UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2004
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number
001-31931
Levitt Corporation
Florida (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
11-3675068 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
1750 East Sunrise Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Address of principal executive offices) |
33304 (Zip Code) |
(954) 760-5200
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding for each of the Registrants classes of common stock, as of May 12, 2004:
Class of Common Stock |
Shares Outstanding |
|||
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
18,597,166 | |||
Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
1,219,031 |
1
Levitt Corporation and Subsidiaries
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
2
Levitt Corporation
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 45,851 | 35,965 | |||||
Restricted cash |
3,600 | 3,384 | ||||||
Notes receivable |
4,988 | 5,163 | ||||||
Inventory of real estate |
268,410 | 257,556 | ||||||
Investments in real estate joint ventures |
6,275 | 4,106 | ||||||
Investment in Bluegreen Corporation |
72,496 | 70,852 | ||||||
Other assets |
17,109 | 15,034 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset, net |
| 654 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 418,729 | 392,714 | |||||
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 40,637 | 39,987 | |||||
Customer deposits |
58,797 | 52,134 | ||||||
Current income tax payable |
8,018 | 1,024 | ||||||
Notes and mortgage notes payable |
111,512 | 111,625 | ||||||
Notes and mortgage notes payable
to affiliates |
60,630 | 61,618 | ||||||
Development bonds payable |
764 | 850 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability, net |
74 | | ||||||
Total liabilities |
280,432 | 267,238 | ||||||
Minority interest in consolidated real estate joint ventures |
59 | 24 | ||||||
Shareholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value |
||||||||
Authorized: 5,000,000 shares |
||||||||
Issued and outstanding: no shares |
| | ||||||
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
||||||||
Authorized: 50,000,000 shares |
||||||||
Issued and outstanding: 13,597,166 and 13,597,166 shares, respectively |
136 | 136 | ||||||
Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
||||||||
Authorized: 10,000,000 shares |
||||||||
Issued and outstanding: 1,219,031 and 1,219,031 shares, respectively |
12 | 12 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
67,678 | 67,855 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
70,075 | 57,020 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
337 | 429 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
138,238 | 125,452 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 418,729 | 392,714 | |||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3
Levitt Corporation
Three Months | ||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Sales of real estate |
$ | 98,523 | 52,964 | |||||
Title and mortgage operations |
970 | 404 | ||||||
Total revenues |
99,493 | 53,368 | ||||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||
Cost of sales of real estate |
69,665 | 39,524 | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
14,047 | 8,020 | ||||||
Interest expense, net |
58 | 241 | ||||||
Other expenses |
616 | 292 | ||||||
Minority interest |
25 | 121 | ||||||
Total costs and expenses |
84,411 | 48,198 | ||||||
15,082 | 5,170 | |||||||
Earnings (loss) from Bluegreen Corporation |
2,086 | (134 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) from real estate joint ventures |
3,607 | (313 | ) | |||||
Interest and other income |
478 | 646 | ||||||
Income before income taxes |
21,253 | 5,369 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
8,198 | 2,075 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 13,055 | 3,294 | |||||
Earnings per common share: |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.88 | 0.22 | |||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.87 | 0.22 | |||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: |
||||||||
Basic |
14,816 | 14,816 | ||||||
Diluted |
14,852 | 14,816 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4
Levitt Corporation
Three Months | ||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Net income |
$ | 13,055 | 3,294 | |||||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||
Pro-rata share of unrealized (loss) gain
recognized by Bluegreen on retained
interests in notes receivable sold, net of tax |
(92 | ) | 406 | |||||
Comprehensive income |
$ | 12,963 | 3,700 | |||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5
Levitt Corporation
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compre- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | Class B | Additional | hensive | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common | Common | Paid-In | Retained | Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock |
Stock |
Capital |
Earnings |
(Loss) |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2003 |
$ | 136 | 12 | 67,855 | 57,020 | 429 | 125,452 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 13,055 | | 13,055 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |
| | | | (92 | ) | (92 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Bluegreen common
stock, net of tax |
| | (177 | ) | | | (177 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2004 |
$ | 136 | 12 | 67,678 | 70,075 | 337 | 138,238 | |||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
6
Levitt Corporation
Three Months | ||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 13,055 | 3,294 | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
252 | 102 | ||||||
Minority interest expense |
25 | 121 | ||||||
Increase in deferred income taxes |
901 | 502 | ||||||
(Earnings) loss from Bluegreen Corporation |
(2,086 | ) | 134 | |||||
(Earnings) loss from real estate joint ventures |
(3,607 | ) | 313 | |||||
Write-off of debt offering costs |
117 | | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Increase in restricted cash |
(216 | ) | (43 | ) | ||||
Increase in inventory of real estate |
(10,854 | ) | (16,143 | ) | ||||
Decrease (increase) in notes receivable |
175 | (123 | ) | |||||
Increase in other assets |
(2,134 | ) | (1,089 | ) | ||||
Increase in accounts payable,
accrued expenses and other liabilities |
14,307 | 7,538 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
9,935 | (5,394 | ) | |||||
Investing activities: |
||||||||
Investment in real estate joint ventures |
(35 | ) | (536 | ) | ||||
Distributions from real estate joint ventures |
1,473 | 391 | ||||||
Other |
(193 | ) | (133 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
1,245 | (278 | ) | |||||
Financing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from notes and mortgage notes payable |
35,525 | 42,916 | ||||||
Proceeds from notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates |
10,167 | 7,732 | ||||||
Repayment of notes and mortgage notes payable |
(35,638 | ) | (24,041 | ) | ||||
Repayment of notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates |
(11,155 | ) | (9,014 | ) | ||||
Repayment of development bonds payable |
(86 | ) | (3,095 | ) | ||||
Debt issue costs |
(117 | ) | | |||||
Change in minority interest in consolidated real estate joint ventures |
10 | 75 | ||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(1,294 | ) | 14,573 | |||||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
9,886 | 8,901 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period |
35,965 | 16,014 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 45,851 | 24,915 | |||||
(Continued)
7
Levitt Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Unaudited
(In thousands)
Three Months | ||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Supplemental cash flow information |
||||||||
Interest paid on borrowings |
$ | 1,767 | 2,261 | |||||
Income taxes paid |
$ | 300 | 1,286 | |||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating,
investing and financing activities: |
||||||||
Change in shareholders equity resulting from the change
in other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of taxes |
$ | (92 | ) | 406 | ||||
Change in shareholders equity from the net effect
of Bluegreens capital transactions, net of taxes |
$ | (177 | ) | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
8
Levitt Corporation
1. Presentation of Interim Financial Statements
Levitt Corporation (the Company) is the parent company to other entities operating in the real estate development and homebuilding industries. The Company engages in real estate activities through Levitt and Sons, LLC, a developer of single family home communities and condominiums (Levitt and Sons); Core Communities, LLC, a land and master-planned community developer (Core Communities); an equity investment in Bluegreen Corporation, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company engaged in the acquisition, development, marketing and sale of ownership interests in primarily drive-to vacation resorts, and the development and sale of golf communities and residential land (Bluegreen); and other operations which include Levitt Commercial, LLC, a developer of commercial properties (Levitt Commercial), and investments in real estate joint ventures.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2004. Certain items in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the companys annual report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
2. Stock Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock option grants under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for stock issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No compensation expense is recognized because all stock options granted have exercise prices not less than market value of the Companys stock on the date of grant.
9
The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based compensation Transition and Disclosure, to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share data):
For the Three Months | ||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Pro forma net income |
||||||||
Net income, as reported |
$ | 13,055 | 3,294 | |||||
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under fair value based
method for all awards, net of related income tax
effects and minority interest |
(407 | ) | | |||||
Pro forma net income |
$ | 12,648 | 3,294 | |||||
Basic earnings per share: |
||||||||
As reported |
$ | 0.88 | 0.22 | |||||
Pro forma |
$ | 0.85 | 0.22 | |||||
Diluted earnings per share: |
||||||||
As reported |
$ | 0.87 | 0.22 | |||||
Pro forma |
$ | 0.84 | 0.22 |
3. Inventory of Real Estate
Inventory of real estate is summarized as follows (in thousands):
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Land and land development costs |
$ | 164,536 | 174,142 | |||||
Construction cost |
89,382 | 67,895 | ||||||
Other costs |
14,492 | 15,519 | ||||||
$ | 268,410 | 257,556 | ||||||
10
4. Interest
Interest incurred relating to land under development and construction is capitalized to real estate inventories during the active development period. Interest is capitalized as a component of inventory at the effective rates paid on borrowings during the pre-construction and planning stage and the periods that projects are under development. Capitalization of interest is discontinued if development ceases at a project. Interest is amortized to cost of sales as related homes, land and units are sold. The following table is a summary of interest incurred on notes and mortgage notes payable and the amounts capitalized (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Interest incurred to non-affiliates |
$ | 1,360 | 1,556 | |||||
Interest incurred to affiliates |
634 | 600 | ||||||
Interest capitalized |
(1,936 | ) | (1,915 | ) | ||||
Interest expense, net |
$ | 58 | 241 | |||||
Interest included in cost of sales |
$ | 1,800 | 1,202 | |||||
5. Investment in Bluegreen Corporation
During April 2002, the Company acquired approximately 8.3 million shares of the outstanding common stock of Bluegreen for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $53.8 million. In December 2003, the Company acquired an additional 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen from BankAtlantic Bancorp in exchange for a $5.5 million one year note (which was subsequently repaid in April 2004) and additional shares of the Companys common stock. The Company accounts for its investment in Bluegreen under the equity method. The cost of this investment is adjusted to recognize the Companys interest in the earnings or losses of Bluegreen subsequent to the acquisition. As of March 31, 2004, the Companys investment represented approximately 37% of the outstanding common stock of Bluegreen.
Bluegreens condensed balance sheets and condensed statements of income are as follows (in thousands):
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Total assets |
$ | 577,934 | 570,406 | |||||
Total liabilities |
375,512 | 378,878 | ||||||
Minority interest |
5,465 | 4,648 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
196,957 | 186,880 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 577,934 | $ | 570,406 | ||||
11
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Revenues |
$ | 107,217 | 80,882 | |||||
Cost and expenses |
98,745 | 76,967 | ||||||
Income before minority interest and
provision for income taxes |
8,472 | 3,915 | ||||||
Minority interest |
829 | 457 | ||||||
Income before provision for income taxes |
7,643 | 3,458 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
2,943 | 1,331 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 4,700 | $ | 2,127 | ||||
6. Notes and Mortgage Notes Payable
On September 30, 2003 the SEC declared effective the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the public offering of up to $100 million of unsecured subordinated investment notes. The investment notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinated to substantially all other liabilities. In late 2003, the Company ceased advertising the offering, and in March 2004, the unsold notes were deregistered. Approximately $3.2 million of investment notes were outstanding as of March 31, 2004.
7. Commitments and Contingencies
At March 31, 2004, the Company had $156.4 million of commitments to purchase properties for development, approximately $12.5 million of which is subject to due diligence and satisfaction of certain requirements and conditions, including financing contingencies. The following table summarizes certain information relating to outstanding purchase contracts.
Purchase | Units/ | Expected | ||||||||||
Price |
Acres |
Closing |
||||||||||
Levitt and Sons |
$ | 75.0 | million | 4,520 units | 2004 | |||||||
Core Communities |
$ | 80.6 | million | 4,456 acres | 2004 | |||||||
Levitt Commercial |
$ | 836,000 | 22 units | 2004 |
At March 31, 2004, cash deposits of approximately $4.3 million secured the Companys commitments under these contracts. Included in the table above are $23.5 million of commitments by Levitt and Sons to purchase properties from Core Communities in arms-length transactions.
12
8. Litigation
On December 29, 2000, Smith & Company, Inc. (Smith) filed an action against Levitt-Ansca Towne Partnership, a Florida limited partnership (Partnership), Bellaggio by Levitt Homes, Inc., a Florida corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Levitt and Sons, LLC which holds a 50% interest in the Partnership (BLHI, now known as Bellaggio by Levitt and Sons, LLC, a Florida limited liability company), Bellaggio by Ansca, Inc., a/k/a Bellaggio by Ansca Homes, Inc., and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company (collectively, the foregoing parties are Defendants). The suit arose out of an August 2000 contract between Smith and the Partnership. The Complaint alleged, among other things, wrongful termination, breach and failure to pay for extra work performed outside the scope of the contract. The Partnership denied the claims, asserted defenses and asserted a number of counterclaims. The case was tried before a jury, and on March 7, 2002, the jury returned a verdict against the Partnership. The court entered a judgment of $3.68 million against the Defendants of which BLHIs share of potential liability is estimated at $2.6 million. The Partnership appealed the verdict, and on April 14, 2004 the District Court of Appeal in the Fourth District in the State of Florida reversed the judgment with respect to damages and remanded the case back to the trial court for a re-trial on damages only. At March 31, 2004, the Companys financial statements included a $2.6 million accrual in other liabilities associated with this suit and $3.6 million in restricted cash to secure the appeal bond previously posted.
9. Segment Reporting
Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has four reportable business segments: Levitt and Sons, Core Communities, Investment in Bluegreen, and Other Operations. The Company evaluates segment performance primarily based on net income after tax. The information provided for segment reporting is based on managements internal reports. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The elimination entries consist primarily of inter-company sales of real estate between Core Communities and Levitt and Sons and the cost of sales associated with those transactions, recorded in each case based upon terms that management believes would be attained in an arms-length transaction. The presentation and allocation of assets, liabilities and results of operations may not reflect the actual economic costs of the segments as stand-alone businesses. If a different basis of allocation were utilized, the relative contributions of the segments might differ, but management believes that the relative trends in segments would likely not be impacted.
13
The tables below present unaudited segment information as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands).
Levitt and | Core | Investment | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||
2004 |
Sons |
Communities |
in Bluegreen |
Operations |
Eliminations |
Total |
||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales of real estate |
$ | 78,664 | 19,321 | | 538 | | 98,523 | |||||||||||||||||
Title and mortgage operations |
970 | | | | | 970 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
79,634 | 19,321 | | 538 | | 99,493 | ||||||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales of real estate |
$ | 61,475 | 7,968 | | 727 | (505 | ) | 69,665 | ||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
9,292 | 2,588 | | 2,167 | | 14,047 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
| 58 | | | | 58 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other expenses |
617 | | | (1 | ) | | 616 | |||||||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| | | 25 | | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
71,384 | 10,614 | | 2,918 | (505 | ) | 84,411 | |||||||||||||||||
8,250 | 8,707 | | (2,380 | ) | 505 | 15,082 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation |
| | 2,086 | | | 2,086 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from real estate joint ventures |
1,509 | | | 2,098 | | 3,607 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and other income |
43 | 405 | | 30 | | 478 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
9,802 | 9,112 | 2,086 | (252 | ) | 505 | 21,253 | |||||||||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
3,781 | 3,515 | 805 | (98 | ) | 195 | 8,198 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 6,021 | 5,597 | 1,281 | (154 | ) | 310 | 13,055 | ||||||||||||||||
Inventory of real estate |
$ | 221,189 | 43,594 | | 8,638 | (5,011 | ) | 268,410 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 246,338 | 89,149 | 72,496 | 15,757 | (5,011 | ) | 418,729 | ||||||||||||||||
Notes, mortgage notes and bonds payable |
$ | 100,248 | 15,022 | | 57,637 | | 172,906 | |||||||||||||||||
Levitt and | Core | Investment | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||
2003 |
Sons |
Communities |
in Bluegreen |
Operations |
Eliminations |
Total |
||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales of real estate |
$ | 37,633 | 11,909 | | 3,422 | | 52,964 | |||||||||||||||||
Title and mortgage operations |
404 | | | | | 404 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
38,037 | 11,909 | | 3,422 | | 53,368 | ||||||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales of real estate |
$ | 29,153 | 7,226 | | 3,145 | | 39,524 | |||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
5,937 | 1,252 | | 831 | | 8,020 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
| 233 | | 8 | | 241 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other expenses |
292 | | | | 292 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority Interest |
| | | 121 | | 121 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
35,382 | 8,711 | | 4,105 | | 48,198 | ||||||||||||||||||
2,655 | 3,198 | | (683 | ) | | 5,170 | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from Bluegreen Corporation |
| | (134 | ) | | | (134 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Loss from real estate joint ventures |
(141 | ) | | | (172 | ) | | (313 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Interest and other income |
118 | 431 | | 97 | | 646 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
2,632 | 3,629 | (134 | ) | (758 | ) | | 5,369 | ||||||||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
1,019 | 1,400 | (52 | ) | (292 | ) | | 2,075 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,613 | 2,229 | (82 | ) | (466 | ) | | 3,294 | |||||||||||||||
Inventory of real estate |
$ | 162,837 | 53,140 | | 4,833 | (6,541 | ) | 214,269 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 182,809 | 79,872 | 57,866 | 6,509 | (5,635 | ) | 321,421 | ||||||||||||||||
Notes, mortgage notes and bonds payable |
$ | 104,982 | 14,876 | | 42,112 | | 161,970 | |||||||||||||||||
14
10. Parent Company Financial Statements
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, and Condensed Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 are shown below (in thousands):
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Total assets |
$ | 195,678 | 181,808 | |||||
Total liabilities |
57,440 | 56,356 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
138,238 | 125,452 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 195,678 | 181,808 | |||||
Condensed Statements of Operations
Three Months | ||||||||
Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Revenues |
$ | 12 | 9 | |||||
Costs and expenses |
2,157 | 895 | ||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(2,145 | ) | (886 | ) | ||||
Benefit for income taxes |
(827 | ) | (342 | ) | ||||
Loss before equity from income in
wholly owned subsidiaries, net of tax |
(1,317 | ) | (544 | ) | ||||
Earnings from wholly owned subsidiaries,
net of tax |
11,802 | 4,026 | ||||||
Earnings (loss) from Bluegreen, net of tax |
1,281 | (82 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) from real estate joint ventures, net of tax |
1,289 | (106 | ) | |||||
Net income |
$ | 13,055 | 3,294 | |||||
Cash dividends received from subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 were $914,000 and $1.4 million, respectively. Some subsidiaries borrowings contain covenants that, among other things, have the effect of limiting dividends that can be paid.
15
11. New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46). In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46R), which replaces FIN 46. FIN 46R addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling interest in an entity through means other than voting rights. This interpretation requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entitys activities or is entitled to receive a majority of the entitys residual returns or both. The interpretation also requires disclosures about variable interest entities for which consolidation is not required but in which a company has a significant variable interest. The Company has adopted FIN 46R and concluded that there are no variable interest entities for which consolidation or additional disclosure is required.
12. Subsequent Events
In April 2004 the Company sold 5,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock pursuant to a registered underwritten offering at $24.50 per share. Net proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $115.0 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Approximately $12.0 million of the net proceeds of the offering were used to repay indebtedness, $7.3 million were used to fund the Bowden acquisition described below, and $67.0 million were transferred to the Companys operating subsidiaries. The Companys management expects to use the balance of the proceeds to fund the Companys operations and growth and for general corporate purposes.
On April 28, 2004 the Company acquired all of the capital stock of Bowden Building Corporation, a homebuilder located in Memphis, Tennessee (Bowden) for approximately $7.3 million in cash. The acquisition of Bowden will be accounted for as a purchase. The allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the purchase of Bowden had not been completed as of the date of these financial statements.
16
Item 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The objective of the following discussion is to provide an understanding of the financial condition and results of operations of Levitt Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (Levitt, or the Company) for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. (As used herein, the Company may also be referred to as we, us, or our.) We engage in real estate activities through Levitt and Sons, Core Communities, an investment in Bluegreen and other operations, which other operations include Levitt Commercial and investments in real estate projects through subsidiaries and joint ventures. Levitt and Sons is a developer of single-family home communities and condominium and rental apartment complexes. Levitt and Sons and its predecessors have built more than 200,000 homes since 1929. Core Communities developed the 4,600-acre master-planned community known as St. Lucie West in St. Lucie County, Florida, and is currently developing Tradition, its second master-planned community. Tradition is planned to include more than 9,000 acres, including approximately five miles of frontage on Interstate 95, and is in the initial development stage in St. Lucie County, Florida. Bluegreen is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company engaged in the acquisition, development, marketing and sale of ownership interests in primarily drive-to vacation resorts, and the development and sale of golf communities and residential land. Levitt Commercial specializes in the development and management of industrial, commercial and retail properties. In April 2004 we acquired Bowden Building Corporation, a homebuilder located in Memphis, Tennessee (Bowden).
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, may, intend, expect, will, should, seeks or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based largely on managements expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties including certain risks described in this report. When considering those forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks, uncertainties and other cautionary statements made in this report. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. In addition to the risks identified below, you should refer to our periodic and current reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for specific risks which could cause actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Some factors which may affect the accuracy of the forward-looking statements apply generally to the real estate industry, while other factors apply directly to us. Any number of important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: general economic and market conditions, including interest rate levels; our ability to service our substantial indebtedness; inherent risks in investment in real estate; fluctuations in operating results; our anticipated growth strategies; shortages and increased costs of labor and building materials; competition in the real estate development industry; availability and cost of land in desirable areas; natural disasters; our ability to raise debt and equity capital and grow our operations on a profitable basis; our ability to successfully integrate Bowden; and our continuing relationship with affiliates. Many of these factors are beyond our control. In addition to the risks and factors identified above, reference is also made to other risks and factors detailed in reports filed by the Company with the SEC. The Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.
17
Executive Overview
Management evaluates the performance and prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries using a variety of financial and non-financial measures. The key financial measures utilized to evaluate historical operating performance include revenues from sales of real estate, cost of sales of real estate, margin (which we measure as revenues from sales of real estate minus cost of sales of real estate), margin percentage (which we measure as margin divided by revenues from sales of real estate), income before taxes and net income. Non-financial measures used to evaluate historical performance include the number of homes delivered, number and value of sales contracts executed, and the number of housing starts. In evaluating the Companys future prospects, management considers non-financial information such as the number of homes and acres in backlog (which we measure as homes or land subject to a pending sales contract) and the aggregate value of those contracts. Additionally, we monitor the number of properties remaining in inventory and under contract to be purchased relative to our sales and construction trends. The Companys ratio of debt to shareholders equity and cash requirements are also considered by management when evaluating the Companys future prospects, as are general economic factors and interest rate trends which may have an impact on the Companys prospects. Each of the above measures is discussed in the following sections as it relates to our operating results, financial position and liquidity. The list of measures above is not an exhaustive list, and management may from time to time utilize additional financial and non-financial information or may not use the measures listed above.
In April 2004 we completed the underwritten public offering of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $24.50 per share. Net proceeds from the offering totaled approximately $115.0 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Approximately $12.0 million of the net proceeds of the offering were used to repay indebtedness, $7.3 million were used to fund the Bowden acquisition and $67.0 million were transferred to our operating subsidiaries to provide funds for their growth. The balance of the funds will be used to fund our operations and growth and for general corporate purposes.
On April 28, 2004, Levitt acquired all of the capital stock of Bowden. Founded in 1971, Bowden is believed to have been the largest homebuilder in the metropolitan Memphis area for the last six consecutive years, and delivered 420 new homes in 2003.
Impact of Inflation and Rising Interest Rates
Our businesses are impacted by cyclical pressures associated with economic expansion, including rising inflation, rising commodity prices and rising interest rates. Inflationary pressures, including further increases in commodity prices, could negatively affect our results of operations by increasing land, land development and construction costs. In recent months, the costs of lumber, steel, concrete, asphalt and other building materials have risen significantly. Historically, we have managed our costs, in part, through use of short-term fixed price contracts with our subcontractors and our material suppliers, but this may not be possible going forward.
Further, we enter into fixed-price sales contracts for homes before we start construction; accordingly, rising construction costs may negatively affect our margins in the future. Owing to strong demand for our housing products and the overall robust condition of the real estate markets in Florida where we build, we have historically been able to offset the increases in construction costs and land prices through periodic increases in the selling prices of our homes and our home sites. If we are unable to increase our home prices over the long term to offset increased costs, our operating results would be adversely affected.
18
Rising interest rates affect our costs, as we rely on third party financing to purchase and develop land. Additionally, rising interest rates increase the mortgage costs of our customers who finance their purchases, and rising interest rates have historically had an adverse impact on housing demand. If housing demand is adversely affected, land may remain in our inventory longer, thereby raising our borrowing costs. Also, demand for housing may be adversely affected by rising home prices. Although we are not currently experiencing any adverse effects from higher interest rates, higher interest rates may adversely affect our results of operations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management views critical accounting policies as accounting policies that are important to the understanding of our financial statements and also involve estimates and judgments about inherently uncertain matters. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates require the exercise of judgment, as future events cannot be determined with certainty. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in subsequent periods relate to the determination of the valuation of real estate, the valuation of carrying values of investments in real estate joint ventures, the valuation of the fair market value of assets and liabilities in the application of the purchase method of accounting and the amount of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The accounting policies that we have identified as critical to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations are: (i) real estate inventories; (ii) investments in real estate joint ventures and other equity investments; (iii) revenue recognition; (iv) capitalized interest; and (v) income taxes. For a more detailed discussion of these critical accounting policies see Critical Accounting Policies appearing in our Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months | ||||||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
Change |
||||||||||
(In thousands) | ( U n a u d i t e d ) | |||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Sales of real estate |
$ | 98,523 | 52,964 | 45,559 | ||||||||
Title and mortgage operations |
970 | 404 | 566 | |||||||||
Total revenues |
99,493 | 53,368 | 46,125 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||
Cost of sales of real estate |
69,665 | 39,524 | 30,141 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
14,047 | 8,020 | 6,027 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
58 | 241 | (183 | ) | ||||||||
Other expenses |
616 | 292 | 324 | |||||||||
Minority interest |
25 | 121 | (96 | ) | ||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
84,411 | 48,198 | 36,213 | |||||||||
15,082 | 5,170 | 9,912 | ||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from Bluegreen Corporation |
2,086 | (134 | ) | 2,220 | ||||||||
Earnings (loss) from real estate joint ventures |
3,607 | (313 | ) | 3,920 | ||||||||
Interest and other income |
478 | 646 | (168 | ) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes |
21,253 | 5,369 | 15,884 | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
8,198 | 2,075 | 6,123 |
19
Three Months | ||||||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
Change |
||||||||||
(In thousands) | ( U n a u d i t e d ) | |||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 13,055 | 3,294 | 9,761 | ||||||||
Basic earnings per share |
$ | 0.88 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.66 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.87 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.65 | ||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding |
14,816 | 14,816 | | |||||||||
Diluted shares outstanding |
14,852 | 14,816 | 36 |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period:
Consolidated net income increased $9.8 million, or 296% for the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The increase in net income primarily resulted from an increase in sales of real estate by our homebuilding and land development operations, from higher earnings from Bluegreen Corporation and from an increase in our earnings from our real estate joint venture activities.
Our revenues from sales of real estate increased 86% to $98.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $53.0 million for the same 2003 period. This increase is attributable primarily to an increase in home deliveries from 162 homes delivered in the first quarter of 2003 to 341 homes delivered in the first quarter of 2004. During the three months ended March 31, 2004, land sales revenue also increased 62% to $19.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $11.9 million for the first quarter of 2003. This increase reflects the commencement of deliveries of land parcels in Tradition, our newest master-planned community. Profits on inter-company transactions are deferred until the properties are delivered to unaffiliated parties, at which time the deferred profit is applied against consolidated cost of sales. Consolidated cost of sales was reduced by approximately $505,000 in the first three months of 2004 reflecting the recognition of previously deferred profits which arose from sales of land by Core Communities to Levitt and Sons. No previously deferred profits were recognized during the first three months of 2003.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased during the first quarter of 2004 compared to the same 2003 period primarily as a result of higher employee compensation and benefits (including sales commissions), and increased advertising expenses. The increase in employee compensation and benefits and advertising expenses was directly related to our new development projects in central and southeast Florida, as well as to the increase in our home deliveries. The number of our full time employees increased to 386 at March 31, 2004 from 250 at March 31, 2003, and the number of part time employees increased to 38 at March 31, 2004 from 30 at March 31, 2003. As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses declined from 15.0% in the first three months of 2003 to 14.1% in the first three months of 2004.
Interest incurred on notes and development bonds payable totaled $2.0 million and $2.2 million for the 2004 period and 2003 period, respectively. Interest incurred was lower due to decreases in the average interest rates paid, although the positive effect of lower rates was partially offset by higher outstanding balances of notes and mortgage notes payable. Interest capitalized was $1.9 million for each of the 2004 and 2003 periods. At the time of home closings and land sales, the capitalized interest allocated to such property is charged to cost of sales. Cost of sales of real estate for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $1.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Bluegreens reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $4.7 million, as compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2003. Our interest in Bluegreens earnings, net of
20
purchase accounting adjustments, was $2.1 million for the first three months of 2004 versus a loss of $134,000 for the first three months of 2003. For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, we owned 9.5 million shares and 8.3 million shares, which represented approximately 37% and 34%, respectively, of the weighted average outstanding shares of Bluegreen.
Earnings from real estate joint ventures were $3.6 million during the first quarter of 2004 as compared to a loss of $313,000 during the 2003 period. This increase in earnings in our real estate joint venture activities primarily resulted from gains recognized upon the sale of a joint ventures property in Vero Beach, Florida, earnings associated with the delivery of condominium units by a joint venture project in Boca Raton, Florida and earnings associated with the delivery of homes by a joint venture project in West Palm Beach, Florida. We do not believe that the level of earnings from real estate joint ventures recognized in the first three months of 2004 is indicative of the results expected for the entire year because the Vero Beach and West Palm Beach joint venture projects are sold out and their operations are essentially completed.
21
LEVITT AND SONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months | ||||||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
Change |
||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ( U n a u d i t e d ) | |||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Sales of real estate |
$ | 78,664 | 37,633 | 41,031 | ||||||||
Title and mortgage operations |
970 | 404 | 566 | |||||||||
Total revenues |
79,634 | 38,037 | 41,597 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||
Cost of sales of real estate |
61,475 | 29,153 | 32,322 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
9,292 | 5,937 | 3,355 | |||||||||
Other expenses |
617 | 292 | 325 | |||||||||
Minority interest |
| | | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
71,384 | 35,382 | 36,002 | |||||||||
8,250 | 2,655 | 5,595 | ||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from real estate joint ventures |
1,509 | (141 | ) | 1,650 | ||||||||
Interest and other income |
43 | 118 | (75 | ) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes |
9,802 | 2,632 | 7,170 | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
3,781 | 1,019 | 2,762 | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 6,021 | 1,613 | 4,408 | ||||||||
Levitt and Sons: |
||||||||||||
Homes delivered |
341 | 162 | 179 | |||||||||
Construction starts |
701 | 244 | 457 | |||||||||
Average selling price of homes delivered |
$ | 231 | 232 | (1 | ) | |||||||
Margin percentage on homes delivered |
21.9 | % | 22.5 | % | -0.7 | % | ||||||
New sales contracts (units) |
474 | 467 | 7 | |||||||||
New sales contracts (value) |
$ | 130,124 | 101,361 | 28,763 | ||||||||
Backlog of homes (units) |
2,186 | 1,129 | 1,057 | |||||||||
Backlog of homes (value) |
$ | 510,231 | 231,320 | 278,911 | ||||||||
Levitt and Sons Joint Ventures: |
||||||||||||
Homes delivered |
88 | | 88 | |||||||||
Construction starts |
| 43 | (43 | ) | ||||||||
New sales contracts (units) |
31 | 26 | 5 | |||||||||
New sales contracts (value) |
$ | 10,133 | 5,270 | 4,863 | ||||||||
Backlog of homes (units) |
47 | 87 | (40 | ) | ||||||||
Backlog of homes (value) |
$ | 14,444 | 21,297 | (6,853 | ) |
At March 31, 2004, Levitt and Sons had a delivery backlog of 2,186 homes representing $510.2 million of future sales. The number of homes in backlog is at a five-year high and is higher than the number of units delivered in 2001 and 2002 combined. The number of homes in backlog is 6% higher than at year-end 2003, and the average sales price of the homes under contract is approximately 4% higher than the year-end 2003 backlog. While the strong backlog is encouraging for our 2004 results, potential economic trends and developments could impact our home sales operations. In recent months, the costs of lumber, steel, concrete and other building materials have risen significantly. While we may be able to increase our selling prices to absorb these increased costs in future sales, the sales prices of homes in our backlog cannot be increased. Accordingly, we expect that the margins on the delivery of homes in backlog may be adversely affected by this trend.
22
Levitt and Sons is currently expanding its operations to the Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia markets. Levitt and Sons has not previously operated in these markets and may not recognize any revenues from these operations during the next twelve months or longer. As a result, any costs associated with this expansion that are incurred prior to revenue recognition may adversely affect our operating results.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period:
Levitt and Sons revenues from home sales increased 109% to $78.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same 2003 period. This was primarily due to an increase in home deliveries associated with the introduction of new projects. During the three months ended March 31, 2004, 341 homes were delivered as compared to 162 homes delivered during the three months ended March 31, 2003.
Cost of sales increased 111% to $61.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same 2003 period. The increase in cost of sales was primarily due to the increase in home deliveries. Cost of sales as a percentage of related revenue was 78% and 77% for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 57% to $9.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same 2003 period. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily resulted from the increase in home deliveries, as well as an increase in compensation and benefits resulting from the continued expansion of Levitt and Sons operations. As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses declined from 15.6% in the first three months of 2003 to 11.7% in the first three months of 2004. The improvement in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues reflects economies of scale realized as a result of increased revenue levels.
Interest incurred totaled $1.2 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in interest incurred was primarily due to an increase in borrowings associated with several new development projects, but was partially offset by a decline in average interest rates on these borrowings. Interest capitalized for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 totaled $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. In both 2004 and 2003, the value of real estate inventory under active development was greater than the interest-bearing debt related to that inventory. Therefore, all interest incurred during the 2004 and 2003 periods was capitalized. When a housing unit is delivered, the capitalized interest related to that unit is charged to cost of sales. Cost of sales of real estate for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $1.4 million and $811,000, respectively.
The increase in earnings from real estate joint ventures was the result of the delivery of 88 units by a joint venture that is developing a condominium complex. No units were delivered by that joint venture in the first three months of 2003.
23
CORE COMMUNITIES RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months | ||||||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
Change |
||||||||||
(In thousands) | ( U n a u d i t e d ) | |||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Sales of real estate |
$ | 19,321 | 11,909 | 7,412 | ||||||||
Total revenues |
19,321 | 11,909 | 7,412 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||
Cost of sales of real estate |
7,968 | 7,226 | 742 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
2,588 | 1,252 | 1,336 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
58 | 233 | (175 | ) | ||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
10,614 | 8,711 | 1,903 | |||||||||
8,707 | 3,198 | 5,509 | ||||||||||
Interest and other income |
405 | 431 | (26 | ) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes |
9,112 | 3,629 | 5,483 | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
3,515 | 1,400 | 2,115 | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 5,597 | 2,229 | 3,368 | ||||||||
Acres sold |
294 | 136 | 158 | |||||||||
Margin percentage on land sales |
58.8 | % | 39.3 | % | 19.4 | % | ||||||
Unsold acres |
4,574 | 4,363 | 219 | |||||||||
Acres subject to sales contracts |
1,268 | 1,723 | (455 | ) | ||||||||
Acres subject to sales contracts (value) |
$ | 97,482 | 62,872 | 34,610 |
Operations at Core Communities remain strong. Development activity in St. Lucie West entered its final stages, with 144 acres of inventory remaining available at March 31, 2004, of which 92 acres were subject to sales contracts as of that date. Building on the success of St. Lucie West, land development has commenced in Tradition, Core Communities newest master planned community project in St. Lucie County, Florida. Currently, Tradition includes more than 4,800 acres, of which 1,594 had already been sold or were subject to sales contracts with homebuilders as of March 31, 2004. Additionally, Core Communities has contracts to acquire approximately 4,500 additional acres adjacent to Tradition. Notwithstanding the sustained interest and activity at both St. Lucie West and Tradition, a significant reduction of demand in the residential real estate market could negatively impact Core Communities operations.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period:
Core Communities revenue from land sales increased 62% to $19.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to $11.9 million during the same 2003 period. During the first quarter of 2004, 294 acres were sold with an average margin of 59%, as compared to 136 acres sold with an average margin of 39% in the same 2003 period. The primary reason for the improvement in margin percentage was the sale of undeveloped residential and commercial land in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to developed residential lot sales in the first quarter of 2003, as undeveloped land sales generally provide a higher margin than developed residential lot sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 107% to $2.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to $1.3 million for the same 2003 period. As percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 10.5% in the first three
24
months of 2003 to 13.4% in the first three months of 2004. This increase in selling, general and administrative expense on both a dollar and percentage of revenue basis was primarily associated with an increase in advertising and compensation expenses related to the launch of Tradition, which expenses were not incurred in the first quarter of 2003.
Interest incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $164,000 and $619,000, respectively. Cost of sales of real estate for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $16,000 and $75,000, respectively.
INVESTMENT IN BLUEGREEN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months | ||||||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
Change |
||||||||||
(In thousands) | ( U n a u d i t e d ) | |||||||||||
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation |
$ | 2,086 | (134 | ) | 2,220 | |||||||
Income before income taxes |
2,086 | (134 | ) | 2,220 | ||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
805 | (52 | ) | 857 | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 1,281 | (82 | ) | 1,363 | |||||||
We currently own approximately 9.5 million shares of the common stock of Bluegreen, which represented approximately 37% of Bluegreens outstanding shares as of March 31, 2004. Under equity method accounting, we recognize our pro-rata share of Bluegreens net income or loss (net of purchase accounting adjustments) as pre-tax earnings. Bluegreen has not paid dividends to its shareholders; therefore, our earnings represent only our claim to the future distributions of Bluegreens earnings. Accordingly, we record a tax liability on our portion of Bluegreens net income. Should Bluegreens financial performance deteriorate, our earnings in Bluegreen would deteriorate concurrently and our results of operations would be adversely affected. Furthermore, a significant reduction in Bluegreens financial position might require that we test our investment in Bluegreen for impairment, which testing could result in charges against our results of operations.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period:
Bluegreens reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $4.7 million and, for the same period of 2003, net income was $2.1 million. Our ownership interests in Bluegreens earnings during the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 were approximately $2.1 million and a loss of $134,000, respectively, net of adjustments. Purchase accounting adjustments increased our interest in Bluegreens earnings by $62,000 for the first quarter of 2004, whereas purchase accounting adjustments reduced our interest in Bluegreens earnings by $880,000 for the first quarter of 2003. The purchase accounting adjustments for 2003 primarily related to Bluegreens sale of notes receivable which existed as of the date on which we acquired our shares of Blugreens common stock. As of that acquisition date, the notes receivable were adjusted to reflect unrealized gain in our carrying amount of the asset. When that same gain was recorded by Bluegreen, we recognized no gain.
25
OTHER OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months | ||||||||||||
Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
Change |
||||||||||
(In thousands) | ( U n a u d i t e d ) | |||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Sales of real estate |
$ | 538 | 3,422 | (2,884 | ) | |||||||
Title and mortgage operations |
| | | |||||||||
Total revenues |
538 | 3,422 | (2,884 | ) | ||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||
Cost of sales of real estate |
727 | 3,145 | (2,418 | ) | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
2,167 | 831 | 1,336 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
| 8 | (8 | ) | ||||||||
Other expenses |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | |||||||
Minority interest |
25 | 121 | (96 | ) | ||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
2,918 | 4,105 | (1,187 | ) | ||||||||
(2,380 | ) | (683 | ) | (1,697 | ) | |||||||
Earnings (loss) from real estate joint ventures |
2,098 | (172 | ) | 2,270 | ||||||||
Interest and other income |
30 | 97 | (67 | ) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes |
(252 | ) | (758 | ) | 506 | |||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(98 | ) | (292 | ) | 194 | |||||||
Net income |
$ | (154 | ) | (466 | ) | 312 | ||||||
Other Operations include all other Company operations, including Levitt Commercial, parent company general and administrative expenses and investments in real estate projects.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period:
During the three months ended March 31, 2004, Levitt Commercial delivered one of its flex warehouse units as compared to the eight units delivered during the three months ended March 31, 2003. Cost of sales of real estate includes amortization of interest previously capitalized in this business segment. The amount of previously capitalized interest amortized in cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $329,000 and $317,000, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative and other expenses increased to $2.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to $832,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2003. This increase was primarily associated with increases in employee compensation and benefits, fees paid by the Company for administrative and other services provided pursuant to an agreement with BankAtlantic Bancorp, and other expenses related to being a public company.
Earnings from real estate joint ventures in the first quarter of 2004 were $2.1 million as compared to a loss of $172,000 in the first quarter of 2003. The increase in earnings was due primarily to the gain recognized by a joint venture on the sale of a rental apartment project in Vero Beach, Florida.
Interest incurred in Other Operations was approximately $637,000 and $460,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in interest incurred was primarily associated with an increase in notes payable. Interest capitalized for this business segment totaled $637,000 and $451,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Those
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amounts include adjustments to reconcile the amount of interest eligible for capitalization on a consolidated basis with the amounts capitalized in the Companys other business segments.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2004 compared to December 31, 2003
Our total assets at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were $418.7 million and $392.7 million, respectively. The increase in total assets primarily resulted from:
| a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $9.9 million, which resulted from funds provided by operations and proceeds from borrowings; | |||
| a net increase in inventory of real estate of approximately $10.9 million resulting from land acquisitions in central Florida by Levitt and Sons, as well as increases in land development and construction costs. These increases in inventory of real estate were partially offset by the sale of homes and land sales; | |||
| an increase of approximately $1.6 million in our investment in Bluegreen Corporation associated primarily with our equity in earnings and unrealized gains associated with Bluegreens other comprehensive income; and | |||
| a $2.1 million increase in other assets primarily associated with prepayment of commissions and insurance. |
The above increases in total assets were partially offset by a reduction in the deferred tax asset of approximately $728,000 which primarily resulted from an increase in our deferred tax liability relating to our earnings from Bluegreen.
Total liabilities at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2002 were $280.4 million and $267.2 million, respectively.
The increase in total liabilities primarily resulted from:
| a $7.0 million increase in current income taxes payable related primarily to the timing of quarterly estimated tax payments and increases in our taxable income; and | |||
| a net increase in customer deposits of $6.6 million, of which $6.5 million relates to units under contract at Levitt and Sons. |
The above increases in total liabilities were partially offset by a reduction in notes and mortgage notes payable of $1.1 million.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Management assesses the Companys liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund its operating and investment activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2003, our primary sources of funds were proceeds from the sale of real estate inventory, distributions from real estate joint ventures, borrowings, proceeds from development bonds payable and, in 2002, capital contributions from BankAtlantic Bancorp. These funds were utilized primarily for development, construction and acquisition of our real estate, to repay borrowings, to pay general and administrative expenses, to invest in real estate joint ventures, and, in 2002, to invest in Bluegreen.
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In April 2004 we completed the underwritten public offering of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $24.50 per share. Net proceeds from the offering totaled approximately $115.0 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Approximately $12.0 million of the net proceeds of the offering were used to repay indebtedness, $7.3 million were used to fund the Bowden acquisition and $67.0 million were transferred to our operating subsidiaries to provide funds for their growth. The balance of the funds will be used to fund our operations and growth and for general corporate purposes.
Notwithstanding the liquidity provided by the equity offering, we expect to continue funding our short-term liquidity requirements generally through net cash provided by operations. We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements for items such as acquisitions and debt service obligations primarily with net cash provided by operations, long-term secured and unsecured indebtedness and the remaining proceeds of the equity offering. As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 we had cash and cash equivalents of $45.8 million and $36.0 million, respectively.
At March 31, 2004, our consolidated debt was approximately $172.9 million, including the $12.0 million of indebtedness that was repaid in April 2004 with the proceeds of the equity sale described above. Our debt principal payment obligations for the 12 months beginning March 31, 2004 are anticipated to total approximately $11.3 million ($5.0 million after giving effect to the repayment of debt with the proceeds of the equity offering).
We have entered into various loan agreements which provide financing for acquisition and site improvements and construction of residential units. As of March 31, 2004, these loan agreements provided, in the aggregate, for advances on a revolving basis of up to $195.8 million (subject to available collateral), of which $118.6 million was outstanding. The loans are secured by mortgages on properties, including improvements. Principal payments under these mortgages are required as sales of the underlying collateral securing such loans are consummated.
In connection with the purchase of Levitt and Sons the Company entered into a loan agreement with an unaffiliated financial institution. The loan was secured by the Companys membership interest in Levitt and Sons. At March 31, 2004, $7.9 million was outstanding under this loan, which we repaid in full in April 2004 with the proceeds of the equity sale described above.
On December 31, 2003, BankAtlantic Bancorp completed the spin-off of the Company. In connection with the spin-off, BankAtlantic Bancorp transferred its 1.2 million shares in Bluegreen to the Company in exchange for a one-year $5.5 million note and additional shares of our common stock (which additional shares were subsequently distributed in the spin-off). We repaid this loan in full in April 2004 out of the equity sale proceeds.
Approximately $3.2 million of unsecured subordinated investment notes were outstanding as of March 31, 2004. The investment notes are unsecured obligations of Levitt Corporation and are subordinated to substantially all of our other liabilities. The investment notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries or any other entity. The sale of the investment notes were registered under a registration statement filed with the SEC. In late 2003, we ceased advertising the offering of the investment notes, and in March 2004, the unsold notes under the registration statement were deregistered. However, we currently anticipate that during the next twelve months we may issue up to $100 million of debt securities which may consist of investment notes, subordinated debt, senior debt or other similar securities.
At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, our total borrowings from BankAtlantic,
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excluding real estate joint ventures, were approximately $18.5 million and $18.1 million, respectively. Our real estate joint ventures total borrowings from BankAtlantic were $639,000 and $22.7 million at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. We are an affiliate of BankAtlantic; accordingly, the amounts that BankAtlantic is permitted to lend to us are restricted by applicable Office of Thrift Supervision regulations. Additional financing may only be available to us from unaffiliated third party lenders.
Some of our borrowing agreements contain provisions that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial ratios and a minimum net worth. These requirements may have the effect of limiting the amount of debt that we can incur in the future and restricting the payment of dividends by us and our subsidiaries. At March 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all loan agreement financial requirements and covenants.
In connection with the development of certain of our communities, community development or improvement districts have been established to access bond financing for the funding of infrastructure development and other projects with the communities. We pay a portion of the revenues, fees, and assessments levied by the districts on the properties we own that are benefited by the improvements. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 91-10 (EITF 91-10), Accounting for Special Assessments and Tax Increment Financing, we record a liability, net of cash held by the districts available to offset the particular bond obligation, for the estimated developer obligations that are fixed and determinable and user fees that are required to be paid or transferred at the time the parcel or unit is sold to an end user. A development district for the Tradition master-planned community currently has $62.8 million of long-term assessment bonds outstanding, for which no assessments have been levied. At March 31, 2004, we owned approximately 80% of the property in the district. We believe that the assessments will be levied beginning in 2005. In accordance with EITF 91-10, we will recognize an expense for our pro rata portion of assessments, based upon our ownership of benefited property as of the date of the assessment.
At March 31, 2004, the Company had $156.4 million of commitments to purchase properties for development, approximately $12.5 million of which is subject to due diligence and satisfaction of certain requirements and conditions, including financing contingencies. The following table summarizes certain information relating to outstanding purchase contracts.
Purchase | Units/ | Expected | ||||||||||
Price |
Acres |
Closing |
||||||||||
Levitt and Sons |
$75.0 million | 4,520 units | 2004 | |||||||||
Core Communities |
$80.6 million | 4,456 acres | 2004 | |||||||||
Levitt Commercial |
$ | 836,000 | 22 units | 2004 |
At March 31, 2004, cash deposits of approximately $4.3 million secured our commitments under these contracts. Included in the table above are $23.5 million of commitments by Levitt and Sons to purchase properties from Core Communities at prices we believe to be attainable in arms-length transactions.
At March 31, 2004, our backlog of 2,186 homes and 1,268 acres under contract had estimated sales values of approximately $510.2 million and $97.5 million, respectively. Our backlog is measured as homes subject to pending sales contracts, some of which are subject to financing contingencies in favor of the buyer.
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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
In connection with the development of certain of our communities, we establish community development districts to access bond financing for the funding of infrastructure development and other projects within the community. No liability is recorded for the repayment of principal and interest on the bonds until the related assessments levied on the properties we own within the district become fixed and determinable. As of March 31, 2004, a development district in Tradition had $62.8 million of community development district bonds outstanding for which no assessments had been levied. As of March 31, 2004, we owned approximately 80% of the property in the district. See Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have provided guarantees on approximately $1.4 million of indebtedness for certain of our real estate joint ventures. Based on the loans collateral we believe that it is not reasonably likely that any payments will be required under these guarantees.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2004 (in thousands):
Payments due by period |
||||||||||||||||||||
Less than | 2 - 3 | 4 - 5 | More than | |||||||||||||||||
Category |
Total |
1 year |
Years |
Years |
5 years |
|||||||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations |
$ | 172,906 | 11,268 | 69,590 | 90,350 | 1,698 | ||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations |
3,146 | 877 | 1,309 | 960 | | |||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations |
156,428 | 156,428 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Total Obligations |
$ | 332,480 | 168,573 | 70,899 | 91,310 | 1,698 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations consist of notes, mortgage notes and bonds payable. Operating lease obligations consist of rent commitments. Purchase obligations consist of contracts to acquire real estate properties for development and sale; however our liability for not completing the purchase of any such property is generally limited to the deposit we made under the relevant contract.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is defined as the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market valuations that arise from interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and equity price risk. We are subject to interest rate risk on our long-term debt. At March 31, 2004, we had $167.6 million in borrowings with adjustable rates tied to the prime rate and/or LIBOR rates and $5.3 million in borrowings with fixed rates. Consequently, with respect to debt tied to an indexed rate, changes in interest rates may affect our earnings and cash flows, but would generally not impact the fair value of such debt. With respect to fixed rate debt, changes in interest rates generally affect the fair market value of the debt but not our earnings or cash flow.
Based upon the amount of variable rate debt outstanding at March 31, 2004 and holding the variable rate debt balance constant, each one percentage point increase in interest rates would increase the interest incurred by us by approximately $1.7 million per year.
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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46). In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46R), which replaces FIN 46. FIN 46R addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling interest in an entity through means other than voting rights. This interpretation requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entitys activities or is entitled to receive a majority of the entitys residual returns or both. The interpretation also requires disclosures about variable interest entities that we are not required to consolidate but in which we have a significant variable interest. We have adopted FIN 46R and concluded that there are no variable interest entities for which consolidation or additional disclosure are required.
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Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports.
Changes in Internal Controls
In addition, we reviewed our internal control over financial reporting, and there have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the date of the last evaluation.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all improper conduct. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of improper conduct, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.
Further, the design of any system of controls also is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Due to the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
CEO and CFO Certifications
Appearing as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this quarterly report are Certifications of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer. The Certifications are required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This Item of this report, which you are currently reading, is the information concerning the evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
a) | Index to Exhibits |
Exhibit 31.1
|
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
Exhibit 31.2
|
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
Exhibit 32.1
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
Exhibit 32.2
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
b) | Reports on Form 8-K: |
Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2004 to file Bluegreen Corporations 2003 financial statements.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
LEVITT CORPORATION | ||||
Date: May 14, 2004
|
By: | /s/ Alan B. Levan | ||
Alan B. Levan, Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Date: May 14, 2004
|
By: | /s/ Glen R. Gilbert | ||
Glen R. Gilbert, Executive Vice President, | ||||
Chief Accounting Officer and | ||||
Chief Financial Officer |
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