adjustments to prior years’ tax accruals
Effective tax rate
Year Ended October 31,
2015
35.0%
(15.6)
(0.4)
-
3.2
3.8
26.0%
2014
35.0%
(3.5)
0.8
(1,393.3)
(0.6)
(60.4)
(1,422.0)%
2013
35.0%
14.0
11.3
(66.2)
(36.8)
-
(42.7)%
ASC 740-10 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely
than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation
processes, based on the technical merits.
Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized
upon the adoption of ASC 740-10 and in subsequent periods. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement,
derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
We recognize tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740-10 and we adjust these liabilities when our judgment
changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these
uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a liability that is materially different from our current estimate of the tax
liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are
determined.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the
accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability
line in the consolidated balance sheet.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the year (in millions)
excluding interest and penalties:
Unrecognized tax benefit—November 1,
Gross increases—tax positions in current period
Decrease related to tax positions taken during a prior period
Lapse of statute of limitations
Unrecognized tax benefit—October 31,
2015
$1.7
0.2
-
(0.8)
$1.1
2014
$1.8
0.2
-
(0.3 )
$1.7
Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, we have recognized a
liability for interest and penalties of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013, we recognized $(91) thousand, $(30) thousand and $0.1 million, respectively, of interest and penalties in income
tax benefit.
It is likely that, within the next twelve months, the amount of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits will decrease
by $0.2 million, excluding penalties and interest. This reduction is expected primarily due to the expiration of the statutes of
limitation. The portion of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate
(excluding any related impact to the valuation allowance) is $1.1 million and $1.1 million as of October 31, 2015 and 2014,
respectively. The recognition of unrecognized tax benefits could have an impact on the Company’s deferred tax assets and
the valuation allowance.
The consolidated federal tax returns have been audited through October 31, 2014 and these years are closed. We are
also subject to various income tax examinations in the states in which we do business. The outcome for a particular audit
cannot be determined with certainty prior to the conclusion of the audit, appeal, and in some cases, litigation process. As each
90
audit is concluded, adjustments, if any, are appropriately recorded in the period determined. To provide for potential
exposures, tax reserves are recorded, if applicable, based on reasonable estimates of potential audit results. However, if the
reserves are insufficient upon completion of an audit, there could be an adverse impact on our financial position and results
of operations. The statute of limitations for our major tax jurisdictions remains open for examination for tax years 2011–
2014.
12. Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value
We record impairment losses on inventories related to communities under development and held for future
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. If the expected undiscounted cash flows are less
than the carrying amount, then the community is written down to its fair value. We estimate the fair value of each impaired
community by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with the risk
of the respective community. For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our discount rates used for the
impairments recorded ranged from 17.3% to 19.8%, 16.8% to 17.3% and 18.0% to 19.3%, respectively. Should the estimates
or expectations used in determining cash flows or fair value decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may
need to recognize additional impairments.
During the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, we evaluated inventories of all 523 and 495 communities under
development and held for future development, respectively, for impairment indicators through preparation and review of
detailed budgets or other market indicators of impairment. We performed detailed impairment calculations during the years
ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 for 26 and 12 of those communities (i.e., those with a projected operating loss or other
impairment indicators), respectively, with an aggregate carrying value of $108.1 million and $28.2 million, respectively,
(fourteen and four were in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively, with an aggregate carrying value of $37.7
million and $7.1 million, respectively). As impairment indicators are assessed on a quarterly basis, some of the communities
evaluated during the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 were evaluated in more than one quarterly period. Of those
communities tested for impairment during the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, twelve and four communities with an
aggregate carrying value of $54.9 million and $23.1 million, respectively, had undiscounted future cash flows that only
exceeded the carrying amount by less than 20%. As a result of our impairment analysis, we recorded impairment losses,
which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and deducted from inventory, of $7.3 million, $1.2 million
and $2.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following table represents impairments by segment for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(Dollars in millions)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
Year Ended October 31, 2015
Number of
Communities
2
1
4
4
-
1
12
Dollar
Amount of
Impairment
$0.8
0.9
1.3
2.5
-
1.8
$7.3
Pre-
Impairment
Value (1)
$0.9
2.5
8.4
10.1
-
7.5
$29.4
Year Ended October 31, 2014
Number of
Communities
2
-
3
-
-
-
5
Dollar
Amount of
Impairment
$0.3
-
0.9
-
-
-
$1.2
Pre-
Impairment
Value (1)
$0.6
-
3.8
-
-
-
$4.4
91
(Dollars in millions)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
Year Ended October 31, 2013
Number of
Communities
4
1
-
1
-
-
6
Dollar
Amount of
Impairment(2)
$2.4
-
-
-
-
-
$2.4
Pre-
Impairment
Value (1)
$7.7
0.1
-
0.4
-
-
$8.2
(1)
(2)
Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period’s
impairments.
During the year ended October 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast
had an impairment totaling $17 thousand.
The Consolidated Statements of Operations line entitled “Homebuilding-Inventory impairment loss and land option
write-offs” also includes write-offs of options and approval, engineering and capitalized 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 is not projected to produce adequate returns on investment commensurate
with the risk. The total aggregate write-offs were $4.7 million, $4.0 million and $2.6 million for the years ended October 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Occasionally, these write-offs are offset by recovered deposits (sometimes through legal
action) that had been written off in a prior period as walk-away costs. Historically, these recoveries have not been significant
in comparison to the total costs written off.
The following table represents write-offs of such costs by segment for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(In millions)
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Midwest
Southeast
Southwest
West
Total
13. Per Share Calculations
Year Ended October 31,
2015
$0.9
0.2
0.6
1.3
1.4
0.3
$4.7
2014
$0.9
0.2
1.0
0.7
1.2
-
$4.0
2013
$0.7
0.1
0.2
0.2
1.4
-
$2.6
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) (the “numerator”) by the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for nonvested shares of restricted stock (the “denominator”) for the
period. The basic weighted–average number of shares for the year ended October 31, 2014 included 6.1 million shares related
to Purchase Contracts (issued as part of our then outstanding 7.25% Tangible Equity Units) which shares were issued upon
settlement of the Purchase Contracts in February 2014. Computing diluted earnings per share is similar to computing basic
earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the dilutive effects of options and nonvested shares of
restricted stock, as well as common shares issuable upon exchange of our Senior Exchangeable Notes issued as part of our
6.0% Exchangeable Note Units. Any options that have an exercise price greater than the average market price are considered
to be anti-dilutive and are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.
All outstanding nonvested shares that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents that
participate in undistributed earnings with common stock are considered participating securities and are included in computing
earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines
earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents
and participation rights in undistributed earnings in periods when we have net income. The Company’s restricted common
stock (“nonvested shares”) are considered participating securities.
92
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented below were calculated as follows:
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Hovnanian
Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares
Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested shares
Plus: interest on senior exchangeable notes
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Effect of dilutive securities:
Share-based payments
Senior exchangeable notes
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted-average
shares outstanding
Basic (loss) earnings per share
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
Year Ended October 31,
2014
2015
2013
$(16,100)
-
$(16,100)
-
-
-
$(16,100)
$307,144
(7,107)
$300,037
7,107
(7,127)
3,487
$303,504
$31,295
(58)
$31,237
58
(59)
3,720
$34,956
146,899
146,271
145,087
-
-
146,899
$(0.11)
$(0.11)
1,013
15,157
162,441
$2.05
$1.87
1,396
15,846
162,329
$0.22
$0.22
Incremental shares attributed to nonvested stock and outstanding options to purchase common stock of 0.2 million
for the year ended October 31, 2015, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because we had a net
loss for the period, and any incremental shares would not be dilutive. Also, for the year ended October 31, 2015, 15.2 million
shares of common stock issuable upon the exchange of our senior exchangeable notes (which were issued in fiscal 2012)
were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because we had a net loss for the period.
In addition, shares related to out-of-the money stock options that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in
the future that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share were 3.0 million, 2.0 million and 2.2 million
for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the
periods presented.
14. Capital Stock
Common Stock - Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote per share, and each share of
Class B Common Stock generally entitles its holder to ten votes per share. The amount of any regular cash dividend payable
on a share of Class A Common Stock will be an amount equal to 110% of the corresponding regular cash dividend payable
on a share of Class B Common Stock. If a shareholder desires to sell shares of Class B Common Stock, such stock must be
converted into shares of Class A Common Stock at a one to one conversion rate.
On March 12, 2013, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders at which the Company’s shareholders
approved an increase in the Company’s authorized common stock from 200,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”), to 400,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, and from 30,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”), to
60,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.
On August 4, 2008, our Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) designed to preserve
shareholder value and the value of certain tax assets primarily associated with net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards and
built-in losses under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our ability to use NOLs and built-in losses would be limited
if there was an “ownership change” under Section 382. This would occur if shareholders owning (or deemed under
Section 382 to own) 5% or more of our stock increase their collective ownership of the aggregate amount of our outstanding
shares by more than 50 percentage points over a defined period of time. The Rights Plan was adopted to reduce the likelihood
of an “ownership change” occurring as defined by Section 382. Under the Rights Plan, one right was distributed for each
share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on August 15, 2008.
Effective August 15, 2008, if any person or group acquires 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock
without the approval of the Board of Directors, there would be a triggering event causing significant dilution in the voting
93
power of such person or group. However, existing stockholders who owned, at the time of the Rights Plan’s adoption, 4.9%
or more of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock will trigger a dilutive event only if they acquire additional
shares. The approval of the Board of Directors’ decision to adopt the Rights Plan may be terminated by the Board at any
time, prior to the Rights being triggered. The Rights Plan will continue in effect until August 15, 2018, unless it expires
earlier in accordance with its terms. The approval of the Board of Directors’ decision to adopt the Rights Plan was submitted
to a stockholder vote and approved at a special meeting of stockholders held on December 5, 2008. Also at the Special
Meeting on December 5, 2008, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to restrict certain
transfers of Class A Common Stock in order to preserve the tax treatment of our NOLs and built-in losses under Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code. Subject to certain exceptions pertaining to pre-existing 5% stockholders and Class B
stockholders, the transfer restrictions in the amended Certificate of Incorporation generally restrict any direct or indirect
transfer (such as transfers of our stock that result from the transfer of interests in other entities that own our stock) if the effect
would be to (i) increase the direct or indirect ownership of our stock by any person (or public group) from less than 5% to
5% or more of our common stock; (ii) increase the percentage of our common stock owned directly or indirectly by a person
(or public group) owning or deemed to own 5% or more of our common stock; or (iii) create a new public group. Transfers
included under the transfer restrictions include sales to persons (or public groups) whose resulting percentage ownership
(direct or indirect) of common stock would exceed the 5% thresholds discussed above, or to persons whose direct or indirect
ownership of common stock would by attribution cause another person (or public group) to exceed such threshold.
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. There were no shares purchased during the year ended October 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2015,
the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may yet be purchased under this program is 0.5 million.
Preferred Stock - On July 12, 2005, we issued 5,600 shares of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock, with a liquidation
preference of $25,000 per share. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative and are payable 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. 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 fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, we did not pay any
dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock due to covenant restrictions in our debt instruments. We anticipate that we will
continue to be restricted from paying dividends, which are not cumulative, for the foreseeable future.
Retirement Plan - We have established a tax-qualified, defined contribution savings and investment retirement plan
(a 401(k) plan). All associates are eligible to participate in the retirement plan, and employer contributions are based on a
percentage of associate contributions and our operating results. Plan costs charged to operations were $6.2 million, $4.7
million and $0.6 million for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
15. Stock Plans
The fair value of option awards is established at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with
the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: risk free interest rate
of 2.03%, 2.60% and 2.14%, respectively; dividend yield of zero; historical volatility factor of the expected market price of
our common stock of 0.58 for the year ended 2015, 0.70 for the year ended 2014, and 0.96 for the year ended 2013; a
weighted-average expected life of the option of 7.22 years for 2015, 7.42 years for 2014 and 7.30 years for 2013; and an
estimated forfeiture rate of 8.84% for fiscal 2015, 14.59% for fiscal 2014 and 18.17% for fiscal 2013.
For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, total stock-based compensation expense was $8.8 million
($6.5 million post tax), $10.3 million (pre and post tax) and $6.8 million (pre and post tax), respectively. Included in this total
stock-based compensation expense was expense for stock options of $2.2 million, $3.9 million and $4.0 million for the years
ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
We have a stock incentive plan for certain officers and key employees and directors. Options are granted by a
committee appointed by the Board of Directors or its delegee in accordance with the stock incentive plan. The exercise price
of all stock options must be at least equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of the grant. Options
granted before June 8, 2007 generally vest in four equal installments on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth anniversaries of the
date of the grant. Options granted on or after June 8, 2007 generally vest in four equal installments on the second, third, fourth
and fifth anniversaries of the date of the grant. All options expire 10 years after the date of the grant. During the year ended
October 31, 2015, each of the five non-employee directors of the Company were given the choice to receive stock options or
a reduced number of shares of restricted stock. All five selected to receive restricted stock units. Non-employee directors’
94
options or restricted stock vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the grant.
Stock option transactions are summarized as follows:
Options outstanding at beginning of
period
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Options outstanding at end of period
Options exercisable at end of period
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
October 31,
2013
October 31,
2014
October 31,
2015
6,720,251
173,750
18,125
203,436
278,564
6,393,876
4,566,290
$5.23
$2.47
$2.48
$3.78
$15.04
$4.78
6,591,054
376,822
42,375
56,375
148,875
6,720,251
4,100,413
$5.74
$4.41
$2.74
$2.66
$27.42
$5.23
6,019,070
887,500
44,812
76,500
194,204
6,591,054
3,161,952
$5.97
$6.28
$2.67
$3.06
$16.92
$5.74
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $15 thousand, $105 thousand
and $167 thousand, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the
underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.
At October 31, 2015, 0.5 million options outstanding and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $66 thousand.
Exercise prices for options outstanding at October 31, 2015 ranged from $1.66 to $32.33.
The weighted-average fair value of grants made in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.47, $3.06 and $5.14 per share,
respectively. Based on the fair value at the time they were granted, the weighted-average fair value of options vested in fiscal
2015, 2014, and 2013 was $2.78, $2.09 and $2.72 per share, respectively.
The following table summarizes the exercise price range and related number of options outstanding at October 31,
2015:
Range of Exercise Prices
$1.66 – $5.00
$5.01 – $10.00
$10.01 – $20.00
$20.01 – $30.00
$30.01 – $40.00
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
$3.03
$6.36
$-
$21.78
$32.33
$4.78
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
5.37
5.29
-
1.59
0.55
5.18
Number
Outstanding
4,515,001
1,611,750
-
187,375
79,750
6,393,876
The following table summarizes the exercise price range and related number of exercisable options at October 31,
2015:
Range of Exercise Prices
$1.66 – $5.00
$5.01 – $10.00
$10.01 – $20.00
$20.01 – $30.00
$30.01 – $40.00
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
$3.04
$6.44
$-
$21.78
$32.33
$4.96
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
4.74
3.28
-
1.59
0.55
4.26
Number
Exercisable
3,432,415
866,750
-
187,375
79,750
4,566,290
95
Officers and key associates who are eligible to receive equity grants may elect to receive either a stated number of
stock options, or a reduced number of shares of restricted stock units, or a combination thereof. Shares underlying restricted
stock units vest 25% each year beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date. Participants aged 60 years or older, or
aged 58 with 15 years of service, are eligible to vest in their equity awards on an accelerated basis on their retirement (which
in the case of the restricted stock units only applies to a retirement that is at least one year after the date of grant). During the
years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we granted 1,018,558 (including 155,433 shares to certain of our non-
employee directors), 168,161 (including 85,035 shares to certain of our non-employee directors) and 104,944 (including
63,694 shares to certain of our non-employee directors) restricted stock units, respectively, and also issued 97,854, 67,804
and 46,393 shares, relating to awards granted in prior fiscal years, respectively. During the years ended October 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, 5,811, 12,000 and 500 restricted stock units were forfeited, respectively.
Through fiscal 2008, for certain associates, a portion of their bonus was paid by issuing a deferred right to receive
our common stock. The number of shares is calculated for each bonus year by dividing the portion of the bonus subject to
the deferred right award by our average stock price for the year or the stock price at year-end, whichever is lower. Twenty-
five percent of the deferred right award will vest and shares will be issued one year after the year end and then 25% a year
for the next three years. Participants with 20 years of service or who were over 58 years of age vest immediately. No deferred
rights in lieu of bonus payments were awarded during fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013. During the year ended October 31, 2013,
we issued 68,390 relating to awards granted in prior fiscal years.
For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 total compensation cost recognized in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations for the annual restricted stock unit grants, market share unit grants (discussed below), and the stock
portion of the long term incentive plan (also discussed below) was $6.5 million, $6.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively. In
addition to nonvested share awards summarized in the following table, there were 538,892 vested share awards at October
31, 2015, and 534,143 vested share awards at October 31, 2014 and 2013 which were deferred at the participants' election.
A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards as of and for the year ended October 31, 2015, is as follows:
Nonvested at beginning of period
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at end of period
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
$5.02
$2.66
$4.59
$5.53
$4.16
Shares
2,459,138
1,818,558
626,190
50,737
3,600,769
Included in the above table are awards for the share portion of long term incentive plans for certain associates, which
are performance based plans. The awards included above for these plans are based on our best estimate of the outcome for
the performance criteria. At October 31, 2015, the final measurement period was reached for the Company’s 2013 Long Term
Incentive Plan (“2013 LTIP”). The performance metrics for the 2013 LTIP were achieving specified pre-tax profit goals and
specified improvements in the Company’s capital structure through refinancings of, or reductions in, homebuilding debt over
specified dates during the performance period. At the end of fiscal 2015, the Company’s pre-tax profit was less than $50
million and refinancings and/or reductions of existing homebuilding debt equaled approximately $82.0 million. During the
2013 LTIP performance period, the Company also successfully completed $400.0 million in new issuances of homebuilding
debt. The proceeds from these financings could have been used to refinance/reduce existing homebuilding debt within the
2013 LTIP performance period. However, the Company and the Board of Directors concluded that, due to the high make-
whole cost of retiring existing homebuilding debt prior to maturity, it was more beneficial to the Company and its
stockholders to implement the Company’s strategic initiatives, including land acquisition and land development, and wait to
retire or refinance debt at the next scheduled maturity dates in January and May 2016. The $259.0 million aggregate principal
amount of these future debt reductions along with the $82.0 million achieved during the 2013 LTIP performance period
exceeded $325.0 million, the high end of the target performance level for the 2013 LTIP. In recognition of the fact that
management’s action advanced the long-term financial interest of the Company and its shareholders and to avoid an
inequitable compensation outcome as a result of taking such action above their personal interest, the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors determined to treat the new issuances as having refinanced or reduced existing
homebuilding debt for purposes of calculating the 2013 LTIP award so as not to disadvantage the executives for putting the
interests of the Company and its shareholders above their personal interests. This interpretation resulted in the achievement
of 90% of the target award. Therefore, at the time of this conclusion, the value of the 2013 LTIP award was remeasured,
resulting in a reduction of compensation expense during the period.
96
Also included in the table above are 1.6 million target Market Share Units (“MSUs”) of which 800,000 were granted
to certain officers in both fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014. Fifty percent of the MSUs will vest in four equal annual installments,
commencing on the second anniversary of the grant date subject to stock price performance conditions, pursuant to which
the actual number of shares issuable with respect to vested MSUs may range from 0% to 175% of the target number of shares
covered by the MSU awards, generally depending on the growth in the 60-day average trading price of the Company’s shares
during the period between the grant date and the relevant vesting dates. The remaining fifty percent of the MSUs are also
subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSUs.
These additional performance-based MSUs vest in four equal installments with the first installment vesting on January 1,
2018 for the 2015 MSU Grant and January 1, 2017 for the 2014 MSU Grant and the remaining annual installments
commencing on the third anniversary of the grant date, except that no portion of the award will vest unless the Committee
determines that the Company achieved specified total revenue growth goals in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2015 for the
2015 MSU Grant and that the Company achieved specified total revenue growth goals in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2014
for the 2014 MSU Grant.
The fair value of the MSU grants is determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model, which simulates a range
of possible future stock prices and estimates the probabilities of the potential payouts. This model uses the average closing
trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange over the 60 calendar day period
ending on the grant date. This model also incorporates the following ranges of assumptions:
● The expected volatility is based on our stock’s historical volatility commensurate with the life 2 year, 2.5
year, 3 year, 4 year and 5 years.
● The risk –free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate assumption ranging from 2-5 years.
● The expected dividend yield is not applicable since we do not currently pay dividends.
The following assumptions were used for fiscal 2015 MSU Grants: historical volatility factors of the expected
market price of our common stock of 38.28%, 42.01%, 45.73%, 59.08% and 57.77% for the 2 year, 2.5 year, 3 year, 4 year
and 5 year vesting traunches, respectively; risk free interest rates of 0.74%, 0.95%, 1.12%, 1.44% and 1.75% for each vesting
traunche, respectively; and dividend yield of zero for all time periods. The following assumptions were used for October 31,
2014 MSU Grants: historical volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock of 47.52%, 58.07%, 63.79%,
61.12% and 64.67% for the 2 year, 2.5 year, 3 year, 4 year and 5 year, respectively; risk free interest rates of 0.45%, 0.71%,
0.93%, 1.32% and 1.70% for the 2-5 years, respectively; and dividend yield of zero.
As of October 31, 2015, we had 3.9 million shares authorized for future issuance under our equity compensation
plans. In addition, as of October 31, 2015, there were $4.9 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to
nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period
of two years.
16. Warranty Costs
General liability insurance for homebuilding companies and their suppliers and subcontractors is very difficult to
obtain. The availability of general liability insurance is limited due to a decreased number of insurance companies willing to
underwrite for the industry. In addition, those few insurers willing to underwrite liability insurance have significantly
increased the premium costs. To date, we have been able to obtain general liability insurance but at higher premium costs
with higher deductibles. Our subcontractors and suppliers have advised us that they have also had difficulty obtaining
insurance that also provides us coverage. As a result, we have an owner controlled insurance program for certain of our
subcontractors whereby the subcontractors pay us an insurance premium (through a reduction of amounts we would otherwise
owe such subcontractors for their work on our homes) based on the risk type of the trade. We absorb the liability associated
with their work on our homes as part of our overall general liability insurance at no additional cost to us because our existing
general liability and construction defect insurance policy and related reserves for amounts under our deductible covers
construction defects regardless of whether we or our subcontractors are responsible for the defect. For the fiscal years ended
October 31, 2015 and 2014, we received $3.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively, from subcontractors related to the owner
controlled insurance program, which we accounted for as a reduction to inventory.
We accrue for warranty costs that are covered under our existing general liability and construction defect policy as
part of our general liability insurance deductible. This accrual is expensed as selling, general and administrative costs. For
homes delivered in fiscal 2015 and 2014, our deductible under our general liability insurance is a $20 million aggregate for
construction defect and warranty claims. For bodily injury claims, our deductible per occurrence in fiscal 2015 and 2014 is
$0.25 million, up to a $5 million limit. Our aggregate retention in fiscal 2015 and 2014 is $21 million for construction defect,
warranty and bodily injury claims. In addition, we establish a warranty accrual for lower cost related issues to cover home
97
repairs, community amenities and land development infrastructure that are not covered under our general liability and
construction defect policy. We accrue an estimate for these 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. Additions and charges in the warranty reserve and
general liability reserve for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
Additions – Selling, general and administrative
Additions – Cost of sales
Charges incurred during the period
Changes to pre-existing reserves
Changes to reserves where corresponding amounts are recorded as receivables
from insurance carriers
Balance, end of period
Year Ended October 31,
2014
2015
$178,008
18,013
15,308
(49,131)
(17,125)
(10,020)
$135,053
$131,028
18,839
11,115
(18,241)
(2,600)
37,867
$178,008
Warranty accruals are based upon historical experience. We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical
warranty and construction defect data to assist our management in estimating 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 construction
defect programs. The estimates include provisions for inflation, claims handling and legal fees. As a result of reductions in
our construction defect claims over the last two years and the impact of those reductions on the actuarial analysis of our total
reserves, we recorded a $15.2 million reduction in our construction defect reserves during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
We also had minor reductions in our warranty accruals based on recent history. These reductions are reflected in the changes
to pre-existing reserves in the table above.
Charges incurred during the period noted in the table above include the $21.0 million settlement regarding the
D’Andrea litigation discussed in Note 18. Also included is the settlement of several other less significant construction defect
claims, in addition to the usual construction defect charges incurred repairing homes.
Insurance claims paid by our insurance carriers, excluding insurance deductibles paid, were $32.0 million and $6.4
million for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for prior year deliveries. During fiscal year 2015
we settled the D’Andrea class action suit with the majority of the settlement being paid by our insurance carriers and we
settled the dispute with our XL insurance carrier which resulted in a payment to the Company in full settlement of certain
policy years. See Note 18. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, we settled construction defect claims relating to the
Northeast and West segments which made up the majority of the payments.
17. Transactions with Related Parties
During the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, an engineering firm owned by Tavit Najarian, a relative
of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, provided services to the Company totaling $1.2 million, $1.2
million and $0.8 million, respectively. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer has
a financial interest in the relative’s company from whom the services were provided.
Ms. Jovana Pellerito, the daughter-in-law of Mr. Pellerito, one of our executive officers, was employed by the
Company and, in fiscal 2014 and 2013, her total compensation, including salary, commissions and other benefits, totaled
approximately $96,000 and $172,000, respectively. Her compensation was commensurate with that of similarly situated
employees in her position. Ms. Pellerito left the employ of the Company in May 2014.
Mr. Carson Sorsby, the son of J. Larry Sorsby, one of our executive officers is employed by the Company’s mortgage
subsidiary and his total compensation, including salary and commissions in the Company’s mortgage affiliate totaled
approximately $129,000 in fiscal 2015. His compensation is commensurate with that of similarly situated employees in his
position.
The Company has a significant interest in the amount of estate tax liabilities and any necessary sales by the Estate
of Kevork S. Hovnanian, deceased, and other members of the Hovnanian family of their assets (which includes a significant
amount of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock) to pay such liabilities because the
benefit of federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) to the Company would be significantly reduced or eliminated
98
if we were to experience an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Based on recent
impairments and current financial performance, the Company had generated NOLs of approximately $1.5 billion through the
fiscal year ended October 31, 2013. During fiscal 2013, an outside law firm was retained to advise the Executors of the Estate
and other members of the Hovnanian family in connection with estate tax planning. The fees and other charges of such legal
services were incurred in fiscal 2013 and totaled $249,653, of which (1) the Company and (2) the Estate and Hovnanian
family each paid half. Kevork S. Hovnanian was the founder and former Chairman of our Company. Our current Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and other members of his immediate family are Executors and among the
beneficiaries of the will of Kevork S. Hovnanian.
18. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is expected to have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and we are subject to extensive and complex laws
and regulations that affect the development of land and home building, sales and customer financing processes, including
zoning, density, building standards and mortgage financing. These laws and 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, including those regulating the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, the
management of stormwater runoff at construction sites, the handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances,
impacts to wetlands and other sensitive environments, and the remediation of contamination at properties that we have owned
or developed or currently own or are developing (“environmental laws”). The particular environmental laws that 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 addition,
noncompliance with these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, obligations to remediate, permit
revocations or other sanctions; and contamination or other environmental conditions at or in the vicinity of our developments
may result in claims against us for personal injury, property damage or other losses.
In March 2013, we received a letter from the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) requesting information
about our involvement in a housing redevelopment project in Newark, New Jersey that a Company entity undertook during
the 1990s. We understand that the development is in the vicinity of a former lead smelter and that recent tests on soil samples
from properties within the development conducted by the EPA show elevated levels of lead. We also understand that the
smelter ceased operations many years before the Company entity involved acquired the properties in the area and carried out
the re-development project. We responded to the EPA’s request. In August 2013, we were notified that the EPA considers us
a potentially responsible party (or “PRP”) with respect to the site, that the EPA will clean up the site, and that the EPA is
proposing that we fund and/or contribute towards the cleanup of the contamination at the site. We have begun preliminary
discussions with the EPA concerning a possible resolution but do not know the scope or extent of the Company’s obligations,
if any, that may arise from the site and therefore cannot provide any assurance that this matter will not have a material impact
on the Company. The EPA requested additional information in April 2014 and the Company has responded to its information
request.
We anticipate that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future.
Although we cannot reliably predict the extent of any effect these requirements may have on us, 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, our ability to obtain or renew permits or approvals and 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.
The Company was also involved in the following litigation: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and K. Hovnanian Venture
I, L.L.C. (collectively, the “Company Defendants”) were named as defendants in a class action suit. The action was filed by
Mike D’Andrea and Tracy D’Andrea, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated in the Superior Court of New
Jersey, Gloucester County. The action was initially filed on May 8, 2006 alleging that the HVAC systems installed in certain
of the Company’s homes are in violation of applicable New Jersey building codes and are a potential safety issue. The plaintiff
class was seeking unspecified damages as well as treble damages pursuant to the NJ Consumer Fraud Act. The Company
Defendants, the Company Defendants’ insurance carriers and the plaintiff class agreed to the terms of a settlement on May
15, 2014 in which the plaintiff class was to receive a payment of $21 million in settlement of all claims, with the majority of
the settlement being funded by the Company Defendants’ insurance carriers. The Company had previously reserved for its
share of the settlement. The Superior Court approved the settlement agreement on December 23, 2014, and the judgment
99
became final on February 20, 2015, when no appeal was taken. The settlement amount was paid in full and the class action
matter is now concluded. The Company Defendants’ separate action seeking indemnification against the various
manufacturers and subcontractors implicated by the class action is ongoing.
The Company had been involved in a dispute with XL, its insurance carrier for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2006 through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, regarding coverage issues pertaining to the fiscal year 2006 insurance
policy. Specifically, XL maintained that the Company had not satisfied its aggregate retention of $21 million for fiscal 2006
and therefore the Company’s submitted claims in excess of the aggregate retention for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006
were not reimbursable by XL under the policy terms. To date, the Company has not met the aggregate retention for any of
the other policy years. The Company provided XL with detailed information to support its position that the fiscal year 2006
aggregate retention has been exceeded by more than $30 million; however, XL disputed the Company’s interpretation of
certain definitions within the policy and therefore was denying coverage. Because the parties were not successful in
discussions to resolve the matter, the Company filed a Notice of Claim on November 26, 2014 with an arbitration panel,
appointed by the Company and XL, in London to begin arbitration proceedings. In mid-2015, discovery commenced for both
parties with documentation exchanged and motions heard with the arbitration panel. In June 2015, XL and the Company
agreed to a two day mediation, which occurred in early September 2015 in London. As a consequence of the mediation, an
agreement was reached under which XL made a payment in October 2015 to the Company to fully settle coverage for its
2006 and 2007 insurance policy years. The Company is therefore self-insured for those policy years (policy years 2008
through 2010 remain in effect). There was no financial impact from the settlement. For an additional discussion of
construction defect reserves, see Note 16.
19. Variable Interest Entities
The Company enters into land and lot option purchase contracts to procure land or lots for the construction of homes.
Under these contracts, the Company will fund a stated deposit in consideration for the right, but not the obligation, to purchase
land or lots at a future point in time with predetermined terms. Under the terms of the option purchase contracts, many of the
option deposits are not refundable at the Company's discretion. Under the requirements of ASC 810, certain option purchase
contracts may result in the creation of a variable interest in the entity (“VIE”) that owns the land parcel under option.
In compliance with ASC 810, the Company analyzes its option purchase contracts to determine whether the
corresponding land sellers are VIEs and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. Although the Company does
not have legal title to the underlying land, ASC 810 requires the Company to consolidate a VIE if the Company is determined
to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether it is the primary beneficiary, the Company considers, among other
things, whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic
performance. Such activities would include, among other things, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE,
selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. The Company also
considers whether it has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. As a result
of its analyses, the Company determined that as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, it was not the primary beneficiary of any
VIEs from which it is purchasing land under option purchase contracts.
We will continue to secure land and lots using options, some of which are with VIEs. Including deposits on our
unconsolidated VIEs, at October 31, 2015, we had total cash deposits amounting to $82.8 million to purchase land and lots
with a total purchase price of $1.4 billion. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to our land and lot options is limited
to the deposits plus any pre-development costs invested in the property, although some deposits are refundable at our request
or refundable if certain conditions are not met.
20. Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures
We enter into homebuilding and land development joint ventures from time to time as a means of accessing lot
positions, expanding our market opportunities, establishing strategic alliances, managing our risk profile, leveraging our
capital base and enhancing returns on capital. Our homebuilding joint ventures are generally entered into with third-party
investors to develop land and construct homes that are sold directly to third-party home buyers. Our land development joint
ventures include those entered into with developers and other homebuilders as well as financial investors to develop finished
lots for sale to the joint venture’s members or other third parties.
100
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.
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Inventories
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities and equity:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Notes payable
Total liabilities
Equity of:
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
Others
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
Debt to capitalization ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Inventories
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities and equity:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Notes payable
Total liabilities
Equity of:
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
Others
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
Debt to capitalization ratio
October 31, 2015
Land
Homebuilding
Development
Total
$27,856
314,814
11,225
$353,895
$29,994
112,554
142,548
57,336
154,011
211,347
$353,895
35%
$1,755
11,767
-
$13,522
$669
3,774
4,443
3,122
5,957
9,079
$13,522
29%
$29,611
326,581
11,225
$367,417
$30,663
116,328
146,991
60,458
159,968
220,426
$367,417
35%
October 31, 2014
Land
Homebuilding
Development
Total
$22,415
208,620
11,986
$243,021
$27,175
45,506
72,681
59,106
111,234
170,340
$243,021
21%
$205
16,194
-
$16,399
$1,039
5,650
6,689
2,990
6,720
9,710
$16,399
37%
$22,620
224,814
11,986
$259,420
$28,214
51,156
79,370
62,096
117,954
180,050
$259,420
22%
As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, we had advances outstanding of $0.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively, to
these unconsolidated joint ventures, which were included in the “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” balances in the
tables above. On our Consolidated Balance Sheets, our “Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures”
amounted to $61.2 million and $63.9 million at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Cost of sales and expenses
Joint venture net (loss) income
Our share of net (loss) income
For The Year Ended October 31, 2015
Land
Homebuilding
$122,192
(125,652)
$(3,460)
$4,087
Development
$6,782
(6,518)
$264
$132
Total
$128,974
(132,170)
$(3,196)
$4,219
101
(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Cost of sales and expenses
Joint venture net income
Our share of net income
(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Cost of sales and expenses
Joint venture net income
Our share of net income
For The Year Ended October 31, 2014
Land
Homebuilding
$173,126
(158,233)
$14,893
$7,710
Development
$7,888
(7,313)
$575
$287
Total
$181,014
(165,546)
$15,468
$7,997
For The Year Ended October 31, 2013
Land
Homebuilding
$307,993
(276,795)
$31,198
$9,581
Development
$14,659
(9,396)
$5,263
$2,631
Total
$322,652
(286,191)
$36,461
$12,212
“Income from unconsolidated joint ventures” is reflected as a separate line in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Operations and reflects our proportionate share of the income or loss of these unconsolidated homebuilding
and land development joint ventures. The difference between our share of the income or loss from these unconsolidated joint
ventures in the tables above compared to the Consolidated Statements of Operations is due primarily to the reclassification
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. To compensate us for the administrative services we provide as the manager of
certain joint ventures we receive a management fee based on a percentage of the applicable joint venture’s revenues. These
management fees, which totaled $5.2 million, $7.5 million and $13.2 million for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013, respectively, are recorded in “Homebuilding: Selling, general and administrative” on the Consolidated Statement of
Operations.
In determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures that we manage, we assess 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
operations 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. The amount
of financing is generally targeted to be no more than 50% of the joint venture’s total assets. For some of our joint ventures,
obtaining financing was challenging, therefore, some of our joint ventures are capitalized only with equity. Including the
impact of impairments recorded by the joint ventures, the total debt to capitalization ratio of all our joint ventures is currently
35%. Any joint venture financing is on a nonrecourse basis, with guarantees from us limited only to performance and
completion of development, environmental warranties and indemnification, standard indemnification for fraud,
misrepresentation and other similar actions, including a voluntary bankruptcy filing. In some instances, the joint venture
entity is considered a VIE under ASC 810-10 “Consolidation – Overall” due to the returns being capped to the equity holders;
however, in these instances, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary, and therefore we do not consolidate
these entities.
21. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," provides a framework for measuring fair value, expands
disclosures about fair-value measurements and establishes a fair-value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in
measuring fair value summarized as follows:
Level 1: Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2: Fair value determined using significant other observable inputs.
Level 3: Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs.
102
Our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
(In thousands)
Mortgage loans held for sale (1)
Interest rate lock commitments
Forward contracts
Total
Fair Value
Hierarchy
Fair Value at
October 31,
2015
Fair Value at
October 31,
2014
Level 2
Level 2
Level 2
$129,818
(7)
509
$130,320
$95,643
15
(320)
$95,338
(1) The aggregate unpaid principal balance is $122.7 million and $91.2 million at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
We elected the fair value option for our loans held for sale for mortgage loans originated subsequent to October 31,
2008, in accordance with ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” which permits us to measure financial instruments at fair value
on a contract-by-contract basis. Management believes that the election of the fair value option for loans held for sale improves
financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring the fair value of the loans and the
derivative instruments used to economically hedge them without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Fair
value of loans held for sale is based on independent quoted market prices, where available, or the prices for other mortgage
loans with similar characteristics.
The Financial Services segment had a pipeline of loan applications in process of $707.5 million at October 31, 2015.
Loans in process for which interest rates were committed to the borrowers totaled $60.1 million as of October 31, 2015.
Substantially all of these commitments were for periods of 60 days or less. Since a portion of these commitments is expected
to expire without being exercised by the borrowers, the total commitments do not necessarily represent future cash
requirements.
The Financial Services segment uses investor commitments and forward sales of mandatory MBS to hedge its
mortgage-related interest rate exposure. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate
risk. Credit risk is managed by entering into MBS forward commitments, option contracts with investment banks, federally
regulated bank affiliates and loan sales transactions with permanent investors meeting the segment’s credit standards. The
segment’s risk, in the event of default by the purchaser, is the difference between the contract price and fair value of the MBS
forward commitments and option contracts. At October 31, 2015, the segment had open commitments amounting to $26.5
million to sell MBS with varying settlement dates through November 19, 2015.
The assets accounted for using the fair value option are initially measured at fair value. Gains and losses from initial
measurement and subsequent changes in fair value are recognized in the Financial Services segment’s income. The changes
in fair values that are included in income are shown, by financial instrument and financial statement line item, below:
(In thousands)
Mortgage
Loans Held
for Sale
Year Ended October 31, 2015
Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
Forward
Contracts
Changes in fair value included in net (loss) income all reflected
in financial services revenues
$(284)
$(22)
$829
(In thousands)
Mortgage
Loans Held
for Sale
Year Ended October 31, 2014
Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
Forward
Contracts
Changes in fair value included in net (loss) income all reflected
in financial services revenues
$(1,518)
$(354)
$835
103
(In thousands)
Mortgage
Loans Held
for Sale
Year Ended October 31, 2013
Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
Forward
Contracts
Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected
in financial services revenues
$1,604
$378
$(1,276)
The Company's assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are those assets for which the Company has
recorded valuation adjustments and write-offs during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014. The assets measured
at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are all within the Company's Homebuilding operations and are summarized below:
Nonfinancial Assets
(In thousands)
Year Ended
October 31, 2015
Fair Value
Hierarchy
Pre-
Impairment
Amount
Total Losses
Fair Value
Sold and unsold homes and lots under development Level 3
Land and land options held for future development
$29,438
$(7,357 )
$22,081
or sale
Nonfinancial Assets
(In thousands)
Level 3
$-
$-
$-
Year Ended
October 31, 2014
Fair Value
Hierarchy
Pre-
Impairment
Amount
Total Losses
Fair Value
Sold and unsold homes and lots under development Level 3
Land and land options held for future development or
$3,841
$(900 )
$2,941
sale
Level 3
$572
$(278 )
$294
We record impairment losses on inventories related to communities under development and held for future
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. If the expected undiscounted cash flows are less
than the carrying amount, then the community is written down to its fair value. We estimate the fair value of each impaired
community by determining the present value of its estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with the risk
of the respective community. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining cash flows or fair value decrease or
differ from current estimates in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments. We recorded inventory
impairments, which are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Inventory impairment loss and land option
write-offs” and deducted from inventory, of $7.3 million, $1.2 million and $2.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 12 for a further detail of the communities evaluated for impairment.
The fair value of our cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents and borrowings under the revolving
credit facility approximates their carrying amount, based on Level 1 inputs.
The fair value of each series of the senior unsecured notes (other than the senior exchangeable notes and the senior
amortizing notes) is estimated based on recent trades or quoted market prices for the same issues or based on recent trades or
quoted market prices for our debt of similar security and maturity to achieve comparable yields, which are Level 2
measurements. As of October 31, 2015, the 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 (the”2019 Notes”) have been included with the
Level 2 measurements due to the availability of quoted market prices as compared to October 31, 2014 where they were
included with Level 3 measurements. The fair value of the senior unsecured notes (all series in the aggregate), other than the
senior exchangeable notes and senior amortizing notes, was estimated at $689.6 million as of October 31, 2015. As of October
104
31, 2014, the fair value of the senior unsecured notes (all series in the aggregate), other than the 2019 Notes, senior
exchangeable notes and senior amortizing notes, were estimated at $464.4 million.
The fair value of each of the senior secured notes (all series in the aggregate), the senior amortizing notes and the
senior exchangeable notes is estimated based on third party broker quotes, a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of the
senior secured notes (all series in the aggregate), the senior amortizing notes and the senior exchangeable notes were estimated
at $869.4 million, $12.8 million and $69.0 million, respectively, as of October 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2014, the fair
value of the 2019 Notes, senior secured notes (all series in the aggregate), senior amortizing notes and senior exchangeable
notes were estimated at $148.2 million, $1.0 billion, $17.0 million and $79.6 million, respectively.
22. Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the parent company (the “Parent”), is the issuer of publicly traded common stock and
preferred stock, which is represented by depository shares. One of its wholly owned subsidiaries, K. Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc. (the “Subsidiary Issuer”), acts as a finance entity that, as of October 31, 2015, had issued and outstanding
$992.0 million of senior secured notes ($981.3 million, net of discount), $780.3 million senior notes $12.8 million senior
amortizing notes and $73.8 million senior exchangeable notes (issued as components of our 6.0% Exchangeable Note Units).
The senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes and senior exchangeable notes 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, “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), with the exception of our home mortgage subsidiaries, certain of our title insurance
subsidiaries, joint ventures, subsidiaries holding interests in our joint ventures and our foreign subsidiary (collectively, the
“Nonguarantor 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 secured notes (other than the 2021 Notes), senior notes, senior
exchangeable notes and senior amortizing notes. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are directly or indirectly 100% owned
subsidiaries of the Parent. The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the members of the Secured
Group (see Note 9).
The senior unsecured notes (except for the 2019 Notes and the 8.0% Senior Notes due 2019), senior amortizing
notes and senior exchangeable notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2019 Notes, the
8.0% Senior Notes due 2019, the 2020 Secured Notes and the 2021 Notes (see Note 9) are not, pursuant to the indentures
under which such notes were issued, required to be registered. The Consolidating Financial Statements presented below are
in respect of our registered notes only and not the 2019 Notes, the 8.0% Senior Notes due 2019, the 2020 Secured Notes or
the 2021 Notes (however, the Guarantor Subsidiaries for the 2019 Notes, the 8.0% Senior Notes due 2019 and the 2020
Secured Notes are the same as those represented by the accompanying Consolidating Financial Statements). In lieu of
providing separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries of our registered notes, we have included the
accompanying Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements. Therefore, separate financial statements and other disclosures
concerning such Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented.
105
The following Consolidating Condensed 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 Nonguarantor Subsidiaries
and (v) the eliminations to arrive at the information for Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. on a consolidated basis.
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
OCTOBER 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Assets:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Income taxes receivable
Intercompany receivable
Investments in and amounts due
from consolidated subsidiaries
Total assets
Liabilities and equity:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Notes payable
Intercompany payable
Amounts due to consolidated
subsidiaries
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity
Total liabilities and equity
Subsidiary
Parent
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
$- $230,358 $1,553,811
15,680
251,293
(89,212)
1,575,712
128,176
383,032
$128,176 $1,717,871 $2,203,816
1,013
$3,076
$87
1,933,119
180,681
$588,854
15,677
2,132
1,453,311
$367,869
144,301
22
58,280
$570,472
$65,947
121,106
384
$-
(1,633,992)
$2,152,038
159,981
290,279
-
(384,045)
$(2,018,037)
-
$2,602,298
$-
(1,633,992)
$657,964
136,783
1,935,635
-
72,503
(128,084)
143,842
(215,335)
$128,176 $1,717,871 $2,203,816
383,035
$570,472
(72,503)
(311,542)
$(2,018,037)
-
(128,084)
$2,602,298
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
OCTOBER 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Assets:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Income taxes receivable
Intercompany receivable
Investments in and amounts due
from consolidated subsidiaries
Total assets
Liabilities and equity:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Notes payable
Intercompany payable
Amounts due to consolidated
subsidiaries
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity
Total liabilities and equity
Subsidiary
Parent
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
$- $195,177 $1,336,716
11,407
40,152
244,391
$353,151
108,936
$-
1,275,453
36,161
(1,311,614)
$1,885,044
120,343
284,543
-
338,044
$244,391 $1,470,630 $1,726,319
$2,842
$160
1,685,892
308,700
$544,088
11,210
3,336
1,002,914
$498,248
$71,663
87,987
551
(338,044)
$(1,649,658)
-
$2,289,930
$-
(1,311,614)
$618,753
99,197
1,689,779
-
11,902
50,648
164,771
(227,324)
(117,799)
$244,391 $1,470,630 $1,726,319
338,047
$498,248
(62,550)
(275,494)
$(1,649,658)
-
(117,799)
$2,289,930
106
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
$
(In thousands)
Revenues:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Intercompany charges
Total revenues
Expenses:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Intercompany charges
Total expenses
Income from unconsolidated joint
ventures
(Loss) income before income
taxes
State and federal income tax
(benefit) provision
Equity in (loss) income from
subsidiaries
Net (loss) income
Parent
- $
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
- $ 1,778,700 $
8,685
124,361
124,361 1,787,385
-
313,115 $
47,980
-
361,095
- $ 2,091,815
56,665
-
2,148,480
(124,361)
(124,361)
5,125
105
5,230
155,773 1,686,726
6,490
124,360
155,773 1,817,576
294,818
25,377
1
320,196
-
(124,361)
(124,361)
-
82
4,087
2,142,442
31,972
-
2,174,414
4,169
(5,230)
(31,412)
(30,109)
44,986
-
(21,765)
(10,985)
(30,486)
35,808
(2)
(5,665)
(21,855)
(16,100) $
12,915
11,989 $
44,988
(20,929) $
$
44,988 $
(36,048)
(36,048) $
-
(16,100)
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Revenues:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Intercompany charges
Total revenues
Expenses:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Intercompany charges
Total expenses
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Income from unconsolidated joint
ventures
Income (loss) before income taxes
State and federal income tax (benefit)
provision
Equity in income (loss) from
subsidiaries
Net income (loss)
Parent
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Non-
Guarantor
$25
$- $1,651,343
9,572
$369,598
32,842
100,878
100,878
25
3,286
20
3,306
131,730
131,730
(1,155 )
1,660,915
402,440
1,549,659
6,832
100,878
1,657,369
336,651
21,764
358,415
$-
(100,878 )
(100,878 )
$2,020,966
42,414
-
2,063,380
(100,878 )
(100,878 )
2,021,326
28,616
-
2,049,942
(1,155)
7,897
20,180
(286,964)
(3,281)
(32,007 )
94
3,640
7,803
51,828
-
(298,775)
(908 )
12,719
11,650
$307,144
(14,177 )
$(45,276 )
51,828
$42,749
$51,828
(49,301 )
$(49,301 )
-
$307,144
107
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)
Revenues:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Intercompany charges
Total revenues
Expenses:
Homebuilding
Financial services
Total expenses
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt
Income from unconsolidated joint
ventures
Income (loss) before income taxes
State and federal income tax (benefit)
provision
Equity in income (loss) from
Subsidiary
Parent
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Non-
Guarantor
$3
3
$(235) $1,497,016
9,386
(104,212)
1,402,190
81,816
81,581
$311,730
38,341
(2,325)
347,746
8,608
17
8,625
123,511
123,511
(770,769)
1,373,360
6,721
1,380,081
770,009
295,390
22,321
317,711
$(4,988 )
24,721
19,733
10,670
10,670
(8,622)
(812,699)
(21,541)
2,327
794,445
12,181
9,713
39,748
9,063
$1,803,526
47,727
-
1,851,253
1,811,539
29,059
1,840,598
(760)
12,040
21,935
(9,360)
subsidiaries
Net income (loss)
18,376
(11,514)
$31,295 $(824,213)
39,748
$822,012
$39,748
(46,610 )
$(37,547 )
-
$31,295
108
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)
income to net cash provided by (used
in) operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and
assets
Purchase of property, equipment and
other fixed assets and acquisitions
Decrease in restricted cash related to
mortgage company
Decrease in restricted cash related to
letters of credit
Investments in and advances to
unconsolidated joint ventures
Distributions of capital from
unconsolidated joint ventures
Intercompany investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from mortgages and notes
Net proceeds from model sale leaseback
financing programs
Net payments from land bank financing
programs
Proceeds from senior notes
Payments related to senior notes
Borrowings from revolving credit
facility
Net proceeds related to mortgage
warehouse lines of credit
Deferred financing costs from land bank
financing programs and note issuances
Principal payments on amortizing and
debt repurchases
Intercompany financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash
Cash and cash equivalents balance,
beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end
of period
Subsidiary
Parent
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Non-
Guarantor
$(16,100)
$11,989
$(20,929)
$44,988
$(36,048 )
$(16,100)
122,264
110,820
(456,704)
(116,863)
36,048
(304,435)
106,164
122,809
(477,633)
(71,875 )
-
(320,535)
1,556
17
(2,054)
1,555
2,993
16
(114)
(18,609)
315
(313,174)
646
16,151
313,174
1,573
(2,054)
1,555
2,993
(18,707)
17,112
-
-
(309,850)
34
(886)
313,174
2,472
27,881
11,502
17,117
5,867
(6,198)
(1,147)
250,000
(60,815)
47,000
31,956
(5,096)
(2,732)
(1,187)
39,383
22,984
(7,345)
250,000
(60,815)
47,000
31,956
(9,015)
(4,238)
-
(4,238)
(106,164)
441,457
(22,119)
(313,174 )
(106,164)
-
226,851
39,810
477,525
(74)
24,872
(47,889)
(313,174 )
-
309,910
(8,153)
-
159,508
(4,726)
107,116
-
261,898
$- $199,318
$(4,800)
$59,227
$-
$253,745
109
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
Subsidiary
Parent
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Non-
Guarantor
$307,144
$(45,276)
$42,749
$51,828
$(49,301 )
$307,144
(loss) to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
(277,932)
14,334
(303,507)
20,075
49,301
(497,729)
Net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and
assets
Purchase of property, equipment and
other fixed assets and acquisitions
(Increase) in restricted cash related to
mortgage company
Investments in and advances to
unconsolidated joint ventures
Distributions of capital from
unconsolidated joint ventures
Intercompany investing activities
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from mortgages and notes
Net proceeds from model sale leaseback
financing programs
Net payments from land bank financing
programs
Net proceeds from senior notes
Net payments related to mortgage
warehouse lines of credit
Deferred financing costs from land bank
financing programs and note issuances
Intercompany financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents balance,
beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end
29,212
(30,942)
(260,758)
71,903
-
(190,585)
467
(3,395)
48
(28)
(655)
(95)
(831)
(20,773)
203
(167,370)
3,787
7,117
167,370
515
(3,423)
(655)
(21,699)
11,107
-
-
(167,262)
28
(14,291)
167,370
(14,155)
39,345
1,425
17,232
1,982
(8,297)
(9,009)
(14,744)
121,447
(29,212)
(7,205)
(4,051)
218,254
(691)
(21,672)
(167,370 )
40,770
19,214
(17,306)
121,447
(14,744)
(11,947)
-
(29,212)
114,242
262,483
(42,709)
(167,370 )
137,434
-
(83,962)
1,753
14,903
-
(67,306)
243,470
(6,479)
92,213
329,204
of period
$- $159,508
$(4,726)
$107,116
$-
$261,898
110
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
Net cash provided by investing
activities
Net cash provided by (used
in) financing activities
Intercompany financing activities - net
Net increase (decrease) in cash
Cash and cash equivalents balance,
(60,948)
-
Subsidiary
Parent
Issuer
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Non-
Guarantor
$31,295 $(824,213)
$822,012
$39,748
$(37,547 )
$31,295
29,653
797,892
(875,287)
(11,832)
37,547
(22,027)
60,948
(26,321)
(53,275)
27,916
235
11,819
18,231
(6,139)
78,598
46,373
52,914
(15,920)
(4,462)
(30,356)
(1,730)
14,061
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,268
30,285
16,419
-
55,972
273,232
beginning of period
-
197,097
(2,017)
78,152
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end
of period
$- $243,470
$(6,479)
$92,213
$-
$329,204
23. Unaudited Summarized Consolidated Quarterly Information
Summarized quarterly financial information for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
Expenses
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs
Income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures
Income (loss) before income taxes
State and federal income tax provision (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Per share data:
Basic:
Three Months Ended
October 31, 2015 July 31, 2015 April 30, 2015 January 31, 2015
$445,714
464,616
2,230
1,452
(19,680)
(5,304)
$(14,376)
$540,613
549,089
1,077
(448)
(10,001)
(2,317)
$(7,684)
$468,949
495,585
4,311
1,466
(29,481)
(9,922)
$(19,559)
$693,204
653,080
4,426
1,699
37,397
11,878
$25,519
Income (loss) per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Assuming dilution:
Income (loss) per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
$0.17
147,057
$(0.05)
147,010
$0.16
160,299
$(0.05)
147,010
$(0.13)
146,946
$(0.13)
146,946
$(0.10)
146,929
$(0.10)
146,929
111
(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
Expenses
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures
Income (loss) before income taxes
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision
Net income (loss)
Per share data:
Basic:
Three Months Ended
October 31, 2014 July 31, 2014 April 30, 2014 January 31, 2014
$364,048
389,845
664
-
2,571
(23,890 )
633
$(24,523 )
$698,394
663,149
3,297
-
4,048
35,996
(286,468)
$322,464
$551,009
535,107
741
-
211
15,372
(1,733)
$17,105
$449,929
456,617
522
(1,155)
1,067
(7,298)
604
$(7,902)
Income (loss) per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Assuming dilution:
Income (loss) per common share
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
$2.15
146,413
$0.11
146,365
$1.95
161,720
$0.11
162,278
$(0.05)
146,325
$(0.05)
146,325
$(0.17 )
145,982
$(0.17 )
145,982
24. Subsequent Events
During December 2015, the Company announced a $175.0 million increase in our land banking arrangement with
GSO Capital Partners LP (“GSO”), whereby funds managed by GSO expect to acquire a portfolio of land parcels from the
Company and option finished lots on a monthly takedown basis back to the Company subject to a cost of carry. We will
receive a majority of the $175.0 million funds available under our land banking program at the time we sell our existing land
parcels to GSO. The remainder of the land banking program’s funds will be paid to us by GSO as reimbursement of our land
development costs as incurred.
In November 2015, the Company entered into a new joint venture on a land parcel we previously owned. Upon
formation of the joint venture, the Company received $25.7 million of cash proceeds for our contribution of land to the joint
venture.
112
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Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Homebuilding Index
The following graph compares on a cumulative basis the yearly percentage change over the five-year period ended October
31, 2015 in (1) the total shareholder return on the Company’s Class A Common Stock with (2) the total return of the
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index and with (3) the total return on the S&P Homebuilding Index. Such yearly percentage
change has been measured by dividing (1) the sum of (a) the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period,
assuming dividend reinvestment, and (b) the price per share at the end of the measurement period less the price per share at
the beginning of the measurement period, by (2) the price per share at the beginning of the measurement period. The price of
each share has been set at $100 on October 31, 2010 for the preparation of the five year graph.
Note: The stock price performance shown on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.
$350
$300
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
10/10
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
S&P 500
S&P Homebuilding
10/11
10/12
10/13
10/14
10/15
*$100 invested on 10/31/10 in stock or index, assuming reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending October 31.
Source: Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.
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Board of Directors and
Corporate Officers
Corporate Information
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112-0015
TRANSFER AGENT AND
REGISTRAR
Computershare
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, Rhode Island 02940
For additional information on the
Direct Registration System please
visit the Investor Relations section
of our website at khov.com
For additional information, visit
our website at khov.com
CHIEF OPERATING
OFFICER
Thomas J. Pellerito
EXECUTIVE VICE
PRESIDENT
Lucian T. Smith III
VICE PRESIDENTS
David L. Bachstetter
Michael Discafani
Brad G. O’Connor
Marcia Wines
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Ara K. Hovnanian
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Robert B. Coutts
Director
Edward A. Kangas
Director
Joseph A. Marengi
Director
Vincent Pagano Jr.
Director
J. Larry Sorsby
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
and Director
Stephen D. Weinroth
Director
ANNUAL MEETING
March 15, 2016,10:30 a.m.
Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price &
Axelrod LLP
1450 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor
Miami, FL 33131
STOCK LISTING
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
Class A common stock is traded on
the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol HOV.
FORM 10-K
A copy of the Form 10-K, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, is included herein.
Additional copies are available
free of charge upon request to
the:
Office of the Controller
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
110 West Front Street
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
732-383-2200
INVESTOR RELATIONS
CONTACTS
J. Larry Sorsby
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer
732-383-2200
Jeffrey T. O’Keefe
Vice President, Investor Relations
732-383-2200
E-mail: ir@khov.com
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
110 West Front Street
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
732-383-2200
For additional information visit our website at khov.com
BRP71686-0116-AR