10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K

 

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 November 30, 2003

 

Commission file number 1-11749

 


 

LENNAR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   95-4337490

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

700 Northwest 107th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (305) 559-4000

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


Class A Common Stock, par value 10¢

  New York Stock Exchange

Class B Common Stock, par value 10¢

  New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

NONE

 


 

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  þ  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 an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  YES  þ  NO  ¨

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A and Class B common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (108,781,312 Class A shares and 10,904,060 Class B shares) as of May 31, 2003 (adjusted for the registrant’s two-for-one stock split in January 2004), based on the closing sale price per share as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on such date, was $4,002,093,239.

 

As of January 31, 2004, the registrant had outstanding 122,988,592 shares of Class A common stock and 32,524,462 shares of Class B common stock.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Related Section


 

Documents


III

  Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on or before March 29, 2004.

 


 


PART I

 

Item 1.    Business.

 

General Development of Business

 

We are one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a provider of financial services. Our homebuilding operations include the sale and construction of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development and sale of residential land directly and through our unconsolidated partnerships. Our financial services subsidiaries provide mortgage financing, title insurance, closing services and insurance agency services for both buyers of our homes and others, and sell the loans they originate in the secondary mortgage market. These subsidiaries also provide high-speed Internet access, cable television and alarm installation and monitoring services to residents of communities we develop and others.

 

The following is a summary of our growth history:

 

1954       Founded as a Miami homebuilder.
1969       Began developing, owning and managing commercial and multi-family residential real estate.
1971   

   Completed initial public offering.
1972   

   Entered the Arizona homebuilding market.
1986   

   Acquired Development Corporation of America in Florida.
1991   

   Entered the Texas homebuilding market.
1992   

   Materially expanded our commercial operations by acquiring, through a joint venture, an AmeriFirst portfolio of loans, mortgages and properties from the Resolution Trust Corporation.
1995   

   Entered the California homebuilding market through the acquisition of Bramalea California, Inc.
1996   

   Expanded in California through our acquisition of Renaissance Homes, Inc., significantly expanded our operations in Texas with the acquisitions of the assets and operations of both Houston-based Village Builders and Friendswood Development Company and acquired Regency Title in Texas.
1997   

   Completed the spin-off of our commercial real estate investment business to LNR Property Corporation. We continued our expansion in California through homesite acquisitions and unconsolidated partnership investments. We also acquired Pacific Greystone Corporation which further expanded our operations in California and Arizona and brought us into the Nevada homebuilding market.
1998   

   Acquired the properties of two California homebuilders, ColRich Communities and Polygon Communities, acquired a Northern California homebuilder, Winncrest Homes, and acquired North American Title with operations in Arizona, California and Colorado.
1999   

   Acquired Eagle Home Mortgage with operations in Nevada, Oregon and Washington and Southwest Land Title in Texas.
2000   

   Acquired U.S. Home Corporation which expanded our operations into New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Minnesota, Ohio and Colorado and strengthened our position in other states, and expanded our title operations in Texas through the acquisition of Texas Professional Title.
2002   

   Acquired Patriot Homes, Sunstar Communities, Don Galloway Homes, Genesee Company, Barry Andrews Homes, Cambridge Homes, Pacific Century Homes, Concord Homes and Summit Homes which expanded our operations into the Carolinas and the Chicago, Baltimore and Central Valley, California homebuilding markets and strengthened our position in several of our existing markets. We also acquired Sentinel Title with operations in Maryland and Washington D.C.
2003   

   Acquired Seppala Homes and Coleman Homes, which expanded our operations in South Carolina and California. We also acquired Mid America Title in Illinois.
2004   

   Acquired The Newhall Land and Farming Company through an entity of which we and LNR Property Corporation each owns 50%.

 

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Financial Information about Operating Segments

 

We have two operating segments—homebuilding and financial services. The financial information related to these operating segments is contained in Item 8.

 

Narrative Description of Business

 

HOMEBUILDING

 

Under the Lennar Family of Builders banner, we operate using the following brand names: Lennar Homes, U.S. Home, Greystone Homes, Village Builders, Renaissance Homes, Orrin Thompson Homes, Lundgren Bros., Winncrest Homes, Patriot Homes, NuHome, Barry Andrews Homes, Concord Homes, Summit Homes, Cambridge Homes, Coleman Homes and Rutenberg Homes. Our active adult communities are primarily marketed under the Heritage and Greenbriar brand names.

 

Through our own efforts and unconsolidated partnerships in which we have interests, we are involved in all phases of planning and building in our residential communities, including land acquisition, site planning, preparation and improvement of land, and design, construction and marketing of homes. We subcontract virtually all aspects of development and construction.

 

We primarily sell single-family attached and detached homes. The homes are targeted primarily to first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers. The average sales price of a Lennar home was $256,000 in fiscal 2003.

 

Current Homebuilding Activities

 

     Homes Delivered in the Years
Ended November 30,


Region


   2003

   2002

   2001

East Region

   10,348    9,296    8,175

Central Region

   9,993    7,766    7,056

West Region

   11,839    10,331    8,668
    
  
  

Total

   32,180    27,393    23,899
    
  
  

 

Of the deliveries listed above, 768, 568 and 795 deliveries relate to unconsolidated partnerships for the years ended November 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

At November 30, 2003, our market regions consisted of homebuilding divisions in the following states: East: Florida, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina. Central: Texas, Illinois and Minnesota. West: California, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada.

 

Management and Operating Structure

 

We balance a local operating structure with centralized corporate level management. Our local managers, who have significant experience both in the homebuilding industry generally and in their particular markets, are responsible for operating decisions regarding land identification, community development, home design, construction and marketing. Decisions related to our overall strategy, acquisitions of land and businesses, risk management, financing, cash management and information systems are centralized at the corporate level.

 

We view unconsolidated partnerships and similar entities as a means to both expand our market opportunities and manage our risk. For additional information about our unconsolidated partnerships, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7.

 

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Property Acquisition

 

In our homebuilding operations, we generally acquire land for development and the construction of homes which we sell to homebuyers. We also sell land to third parties. Land acquisitions are subject to strict underwriting criteria and may be made directly or through partnerships with other entities. Through unconsolidated partnerships, we reduce our risk as well as the amounts invested in owned land and increase our access to other land. Partnerships also, in some instances, help us acquire land to which we could not obtain access, or could not obtain access on as favorable terms, without the participation of a strategic partner.

 

In some instances, we acquire land through option contracts, which enables us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated partnerships until we are ready to build homes on them. This reduces our financial risk associated with land holdings. Most of our land is not subject to mortgages; however, the majority of land acquired by partnerships is subject to purchase money mortgages. We generally do not acquire land for speculation. At November 30, 2003, we owned approximately 74,000 homesites and had access to an additional 135,000 homesites through option contracts or our unconsolidated partnerships.

 

Construction and Development

 

We supervise and control the development of the land and the building of our residential communities. We hire subcontractors for site improvements and virtually all of the work involved in the construction of homes. In almost all instances, the arrangements with our subcontractors commit the subcontractors to complete specified work in accordance with written price schedules. These price schedules normally change to meet changes in labor and material costs. We generally do not own heavy construction equipment and only have a relatively small labor force used to supervise development and construction and perform routine maintenance and minor amounts of other work. We generally finance construction and land development activities with cash generated from operations as well as from borrowings under our working capital lines and issuances of public debt.

 

Marketing

 

We offer a diversified line of homes for first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers. With homes priced from under $100,000 to above one million dollars and available in a variety of environments ranging from urban infill communities to golf course communities, we are focused on providing homes for a wide spectrum of buyers. Our unique dual marketing strategies of Everything’s Included® and Design StudioSM provide customers with flexibility to choose how they would like to purchase their new home. In our Everything’s Included® homes, we make the homebuying experience simple by including desirable, top-of-the-line features as standard items. In our Design StudioSM homes, we provide an individualized homebuying experience and personalized design consultation in our design studios, offering a diverse selection of upgrades and options for a new home. We sell our homes primarily from models that we have designed and constructed.

 

We employ sales associates who are paid salaries, commissions or both to make on-site sales of homes. We also sell through independent brokers. We advertise our communities in newspapers and other local and regional publications, on billboards and through our web site, www.lennar.com. The website allows homebuyers to search for homes with specific design criteria in their price range and desired location. In addition, we advertise our active adult communities in areas where prospective active adult homebuyers live.

 

Our business is somewhat seasonal, with signings of new home sales contracts being strongest in the late winter and spring, resulting in the strongest home deliveries (and therefore, strongest home sales revenues) in the late summer and fall (our third and fourth fiscal quarters).

 

For a small percentage of our homebuyers (generally less than 5% of our deliveries), we have participated in charitable down-payment assistance programs. Through these programs, we make a donation to a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to a homebuyer, who would not otherwise have sufficient funds for a down payment.

 

Quality Service

 

We strive to continually improve customer satisfaction by employing a process which is intended to provide a positive experience for each homeowner throughout the pre-sale, sale, building, closing and post-closing

 

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periods. The participation of sales associates, on-site construction supervisors and post-closing customer care associates, working in a team effort, is intended to foster our reputation for quality service and ultimately lead to enhanced customer retention and referrals.

 

The quality of our homes is affected substantially more by the efforts of on-site management and others engaged in the construction process than it is by the materials we use in particular homes or similar factors. Currently, most management team members’ bonus plans are in part contingent upon achieving customer satisfaction.

 

We have a “Heightened Awareness” program which is a focused initiative designed to objectively evaluate and measure the quality of construction in our communities. The purpose of this program is to ensure that the homes delivered to our customers meet our high standards. Our communities are inspected and reviewed on a periodic basis by one of our trained associates. This program is an example of our commitment to provide the finest homes to our customers. In addition to our “Heightened Awareness” program, we have a quality assurance program in certain markets where we employ third-party consultants to inspect our homes during the construction process. These inspectors provide us with documentation of all inspection reports and follow-up verification. We also obtain independent surveys of selected customers through a third-party consultant and use the survey results to further improve our standard of quality and customer satisfaction.

 

Competition

 

The housing industry is highly competitive. In our activities, we compete with numerous developers and builders of various sizes, both national and local, who are building homes in and near the areas where our communities are located. Competition is on the basis of location, design, quality, amenities, price, service and reputation. Sales of existing homes also provide significant competition. Some of our principal national competitors include Beazer Homes USA, Inc., Centex Corporation, D.R. Horton, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., KB Home, M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., NVR, Inc., Pulte Homes, Inc., Standard Pacific Corp., The Ryland Group, Inc. and Toll Brothers, Inc.

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES

 

Mortgage Financing

 

We provide a full spectrum of conventional, FHA-insured and VA-guaranteed, first and second lien residential mortgage loan products to our homebuyers and others through our financial services subsidiaries, Universal American Mortgage Company, LLC, and Eagle Home Mortgage, Inc., in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington. In 2003, our financial services subsidiaries provided loans to approximately 72% of our homebuyers who obtained mortgage financing from us in areas where we offered services for the entire year. Because of the availability of mortgage loans from our financial services subsidiaries, as well as independent mortgage lenders, we believe access to financing has not been, and is not, a significant obstacle for most purchasers of our homes.

 

During 2003, we originated approximately 41,000 mortgage loans totaling $7.6 billion. We sell the loans we originate in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis. We have a corporate risk management policy under which we hedge our interest rate risk on rate locked loan commitments and loans held for sale against exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We finance our mortgage loan activities with borrowings under our financial services subsidiaries’ warehouse lines of credit or from our general corporate funds.

 

Title Insurance, Closing Services and Insurance Agency Services

 

We provide closing services and title insurance to our homebuyers and others. We provided closing services for approximately 245,000 real estate transactions and issued 175,000 title insurance policies during 2003 through subsidiaries of North American Title Group, Inc. Closing services are provided by agency subsidiaries in Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Texas and Virginia. North American Title Insurance Corporation in Florida and Texas, and North American Title Insurance Company in Arizona, California, Colorado and Nevada provide title insurance underwriting.

 

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We provide personal lines, property and casualty insurance products through our insurance agency subsidiary, Universal American Insurance Agency, Inc., for our homebuyers and others in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. During 2003, we issued approximately 8,500 new homeowner policies and renewed approximately 4,600 homeowner policies.

 

Strategic Technologies

 

Our subsidiary, Strategic Technologies, Inc., provides broadband services including high-speed Internet access, as well as alarm installation and monitoring services to residents of our communities and others. At November 30, 2003, we had approximately 6,000 broadband subscribers and approximately 14,000 alarm monitoring customers in Florida and California.

 

RELATIONSHIP WITH LNR PROPERTY CORPORATION

 

In connection with the 1997 transfer of our commercial real estate investment and management business to LNR Property Corporation (“LNR”), and the spin-off of LNR to our stockholders, we entered into an agreement which, among other things, prevented us from engaging through December 2002 in any of the businesses in which LNR was engaged, or anticipated becoming engaged, at the time of the spin-off, and prohibited LNR from engaging, at least through December 2002, in any of the businesses in which we were engaged, or anticipated becoming engaged, at the time of the spin-off (except in limited instances in which our then activities or anticipated activities overlap with LNR). In August 2003, this agreement was extended through November 30, 2005. We have no current intention to become involved in the types of activities in which LNR primarily engages (primarily related to commercial or multi-family residential real estate, commercial mortgage loans and investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities). Further, the agreement delineating activities in which we could engage from those in which LNR could engage has helped the two companies work cooperatively in partnerships and other joint endeavors.

 

We and LNR are separate publicly-traded companies and neither of us has any financial interest in the other, except for partnerships in which we both have investments. Stuart Miller, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of LNR and is the sole director and officer of family-owned entities which own stock that gives Mr. Miller voting control, or near voting control, of both companies. An Independent Directors Committee approves all ventures we enter into with LNR and any significant transactions between LNR and us or any of our subsidiaries.

 

In July 2003, a company of which we and LNR each owns 50% agreed to purchase The Newhall Land and Farming Company for approximately $1 billion. That transaction was completed in January 2004. In connection with the transaction, the company jointly owned by LNR and us, and another company of which we and LNR each owns 50%, entered into a $600 million bank financing arrangement.

 

For more information about certain of our partnerships with LNR, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7.

 

REGULATION

 

Homes and residential communities that we build must comply with state and local laws and regulations relating to, among other things, zoning, treatment of waste, construction materials which must be used, density requirements, building design and minimum elevation of properties. These include laws requiring use of construction materials which reduce the need for energy-consuming heating and cooling systems. These laws and regulations are subject to frequent change and often increase construction costs. In some cases, there are laws which require that commitments to provide roads and other offsite infrastructure be in place prior to the commencement of new construction. These laws and regulations are usually administered by individual counties and municipalities and may result in fees and assessments or building moratoriums. In addition, certain new development projects are subject to assessments for schools, parks, streets and highways and other public improvements, the costs of which can be substantial.

 

5


The residential homebuilding industry also is subject to a variety of local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning the protection of health and the environment. Environmental laws and conditions may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance and other costs, and can prohibit or severely restrict homebuilding activity in environmentally sensitive regions or areas.

 

In recent years, several cities and counties in which we have developments have submitted to voters “slow growth” initiatives and other ballot measures which could impact the affordability and availability of homes and land within those localities. Although many of these initiatives have been defeated, we believe that if similar initiatives were approved, residential construction by us and others within certain cities or counties could be seriously impacted.

 

In order to make it possible for purchasers of some of our homes to obtain FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages, we must construct those homes in compliance with regulations promulgated by those agencies.

 

We have registered condominium communities with the appropriate authorities in Florida and California. Sales in other states would require compliance with laws in those states regarding sales of condominium homes.

 

Our personal lines insurance and title subsidiaries must comply with applicable insurance laws and regulations. Our mortgage financing subsidiaries and title agencies must comply with applicable real estate lending laws and regulations.

 

Our mortgage banking and insurance subsidiaries are licensed in the states in which they do business and must comply with laws and regulations in those states regarding mortgage banking and title insurance companies. These laws and regulations include provisions regarding capitalization, operating procedures, investments, lending and privacy disclosures, forms of policies and premiums.

 

We can be affected by government regulation that does not directly apply to us, such as any curtailment of activities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Because these organizations provide significant liquidity to the secondary mortgage market, a serious curtailment of their activities could increase mortgage interest rates and therefore increase the effective cost of purchasing our homes.

 

A subsidiary of The Newhall Land and Farming Company, of which we indirectly own 50%, provides water to a portion of Los Angeles County. This subsidiary is subject to extensive regulation by the California Public Utilities Commission.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

 

Some of the statements in this Report are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those which the statements anticipate. They include the factors discussed under “Particular Factors Which Could Affect Us.”

 

PARTICULAR FACTORS WHICH COULD AFFECT US

 

The following factors in particular could significantly affect our operations and financial results. We publicly disseminate future earnings goals which could be impacted by some of these factors.

 

We are subject to the cyclical nature of the home sales market.

 

The residential homebuilding industry is cyclical and is highly sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, such as levels of employment, consumer confidence and income, availability of financing, interest rate levels and demand for housing. The resale market for used homes, including foreclosed homes, also affects the sale of new homes or cancellations of contracts in backlog.

 

6


Although the homebuilding business historically has been cyclical, it has not undergone a down cycle in a number of years. This has led some people to assert that the prices of homes and the stocks of homebuilding companies are overvalued and will decline when or if the market for new homes begins to weaken. A decline in prices of stocks of homebuilding companies could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to raise funds through stock issuances if we needed funds to meet our obligations or otherwise wanted to do so.

 

We could be affected by prices or shortages of materials or by weather conditions.

 

The residential homebuilding industry has, from time-to-time, experienced fluctuating lumber prices and supply, as well as shortages of other materials and labor, including insulation, drywall, concrete, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. Delays in construction of homes due to these factors or due to weather conditions, could have an adverse effect upon our operations.

 

We are dependent on the availability of suitable land.

 

Our ability to build homes depends upon our being able to acquire at acceptable prices land that is suitable for residential development in the areas in which we want to build homes. Because of this, we maintain, directly or through partnerships or similar arrangements, a significant inventory of land, much of which is undeveloped or only partially developed.

 

We could be affected by governmental regulations.

 

All of our businesses are subject to substantial governmental regulations. In particular, the homebuilding business is subject to government regulations relating to land use, water rights, construction materials, building design and minimum elevation of properties, as well as a variety of environmental matters. Changes in government regulations often increase the cost of building homes in areas in which we have communities and could prevent entirely the building of new homes in some areas.

 

We could be affected by inflation or deflation.

 

Inflation can increase the cost of building materials, land, labor and other construction related costs. Conversely, deflation can reduce the value of our land inventory and make it more difficult for us to recover the full cost of previously purchased land in home sale prices.

 

Customers may be unwilling or unable to purchase our homes at times when mortgage financing costs are high.

 

The majority of our homebuyers finance their acquisitions through our financial services subsidiaries or third-party lenders. In general, housing demand is adversely affected by increases in interest rates and by decreases in the availability of mortgage financing. If mortgage interest rates increase and the ability or willingness of prospective buyers to finance home purchases is adversely affected, our operating results may be negatively affected. Our homebuilding activities also are dependent upon the availability and cost of mortgage financing for buyers of homes currently owned by potential purchasers of our homes who cannot purchase our homes until they sell their current homes.

 

Competition may affect our profitability.

 

Our profitability is affected both by the number of homes we sell and by the profit margins we achieve when we sell homes. Competition and similar factors can reduce the number of homes we sell, or can force us to accept reduced profit margins in order to maintain sales volume.

 

Our operating results vary from quarter to quarter.

 

We have historically experienced, and expect to continue to experience, variability in operating results on a quarterly basis. Factors which may contribute to this variability include, but are not limited to:

 

    the timing of home deliveries and land sales;

 

    the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals for the construction of homes;

 

    the condition of the real estate market, prices for homes and general economic conditions;

 

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    the cyclical nature of the homebuilding and financial services industries;

 

    prevailing interest rates and availability of mortgage financing;

 

    the increase in the number of homes available for sale in the marketplace;

 

    pricing policies of our competitors;

 

    the timing of the opening of new residential communities;

 

    weather conditions; and

 

    the cost and availability of materials and labor.

 

Our historical financial performance is not necessarily a meaningful indicator of future results. We expect our financial results to continue to vary from quarter to quarter.

 

We could be hurt by loss of key personnel.

 

Our success depends to a significant degree on the efforts of our senior management. Our operations may be adversely affected if key members of senior management cease to be active in our Company. We have designed our compensation structure and employee benefit programs to encourage long-term employment by senior management.

 

We have a significant stockholder.

 

We have two classes of stock: Class A common stock, which is entitled to one vote per share; and Class B common stock, which is entitled to ten votes per share. Stuart Miller, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has voting control, through family-owned entities and personal holdings, of Class A and Class B common stock that entitles Mr. Miller to approximately 48% of the combined votes that can be cast by the holders of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock combined. That gives significant influence to Mr. Miller in electing all our directors and approving most matters that are presented to our stockholders. Mr. Miller’s voting power might discourage someone from making a significant equity investment in us, even if we needed the investment to meet our obligations and to operate our business.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

At November 30, 2003, we employed 10,572 individuals of whom 6,786 were involved in homebuilding operations and 3,786 were involved in financial services operations. We do not have collective bargaining agreements relating to any of our employees. However, some of the subcontractors we use have employees who are represented by labor unions.

 

ACCESS TO OUR INFORMATION

 

We electronically file our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all exhibits and amendments to these reports, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The public may read and copy any of the reports that are filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically.

 

We make available, free of charge, through our website, www.lennar.com, and by responding to requests addressed to our investor relations department, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all exhibits and amendments to these reports. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

 

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Item 2.    Properties.

 

For information about properties we own for use in our homebuilding activities, see Item 1.

 

We lease and maintain our executive offices, financial services subsidiary headquarters, certain mortgage and title branches and a homebuilding division in an office complex in Miami, Florida. The leases for these offices expire through 2009. Our other homebuilding and financial services offices are located in the markets where we conduct business, primarily in leased space.

 

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

 

We are party to various claims and lawsuits which arise in the ordinary course of business. Although the specific allegations in the lawsuits differ, most of them involve claims that we failed to construct buildings in particular communities in accordance with plans and specifications or applicable construction codes, and seek reimbursement for sums allegedly needed to remedy the alleged deficiencies, or assert contract issues or relate to personal injuries. Lawsuits of these types are common within the homebuilding industry. We do not believe that these claims or lawsuits will have a material effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.    Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters.

 

Share, dividend and per share amounts in the tables below have been adjusted for our January 2004 two-for-one stock split.

 

    

Class A Common Stock Prices
New York Stock Exchange


   Cash Dividends
Per Class A Share


 
    

High/Low Prices


      

Fiscal Quarter


  

2003


  

2002


   2003

    2002

 

First

   $28.77 – 24.15    $28.73 – 18.28    5/8 ¢   5/8 ¢

Second

   $34.09 – 24.10    $30.12 – 25.34    5/8 ¢   5/8 ¢

Third

   $40.81 – 31.15    $31.99 – 21.60    5/8 ¢   5/8 ¢

Fourth

   $49.29 – 32.94    $29.95 – 24.63    12½ ¢   5/8 ¢
    

Class B Common Stock Prices
New York Stock Exchange


   Cash Dividends
Per Class B Share


 
    

High/Low Prices


            

Fiscal Quarter


  

2003


  

2002


   2003

    2002

 

First

   N/A *    N/A *    9/16 ¢   9/16 ¢

Second

   $33.09 – 26.03    N/A *    5/8 ¢   9/16 ¢

Third

   $37.85 – 29.59    N/A *    5/8 ¢   9/16 ¢

Fourth

   $46.71 – 31.75    N/A *    12½ ¢   9/16 ¢

*   In April 2003, our Class B common stock became listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

As of November 30, 2003, there were approximately 1,200 holders of record of our Class A common stock and approximately 900 holders of record of our Class B common stock.

 

The following table summarizes our equity compensation plans as of November 30, 2003:

 

Plan Category


  

Number of shares to
be issued upon

exercise of
outstanding options,

warrants and rights

(a)


  

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding

options, warrants

and rights

(b)


  

Number of shares

remaining available for

future issuance under

equity compensation

plans (excluding

shares reflected in

column (a))

(c)


Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders

   6,660,968    $ 20.01    9,821,000

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders

   —        —      —  
    
  

  

Total

   6,660,968    $ 20.01    9,821,000
    
  

  

 

 

 

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

 

     At or for the Years Ended November 30,

     2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

   1999

     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Results of Operations:

                          

Revenues:

                          

Homebuilding (1)

   $ 8,348,645    6,751,301    5,554,747    4,362,034    2,822,060

Financial services

   $ 558,974    484,219    425,354    316,934    269,307

Total revenues

   $ 8,907,619    7,235,520    5,980,101    4,678,968    3,091,367

Operating earnings:

                          

Homebuilding (1)

   $ 1,164,089    834,056    666,123    382,195    291,944

Financial services

   $ 154,453    127,611    89,131    43,595    31,096

Corporate general and administrative expenses

   $ 111,488    85,958    75,831    50,155    37,563

Earnings before provision for income taxes

   $ 1,207,054    875,709    679,423    375,635    285,477

Net earnings

   $ 751,391    545,129    417,845    229,137    172,714

Net earnings per share (diluted) (2)

   $ 4.65    3.51    2.73    1.65    1.24

Cash dividends per share—Class A common stock (2)

   $ .144    .025    .025    .025    .025

Cash dividends per share—Class B common stock (2)

   $ .143    .0225    .0225    .0225    .0225

Financial Position:

                          

Total assets

   $ 6,775,432    5,755,633    4,714,426    3,777,914    2,057,647

Debt:

                          

Homebuilding

   $ 1,552,217    1,585,309    1,505,255    1,254,650    523,661

Financial services

   $ 740,469    862,618    707,077    448,860    278,634

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,263,774    2,229,157    1,659,262    1,228,580    881,499

Shares outstanding (000s) (2)

     157,836    142,811    140,833    138,008    127,417

Stockholders’ equity per share (2)

   $ 20.68    15.61    11.78    8.90    6.92

Delivery and Backlog Information

(including unconsolidated partnerships):

                          

Number of homes delivered

     32,180    27,393    23,899    18,578    12,606

Backlog of home sales contracts

     13,905    12,108    8,339    8,363    2,903

Dollar value of backlog

   $ 3,887,000    3,200,000    1,982,000    2,072,000    662,000

(1)   Prior year amounts contain reclassifications to conform to the 2003 presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on reported net earnings. In particular, homebuilding results reflect reclassifications that have been made to interest expense (now included in cost of homes sold and cost of land sold), equity in earnings from unconsolidated partnerships and management fees and other income, net.
(2)   Share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the effect of our 10% Class B common stock distribution in April 2003 and our two-for-one stock split in January 2004.

 

11


Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Some of the statements contained in the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those which the statements anticipate. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They contain words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “may,” “can,” “could,” “might,” “guidance,” “goal,” “visibility,” and other words or phrases of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Factors which may affect our results include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, the market for homes and prices for homes generally and in areas where we have developments, the availability and cost of land suitable for residential development, materials prices, labor costs, interest rates, consumer confidence, competition, terrorist acts or other acts of war, environmental factors and government regulations affecting our operations.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

We achieved record revenues, profits and earnings per share in 2003. Our net earnings in 2003 were $751.4 million, or $4.65 per share diluted, compared to $545.1 million, or $3.51 per share diluted, in 2002. The increase in net earnings was attributable to strong homebuilding gross margins and increased operating earnings from our Financial Services Division. In particular, both our deliveries and average sales price on homes delivered increased due to strong demand resulting from supply constraints, strong demographic trends, low interest rates and improving economic trends. With $1.2 billion of cash at year-end, our net homebuilding debt (i.e., homebuilding debt less homebuilding cash) to total net capital (i.e., net homebuilding debt plus stockholders’ equity) ratio was 9.7% at November 30, 2003, compared to 27.7% last year. Additionally, we had zero outstanding under our $1 billion revolving credit facilities at year-end. Our record earnings combined with a strong balance sheet contributed to a return on net capital of approximately 23% in 2003, compared to approximately 22% in 2002.

 

Earnings per share amounts for all years have been adjusted to reflect the effect of our April 2003 10% Class B common stock distribution and our January 2004 two-for-one stock split.

 

Homebuilding

 

Our Homebuilding Division sells and constructs homes primarily for first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers. We use a dual marketing strategy in which we sell homes under both our Everything’s Included® and Design StudioSM programs. Our land operations include the purchase, development and sale of land for our homebuilding activities, as well as the sale of land to third parties. In certain circumstances, we diversify our operations through strategic alliances and minimize our risk by forming partnerships with other entities. The following tables set forth selected financial and operational information for the years indicated. The results of operations of the homebuilders we acquired during these years are included in the information since the respective dates of the acquisitions.

 

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Selected Homebuilding Division Financial Data

 

     Years Ended November 30,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
    

(Dollars in thousands,

except average sales price)

 

Revenues:

                    

Sales of homes

   $ 8,040,470     6,581,703     5,467,548  

Sales of land

     308,175     169,598     87,199  
    


 

 

Total revenues

     8,348,645     6,751,301     5,554,747  
    


 

 

Costs and expenses:

                    

Cost of homes sold

     6,180,777     5,119,668     4,275,321  

Cost of land sold

     234,844     167,640     85,546  

Selling, general and administrative

     872,735     705,901     573,204  
    


 

 

Total costs and expenses

     7,288,356     5,993,209     4,934,071  
    


 

 

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated partnerships

     81,937     42,651     27,051  

Management fees and other income, net

     21,863     33,313     18,396  
    


 

 

Operating earnings

   $ 1,164,089     834,056     666,123  
    


 

 

Gross margin on home sales

     23.1 %   22.2 %   21.8 %
    


 

 

SG&A expenses as a % of revenues from home sales

     10.9 %   10.7 %   10.5 %
    


 

 

Operating margin as a % of revenues from home sales

     12.3 %   11.5 %   11.3 %
    


 

 

Average sales price

   $ 256,000     245,000     237,000  
    


 

 

 

Prior year amounts contain reclassifications to conform to the 2003 presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on reported net earnings. Homebuilding results reflect reclassifications that have been made to interest expense (now included in cost of homes sold and cost of land sold), equity in earnings from unconsolidated partnerships and management fees and other income, net.

 

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Summary of Home and Backlog Data By Region

 

     At or for the Years Ended November 30,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     (Dollars in thousands)

Deliveries

                

East

     10,348    9,296    8,175

Central

     9,993    7,766    7,056

West

     11,839    10,331    8,668
    

  
  

Total

     32,180    27,393    23,899
    

  
  

Of the deliveries listed above, 768, 568 and 795 deliveries relate to unconsolidated partnerships for the years ended November 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

New Orders

                

East

     11,640    10,192    8,445

Central

     9,696    7,591    7,180

West

     12,187    10,590    8,250
    

  
  

Total

     33,523    28,373    23,875
    

  
  

Of the new orders listed above, 1,553, 733 and 833 new orders relate to unconsolidated partnerships for the years ended November 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Backlog—Homes

                

East

     6,121    4,780    3,314

Central

     2,416    2,713    1,977

West

     5,368    4,615    3,048
    

  
  

Total

     13,905    12,108    8,339
    

  
  

Of the homes in backlog listed above, 1,226, 441 and 255 homes in backlog relate to unconsolidated partnerships at November 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Backlog Dollar Value

                

(including unconsolidated partnerships)

   $ 3,887,000    3,200,000    1,982,000
    

  
  

 

At November 30, 2003, our market regions consisted of homebuilding divisions in the following states: East: Florida, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina. Central: Texas, Illinois and Minnesota. West: California, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada.

 

During 2003, we expanded our operations in California and South Carolina through homebuilding acquisitions. During 2002, we acquired nine homebuilders, which expanded our operations into the Carolinas and the Chicago, Baltimore and Central Valley, California homebuilding markets and strengthened our positions in several of our existing markets. The results of operations of the homebuilders we acquired are included in our results of operations since their respective acquisition dates.

 

Revenues from sales of homes increased 22% in 2003 and 20% in 2002, compared to the previous years as a result of a 17% increase and a 16% increase in the number of home deliveries, respectively, in 2003 and 2002, and a 4% increase in the average sales price in both years. In 2003, new home deliveries were higher in most of our markets, primarily in California, Florida, Texas and Illinois. In 2002, new home deliveries were higher primarily due to a strong homebuilding market, combined with our acquisitions during the year. The average sales price of homes delivered increased in 2003 and 2002 primarily due to an increase in the average sales price in most of our existing markets, combined with changes in our product and geographic mix.

 

Gross margin percentages on home sales were 23.1%, 22.2% and 21.8% in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The increase in 2003 was due to a greater contribution from a strong California market, combined

 

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with lower interest costs due to a lower debt leverage ratio while we continued to grow. The increase in 2002 was due to improved operational efficiencies and strength in the homebuilding markets in which we operated, partially offset by softness primarily in the Texas market.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues from home sales increased to 10.9% in 2003, compared to 10.7% and 10.5% in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The increase in 2003 was primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses, compared to 2002. The increase in 2002 was primarily due to an increase in insurance costs, compared to 2001.

 

Gross profits on land sales totaled $73.3 million in the year ended November 30, 2003, compared to $2.0 million in 2002 and $1.7 million in 2001. Profits in 2003 were positively impacted by each of our regions, with strong contributions from our East and West regions. Equity in earnings from unconsolidated partnerships was $81.9 million in the year ended November 30, 2003, compared to $42.7 million in 2002 and $27.1 million in 2001. Management fees and other income, net, totaled $21.9 million in the year ended November 30, 2003, compared to $33.3 million in 2002 and $18.4 million in 2001. Land sales, equity in earnings from unconsolidated partnerships, and management fees and other income, net, may vary significantly from period to period depending on the timing of land sales and other transactions by us and our unconsolidated partnerships.

 

At November 30, 2003, we owned approximately 74,000 homesites and had access to an additional 135,000 homesites through either option contracts or our unconsolidated partnerships. At November 30, 2003, approximately 15% of the homesites we owned were subject to home purchase contracts. Our backlog of sales contracts was 13,905 homes ($3.9 billion) at November 30, 2003, compared to 12,108 homes ($3.2 billion) at November 30, 2002. The higher backlog was primarily attributable to our homebuilding acquisitions and growth in the number of active communities, which resulted in higher new orders in 2003, compared to 2002. As a result of these acquisitions combined with our organic growth, inventories increased 13% during 2003, while revenues from sales of homes increased 22% for the year ended November 30, 2003, compared to prior year.

 

Financial Services

 

Our Financial Services Division provides mortgage financing, title insurance, closing services and insurance agency services for both buyers of our homes and others. The Division sells the loans it originates in the secondary mortgage market. The Division also provides high-speed Internet access, cable television and alarm installation and monitoring services to residents of our communities and others. The following table sets forth selected financial and operational information relating to our Financial Services Division. The results of operations of companies we acquired during these years are included in the information since the respective dates of the acquisitions.

 

     Years Ended November 30,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Revenues

   $ 558,974     484,219     425,354  
   

Costs and expenses

     404,521     356,608     336,223  
    


 

 

Operating earnings

   $ 154,453     127,611     89,131  
    


 

 

Dollar value of mortgages originated

   $ 7,603,000     6,132,000     5,226,000  
    


 

 

Number of mortgages originated

     41,000     34,100     30,600  
    


 

 

Mortgage capture rate of Lennar homebuyers

     72 %   80 %   79 %
    


 

 

Number of title closing transactions (excluding title policies issued)

     245,000     189,000     162,000  
    


 

 

Number of title policies issued

     175,000     146,000     111,000  
    


 

 

 

Operating earnings from our Financial Services Division increased to $154.5 million in 2003, compared to $127.6 million and $89.1 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The increase in 2003 was primarily due to improved results from our mortgage and title operations, which benefited from low interest rates and a strong refinance and housing environment. The increase in 2002 was primarily due to improved results from our

 

15


mortgage and title operations, which benefited from a low interest rate and strong housing environment in 2002. The operating earnings in 2002 included a $5.0 million gain on the sale of a cable system. The Division’s mortgage capture rate (i.e., mortgage capture rate is the percentage of our homebuyers who obtained mortgage financing from us in areas where we offered services for the entire year) decreased in the year ended November 30, 2003 due to the transitioning of the mortgage business related to the homebuilders we have acquired since the beginning of fiscal 2002 as well as increasing competitiveness in the mortgage market.

 

Corporate General and Administrative

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 1.3% in 2003 compared to 1.2% in 2002 and 1.3% in 2001.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

At November 30, 2003, we had cash of $1.2 billion, compared to $731.2 million at the end of fiscal 2002. The increase in cash was primarily due to an increase in net earnings partially offset by an increase in inventories as we position ourselves for future growth. In connection with the acquisition of The Newhall Land and Farming Company by an entity jointly-owned with LNR Property Corporation (“LNR”), we contributed approximately $200 million to fund a portion of the purchase price. The majority of this commitment was funded subsequent to year-end.

 

Operating Cash Flow Activity

 

During 2003 and 2002, cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $580.8 million and $204.6 million, respectively. During 2003, cash flows provided by operating activities consisted primarily of net earnings and a decrease in loans held for sale offset in part by an increase in operating assets to support a significantly higher backlog and a higher number of active communities. In particular, inventories at November 30, 2003 had increased by $267.2 million since November 30, 2002, due to an increase in backlog and the expansion of operations in our market areas. We finance our land acquisition and development activities, construction activities, financial services activities and general operating needs primarily with cash generated from operations and public debt issuances, as well as cash borrowed under revolving credit facilities.

 

During 2002, cash flows provided by operating activities consisted primarily of net earnings offset in part by increased levels of operating assets to support a significantly higher backlog and a higher number of active communities as we continued to grow. Cash flows provided by operating activities were lower in 2001 due to an increase in financial services loans held for sale of $211.1 million and $57.1 million in receivables. We sell the loans we originate in the secondary mortgage market, generally within 45 days of the closing of the loans. The cash related to these loans and receivables was primarily received in December 2001 and was used to pay down our warehouse lines of credit. Inventories increased $130.7 million in 2001 as we positioned ourselves for future growth.

 

Investing Cash Flow Activity

 

Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $118.2 million in the year ended November 30, 2003 compared to $365.7 million in 2002, and cash provided by investing activities of $1.9 million in 2001. In 2003, we used $159.4 million of cash for acquisitions and $18.8 million for net additions to operating properties and equipment. This usage of cash was offset by $72.1 million of net distributions by unconsolidated partnerships in which we invest. In 2002, we used $424.3 million of cash for acquisitions offset by $57.9 million of net distributions by unconsolidated partnerships. In 2001, $10.8 million was provided by the sale of substantially all of our mortgage servicing rights and $5.6 million related to net distributions by unconsolidated partnerships in which we invest. This generation of cash was offset by $13.1 million of net additions to operating properties and equipment.

 

During 2003, we expanded our presence in California and South Carolina, with our homebuilding acquisitions and we purchased a title company, which expanded our title and closing business into the Chicago market. In connection with these acquisitions and contingent consideration related to prior period acquisitions, we paid $159.4 million, net of cash acquired. During 2002, we expanded our operations into the Carolinas and the Chicago, Baltimore and Central Valley, California homebuilding markets and strengthened our positions in

 

16


several of our existing markets through our homebuilding acquisitions. In connection with the 2002 acquisitions, total consideration, including debt of acquired companies, totaled approximately $600 million. The results of operations of the acquired companies are included in our results of operations since their respective acquisition dates. We are always looking at the possibility of acquiring homebuilders and other companies. We currently are engaged in discussions regarding possible transactions. However, we have no agreements or understandings regarding any transactions, and it is possible we will not enter into any significant transactions in the near future.

 

In July 2003, we formed a joint venture with LNR named NWHL Investment, LLC (“NWHL”), and NWHL entered into an agreement to acquire The Newhall Land and Farming Company (“Newhall”). Newhall’s primary business is developing two master-planned communities in Los Angeles County, California. The transaction was completed on January 27, 2004. The total purchase consideration, after payments with regard to employee options, was approximately $1 billion. In connection with the transaction, NWHL and another company jointly owned by us and LNR, obtained $600 million of bank financing, of which $400 million was used in connection with the acquisition of Newhall. The remainder of the bank financing will be available to finance operations of Newhall and other property ownership and development companies that are jointly owned by us and LNR. We and LNR each contributed approximately $200 million to NWHL to fund a portion of the purchase price. Simultaneous with the closing of the transaction, LNR purchased income-producing properties from Newhall for approximately $217 million and we agreed to purchase 687 homesites and obtained options to purchase 623 homesites from the venture.

 

Financing Cash Flow Activity

 

The following summarizes our senior notes and other debts payable:

 

     November 30,

     2003

   2002

     (Dollars in thousands)

3 7/8% zero-coupon senior convertible debentures due 2018

   $ —      266,917

5.125% zero-coupon convertible senior subordinated notes due 2021

     261,012    248,138

5.95% senior notes due 2013

     344,260    —  

7 5/8% senior notes due 2009

     273,593    272,591

9.95% senior notes due 2010

     301,995    300,175

Term Loan B due 2008

     296,000    391,000

U.S. Home senior notes due through 2009

     2,367    9,366

The Fortress Group, Inc. senior notes due 2003

     —      12,575

Mortgage notes on land and other debt

     72,990    84,547
    

  
     $ 1,552,217    1,585,309
    

  

 

Our ratio of net homebuilding debt to total net capital was 9.7% at November 30, 2003, compared to 27.7% at November 30, 2002. The decrease in the ratio primarily resulted from cash generated by our operations during 2003. In addition to the use of capital in our homebuilding and financial services activities, we will continue to actively evaluate various other uses of capital which fit into our homebuilding and financial services strategies and appear to meet our profitability and return on capital requirements. This may include acquisitions of or investments in other entities, the payment of dividends or repurchases of our outstanding common stock or debt. These activities may be funded through any combination of our credit facilities, cash generated from operations, sales of assets or the issuance of public debt, common stock or preferred stock.

 

Our average debt outstanding was $1.6 billion in both 2003 and 2002 and $1.5 billion in 2001. The average rates for interest incurred were 7.7% in 2003, and 7.6% in both 2002 and 2001. The majority of our short-term financing needs are met with cash generated from operations and funds available under our senior secured credit facilities. In May 2003, we amended and restated our senior secured credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”) to provide us with up to $1.3 billion of financing. The Credit Facilities consist of a $712 million revolving credit facility maturing in May 2008, a $315 million 364-day revolving credit facility maturing in May 2004 and a $300 million term loan B maturing in December 2008. We may elect to convert borrowings under the 364-day revolving credit facility to a term loan, which would mature in May 2008. The Credit Facilities are collateralized by the stock of certain of our subsidiaries and are also guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of our subsidiaries, other than subsidiaries primarily engaged in mortgage and title reinsurance activities. At

 

17


November 30, 2003, $296.0 million was outstanding under the term loan B and no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facilities.

 

At November 30, 2003, we had letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $627.9 million. The majority of these letters of credit are posted with regulatory bodies to guarantee our performance of certain development and construction activities or are posted in lieu of cash deposits on option contracts. Of our total letters of credit, $341.4 million were collateralized against certain borrowings available under the Credit Facilities.

 

In February 2003, we issued $350 million of 5.95% senior notes due 2013 at a price of 98.287%. The senior notes are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of our subsidiaries, other than subsidiaries primarily engaged in mortgage and title reinsurance activities. Proceeds from the offering, after underwriting discount and expenses, were approximately $342 million. We used $116 million of the proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness and added the remainder to our general working capital. The senior notes were issued under our shelf registration statement.

 

At November 30, 2003, our Financial Services Division had warehouse lines of credit totaling $750 million, which included a $145 million temporary increase that expired in December 2003, to fund its mortgage loan activities. Borrowings under the facilities were $714.4 million at November 30, 2003 and were collateralized by mortgage loans and receivables on loans sold not yet funded with outstanding principal balances of $742.2 million. The warehouse lines of credit mature in May 2004 ($250 million) and in October 2005 ($500 million), at which time we expect both facilities to be renewed. Additionally, the line of credit maturing in May 2004 includes an incremental $100 million commitment available at each fiscal quarter-end. At November 30, 2003, we had advances under a conduit funding agreement with a major financial institution amounting to $0.6 million. Borrowings under this agreement are collateralized by mortgage loans. We also had a $20 million revolving line of credit with a bank, collateralized by certain assets of the Division and stock of certain title subsidiaries. Borrowings under the line of credit were $19.4 million at November 30, 2003.

 

We have various interest rate swap agreements, which effectively convert variable interest rates to fixed interest rates on approximately $300 million of outstanding debt related to our homebuilding operations. The interest rate swaps mature at various dates through 2007 and fix the LIBOR index (to which certain of our debt interest rates are tied) at an average interest rate of 6.8% at November 30, 2003. The net effect on our operating results is that interest on the variable-rate debt being hedged is recorded based on fixed interest rates. Counterparties to these agreements are major financial institutions. At November 30, 2003, the fair value of the interest rate swaps, net of tax, was a $21.0 million liability. Our Financial Services Division, in the normal course of business, uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Division enters into forward commitments and, to a lesser extent, option contracts to protect the value of loans held for sale from increases in market interest rates. We do not anticipate that we will suffer credit losses from counterparty non-performance.

 

Changes in Capital Structure

 

On April 8, 2003, at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our stockholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation that eliminated the restrictions on transfer of our Class B common stock and eliminated a difference between the dividends on the common stock (renamed Class A common stock) and the Class B common stock. The only significant remaining difference between the Class A common stock and the Class B common stock is that the Class A common stock entitles holders to one vote per share and the Class B common stock entitles holders to ten votes per share.

 

Because stockholders approved the change to the terms of the Class B common stock, we distributed to the holders of record of our stock at the close of business on April 9, 2003, one share of Class B common stock for each ten shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock held at that time. The distribution occurred on April 21, 2003 and our Class B common stock became listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Our Class A common stock was already listed on the NYSE. Approximately 13 million shares of Class B common stock (adjusted for the January 2004 two-for-one stock split) were issued as a result of the stock distribution.

 

Additionally, our stockholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation increasing the number of shares of common stock we are authorized to issue to 300 million shares of Class A common stock and 90 million shares of Class B common stock. However, we have committed to Institutional Shareholder

 

18


Services that we will not issue, without a subsequent stockholder vote, shares that would increase the outstanding Class A common stock to more than 170 million shares or increase the outstanding Class B common stock to more than 45 million shares.

 

The principal purpose of the April 2003 10% Class B stock distribution and the amendments to our certificate of incorporation was to make a greater number of authorized shares available for us to use in acquisitions, to sell in order to raise capital, to issue under stock option or other incentive programs or otherwise to issue.

 

In June 2003, we called our 3 7/8% zero-coupon senior convertible debentures due 2018 (the “Debentures”) for redemption. At the option of the holders, the Debentures could have been converted into Class A common stock at any time prior to the redemption date. Each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of Debentures was convertible into 27.4814 shares of Class A common stock (inclusive of the adjustment for the April 2003 10% Class B stock distribution and January 2004 two-for-one stock split), which equated to a redemption price of approximately $20.46 per share of Class A common stock. In 2003, substantially all of the Debentures were converted into approximately 13.6 million shares of Class A common stock (adjusted for the January 2004 two-for-one stock split).

 

In December 2003, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend of Class A and Class B common stock for stockholders of record on January 6, 2004. The additional shares were distributed on January 20, 2004. There was no net effect on total stockholders’ equity. Share and per share data (except authorized shares, treasury shares and par value) for all periods presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split.

 

Our 2003 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2003 Plan”) provides for the granting of Class A and Class B stock options and stock appreciation rights and awards of restricted common stock to key officers, employees and directors. The exercise prices of stock options and stock appreciation rights are not less than the market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. No options granted under the 2003 Plan may be exercisable until at least six months after the date of the grant. Thereafter, exercises are permitted in installments determined when options are granted. Each stock option and stock appreciation right will expire on a date determined at the time of the grant, but not more than 10 years after the date of the grant. At November 30, 2003, the 2003 Plan had no shares of restricted stock outstanding.

 

In June 2001, our Board of Directors increased our previously authorized stock repurchase program to permit future purchases of up to 20 million shares of our outstanding Class A common stock (adjusted for our January 2004 two-for-one stock split). During 2003, we did not repurchase any of our outstanding common stock in the open market under these authorizations. In prior years under prior approvals, we had repurchased approximately 9.8 million shares (not adjusted for our January 2004 two-for-one stock split) of our outstanding Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $158.9 million, or $16 per share. In December 2003, we granted approximately 2.4 million stock options (adjusted for our January 2004 two-for-one stock split) to our employees under the 2003 Plan and in January 2004, repurchased a similar amount of shares of our outstanding Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $109.6 million, or $45.64 per share (adjusted for our January 2004 two-for-one stock split).

 

In September 2003, our Board of Directors voted to increase the rate at which dividends are paid with regard to our Class A and Class B common stock to $0.50 per share per year (payable quarterly) from $0.025 per share per year (both adjusted for our January 2004 two-for-one stock split). Additionally, our Board of Directors voted to retire our Class A common stock held in treasury.

 

In recent years, we have sold convertible and non-convertible debt into public markets, and at year end, we had effective Securities Act registration statements under which we could sell to the public up to $620 million of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or other securities and could issue up to $400 million of equity or debt securities in connection with acquisitions of companies, businesses or assets.

 

Based on our current financial condition and credit relationships, we believe that our operations and borrowing resources will provide for our current and long-term capital requirements at our anticipated levels of growth.

 

19


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Partnerships

 

We frequently enter into partnerships that acquire and develop land for our homebuilding operations or for sale to third parties. Through partnerships, we reduce and share our risk and also reduce the amount invested in land, while increasing access to potential future homesites. The use of partnerships also, in some instances, enables us to acquire land to which we could not otherwise obtain access, or could not obtain access on as favorable terms, without the participation of a strategic partner. Our partners in these partnerships generally are unrelated homebuilders, land sellers or other real estate entities. While we view the use of unconsolidated partnerships as beneficial to our homebuilding activities, we do not view them as essential to those activities.

 

Most of the partnerships in which we invest are accounted for by the equity method of accounting. At November 30, 2003, we had ownership interests in these unconsolidated partnerships that did not exceed 50%. In many instances, we are appointed as the day-to-day manager of the partnerships and receive fees for performing this function. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, we received management fees and reimbursement of expenses totaling $39.0 million, $29.2 million and $26.1 million, respectively, from unconsolidated partnerships in which we had interests. We and/or our partners sometimes obtain options or enter into other arrangements under which we can purchase portions of the land held by the unconsolidated partnerships. Option prices are generally negotiated prices that approximate fair value when we receive the options. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, $460.5 million, $419.3 million and $232.6 million, respectively, of the unconsolidated partnerships’ revenues were from land sales to our homebuilding divisions.

 

At November 30, 2003, the unconsolidated partnerships in which we had interests had total assets of $2.1 billion and total liabilities of $1.2 billion, which included $901.8 million of notes and mortgages payable. In some instances, we and/or our partners have provided varying levels of guarantees on certain partnership debt. At November 30, 2003, we had recourse guarantees of $88.7 million and limited maintenance guarantees of $111.6 million of the unconsolidated partnerships’ debts. When we and/or our partners provide guarantees, the partnership generally receives more favorable terms from its lenders. The limited maintenance guarantees only apply if a partnership defaults on its loan arrangements and the carrying value of the collateral (generally land and improvements) is less than a specified percentage of the loan balance. If we are required to make a payment under a limited maintenance guarantee to bring the carrying value of the collateral above the specified percentage of the loan balance, the payment would constitute a capital contribution or loan to the unconsolidated partnership and increase our share of any funds the unconsolidated partnership distributes.

 

During 2003, the unconsolidated partnerships in which we were a partner generated $1.3 billion of revenues and incurred $939.0 million of expenses, resulting in net earnings of $375.7 million. Our share of those net earnings was $81.9 million. We do not include in our income our pro rata share of partnership earnings resulting from land sales to our homebuilding divisions. Instead, we account for those earnings as a reduction of our cost of purchasing the land from the partnerships. This in effect defers recognition of our share of the partnership earnings until a home is delivered and title passes to a homebuyer.

 

In November 2003, we and LNR each contributed our 50% interests in certain of our jointly-owned unconsolidated partnerships that had significant assets to a new limited liability company named LandSource Communities Development LLC (“LandSource”), in exchange for 50% interests in LandSource. In addition, in July 2003, we and LNR formed, and obtained 50% interests in, NWHL, which agreed to purchase, and in January 2004 completed the purchase, of The Newhall Land and Farming Company, for a total of approximately $1 billion. We and LNR each contributed approximately $200 million to NWHL to fund a portion of the purchase price, and LandSource and NWHL jointly obtained $600 million of bank financing, of which $400 million was used in connection with the acquisition of Newhall (the remainder of the acquisition price was paid with proceeds of a sale of income-producing properties from Newhall to LNR for $217 million). We are not obligated with regard to the borrowings by LandSource and NWHL, except that we and LNR have made limited maintenance guarantees and have committed to complete any property development commitments in the event of default. The combined assets and liabilities of LandSource and NWHL at November 30, 2003 were $380.7 million and $122.3 million, respectively. Our combined investment in LandSource and NWHL was $128.8 million at November 30, 2003.

 

20


Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

The following summarizes our contractual obligations at November 30, 2003:

 

          Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations


   Total

   Less
than 1 year


   1 to 3 years

   4 to 5 years

   Over 5 years

     (Dollars in thousands)

Homebuilding—Senior notes and other debts payable

   $ 1,552,217    21,523    64,158    8,000    1,458,536

Financial Services—Notes and other debts payable (including limited-purpose finance subsidiaries)

     740,469    734,532    108    17    5,812

Operating leases

     192,710    48,022    69,199    40,608    34,881
    

  
  
  
  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 2,485,396    804,077    133,465    48,625    1,499,229
    

  
  
  
  

 

We are subject to the usual obligations associated with entering into contracts (including option contracts) for the purchase, development and sale of real estate in the routine conduct of our business. Option contracts for the purchase of land enable us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated partnerships until we are ready to build homes on them. This reduces our financial risk associated with land holdings. At November 30, 2003, we had access to acquire approximately 135,000 homesites through option contracts and unconsolidated partnerships. At November 30, 2003, we had $220.6 million of non-refundable option deposits and advanced costs on real estate related to certain of these homesites.

 

We are committed, under various letters of credit, to perform certain development and construction activities and provide certain guarantees in the normal course of business. Outstanding letters of credit under these arrangements totaled $627.9 million at November 30, 2003. Additionally, we had outstanding performance and surety bonds related to site improvements at various projects with estimated costs to complete of $1.0 billion. We do not believe that draws upon these bonds, if any, will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Our Financial Services Division’s commitments regarding loans in process totaled approximately $2.6 billion at November 30, 2003. To minimize credit risk, we use the same credit policies in the approval of the commitments as are applied to our lending activities. 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. Loans in process for which interest rates were committed to the borrowers totaled approximately $330.7 million as of November 30, 2003. Substantially all of these commitments were for periods of 60 days or less.

 

Our Financial Services Division uses mandatory mortgage-backed securities forward commitments (“MBS”) to hedge its interest rate exposure during the period from when it makes an interest rate commitment to a loan applicant until the time at which the loan is sold to an investor. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk. Credit risk is managed by entering into MBS only with investment banks with primary dealer status and with permanent investors meeting our credit standards. Our risk, in the event of default by the purchaser, is the difference between the contract price and current market value. At November 30, 2003, we had open commitments amounting to $512.0 million to sell MBS with varying settlement dates through January 2004.

 

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

 

During 2003, the homebuilding environment remained strong due to a positive supply/demand relationship as well as low interest rates. As a result of this favorable environment, as well as our recent homebuilding acquisitions and growth in the number of our active communities, our new orders increased by 18% in 2003. Although the homebuilding business historically has been cyclical, it has not undergone a down cycle in a number of years. This has led some people to assert that the prices of homes and the stocks of homebuilding companies are overvalued and will decline rapidly when the market for new homes begins to weaken. A decline in prices of stocks of homebuilding companies would make it more expensive, and could make it more difficult, for us to raise funds through stock issuances.

 

21


MARKET AND FINANCING RISK

 

We finance our land acquisition and development activities, construction activities, financial services activities and general operating needs primarily with cash generated from operations and public debt issuances, as well as cash borrowed under revolving credit facilities. We also buy land under option agreements, which enable us to acquire homesites when we are ready to build homes on them. The financial risks of adverse market conditions associated with land holdings is managed by prudent underwriting of land purchases in areas we view as desirable growth markets, careful management of the land development process, and limitation of risk by using partners to share the costs of purchasing and developing land, as well as obtaining access to land through option arrangements.

 

BACKLOG

 

Backlog represents the number of homes subject to pending sales contracts. Homes are sold using sales contracts which are generally accompanied by sales deposits. Before entering into sales contracts, we generally prequalify our customers. In some instances, purchasers are permitted to cancel sales contracts if they are unable to close on the sale of their existing home or fail to qualify for financing and under certain other circumstances. We experienced an average cancellation rate of 20% in 2003, compared to 21% and 22% in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Although cancellations can delay the sales of our homes, they have not had a material impact on sales, operations or liquidity, because we closely monitor our prospective buyers’ ability to obtain financing and use the information to adjust construction start plans to match anticipated deliveries of homes. We do not recognize revenue on homes covered by pending sales contracts until the sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowners.

 

SEASONALITY

 

We have historically experienced variability in results of operations from quarter to quarter due to the seasonal nature of the homebuilding business. We typically experience the highest rate of orders for new homes in the first half of the calendar year, although the rate of orders for new homes is highly dependent on the number of active communities and the timing of new community openings. Because new home deliveries trail orders for new homes by several months, we typically have a greater percentage of new home deliveries in the second half of our fiscal year compared to the first half. As a result, our earnings from sales of homes are generally higher in the second half of the fiscal year.

 

INTEREST RATES AND CHANGING PRICES

 

Inflation can have a long-term impact on us because increasing costs of land, materials and labor result in a need to increase the sales prices of homes. In addition, inflation is often accompanied by higher interest rates, which can have a negative impact on housing demand and the costs of financing land development activities and housing construction. Rising interest rates, as well as increased materials and labor costs, may reduce gross margins. In recent years, the increases in these costs have followed the general rate of inflation and hence have not had a significant adverse impact on us. In addition, deflation can impact the value of real estate and make it difficult for us to recover our land costs. Therefore, either inflation or deflation could adversely impact our future results of operations.

 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

Our discussion of new accounting pronouncements and their impact on our financial statements is included in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As discussed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. Listed below are those policies and estimates that we believe are critical and require the use of significant judgment in their application.

 

22


Homebuilding Division

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Sales of homes are recognized when sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowners. Additionally, sales of other real estate (including sales of land and operating properties) are recognized when a significant down payment is received, the earnings process is complete and collectibility of the receivable is assured. We do not include in our income our pro rata share of partnership earnings resulting from land sales to our homebuilding divisions. Instead, we account for those earnings as a reduction of our cost of purchasing the land from the partnerships. This in effect defers recognition of our share of the partnership earnings until a home is delivered and title passes to a homebuyer. We believe that the accounting policy related to revenue recognition is a “critical accounting policy” because of the significance of revenue recognition.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at cost, unless the inventory within a community is determined to be impaired, in which case the impaired inventory is written down to fair value. Inventory costs include land, land development and home construction costs, real estate taxes and interest related to development and construction. Land, land development, amenities and other costs are accumulated by specific area and allocated to homes within the respective areas.

 

We evaluate our inventory for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist. Accounting standards require that if the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from an asset is less than the reported value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of impairment to recognize is calculated by subtracting the fair value of the asset from the carrying value of the asset.

 

We believe that the accounting estimate related to inventory valuation and impairment is a “critical accounting estimate” because: (1) it is highly susceptible to change because of the assumptions about future sales and cost of sales and (2) the impact of recognizing impairments on the assets reported in our consolidated balance sheets as well as our net earnings could be material. Our assumptions about future home sales prices and volumes require significant judgment because the residential homebuilding industry is cyclical and is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. Although the homebuilding business historically has been cyclical, it has not undergone a down cycle in a number of years.

 

While no impairment existed as of November 30, 2003, there can be no assurances that future economic or financial developments, including general interest rate increases or a slowdown in the economy, might not lead to impairment of inventory.

 

Warranty Costs

 

Although we subcontract virtually all segments of construction to others and our contracts call for the subcontractors to repair or replace any deficient items related to their trade, we are primarily responsible to correct any deficiencies. Additionally, in some instances, we may be held responsible for the actions of or losses incurred by subcontractors. Warranty reserves are established at an amount estimated to be adequate to cover potential costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims to be incurred subsequent to the delivery of a home. Reserves are determined based upon historical data and trends with respect to similar product types and geographical areas. We believe the accounting estimate related to the reserve for warranty costs is a “critical accounting estimate” because the estimate requires a large degree of judgment.

 

At November 30, 2003, the reserve for warranty costs was $116.6 million. While we believe that the reserve for warranty costs is adequate, there can be no assurances that historical data and trends will accurately predict our actual warranty costs. Additionally, there can be no assurances that future economic or financial developments might not lead to a significant change in the reserve.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Partnerships

 

We frequently enter into partnerships that acquire and develop land for sale to us in connection with our homebuilding operations or for sale to third parties. Our partners generally are unrelated homebuilders, land sellers or other real estate entities.

 

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Most of the partnerships through which we acquire and develop land are accounted for by the equity method of accounting, because we are not the primary beneficiary for partnerships created after January 31, 2003, as defined under Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and we have a significant, but less than controlling, interest in the partnerships. We record the investments in these partnerships in our consolidated balance sheets as “Investments in Unconsolidated Partnerships” and our share of the partnerships’ earnings or losses in our consolidated statements of earnings as “Equity in Earnings from Unconsolidated Partnerships,” as described in Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Advances to these partnerships are included in the investment amount.

 

Management uses its judgment when determining the primary beneficiary of, or a controlling interest in, a partnership. Factors considered in determining whether we have significant influence or we have control include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of the other partners, voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions and continuing involvement. Due to the judgment required in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary or have control or only significant influence, the accounting policy relating to the use of the equity method of accounting is a “critical accounting policy.”

 

As of November 30, 2003, we believe that the equity method of accounting is appropriate for our investments in unconsolidated partnerships where we are not the primary beneficiary and we do not have a controlling interest but rather share control with our partners. At November 30, 2003, the unconsolidated partnerships in which we had interests had total assets of $2.1 billion and total liabilities of $1.2 billion.

 

Financial Services Division

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Loan origination revenues, net of direct origination costs, are recognized when the related loans are sold. Gains and losses from the sale of loans and loan servicing rights are recognized when the loans are sold and delivered to an investor. Premiums from title insurance policies are recognized as revenue on the effective date of the policy. Escrow fees are recognized at the time the related real estate transactions are completed, usually upon the close of escrow. In all circumstances, we do not recognize revenue until the earnings process is complete and collectibility of the receivable is reasonably assured. We believe that the accounting policy related to revenue recognition is a “critical accounting policy” because of the significance of revenue recognition.

 

Allowances for Loss Reserves

 

We provide an allowance for loan losses when and if we determine that loans or portions of them are not likely to be collected. In evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, we consider various factors such as past loan loss experience, regulatory examinations, present economic conditions and other factors considered relevant by management. Anticipated changes in economic conditions, which may influence the level of the allowance, are considered in the evaluation by management when the likelihood of the changes can be reasonably determined. This analysis is based on judgments and estimates and may change in response to economic developments or other conditions that may influence borrowers’ financial conditions or prospects. At November 30, 2003, the allowance for loan losses was $3.0 million. While we believe that the 2003 year-end allowance was adequate, particularly in view of the fact that we usually sell the loans on a non-recourse basis within 45 days after we originate them, there can be no assurances that future economic or financial developments, including general interest rate increases or a slowdown in the economy, might not lead to increased provisions to the allowance or a higher incidence of loan charge-offs. At November 30, 2003, we also had an allowance for title and escrow losses of $0.6 million related to certain assets. These allowances require management’s judgments and estimates. For these reasons, we believe that the accounting estimates related to the allowances for loss reserves are “critical accounting estimates.”

 

Homebuilding and Financial Services Divisions

 

Goodwill Valuation

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The process of determining goodwill requires judgment. Evaluating goodwill for impairment involves the determination of the fair value of our reporting units. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and

 

24


estimates, including the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations, and our strategic plans with regard to our operations. To the extent additional information arises or our strategies change, it is possible that our conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change, which could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. For those reasons, we believe that the accounting estimate related to goodwill impairment is a “critical accounting estimate.”

 

During fiscal 2002, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, we performed a test for impairment of goodwill as of December 1, 2001, which resulted in no impairment being identified. Goodwill is no longer subject to amortization. Instead, we review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We performed our annual impairment test of goodwill as of September 30, 2003 and determined that goodwill was not impaired.

 

At November 30, 2003, goodwill was $212.7 million (net of accumulated amortization of $18.0 million). While we believe that no impairment existed as of November 30, 2003, there can be no assurances that future economic or financial developments, including general interest rate increases or a slowdown in the economy, might not lead to impairment of goodwill.

 

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

 

We record income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the changes are enacted.

 

We believe that the accounting estimate for the valuation of deferred tax assets is a “critical accounting estimate” because judgment is required in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We base our estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates and, in certain cases, business plans and other expectations about future outcomes. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could affect actual tax results and future business results may affect the amount of deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax assets over time. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of future events. Although it is possible there will be changes that are not anticipated in our current estimates, we believe it is unlikely such changes would have a material period-to-period impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

At November 30, 2003, our net deferred tax asset was $177.8 million. Based on our assessment, it appears more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset will be realized through future taxable earnings.

 

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on our debt obligations, mortgage loans and mortgage loans held for sale. We utilize derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps, in conjunction with our overall strategy to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. We also utilize forward commitments and option contracts to mitigate the risk associated with our mortgage loan portfolio.

 

The tables on the following pages provide information at November 30, 2003 and 2002 about our significant derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For mortgage loans held for sale, mortgage loans and investments, senior notes, notes and other debts payable, the tables present principal cash flows and related weighted average effective interest rates by expected maturity dates and estimated fair market values at November 30, 2003 and 2002. Weighted average variable interest rates are based on the variable interest rates at November 30, 2003 and 2002. Our term loan B is presented as fixed rate debt because our interest rate swaps effectively changed the majority of the debt from a variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate. For interest rate swaps, the tables present notional amounts and weighted average interest

 

25


rates by contractual maturity dates and estimated fair market values at November 30, 2003 and 2002. Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual cash flows to be exchanged under the contracts. Our limited-purpose finance subsidiaries have placed mortgages and other receivables as collateral for various long-term financings. These limited-purpose finance subsidiaries pay the principal of, and interest on, these financings almost entirely from the cash flows generated by the related pledged collateral and are excluded from the following tables. Our trading investments, primarily mutual funds, do not have interest rate sensitivity, and therefore, are also excluded from the following tables.

 

See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 and Notes 1 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for a further discussion of these items and our strategy of mitigating our interest rate risk.

 

 

26


Information Regarding Interest Rate Sensitivity

Principal (Notional) Amount by

Expected Maturity and Average Interest Rate

November 30, 2003

 

    

Years Ending November 30,


               Fair Market
Value at
November 30,
2003


 
     2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

    Thereafter

    Total

  
     (Dollars in millions)  

ASSETS

                                                 

Financial services:

                                                 

Mortgage loans held for sale, net:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ —       —       —       —       —       383.2     383.2    383.2  

Average interest rate

     —       —       —       —       —       6.1 %   —      —    

Variable rate

   $ —       —       —       —       —       159.3     159.3    159.3  

Average interest rate

     —       —       —       —       —       5.0 %   —      —    

Mortgage loans and investments:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ 30.6     3.8     6.0     0.6     2.0     15.5     58.5    57.4  

Average interest rate

     1.7 %   4.0 %   10.4 %   23.6 %   10.0 %   9.9 %   —      —    

LIABILITIES

                                                 

Homebuilding:

                                                 

Senior notes and other debts payable:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ 21.5     45.7     18.4     4.0     4.0     1,458.6     1,552.2    1,878.8  

Average interest rate

     4.8 %   7.2 %   11.9 %   2.9 %   2.9 %   6.4 %   —      —    

Financial services:

                                                 

Notes and other debts payable:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ —       —       —       —       —       —       —      —    

Average interest rate

     —       —       —       —       —       —       —      —    

Variable rate

   $ 734.5     0.1     0.1     —       —       —       734.7    734.7  

Average interest rate

     1.8 %   4.9 %   4.9 %   —       —       —       —      —    

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

                                                 

Homebuilding:

                                                 

Interest rate swaps:

                                                 

Variable to fixed—notional amount

   $ —       100.0     —       200.0     —       —       300.0    (33.7 )

Average pay rate

     —       6.7 %   —       6.8 %   —       —       —      —    

Average receive rate

     —       LIBOR     —       LIBOR     —       —       —      —    

 

27


Information Regarding Interest Rate Sensitivity

Principal (Notional) Amount by

Expected Maturity and Average Interest Rate

November 30, 2002

 

     Years Ending November 30,

    Thereafter

    Total

   Fair Market
Value at
November 30,
2002


 
     2003

    2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

        
     (Dollars in millions)  

ASSETS

                                                 

Financial services:

                                                 

Mortgage loans held for sale, net:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ —       —       —       —       —       616.6     616.6    616.6  

Average interest rate

     —       —       —       —       —       6.2 %   —      —    

Variable rate

   $ —       —       —       —       —       91.7     91.7    91.7  

Average interest rate

     —       —       —       —       —       5.2 %   —      —    

Mortgage loans and investments:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ 22.1     6.3     0.3     6.0     0.6     17.4     52.7    52.1  

Average interest rate

     2.9 %   2.6 %   13.7 %   10.4 %   14.7 %   11.1 %   —      —    

LIABILITIES

                                                 

Homebuilding:

                                                 

Senior notes and other debts payable:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ 64.1     19.7     14.6     17.5     379.8     1,089.6     1,585.3    1,779.7  

Average interest rate

     10.1 %   4.3 %   15.2 %   13.0 %   4.0 %   7.1 %   —      —    

Financial services:

                                                 

Notes and other debts payable:

                                                 

Fixed rate

   $ —       —       —       —       —       —       —      —    

Average interest rate

     —       —       —       —       —       —       —      —    

Variable rate

   $ 688.4     165.0     —       —       —       —       853.4    853.4  

Average interest rate

     2.3 %   2.3 %   —       —       —       —       —      —    

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

                                                 

Homebuilding:

                                                 

Interest rate swaps:

                                                 

Variable to fixed—notional amount

   $ —       —       100.0     —       200.0     —       300.0    (39.3 )

Average pay rate

     —       —       6.7 %   —       6.8 %   —       —      —    

Average receive rate

     —       —       LIBOR     —       LIBOR     —       —      —    

 

 

28


Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Lennar Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lennar Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 30, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2003. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 30, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

 

/s/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Certified Public Accountants

 

Miami, Florida

February 27, 2004

 

29


LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

November 30, 2003 and 2002

 

     2003

    2002

 
     (In thousands, except per
share amounts)
 
ASSETS               

Homebuilding:

              

Cash

   $ 1,201,276     731,163  

Receivables, net

     60,392     48,432  

Inventories:

              

Finished homes and construction in progress

     2,006,548     2,044,694  

Land under development

     1,592,978     1,185,473  

Consolidated inventory not owned

     49,329     —    

Land held for development

     7,246     7,410  
    


 

Total inventories

     3,656,101     3,237,577  

Investments in unconsolidated partnerships

     390,334     285,594  

Other assets

     450,619     357,738  
    


 

       5,758,722     4,660,504  

Financial services

     1,016,710     1,095,129  
    


 

Total assets

   $ 6,775,432     5,755,633  
    


 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY               

Homebuilding:

              

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   $ 1,040,961     969,779  

Liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned

     45,214     —    

Senior notes and other debts payable, net

     1,552,217     1,585,309  
    


 

       2,638,392     2,555,088  

Financial services

     873,266     971,388  
    


 

Total liabilities

     3,511,658     3,526,476  

Stockholders’ equity:

              

Preferred stock

     —       —    

Class A common stock of $0.10 par value per share (1)

              

Authorized: 2003-300,000 shares; 2002-100,000, Issued: 2003-125,328; 2002-130,122

     12,533     13,012  

Class B common stock of $0.10 par value per share (1)

              

Authorized: 2003-90,000 shares; 2002-30,000, Issued: 2003-32,508; 2002-19,400

     3,251     1,940  

Additional paid-in capital (1)

     1,358,304     866,026  

Retained earnings

     1,914,963     1,538,945  

Unearned restricted stock

     (4,301 )   (7,337 )

Deferred compensation plan (1)—2003-534 Class A common shares and 53 Class B common shares; 2002-120 Class A common shares and 12 Class B common shares

     (4,919 )   (1,103 )

Deferred compensation liability

     4,919     1,103  

Treasury stock, at cost; 2002-9,848 Class A common shares

     —       (158,992 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (20,976 )   (24,437 )
    


 

Total stockholders’ equity

     3,263,774     2,229,157  
    


 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 6,775,432     5,755,633  
    


 


(1)   Class A common stock, Class B common stock, additional paid-in capital, and all share information (except authorized shares, treasury shares and par value) have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the Company’s January 2004 two-for-one stock split. See Note 12.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

30


LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Years Ended November 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

     2003

   2002 (1)

   2001 (1)

     (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues:

                

Homebuilding

   $ 8,348,645    6,751,301    5,554,747

Financial services

     558,974    484,219    425,354
    

  
  

Total revenues

     8,907,619    7,235,520    5,980,101
    

  
  

Costs and expenses:

                

Homebuilding

     7,288,356    5,993,209    4,934,071

Financial services

     404,521    356,608    336,223

Corporate general and administrative

     111,488    85,958    75,831
    

  
  

Total costs and expenses

     7,804,365    6,435,775    5,346,125
    

  
  

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated partnerships

     81,937    42,651    27,051

Management fees and other income, net

     21,863    33,313    18,396
    

  
  

Earnings before provision for income taxes

     1,207,054    875,709    679,423

Provision for income taxes

     455,663    330,580    261,578
    

  
  

Net earnings

   $ 751,391    545,129    417,845
    

  
  

Earnings per share (2):

                

Basic

   $ 5.10    3.88    3.03
    

  
  

Diluted

   $ 4.65    3.51    2.73
    

  
  

(1)   Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation (see Note 1).
(2)   Earnings per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the Company’s April 2003 10% Class B stock distribution and January 2004 two-for-one stock split. See Notes 10 and 12.

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

31


LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years Ended November 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Class A common stock (1):

                    

Beginning balance

   $ 13,012     12,824     12,546  

Conversion of 3 7/8% zero-coupon senior convertible debentures to Class A common shares

     1,356     —       —    

Par value of retired treasury stock

     (1,972 )   —       —    

Employee stock plans

     137     180     256  

Conversion of Class B common stock

     —       8     22  
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     12,533     13,012     12,824  
    


 

 

Class B common stock (1):

                    

Beginning balance

     1,940     1,948     1,970  

Employee stock plans

     11     —       —    

10% Class B common stock distribution

     1,300     —       —    

Conversion to Class A common stock

     —       (8 )   (22 )
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     3,251     1,940     1,948  
    


 

 

Additional paid-in capital (1):

                    

Beginning balance

     866,026     836,538     805,243  

10% Class B common stock distribution

     351,368     —       —    

Conversion of 3 7/8% zero-coupon senior convertible debentures to Class A common shares

     269,968     10     —    

Conversion of other debt

     6     —       —    

Employee stock plans

     18,049     18,750     19,145  

Tax benefit from employee stock plans and vesting of restricted stock

     10,951     10,728     12,150  

Retirement of treasury stock

     (158,064 )   —       —    
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     1,358,304     866,026     836,538  
    


 

 

Retained earnings:

                    

Beginning balance

     1,538,945     996,998     582,299  

Net earnings

     751,391     545,129     417,845  

10% Class B common stock distribution including cash paid for fractional shares of $298

     (352,966 )   —       —    

Cash dividends—Class A common stock

     (19,167 )   (2,746 )   (2,705 )

Cash dividends—Class B common stock

     (3,240 )   (436 )   (441 )
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     1,914,963     1,538,945     996,998  
    


 

 

Unearned restricted stock:

                    

Beginning balance

     (7,337 )   (10,833 )   (14,535 )

Restricted stock cancellations

     —       387     415  

Amortization of unearned restricted stock

     3,036     3,109     3,287  
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     (4,301 )   (7,337 )   (10,833 )
    


 

 

Deferred compensation plan:

                    

Beginning balance

     (1,103 )   —       —    

Deferred compensation activity

     (3,816 )   (1,103 )   —    
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     (4,919 )   (1,103 )   —    
    


 

 

Deferred compensation liability:

                    

Beginning balance

     1,103     —       —    

Deferred compensation activity

     3,816     1,103     —    
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     4,919     1,103     —    
    


 

 

 

 

32


LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(Continued)

Years Ended November 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Treasury stock, at cost:

                    

Beginning balance

     (158,992 )   (158,927 )   (158,943 )

Employee stock plans and vesting of restricted stock, net

     (1,044 )   (65 )   —    

Shares issued

     —       —       16  

Retirement of treasury stock

     160,036     —       —    
    


 

 

Balance at November 30,

     —       (158,992 )   (158,927 )