UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
[X]          Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
 
or
 
[   ]            Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from                to                 .
 
Commission File Number:  001-08029
 
THE RYLAND GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
 
Maryland
 
52-0849948
 
 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
3011 Townsgate Road, Suite 200
Westlake Village, California 91361-3027
805-367-3800         
(Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
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.     þ   Yes     o   No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     þ   Yes     o   No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one:)
 
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting o
company
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  o  Yes  þ  No
 
The number of shares of common stock of The Ryland Group, Inc. outstanding on July 27, 2015, was 46,851,577.





THE RYLAND GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

 
 
PAGE NO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2



PART I. Financial Information
Consolidated Statements of Earnings and
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
(in thousands, except share data)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

REVENUES
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Homebuilding
$
637,046

 
$
566,244

 
$
1,142,045

 
$
1,047,729

Financial services
16,589

 
11,145

 
28,989

 
19,343

TOTAL REVENUES
653,635

 
577,389

 
1,171,034

 
1,067,072

EXPENSES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of sales
507,036

 
446,191

 
912,327

 
826,190

Selling, general and administrative
69,278

 
67,020

 
133,448

 
129,814

Financial services
7,895

 
13,079

 
15,229

 
22,688

TOTAL EXPENSES
584,209

 
526,290

 
1,061,004

 
978,692

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Gain from marketable securities, net
173

 
429

 
318

 
833

Other (expense) income
(3,055
)
 
675

 
(2,463
)
 
1,160

TOTAL OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
(2,882
)
 
1,104

 
(2,145
)
 
1,993

Income before taxes
66,544

 
52,203

 
107,885

 
90,373

Tax expense
23,942

 
20,161

 
38,826

 
34,804

NET INCOME
$
42,602

 
$
32,042

 
$
69,059

 
$
55,569

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.91

 
$
0.68

 
$
1.48

 
$
1.19

Diluted
$
0.75

 
$
0.57

 
$
1.22

 
$
0.99

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
46,706,437

 
46,914,902

 
46,579,660

 
46,747,403

Diluted
58,273,600

 
58,430,828

 
58,174,063

 
58,312,226

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.03

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.06


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

Net income
$
42,602

 
$
32,042

 
$
69,059

 
$
55,569

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, net
4

 
4

 
72

 
9

Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale, net
(150
)
 
236

 
(169
)
 
424

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net
(146
)
 
240

 
(97
)
 
433

Comprehensive income
$
42,456

 
$
32,282

 
$
68,962

 
$
56,002

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
JUNE 30,

 
DECEMBER 31,

(in thousands, except share data)
2015

 
2014

ASSETS
(Unaudited)

 
 

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
279,980

 
$
521,195

Restricted cash
18,277

 
35,720

Marketable securities, available-for-sale
17,791

 
17,845

Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
316,048

 
574,760

Housing inventories
 

 
 

Homes under construction
905,513

 
764,853

Land under development and improved lots
1,341,584

 
1,250,159

Consolidated inventory not owned
29,720

 
30,811

Total housing inventories
2,276,817

 
2,045,823

Property, plant and equipment
35,814

 
30,566

Mortgage loans held-for-sale
129,790

 
153,366

Net deferred taxes
84,448

 
91,766

Other
178,829

 
155,808

TOTAL ASSETS
3,021,746

 
3,052,089

LIABILITIES
 

 
 

Accounts payable
212,127

 
205,397

Accrued and other liabilities
210,015

 
215,221

Financial services credit facilities
122,607

 
129,389

Debt
1,295,953

 
1,403,079

TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,840,702

 
1,953,086

EQUITY
 

 
 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value:
 

 
 

Authorized—10,000 shares Series A Junior
 

 
 

Participating Preferred, none outstanding

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value:
 

 
 

Authorized—199,990,000 shares
 

 
 

Issued—46,849,340 shares at June 30, 2015
 

 
 

(46,296,045 shares at December 31, 2014)
46,849

 
46,296

Retained earnings
1,121,462

 
1,039,076

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(896
)
 
(799
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

FOR THE RYLAND GROUP, INC.
1,167,415

 
1,084,573

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
13,629

 
14,430

TOTAL EQUITY
1,181,044

 
1,099,003

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
3,021,746

 
$
3,052,089

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 
Net income from continuing operations
$
69,059

 
$
55,569

Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations
 

 
 

to net cash used for operating activities:
 

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
10,497

 
10,131

Inventory and other asset impairments and write-offs
1,000

 
973

Stock-based compensation expense
11,535

 
10,089

Changes in assets and liabilities:
0

 
 

Increase in inventories
(219,127
)
 
(269,133
)
Decrease in mortgage loans held-for-sale
23,576

 
70,296

Decrease in deferred income taxes
7,318

 
30,527

Net change in other assets, payables and other liabilities
(25,079
)
 
(13,651
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(1,949
)
 

Other operating activities, net
(1,233
)
 
(992
)
Net cash used for operating activities from continuing operations
(124,403
)
 
(106,191
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures
(375
)
 
(67
)
Return of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
741

 
433

Additions to property, plant and equipment
(14,391
)
 
(9,875
)
Purchases of marketable securities, available-for-sale
(631
)
 
(239,115
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities, available-for-sale
880

 
340,957

Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities from continuing operations
(13,776
)
 
92,333

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Retirement of long-term debt
(126,481
)
 

Decrease in borrowings against financial services revolving credit facilities, net
(6,782
)
 
(14,006
)
Common stock dividends
(2,861
)
 
(2,838
)
Issuance of common stock under stock-based compensation
14,541

 
23,081

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,949

 

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
17,443

 
(5,635
)
Other financing activities, net
(845
)
 
(531
)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities from continuing operations
(103,036
)
 
71

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations
(241,215
)
 
(13,787
)
Cash flows from operating activities—discontinued operations

 
(27
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1
521,195

 
228,013

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
279,980

 
$
214,199

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 

 
 

Cash paid for income taxes
$
(20,217
)
 
$
(3,437
)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Decrease (increase) in consolidated inventory not owned related to land options
$
801

 
$
(975
)
Increase in short-term borrowings
$
19,109

 
$
124

 
1 Includes cash and cash equivalents of $27,000 associated with discontinued operations at December 31, 2013.

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

(in thousands, except per share data)
COMMON
 STOCK

 
RETAINED
 EARNINGS

 
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS1

 
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
 EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2015
$
46,296

 
$
1,039,076

 
$
(799
)
 
$
1,084,573

Net income

 
69,059

 

 
69,059

Other comprehensive loss, net

 

 
(97
)
 
(97
)
Common stock dividends (per share $0.06)

 
(2,830
)
 

 
(2,830
)
Stock-based compensation
553

 
16,157

 

 
16,710

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2015
$
46,849

 
$
1,121,462

 
$
(896
)
 
$
1,167,415

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
 

 
 

 
 

 
13,629

TOTAL EQUITY BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,181,044

 
1 
At June 30, 2015, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss was comprised of an unrealized actuarial loss on the defined benefit pension plan of $945,000, net of taxes of $585,000, and an unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale of $49,000. At December 31, 2014, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss was comprised of an unrealized actuarial loss on the defined benefit pension plan of $1.0 million, net of taxes of $630,000, and an unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale of $218,000. (See Note 4, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.”)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries



Note 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Ryland Group, Inc. and its 100 percent-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). Noncontrolling interest represents the selling entities’ ownership interests in land and lot option purchase contracts. (See Note 11, “Variable Interest Entities (‘VIE’).”) Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Information is presented on a continuing operations basis unless otherwise noted. The results from continuing and discontinued operations are presented separately in the consolidated financial statements. All prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. (See “Critical Accounting Policies” within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

On June 14, 2015, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Standard Pacific. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Standard Pacific and the Company have agreed that the Company will merge with and into Standard Pacific in a “merger of equals,” with Standard Pacific continuing as the surviving corporation(the “Surviving Corporation”), and the separate corporate existence of the Company will cease (the “Merger"). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Standard Pacific and the Company, if the Merger is completed, each five shares of common stock issued and outstanding of Standard Pacific will be combined and converted into one issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation and each share of common stock of the Company issued and outstanding will be converted and exchangeable for 1.0191 issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation. The proposed merger is subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company and Standard Pacific and other customary closing conditions. The Company currently expects the transaction to close in early Fall 2015. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company incurred transaction related fees totaling $3.6 million, which was reported in "Other (expense) income" within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. (See Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors)

The Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2015, the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2015, have been prepared by the Company without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normally recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows at June 30, 2015, and for all periods presented, have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
The Company has historically experienced, and expects to continue to experience, variability in quarterly results. Accordingly, the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.
 
Note 2.  Other (Expense) Income
 
During the second quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $3.6 million of transaction fees related to the proposed merger with Standard Pacific. As a result, the Company’s other expense totaled $3.1 million and $2.5 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to other income of $675,000 and $1.2 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Other income primarily consists of cancellation income from forfeited sales contract deposits, insurance-related income and various other types of ancillary income.
 
Note 3.  Comprehensive Income
 
Comprehensive income consists of net income; amortization of the actuarial loss on the defined benefit pension plan; and the increase or decrease in unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale marketable securities. Comprehensive income totaled $42.5 million and $32.3 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $69.0 million and $56.0 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Note 4.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the actuarial loss on the defined benefit pension plan, net of tax, and unrealized gains on available-for-sale marketable securities, as reported within the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss were reported as “Other comprehensive (loss) income, net” within the Consolidated

7


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


Statements of Comprehensive Income. There were no reclassification adjustments, which represent realized gains or losses on the sales of available-for-sale marketable securities included in net income, for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, compared to gains of $124,000 and $172,000 for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

The following table summarizes the components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the three- and six-month periods presented:

 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
(in thousands)
 
GROSS OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
 (LOSS) INCOME
 

 
TAX
BENEFIT
 

 
NET OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
 (LOSS) INCOME
 

Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan
$
7

 
$
(3
)
 
$
4

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale:
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Less: reclassification adjustments included in net income

 

 

Total unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Other comprehensive loss
$
(143
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(146
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan
$
117

 
$
(45
)
 
$
72

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale:
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale
(169
)
 

 
(169
)
Less: reclassification adjustments included in net income

 

 

Total unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale
(169
)
 

 
(169
)
Other comprehensive loss
$
(52
)
 
$
(45
)
 
$
(97
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
 
Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan
$
7

 
$
(3
)
 
$
4

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale:
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale
360

 

 
360

Less: reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income
(124
)
 

 
(124
)
Total unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale
236

 

 
236

Other comprehensive income
$
243

 
$
(3
)
 
$
240

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
 
Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan
$
15

 
$
(6
)
 
$
9

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale:
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale
596

 

 
596

Less: reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income
(172
)
 

 
(172
)
Total unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale
424

 

 
424

Other comprehensive income
$
439

 
$
(6
)
 
$
433

 
Note 5.  Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
 
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $280.0 million and $521.2 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and cash held in escrow accounts to be cash equivalents.
 
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had restricted cash of $18.3 million and $35.7 million, respectively. The Company has various secured letter of credit agreements that require it to maintain cash deposits as collateral for outstanding letters of credit. Cash restricted under these agreements totaled $17.7 million and $33.8 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. In addition, RMC Mortgage Corporation and its subsidiaries (“RMCMC”) had restricted cash related to funds held in trust for third parties that totaled $602,000 and $1.9 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 

8


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


Note 6.  Segment Information
 
The Company is a leading national homebuilder and provider of mortgage-related financial services. As one of the largest single-family on-site homebuilders in the United States, it operates in 17 states across the country. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 280 (“ASC 280”), “Segment Reporting,” the Company has identified six reportable segments: four geographically determined homebuilding regions (North, Southeast, Texas and West); financial services; and corporate. The homebuilding segments specialize in the sale and construction of single-family attached and detached housing. The Company’s financial services segment includes RMCMC and Ryland Mortgage Company, collectively referred to as “RMC”; RH Insurance Company, Inc. (“RHIC”); and Columbia National Risk Retention Group, Inc. (“CNRRG”). The financial services segment provides mortgage-related products and services, as well as title and escrow services, to its homebuyers. Corporate is a nonoperating business segment with the sole purpose of supporting operations. In order to best reflect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, certain corporate expenses, along with certain assets and liabilities relating to employee benefit plans, are allocated to the homebuilding and financial services segments.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on a number of factors, including segment pretax earnings and risk. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, “Consolidated Financial Statements.”

The following table provides the Company’s total revenues and earnings (loss) before taxes by segment for the three- and six- month periods presented:
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

REVENUES
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Homebuilding
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
North
$
178,477

 
$
154,111

 
$
314,131

 
$
287,675

Southeast
166,042

 
140,791

 
302,591

 
267,458

Texas
127,610

 
125,138

 
243,058

 
236,289

West
164,917

 
146,204

 
282,265

 
256,307

Financial services
16,589

 
11,145

 
28,989

 
19,343

Total
$
653,635

 
$
577,389

 
$
1,171,034

 
$
1,067,072

EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Homebuilding
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
North
$
17,755

 
$
14,954

 
$
29,294

 
$
25,748

Southeast
19,856

 
17,263

 
32,499

 
32,120

Texas
8,791

 
9,576

 
15,520

 
17,423

West
21,454

 
18,145

 
34,641

 
30,873

Financial services
8,777

 
(1,909
)
 
13,899

 
(3,320
)
Corporate and unallocated
(10,089
)
 
(5,826
)
 
(17,968
)
 
(12,471
)
Total
$
66,544

 
$
52,203

 
$
107,885

 
$
90,373

 

9


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


The following table provides the Company’s total assets by segment:
 
JUNE 30, 2015
 
(in thousands)
HOUSING
INVENTORIES

 
OTHER
ASSETS

 
TOTAL
ASSETS

Homebuilding
 

 
 

 
 

North
$
645,227

 
$
61,930

 
$
707,157

Southeast
592,004

 
35,078

 
627,082

Texas
354,853

 
49,704

 
404,557

West
684,733

 
40,821

 
725,554

Financial services

 
174,377

 
174,377

Corporate and unallocated

 
383,019

 
383,019

Total
$
2,276,817

 
$
744,929

 
$
3,021,746

 
 
 
 
 
 
Homebuilding
DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
North
$
589,427

 
$
47,742

 
$
637,169

Southeast
518,691

 
36,994

 
555,685

Texas
347,178

 
43,042

 
390,220

West
590,527

 
41,198

 
631,725

Financial services

 
194,258

 
194,258

Corporate and unallocated

 
643,032

 
643,032

Total
$
2,045,823

 
$
1,006,266

 
$
3,052,089


Note 7.  Earnings Per Share Reconciliation

The Company computes earnings per share in accordance with ASC No. 260, (“ASC 260”), “Earnings per Share,” which requires earnings per share for each class of stock to be calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is the method by which a company allocates earnings or loss between the holders of its common stock and its participating security holders. Under the two-class method, the allocation of earnings or loss between common shareholders and other security holders is based on their respective participation rights in dividends and undistributed earnings for the reporting period. All outstanding nonvested shares of restricted stock that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company’s nonvested shares of restricted stock with nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities in accordance with ASC 260. As all of the nonvested shares of restricted stock with nonforfeitable rights to dividends vested in March 2014, the Company had no outstanding participating securities during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, or during the three-month period ended June 30, 2014. For purposes of determining diluted earnings per common share, basic earnings per common share is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive common shares outstanding, including stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method and convertible debt using the if-converted method.
 

10


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


The following table displays the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three- and six-month periods presented:
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
(in thousands, except share data)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

NUMERATOR
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Net income
$
42,602

 
$
32,042

 
$
69,059

 
$
55,569

Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock

 

 

 
(35
)
Numerator for basic earnings per share
42,602

 
32,042

 
69,059

 
55,534

Plus: interest on 1.6 percent convertible senior notes due 2018
729

 
729

 
1,458

 
1,458

Plus: interest on 0.25 percent convertible senior notes due 2019
299

 
299

 
598

 
598

Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock

 

 

 
35

Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested restricted stock

 

 

 
(28
)
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
$
43,630

 
$
33,070

 
$
71,115

 
$
57,597

DENOMINATOR
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share—weighted-average shares
46,706,437

 
46,914,902

 
46,579,660

 
46,747,403

Effect of dilutive securities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Share-based payments
977,421

 
926,184

 
1,004,661

 
975,081

1.6 percent convertible senior notes due 2018
7,023,780

 
7,023,780

 
7,023,780

 
7,023,780

0.25 percent convertible senior notes due 2019
3,565,962

 
3,565,962

 
3,565,962

 
3,565,962

Diluted earnings per share—adjusted weighted-average
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
shares and assumed conversions
58,273,600

 
58,430,828

 
58,174,063

 
58,312,226

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.91

 
$
0.68

 
$
1.48

 
$
1.19

Diluted
$
0.75

 
$
0.57

 
$
1.22

 
$
0.99

 
Note 8.  Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale
 
The Company’s investment portfolio includes U.S. Treasury securities, municipal debt securities and time deposits. As defined in ASC No. 320 (“ASC 320”), “Investments—Debt and Equity Securities,” the Company considers its investment portfolio to be available-for-sale. Accordingly, these investments are recorded at their fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on an average-cost basis. Unrealized gains on these investments were included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
The Company periodically reviews its available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair values that are below their cost bases, as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company believed that the cost bases for its available-for-sale securities were recoverable in all material respects.
 
For the three-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, net realized earnings associated with the Company’s investment portfolio, which included interest, dividends and net realized gains on sales of marketable securities, totaled $173,000 and $429,000, respectively. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, net realized earnings totaled $318,000 and $833,000, respectively. These earnings were included in “Gain from marketable securities, net” within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Realized gains or losses on the sales of marketable securities were included as reclassification adjustments, which are a component of other comprehensive income. (See Note 4, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.”)
 
The primary objectives of the Company’s investment portfolio are safety of principal and liquidity. Investments are made with the purpose of achieving the highest rate of return consistent with these two objectives. The Company’s investment policy limits investments to debt rated investment grade or better, as well as to bank and money market instruments and to issues by the U.S. government, U.S. government agencies and municipal or other institutions primarily with investment-grade credit ratings. Policy restrictions are placed on maturities, as well as on concentration by type and issuer.
 

11


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


The following table displays the fair values of marketable securities, available-for-sale, by type of security:
 
 
JUNE 30, 2015
 
(in thousands)
AMORTIZED
COST

 
GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS

 
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE

Type of security:
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities
$
450

 
$

 
$
450

Municipal debt securities
9,766

 
49

 
9,815

Total debt securities
10,216

 
49

 
10,265

Time deposits
7,526

 

 
7,526

Total marketable securities, available-for-sale
$
17,742

 
$
49

 
$
17,791

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
Type of security:
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities
$
350

 
$

 
$
350

Municipal debt securities
9,766

 
218

 
9,984

Total debt securities
10,116

 
218

 
10,334

Time deposits
7,511

 

 
7,511

Total marketable securities, available-for-sale
$
17,627

 
$
218

 
$
17,845


The following table displays the fair values of marketable securities, available-for-sale, by contractual maturity:
 
(in thousands)
JUNE 30, 2015

 
DECEMBER 31, 2014

Contractual maturity:
 

 
 

Maturing in one year or less
$
7,976

 
$
7,861

Maturing after three years
9,815

 
9,984

Total marketable securities, available-for-sale
$
17,791

 
$
17,845

 
Note 9.  Housing Inventories
 
Housing inventory includes land and development costs; direct construction costs; certain capitalized indirect construction costs; capitalized interest; and real estate taxes. The costs of acquiring and developing land and constructing certain related amenities are allocated to the parcels to which these costs relate. Inventories to be held and used are stated at cost unless a community is determined to be impaired, in which case the impaired inventories are written down to their fair values.
 
As required by ASC No. 360 (“ASC 360”), “Property, Plant and Equipment,” inventory is reviewed for potential write-downs on an ongoing basis. ASC 360 requires that, in the event that impairment indicators are present and undiscounted cash flows signify that the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable, impairment charges must be recorded if the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. The Company reviews all communities on a quarterly basis for changes in events or circumstances indicating signs of impairment. Examples of events or changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to: price declines resulting from sustained competitive pressures; a change in the manner in which the asset is being used; a change in assessments by a regulator or municipality; cost increases; the expectation that, more likely than not, an asset will be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life; or the impact of local economic or macroeconomic conditions, such as employment or housing supply, on the market for a given product. Signs of impairment may include, but are not limited to, very low or negative profit margins, the absence of sales activity in an open community and/or significant price differences for comparable parcels of land held-for-sale.
 
If it is determined that indicators of impairment exist in a community, undiscounted cash flows are prepared and analyzed at a community level based on expected pricing; sales absorption rates; construction costs; local municipality fees; warranty, closing, carrying, selling, overhead and other related costs; or on market studies that are performed for comparable parcels of land held-for-sale to determine if the realizable values of the assets are less than their respective carrying amounts. In order to determine assumed sales prices included in cash flow models, the Company analyzes historical sales prices on homes delivered in the community and in other communities located within the same geographic area, as well as sales prices included in its current backlog for such communities. In addition, it analyzes market studies and trends, which generally include statistics on sales prices of similar

12


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


products in neighboring communities and sales prices of similar products in non-neighboring communities located within the same geographic area. In order to estimate the costs of building and delivering homes, the Company generally assumes cost structures reflecting contracts currently in place with vendors, adjusted for any anticipated cost-reduction initiatives or increases. The Company’s analysis of each community generally assumes current pricing equal to current sales orders for a particular or comparable community. For a minority of communities that the Company does not intend to operate for an extended period of time or where the operating life extends for several years, slight increases over current sales prices or costs may be assumed in later years. Once a community is considered to be impaired, the Company’s determinations of fair value and new cost basis are primarily based on discounting estimated cash flows at rates commensurate with inherent risks associated with the continuing assets. Due to the fact that estimates and assumptions included in cash flow models are based on historical results and projected trends, unexpected changes in market conditions that may lead to additional impairment charges in the future cannot be anticipated.
 
Valuation adjustments are recorded against homes completed or under construction; land under development; or improved lots. Write-downs of impaired inventories to their fair values are recorded as adjustments to the cost basis of the respective inventory. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, valuation reserves related to impaired inventories totaled $115.4 million and $122.0 million, respectively. The net carrying values of the related inventories totaled $139.3 million and $137.7 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company periodically writes off earnest money deposits and preacquisition feasibility costs related to land and lot option purchase contracts that it no longer plans to pursue. During the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, the Company wrote off preacquisition feasibility costs and earnest money deposits that totaled $582,000 and $490,000, respectively. The Company wrote off $1.0 million and $973,000 in preacquisition feasibility costs and earnest money deposits during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Should homebuilding market conditions weaken or the Company be unsuccessful in renegotiating certain land option purchase contracts, it may write off additional earnest money deposits and preacquisition feasibility costs in future periods.
 
Interest and taxes are capitalized during active development and construction stages. Capitalized interest is amortized and included in land costs within cost of sales when the related inventory is delivered to homebuyers.
 
The following table summarizes the activity that relates to capitalized interest:
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

Capitalized interest at January 1
$
107,810

 
$
89,619

Interest capitalized
31,840

 
34,283

Interest amortized to cost of sales
(22,036
)
 
(22,246
)
Capitalized interest at June 30
$
117,614

 
$
101,656

Interest incurred
$
31,840

 
$
34,283


The following table summarizes each reporting segment’s total number of lots owned and lots controlled under option agreements:
 
 
JUNE 30, 2015
 
 
DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
 
LOTS

 
LOTS

 
 

 
LOTS

 
LOTS

 
 

 
OWNED

 
OPTIONED

 
TOTAL

 
OWNED

 
OPTIONED

 
TOTAL

North
7,817

 
6,692

 
14,509

 
7,396

 
6,335

 
13,731

Southeast
8,913

 
3,639

 
12,552

 
8,646

 
3,535

 
12,181

Texas
3,996

 
2,427

 
6,423

 
3,938

 
3,083

 
7,021

West
5,364

 
953

 
6,317

 
5,323

 
717

 
6,040

Total
26,090

 
13,711

 
39,801

 
25,303

 
13,670

 
38,973

 
Note 10.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The Company records goodwill associated with its business acquisitions when the consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill was included in “Other” assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 

13


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


The following table provides the Company’s goodwill balance by segment:
 
(in thousands)
JUNE 30, 2015

 
DECEMBER 31, 2014

North
$
13,555

 
$
13,555

Southeast
8,125

 
8,125

Texas
6,550

 
6,550

West
8,661

 
8,661

Total
$
36,891

 
$
36,891

 
ASC No. 350 (“ASC 350”), “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” requires that goodwill and certain intangible assets be reviewed for impairment at least annually. The Company performs impairment tests of its goodwill annually as of November 30, or whenever significant events or changes occur that indicate impairment of goodwill may exist. ASC 350 allows an entity to qualitatively assess whether it is necessary to perform step one of the prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. In testing for a potential impairment of goodwill, the Company qualitatively evaluates, based on the weight of available evidence, the significance of all identified events and circumstances in their totality, including both positive and negative events, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Examples of events or changes in circumstances that may indicate that an asset is impaired include, but are not limited to, price declines resulting from sustained competitive pressures; a change in the manner in which the asset is being used; a change in assessments by a regulator or municipality; cost increases; the expectation that, more likely than not, an asset will be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life; or the impact of local economic or macroeconomic conditions, such as employment or housing supply, on the market for a given product. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The Company performed a qualitative assessment of its goodwill at November 30, 2014, and determined that the two-step process was not necessary. The Company did not record any goodwill impairments for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 or 2014.
 
Note 11.  Variable Interest Entities (“VIE”)
 
As required by ASC No. 810 (“ASC 810”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” a VIE is to be consolidated by a company if that company has a controlling financial interest in the VIE, defined as both the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits, which are potentially significant to the VIE. ASC 810 also requires disclosures about VIEs that a company is not obligated to consolidate, but in which it has a significant, though not primary, variable interest.
 
The Company enters into joint ventures, from time to time, for the purpose of acquisition and co-development of land parcels and lots. Its investment in these joint ventures may create a variable interest in a VIE, depending on the contractual terms of the arrangement. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all of the Company’s joint ventures were unconsolidated and accounted for under the equity method as it did not have a financial controlling interest in the joint ventures. (See Note 12, “Investments in Joint Ventures.”) Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into lot option purchase contracts in order to procure land for the construction of homes. Under such lot option purchase contracts, the Company funds stated deposits in consideration for the right to purchase lots at a future point in time at predetermined prices. The Company’s liability is generally limited to forfeiture of nonrefundable deposits, letters of credit and other nonrefundable amounts incurred. In accordance with the requirements of ASC 810, certain of the Company’s lot option purchase contracts may result in the creation of a variable interest in a VIE.
 
In compliance with the provisions of ASC 810, the Company consolidated $29.7 million and $30.8 million of inventory not owned related to a lot option purchase contract at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Although the Company may not have had legal title to the optioned land, under ASC 810 it had the primary variable interest and was required to consolidate the particular VIE’s assets under option at fair value. To reflect the fair value of the inventory consolidated under ASC 810, the Company included $16.1 million and $16.4 million of its related cash deposits for the lot option purchase contract at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, in “Consolidated inventory not owned” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Noncontrolling interest totaled $13.6 million and $14.4 million with respect to the consolidation of this contract at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, representing the selling entity’s ownership interest in the VIE.

Additionally, the Company had cash deposits and/or letters of credit totaling $27.6 million and $25.0 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, that were associated with lot option purchase contracts having aggregate purchase prices of

14


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


$377.7 million and $368.7 million, respectively. As the Company did not have the primary variable interest in these contracts, it was not required to consolidate them.
 
Note 12.  Investments in Joint Ventures
 
The Company enters into joint ventures, from time to time, for the purpose of acquisition and co-development of land parcels and lots, which are then sold to the Company, its joint venture partners or others at market prices. It participates in a number of joint ventures in which it does not have a controlling interest. As of June 30, 2015, the Company participated in five active homebuilding joint ventures in the Chicago, Denver, San Antonio and Washington, D.C., markets. The Company recognizes its share of the respective joint ventures’ earnings or losses from the sale of lots to other homebuilders. It does not, however, recognize earnings from lots that it purchases from the joint ventures. Instead, the Company reduces its cost basis in each lot by its share of the earnings from the lot.
 
The following table summarizes each reporting segment’s total estimated share of lots owned by the Company under its joint ventures:
 
 
JUNE 30, 2015

 
DECEMBER 31, 2014

North
155

 
155

Texas
230

 
242

West
226

 
226

Total
611

 
623

 
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s investments in its unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $13.1 million and $12.6 million, respectively, which included $906,000 and $837,000, respectively, of homebuilding interest capitalized to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures. Its investments in joint ventures were included in “Other” assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s earnings from its unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $281,000 and $261,000, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s earnings from its unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $497,000 and $363,000, respectively. Earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures were included in “Cost of sales” within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
Note 13.  Debt and Credit Facilities

The following table presents the composition of the Company’s debt and financial services credit facilities:
 
(in thousands)
JUNE 30, 2015

 
DECEMBER 31, 2014

Senior notes
 

 
 

5.4 percent senior notes due January 2015
$

 
$
126,481

8.4 percent senior notes due May 2017
230,000

 
230,000

6.6 percent senior notes due May 2020
300,000

 
300,000

5.4 percent senior notes due October 2022
250,000

 
250,000

Convertible senior notes
 

 
 

1.6 percent convertible senior notes due May 2018
225,000

 
225,000

0.25 percent convertible senior notes due June 2019
267,500

 
267,500

Total senior notes and convertible senior notes
1,272,500

 
1,398,981

Debt discount
(1,342
)
 
(1,673
)
Senior notes and convertible senior notes, net
1,271,158

 
1,397,308

Secured notes payable
24,795

 
5,771

Total debt
$
1,295,953

 
$
1,403,079

Financial services credit facilities
$
122,607

 
$
129,389

 
Each of the senior notes pays interest semiannually and all, except for the convertible senior notes due May 2018 and June 2019, may be redeemed at a stated redemption price, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any time. The Company’s obligations to pay principal, premium and interest under its senior notes and convertible senior notes are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of its direct and indirect wholly owned homebuilding subsidiaries. Such guarantees are full and unconditional. (See Note 20, “Supplemental Guarantor Information.”)

15


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


During the first quarter of 2015, the Company used existing cash of $126.5 million to settle its 5.4 percent senior notes that matured.
 
To finance its land purchases, the Company may also use nonrecourse secured notes payable. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, outstanding nonrecourse secured notes payable totaled $24.8 million and $5.8 million, respectively.
 
Senior notes, convertible senior notes, credit facilities and indenture agreements are subject to certain covenants that include, among other things, restrictions on additional secured debt and the sale of assets. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2015.
 
During 2014, the Company entered into a four-year unsecured revolving credit facility agreement (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility provides for a $300.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which includes a $150.0 million letter of credit subfacility (the “Letter of Credit Subfacility”) and a $25.0 million swing line facility. In addition, the Credit Facility includes an accordion feature pursuant to which the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility may be increased, from time to time, up to a principal amount not to exceed $450.0 million, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. The commitments for the Letter of Credit Subfacility are not to exceed half of the amount of the commitments for the Revolving Credit Facility. The Credit Facility, which matures on November 21, 2018, provides for the commitments to be extended for up to two additional one-year periods, subject to satisfaction of the terms and conditions set forth therein.
 
The obligation of the lenders to make advances or issue letters of credit under the Credit Facility is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the credit agreement. If the leverage ratio of the Company and its homebuilding segment subsidiaries exceeds certain thresholds as set forth in the Credit Facility, availability under the Revolving Credit Facility will be subject to a borrowing base as set forth in the agreement.
 
The Credit Facility contains various representations and warranties, as well as affirmative, negative and financial covenants that the Company considers customary for financings of this type. The financial covenants in the Credit Facility include a maximum leverage ratio covenant; a minimum net worth test; and a minimum interest coverage test or a minimum liquidity test. The financial services segment subsidiaries of the Company are unrestricted subsidiaries under the Credit Facility and certain covenants of the agreement do not apply to the unrestricted subsidiaries. The Credit Facility includes event of default provisions that the Company considers customary for financings of this type. If an event of default under the Credit Facility occurs and is continuing, the commitments under the agreement may be terminated; the amounts outstanding, including all accrued interest and unpaid fees, may be declared payable immediately; and the Company may be required to cash collateralize the outstanding letters of credit issued under this facility. The Credit Facility will be used for general corporate purposes. Certain letters of credit issued and outstanding prior to the Company’s entry into the Credit Facility have been deemed letters of credit under the facility and made subject to its terms. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of the Company’s 100 percent-owned homebuilding subsidiaries. Such guarantees are full and unconditional. (See Note 20, “Supplemental Guarantor Information.”)
 
Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum that is equal to the base rate or the reserve-adjusted LIBOR rate in each case, plus an applicable margin that is determined based on changes in the leverage ratio of the Company and its homebuilding segment subsidiaries. The Company did not have any outstanding borrowings against the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The Company provides letters of credit in the ordinary course of its business. Under the Letter of Credit Subfacility, the Company had unsecured letters of credit outstanding that totaled $86.5 million and $67.7 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The unused borrowing capacity of the Credit Facility totaled $213.5 million and $232.3 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 
Additionally, the Company has various secured letter of credit agreements that require it to maintain restricted cash deposits for outstanding letters of credit. Outstanding letters of credit requiring restricted cash deposits totaled $17.5 million and $33.3 million under these agreements at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

During 2014, RMCMC entered into a $50.0 million warehouse line of credit with Comerica Bank, which was subsequently extended in April 2015 to expire in April 2016, and allows for borrowings of $50.0 million to $100.0 million, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. This facility is used to fund, and is secured by, mortgages originated by RMCMC that are pending sale. Under the terms of this facility, RMCMC is required to maintain various financial and other covenants and to satisfy certain requirements relating to the mortgages securing the facility. At June 30, 2015, RMCMC was in compliance with these covenants. Outstanding borrowings against the credit facility totaled $63.3 million and $48.5 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, with a weighted-average effective interest rate of 3.0 percent at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

16


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


During 2011, RMCMC entered into a $50.0 million repurchase credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPM”), which was subsequently increased to $100.0 million during 2014 and will expire in November 2015. This facility is used to fund, and is secured by, mortgages originated by RMCMC that are pending sale. Under the terms of the facility, RMCMC is required to maintain various financial and other covenants and to satisfy certain requirements relating to the mortgages securing the facility. At June 30, 2015, RMCMC was in compliance with these covenants. Outstanding borrowings against the credit facility totaled $59.3 million and $80.9 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, with weighted-average effective interest rates of 2.9 percent and 3.2 percent at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 
Note 14.  Fair Values of Financial and Nonfinancial Instruments
 
Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments are held for purposes other than trading. The fair values of these financial instruments are based on quoted market prices, where available, or are estimated using other valuation techniques. Estimated fair values are significantly affected by the assumptions used. As required by ASC No. 820 (“ASC 820”), “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” fair value measurements of financial instruments are categorized as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3, based on the types of inputs used in estimating fair values.
 
Level 1 fair values are those determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 fair values are those determined using directly or indirectly observable inputs in the marketplace that are other than Level 1 inputs. Level 3 fair values are those determined using unobservable inputs, including the use of internal assumptions, estimates or models. Valuations, therefore, are sensitive to the assumptions used for these items. Fair values represent the Company’s best estimates as of the balance sheet date and are based on existing conditions and available information at the issuance date of these financial statements. Subsequent changes in conditions or available information may change assumptions and estimates.
 
The carrying values of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and secured notes payable are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and approximate their fair values due to their short-term natures and liquidity. The aggregate carrying values of the senior notes and convertible senior notes, net of discount, were $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The aggregate fair values of the senior notes and convertible senior notes were $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The fair values of the Company’s senior notes have been determined using quoted market prices (Level 1).
 
The following table displays the values and methods used for measuring the fair values of financial instruments on a recurring basis:
 
 
 
 

 
FAIR VALUE

(in thousands)
HIERARCHY
 
JUNE 30, 2015

 
DECEMBER 31, 2014

Marketable securities, available-for-sale
 
 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities
Level 1
 
$
450

 
$
350

Municipal debt securities
Level 2
 
9,815

 
9,984

Time deposits
Level 2
 
7,526

 
7,511

Mortgage loans held-for-sale
Level 2
 
129,790

 
153,366

Mortgage interest rate lock commitments
Level 2
 
8,034

 
4,229

Forward-delivery contracts
Level 2
 
1,927

 
(2,141
)
 
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $17.8 million of marketable securities that were available-for-sale and comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, municipal debt securities and time deposits. The Company’s marketable securities, available-for-sale that were identified as Level 2 were valued based on quoted market prices of similar instruments. (See Note 8, “Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale.”)

Other Financial Instruments
Mortgage loans held-for-sale and forward-delivery contracts are based on quoted market prices of similar instruments (Level 2). Interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”) are valued at their aggregate market price premium or deficit, plus a servicing premium, multiplied by the projected close ratio (Level 2). The market price premium or deficit is based on quoted market prices of similar instruments; the servicing premium is based on contractual investor guidelines for each product; and the projected close ratio is determined utilizing an external modeling system, widely used within the industry, to estimate customer behavior at an individual loan level.

17


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


Mortgage loans are recorded at fair value at the time of origination in accordance with ASC No. 825 (“ASC 825”), “Financial Instruments,” and are classified as held-for-sale. Fair value measurements of mortgage loans held-for-sale improve the consistency of loan valuation between the date of borrower lock and the date of close. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, contractual principal amounts of mortgage loans held-for-sale totaled $126.9 million and $147.9 million, respectively. The excess of the aggregate fair value over the aggregate unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans held-for-sale measured at fair value totaled $2.9 million and $5.4 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and were included in “Financial services” revenues within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. At June 30, 2015, the Company held one repurchased loan with payments 90 days or more past due that had an aggregate carrying value of $218,000 and an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $339,000. At December 31, 2014, the Company held one repurchased loan with payments 90 days or more past due that had an aggregate carrying value of $219,000 and an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $340,000.
 
In accordance with ASC 825, the Company elected the fair value option for its IRLCs and its forward delivery contracts. The fair values of IRLCs were included in “Other” assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the fair values of forward-delivery contracts were included in “Other” assets and “Accrued and other liabilities” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains realized on the IRLC pipeline, including activity and changes in fair value, totaled $1.3 million and $3.8 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $2.3 million and $3.2 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Gains on forward-delivery contracts used to hedge IRLCs totaled $2.7 million and $1.4 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to losses on forward-delivery contracts that totaled $4.2 million and $7.2 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Gains on loan sales totaled $5.7 million and $11.2 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $7.4 million and $12.8 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Net gains and losses related to IRLCs, forward-delivery contracts and loan sales were included in “Financial services” revenues within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
While recorded fair values represent management’s best estimate based on data currently available, future changes in interest rates or in market prices for mortgage loans, IRLCs and forward-delivery contracts, among other factors, could materially impact these fair values.

(See Note 9, “Housing Inventories” for the fair value measurements of the Company’s nonfinancial instruments.)
 
Note 15.  Income Taxes
 
The Company’s income tax expense was $23.9 million and $38.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $20.2 million and $34.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Its provision for income tax presented an overall effective income tax expense rate of 36.0 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to 38.6 percent and 38.5 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The change in the overall effective income tax rate for 2015 from 2014 was primarily due to the tax benefit that resulted from the domestic production activities deduction.
 
Based on an evaluation of positive and negative evidence regarding the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets and in accordance with ASC No. 740 (“ASC 740”), “Income Taxes,” the Company had net deferred tax assets of $84.4 million and $91.8 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, with no valuation allowance against these assets. Given that the accounting for deferred taxes is based upon estimates of future results, differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future results could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. Also, changes in existing federal and state tax laws and tax rates could affect future tax results and any valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets.
 
Deferred tax assets are recognized for estimated tax effects that are attributable to deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards related to tax credits and NOLs. They are realized when existing temporary differences are carried back to a profitable year(s) and/or carried forward to a future year(s) having taxable income. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if an assessment of their components indicates that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of these assets will not be realized. In the assessment for a valuation allowance, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses; actual earnings; forecasts of future earnings; the duration of statutory carryforward periods; the Company’s experience with NOL carryforwards not expiring unused; and tax planning alternatives. For federal purposes, NOLs can be carried forward 20 years; for state purposes, they can generally be carried forward 10 to 20 years, depending on the taxing jurisdiction. As of December 31, 2014, the Company fully utilized its federal NOL carryforwards. The Company

18


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


has other federal carryforwards primarily composed of federal tax credits that can be carried forward 20 years and that have expiration dates beginning in 2029. The Company anticipates full utilization of these tax credits.
 
Note 16.  Long-Term Incentive and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans
 
Executive Officer Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)
During the first quarter of 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2015 LTIP pursuant to the 2011 Equity and Incentive Plan. The 2015 LTIP provides for a target award of 123,567 performance share units, which are equivalent to shares of common stock. The 2015 LTIP will use a long-term performance period of three years and measure the Company’s relative total stockholder return (“TSR”) and growth in revenues to determine the amount of performance shares earned at the end of the performance period, which is December 31, 2017. Half of the target amount of performance shares is earned by an executive officer if the Company’s TSR is at the 50th percentile of the performance of the compensation peer group as measured over the long-term performance period. If the Company’s relative TSR performance exceeds or falls below this target level, half of the target amount of performance shares earned by an executive officer is calculated such that it is reduced to zero at or below the 30th percentile level or increased to a maximum level of 200 percent at or above the 90th percentile level. The other half of the target amount of performance shares is earned if the Company’s revenue growth over the long-term performance period is 25 percent. If its revenue growth exceeds or falls below this target level, half of the target amount of performance shares earned by an executive officer is calculated such that it is reduced to zero for revenue growth at or below 15 percent or increased to a maximum level of 200 percent for revenue growth at or above 35 percent. There are incremental adjustments for the calculation of earned performance shares between these minimum and maximum levels of performance.
 
During 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2014 LTIP pursuant to the 2011 Equity and Incentive Plan. The 2014 LTIP provides for a target award of 141,566 performance share units, which are equivalent to shares of common stock. The 2014 LTIP will use a long-term performance period of three years and measure the Company’s relative TSR and growth in revenues to determine the amount of performance shares earned at the end of the performance period, which is December 31, 2016. Half of the target amount of performance shares is earned by an executive officer if the Company’s TSR is at the 50th percentile of the compensation peer group’s performance as measured over the long-term performance period. If the Company’s relative TSR performance exceeds or falls below this target level, half of the target amount of performance shares earned by an executive officer is calculated such that it is reduced to zero at or below the 30th percentile level or increased to a maximum level of 200 percent at or above the 90th percentile level. The other half of the target amount of performance shares is earned if the Company’s revenue growth over the long-term performance period is 30 percent. If its revenue growth exceeds or falls below this target level, half of the target amount of performance shares earned by an executive officer is calculated such that it is reduced to zero for revenue growth at or below 20 percent or increased to a maximum level of 200 percent for revenue growth at or above 40 percent. There are incremental adjustments for the calculation of earned performance shares between these minimum and maximum levels of performance.
 
During 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2013 LTIP pursuant to the 2011 Equity and Incentive Plan. The 2013 LTIP provides for a target award of 135,332 performance share units, which are equivalent to shares of common stock. The 2013 LTIP will use a long-term performance period of three years and measure the Company’s relative TSR and growth in revenues to determine the amount of performance shares earned at the end of the performance period, which is December 31, 2015. Half of the target amount of performance shares is earned by an executive officer if the Company’s TSR is at the 50th percentile of the compensation peer group’s performance as measured over the long-term performance period. If the Company’s relative TSR performance exceeds or falls below this target level, half of the target amount of performance shares earned by an executive officer is calculated such that it is reduced to zero at or below the 30th percentile level or increased to a maximum level of 200 percent at or above the 90th percentile level. The other half of the target amount of performance shares is earned if the Company’s revenue growth over the long-term performance period is 60 percent. If its revenue growth exceeds or falls below this target level, half of the target amount of performance shares earned by an executive officer is calculated such that it is reduced to zero for revenue growth at or below 45 percent or increased to a maximum level of 200 percent for revenue growth at or above 75 percent. There are incremental adjustments for the calculation of earned performance shares between these minimum and maximum levels of performance.
 
(See Note 17, “Stock-Based Compensation,” for compensation expense related to LTIP awards.)
 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Company has a supplemental, unfunded, nonqualified retirement plan, pursuant to which it will pay supplemental pension benefits to key employees upon retirement. All employees in the plan are fully vested. In connection with the plan, it has purchased cost-recovery life insurance on the lives of certain employees. Insurance contracts associated with the plan are held by trusts

19


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


established as part of the plan to implement and carry out its provisions and to finance its related benefits. The trusts are owners and beneficiaries of such contracts. The amount of coverage is designed to provide sufficient revenue to cover all costs of the plan if assumptions made as to employment term, mortality experience, policy earnings and other factors are realized. The values of the assets held in trust totaled $14.4 million and $15.7 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and were included in “Other” assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
The following table provides the costs recognized and benefits paid for the Company’s supplemental, unfunded, nonqualified retirement plan during the three- and six-month periods presented:
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

Interest costs
$
142

 
$
173

 
$
328

 
$
294

Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss
7

 
7

 
117

 
15

Total costs
$
149

 
$
180

 
$
445

 
$
309

Benefits paid
$

 
$

 
$
1,477

 
$
90

 
The Company recognized an investment loss on the cash surrender value of the insurance contracts of $73,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2015, compared to an investment gain of $418,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2014. The Company recognized investment gains of $119,000 and $533,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The $14.9 million and $16.1 million projected benefit obligations at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, were included in “Accrued and other liabilities” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets at those dates. The weighted-average discount rates used for the plan were 1.0 percent and 2.0 percent for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
The expected future payouts for the Company’s supplemental executive retirement plan as of June 30, 2015, are as follows: 2016$5.4 million; 2017$1.6 million; 2018$2.9 million; 2019$1.5 million; 2020$90,000; and 2021 through 2025–$4.6 million.

Note 17.  Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. 2011 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) permits the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards, stock units, cash incentive awards or any combination of the foregoing to employees. Stock options granted in accordance with the Plan generally have maximum terms of seven years and vest in equal annual installments over three years. Certain outstanding stock options granted under predecessor plans have maximum terms of either five or ten years. Outstanding restricted stock units granted under the Plan or its predecessor plans generally vest in three equal annual installments, and those granted to senior executives generally vest in one installment at the end of a three-year performance period. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, stock options or other awards or units available for grant under the Plan or its predecessor plans totaled 3,516,458 and 3,515,345, respectively.
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. 2011 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “Director Plan”) provides for a stock award of 3,000 shares to each non-employee director on May 1 of each year. Each new non-employee director will receive a pro rata stock award within 30 days after their date of appointment or election, based on the remaining portion of the plan year in which they are appointed or elected. Stock awards are fully vested and nonforfeitable on their applicable award dates. There were 96,830 and 117,830 stock awards available for future grant in accordance with the Director Plan at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Previously, The Ryland Group, Inc. 2004 Non-Employee Director Equity Plan and its predecessor plans provided for automatic grants of nonstatutory stock options to directors. These stock options are fully vested and have maximum terms of ten years.
 
All outstanding stock options, stock awards and restricted stock awards have been granted in accordance with the terms of the applicable Plan, Director Plan and their respective predecessor plans, all of which were approved by the Company’s stockholders. Certain option and share awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control or upon retirement (as defined in the plans).
 
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense that totaled $4.7 million and $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense totaled $11.5 million and $10.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Stock-based compensation expenses have been allocated to the Company’s segments

20


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


and included in “Selling, general and administrative” and “Financial services” expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
ASC No. 718 (“ASC 718”), “Compensation—Stock Compensation,” requires cash flows attributable to tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of compensation costs recognized for exercised stock options (“excess tax benefits”) to be classified as financing cash flows. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2015, $1.9 million in excess tax benefits was classified as a financing inflow in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There were no excess tax benefits recognized for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014.
 
A summary of stock option activity in accordance with the Company’s equity incentive plans as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and changes for the six-month periods then ended, follows:
 
 
SHARES

 
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE

 
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
REMAINING
CONTRACTUAL
LIFE (in years)
 
AGGREGATE
INTRINSIC
VALUE
(in thousands)

Options outstanding at January 1, 2014
2,326,201

 
$
27.02

 
2.3
 
 

Exercised
(539,733
)
 
29.24

 
 
 
 

Forfeited
(15,473
)
 
21.57

 
 
 
 

Options outstanding at June 30, 2014
1,770,995

 
$
26.39

 
2.4
 
$
30,216

Available for future grant
3,348,345

 
 

 
 
 
 

Total shares reserved at June 30, 2014
5,119,340

 
 

 
 
 
 

Options exercisable at June 30, 2014
1,544,332

 
$
27.49

 
2.0
 
$
25,571

Options outstanding at January 1, 2015
1,385,497

 
$
23.30

 
2.2
 
 

Exercised
(424,684
)
 
20.67

 
 
 
 

Forfeited
(36,667
)
 
47.63

 
 
 
 

Options outstanding at June 30, 2015
924,146

 
$
23.55

 
2.2
 
$
23,666

Available for future grant
3,516,458

 
 

 
 
 
 

Total shares reserved at June 30, 2015
4,440,604

 
 

 
 
 
 

Options exercisable at June 30, 2015
917,479

 
$
23.50

 
2.2
 
$
23,561

 
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options totaled $19,000 and $429,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $220,000 and $1.1 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
The intrinsic values of stock options exercised during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, totaled $979,000 and $967,000, respectively. The intrinsic values of stock options exercised during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, totaled $8.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.
 
Compensation expense associated with restricted stock unit awards and LTIP awards totaled $4.4 million and $3.8 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $10.9 million and $8.5 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. (See Note 16, “Long-Term Incentive and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans,” for details on the LTIP.)
 
The following table summarizes activity that relates to the Company’s restricted stock unit awards:
 
 
2015

 
2014

Restricted stock units at January 1
368,084

 
539,106

Shares awarded
170,994

 
131,597

Shares vested
(231,969
)
 
(298,791
)
Shares forfeited
(11,082
)
 
(3,828
)
Restricted stock units at June 30
296,027

 
368,084

 

21


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


At June 30, 2015, the Company’s outstanding restricted stock units are expected to vest as follows: 201517,526; 2016133,677; 201791,287; and 201853,537.
 
The Company has granted stock awards to its non-employee directors pursuant to the terms of the Director Plan. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to Director Plan stock awards in the amounts of $207,000 and $189,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $454,000 and $436,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Note 18.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Commitments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company acquires rights under option agreements to purchase land or lots for use in future homebuilding operations. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, it had cash deposits and letters of credit outstanding that totaled $75.2 million and $72.8 million, respectively, pertaining to land and lot option purchase contracts with aggregate purchase prices of $783.7 million and $847.1 million, respectively. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $1.4 million in commitments with respect to option contracts having specific performance provisions.
 
In the normal course of business and pursuant to its risk-management policy, RMC enters, as an end user, into derivative instruments, including forward-delivery contracts for loans; options on forward-delivery contracts; and options on futures contracts, to minimize the impact of movement in market interest rates on IRLCs. Major factors influencing the use of various hedging contracts include general market conditions, interest rates, types of mortgages originated and the percentage of IRLCs expected to fund. The market risk assumed while holding the hedging contracts generally mitigates the market risk associated with IRLCs. RMC is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to certain hedging contracts. Credit risk is limited to those instances where RMC is in a net unrealized gain position. It manages this credit risk by entering into agreements with counterparties meeting its credit standards and by monitoring position limits. IRLCs represent loan commitments with customers at market rates generally up to 180 days before settlement and expose RMC to market risk should mortgage rates increase. IRLCs had interest rates generally ranging from 3.5 percent to 4.8 percent at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Outstanding IRLCs had notional amounts that totaled $311.5 million and $148.0 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Hedging instruments, including forward-delivery contracts, are utilized to mitigate the risk associated with interest rate fluctuations on IRLCs.

Contingencies
As an on-site housing producer, the Company is often required by some municipalities to obtain development or performance bonds or letters of credit in support of its contractual obligations. At June 30, 2015, performance bonds totaled $203.1 million, while performance-related cash deposits and letters of credit totaled $97.0 million. At December 31, 2014, performance bonds totaled $189.4 million, while performance-related cash deposits and letters of credit totaled $87.3 million. In the event that any such bonds or letters of credit are called, the Company would be required to reimburse the issuer; it does not, however, believe that any currently outstanding bonds or letters of credit will be called.
 
Substantially all of the loans RMC originates are sold within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing-released basis. After the loans are sold, ownership, credit risk and management, including servicing of the loans, passes to the third-party investor. RMC retains no role or interest other than standard industry representations and warranties, but it does retain potential liability for possible claims by loan purchasers that it breached certain limited standard industry representations and warranties in its sale agreements.
 
The following table summarizes the composition of the RMC’s mortgage loan types originated, its homebuyers’ average credit scores and its loan-to-value ratios:
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 
 
2015

 
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2010

Prime
66.2
%
 
67.6
%
 
57.2
%
 
48.6
%
 
42.2
%
 
34.9
%
Government (FHA/VA/USDA)
33.8
%
 
32.4
%
 
42.8
%
 
51.4
%
 
57.8
%
 
65.1
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Average FICO credit score
730

 
732

 
733

 
731

 
726

 
723

Average combined loan-to-value ratio
87.9
%
 
87.8
%
 
89.8
%
 
90.1
%
 
90.3
%
 
90.8
%
 

22


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


RMC has established reserves for possible losses associated with mortgage loans previously originated and sold to investors based upon, among other things, actual past repurchases and losses related to the disposition of affected loans; an analysis of repurchase requests received and the validity of those requests; and an estimate of potential liability for valid claims not yet received. Although the amount of an ultimate loss cannot be definitively estimated, RMC accrued $1.3 million and $1.4 million for these types of claims as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, but it may have additional exposure. Subsequent changes in conditions or available information may change assumptions and estimates. Mortgage loan loss reserves and related legal reserves were included in “Accrued and other liabilities” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and their associated expenses were included in “Financial services” expense within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

The following table displays the changes in the Company’s mortgage loan loss reserves and related legal reserves during the six-month periods presented:
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

Balance at January 1
$
1,397

 
$
11,472

Provision for losses
242

 
6,056

Settlements made
(322
)
 
(231
)
Balance at June 30
$
1,317

 
$
17,297

 
The Company provides product warranties covering workmanship and materials for one year, certain mechanical systems for two years and structural systems for ten years. It estimates and records warranty liabilities based upon historical experience and known risks at the time a home closes as a component of cost of sales, as well as upon identification and quantification of its obligations in cases of unexpected claims. Actual future warranty costs could differ from current estimates.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s product liability reserves during the six-month periods presented:
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

Balance at January 1
$
25,556

 
$
23,139

Warranties issued
3,963

 
4,562

Changes in liability for accruals related to pre-existing warranties
(13
)
 
657

Settlements made
(5,018
)
 
(4,679
)
Balance at June 30
$
24,488

 
$
23,679

 
The Company requires substantially all of its subcontractors to have workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance, including construction defect coverage. RHIC provided insurance services to the homebuilding segments’ subcontractors in certain markets until June 1, 2008. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, RHIC had $11.0 million and $12.5 million, respectively, in insurance reserves, which were included in “Accrued and other liabilities” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expense are based upon actuarial projections of the Company's historical loss development and industry trends.

The following table displays changes in RHIC’s insurance reserves during the six-month periods presented:

(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

Balance at January 1
$
12,521

 
$
13,857

Insurance expense provisions or adjustments

 
1,900

Loss expenses paid
(1,569
)
 
(2,488
)
Balance at June 30
$
10,952

 
$
13,269

 
Expense provisions or adjustments to RHIC’s insurance reserves were included in “Financial services” expense within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
The Company is party to various legal proceedings generally incidental to its businesses. Litigation reserves have been established based on discussions with counsel and on the Company’s analysis of historical claims. The Company has, and requires its subcontractors to have, general liability insurance to protect it against a portion of its risk of loss and to cover it against construction-related claims. The Company establishes reserves to cover its self-insured retentions and deductible amounts under those policies.

23


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


In view of the inherent unpredictability of outcomes in legal matters, particularly where (a) damages sought are speculative, unspecified or indeterminate; (b) proceedings are in the early stages or impacted significantly by future legal determinations or judicial decisions; (c) matters involve unsettled questions of law, multiple parties, or complex facts and circumstances; or (d) insured risk transfer or coverage is undetermined, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the timing or resolution of these matters, including a possible eventual loss. Given this inherent unpredictability, actual future litigation costs could differ from the Company’s current estimates. However, the Company believes that adequate provisions have been made for the resolution of all known claims and pending litigation for probable losses. In accordance with ASC No. 450 (“ASC 450”), “Contingencies,” the Company accrues amounts for legal matters where it believes they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, however, the Company may be exposed to losses in excess of any amounts accrued and may occasionally need to adjust the accruals to reflect developments that could affect its estimate of potential losses. Moreover, in accordance with ASC 450, if the Company does not believe that the potential loss from a particular matter is both probable and reasonably estimable, it does not make an accrual and will monitor the matter for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. For matters as to which the Company believes a loss is probable and reasonably estimable, it had legal reserves of $6.4 million and $5.7 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. (See “Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings.”) It currently estimates that the range of reasonably possible losses, in excess of amounts accrued, could be up to approximately $1.3 million in the aggregate.
 
Note 19.  New Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2015-03
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2015-03 (“ASU 2015-03”), “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30).” The amendments in ASU 2015-03 simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring them to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. Recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. Once adopted, the Company will apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, it is required to comply with applicable disclosures for a change in accounting principle. These disclosures include the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle; the transition method; a description of prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted; and the effect of the change on financial statement line items. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
 
ASU 2015-02
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 (“ASU 2015-02”), “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-09
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The amendments in ASU 2014-09 provide guidance on revenue recognition and supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” most industry-specific guidance and some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, “Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.” The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than is required under the current guidance. These judgments may include identifying performance obligations in the contract; estimating the amount of variable consideration to be included in the transaction price; and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those annual periods. At that time, the Company may adopt the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach. On April 1, 2015, the FASB voted in favor of a one-year deferral of the effective date to December 15, 2017. Also, the FASB will permit public companies to adopt the amendment as of the original effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption of this guidance and the impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 

24


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


Note 20.  Supplemental Guarantor Information
 
The Company’s obligations to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest under its $300.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility; 8.4 percent senior notes due May 2017; 1.6 percent convertible senior notes due May 2018; 0.25 percent convertible senior notes due June 2019; 6.6 percent senior notes due May 2020; and 5.4 percent senior notes due October 2022 are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of its direct and indirect wholly owned homebuilding subsidiaries. Such guarantees are full and unconditional. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the accompanying condensed consolidating financial statements have been included. Management does not believe that separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries are material to investors and are, therefore, not presented.
 
In the event that a Guarantor Subsidiary is sold or disposed of (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of its capital stock, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets [other than by lease]), and whether or not the Guarantor Subsidiary is the surviving corporation in such transaction to an entity which is not the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, such Guarantor Subsidiary will be released from its obligations under its guarantee if (a) the sale or other disposition is in compliance with the indenture and (b) all the obligations of such Guarantor Subsidiary under any agreements relating to any other indebtedness of the Company or its restricted subsidiaries terminate upon consummation of such transaction. In addition, a Guarantor Subsidiary will be released from its obligations under the indenture if such Subsidiary ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary (in compliance with the applicable provisions of the indenture).
 
The following information presents the consolidating statements of earnings, financial position and cash flows for (a) the parent company and issuer, The Ryland Group, Inc. (“TRG, Inc.”); (b) the Guarantor Subsidiaries; (c) the non-Guarantor Subsidiaries; and (d) the consolidation eliminations used to arrive at the consolidated information for The Ryland Group, Inc. and subsidiaries.
 

25


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
(in thousands)
TRG, INC.

 
GUARANTOR
 SUBSIDIARIES

 
NON-GUARANTOR
 SUBSIDIARIES

 
GUARANTOR
 ELIMINATIONS

 
CONSOLIDATED
 TOTAL

REVENUES
$
349,879

 
$
301,285

 
$
16,589

 
$
(14,118
)
 
$
653,635

EXPENSES
318,181

 
272,251

 
7,895

 
(14,118
)
 
584,209

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
(3,264
)
 
299

 
83

 

 
(2,882
)
Income from operations before taxes
28,434

 
29,333

 
8,777

 

 
66,544

Tax expense
10,231

 
10,553

 
3,158

 

 
23,942

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
24,399

 

 

 
(24,399
)
 

NET INCOME
$
42,602

 
$
18,780

 
$
5,619

 
$
(24,399
)
 
$
42,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
REVENUES
$
618,461

 
$
549,285

 
$
28,989

 
$
(25,701
)
 
$
1,171,034

EXPENSES
568,529

 
502,947

 
15,229

 
(25,701
)
 
1,061,004

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
(2,838
)
 
554

 
139

 

 
(2,145
)
Income from operations before taxes
47,094

 
46,892

 
13,899

 

 
107,885

Tax expense
16,949

 
16,875

 
5,002

 

 
38,826

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
38,914

 

 

 
(38,914
)
 

NET INCOME
$
69,059

 
$
30,017

 
$
8,897

 
$
(38,914
)
 
$
69,059

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
 
REVENUES
$
297,734

 
$
280,874

 
$
11,145

 
$
(12,364
)
 
$
577,389

EXPENSES
268,737

 
256,838

 
13,079

 
(12,364
)
 
526,290

OTHER INCOME
790

 
289

 
25

 

 
1,104

Income (loss) from operations before taxes
29,787

 
24,325

 
(1,909
)
 

 
52,203

Tax expense (benefit)
11,505

 
9,394

 
(738
)
 

 
20,161

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
13,760

 

 

 
(13,760
)
 

NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
32,042

 
$
14,931

 
$
(1,171
)
 
$
(13,760
)
 
$
32,042

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
 
REVENUES
$
548,141

 
$
521,108

 
$
19,343

 
$
(21,520
)
 
$
1,067,072

EXPENSES
497,607

 
479,917

 
22,688

 
(21,520
)
 
978,692

OTHER INCOME
1,485

 
483

 
25

 

 
1,993

Income (loss) from operations before taxes
52,019

 
41,674

 
(3,320
)
 

 
90,373

Tax expense (benefit)
20,033

 
16,050

 
(1,279
)
 

 
34,804

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
23,583

 

 

 
(23,583
)
 

NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
55,569

 
$
25,624

 
$
(2,041
)
 
$
(23,583
)
 
$
55,569

 

26


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
(in thousands)
TRG, INC.

 
GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
NON-GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
GUARANTOR
ELIMINATIONS

 
CONSOLIDATED
TOTAL

Net income
$
42,602

 
$
18,780

 
$
5,619

 
$
(24,399
)
 
$
42,602

Other comprehensive loss, net:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, net
4

 

 

 

 
4

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale, net
(150
)
 

 

 

 
(150
)
Other comprehensive loss, net
(146
)
 

 

 

 
(146
)
Comprehensive income
$
42,456

 
$
18,780

 
$
5,619

 
$
(24,399
)
 
$
42,456

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
Net income
$
69,059

 
$
30,017

 
$
8,897

 
$
(38,914
)
 
$
69,059

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, net
51

 
16

 
5

 

 
72

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, available-for-sale, net
(169
)
 

 

 

 
(169
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net
(118
)
 
16

 
5

 

 
(97
)
Comprehensive income
$
68,941

 
$
30,033

 
$
8,902

 
$
(38,914
)
 
$
68,962

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
 
Net income (loss)
$
32,042

 
$
14,931

 
$
(1,171
)
 
$
(13,760
)
 
$
32,042

Other comprehensive income, net:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, net
4

 

 

 

 
4

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale, net
236

 

 

 

 
236

Other comprehensive income, net
240

 

 

 

 
240

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
32,282

 
$
14,931

 
$
(1,171
)
 
$
(13,760
)
 
$
32,282

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
 
Net income (loss)
$
55,569

 
$
25,624

 
$
(2,041
)
 
$
(23,583
)
 
$
55,569

Other comprehensive income, net:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, net
9

 

 

 

 
9

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, available-for-sale, net
424

 

 

 

 
424

Other comprehensive income, net
433

 

 

 

 
433

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
56,002

 
$
25,624

 
$
(2,041
)
 
$
(23,583
)
 
$
56,002

 

27


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
JUNE 30, 2015
 
(in thousands)
TRG, INC.

 
GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
NON-GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
GUARANTOR
ELIMINATIONS

 
CONSOLIDATED
TOTAL

ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
27,024

 
$
242,732

 
$
10,224

 
$

 
$
279,980

Marketable securities and restricted cash
17,341

 

 
18,727

 

 
36,068

Consolidated inventory owned
1,261,611

 
985,486

 

 

 
2,247,097

Consolidated inventory not owned
16,091

 

 
13,629

 

 
29,720

Total housing inventories
1,277,702

 
985,486

 
13,629

 

 
2,276,817

Investment in subsidiaries
469,513

 

 

 
(469,513
)
 

Intercompany receivables
728,147

 

 

 
(728,147
)
 

Other assets
212,992

 
70,311

 
145,578

 

 
428,881

TOTAL ASSETS
2,732,719

 
1,298,529

 
188,158

 
(1,197,660
)
 
3,021,746

LIABILITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
269,351

 
134,295

 
18,496

 

 
422,142

Financial services credit facilities

 

 
122,607

 

 
122,607

Debt
1,295,953

 

 

 

 
1,295,953

Intercompany payables

 
724,026

 
4,121

 
(728,147
)
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,565,304

 
858,321

 
145,224

 
(728,147
)
 
1,840,702

EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,167,415

 
440,208

 
29,305

 
(469,513
)
 
1,167,415

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

 

 
13,629

 

 
13,629

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
2,732,719

 
$
1,298,529

 
$
188,158

 
$
(1,197,660
)
 
$
3,021,746

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
29,993

 
$
480,239

 
$
10,963

 
$

 
$
521,195

Marketable securities and restricted cash
33,611

 

 
19,954

 

 
53,565

Consolidated inventory owned
1,116,024

 
898,988

 

 

 
2,015,012

Consolidated inventory not owned
16,381

 

 
14,430

 

 
30,811

Total housing inventories
1,132,405

 
898,988

 
14,430

 

 
2,045,823

Investment in subsidiaries
439,627

 

 

 
(439,627
)
 

Intercompany receivables
915,926

 

 

 
(915,926
)
 

Other assets
208,842

 
59,171

 
163,493

 

 
431,506

TOTAL ASSETS
2,760,404

 
1,438,398

 
208,840

 
(1,355,553
)
 
3,052,089

LIABILITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
272,752

 
125,333

 
22,533

 

 
420,618

Financial services credit facilities

 

 
129,389

 

 
129,389

Debt
1,403,079

 

 

 

 
1,403,079

Intercompany payables

 
902,874

 
13,052

 
(915,926
)
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,675,831

 
1,028,207

 
164,974

 
(915,926
)
 
1,953,086

EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,084,573

 
410,191

 
29,436

 
(439,627
)
 
1,084,573

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

 

 
14,430

 

 
14,430

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
2,760,404

 
$
1,438,398

 
$
208,840

 
$
(1,355,553
)
 
$
3,052,089


28


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
(in thousands)
TRG, INC.

 
GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
NON-GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
GUARANTOR
ELIMINATIONS

 
CONSOLIDATED
TOTAL

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
69,059

 
$
30,017

 
$
8,897

 
$
(38,914
)
 
$
69,059

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities:
18,320

 
4,485

 
227

 

 
23,032

Changes in assets and liabilities
(170,716
)
 
(86,211
)
 
4,701

 
38,914

 
(213,312
)
Other operating activities, net
(3,182
)
 

 

 

 
(3,182
)
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
(86,519
)
 
(51,709
)
 
13,825

 

 
(124,403
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, net
366

 

 

 

 
366

Additions to property, plant and equipment
(7,709
)
 
(6,662
)
 
(20
)
 

 
(14,391
)
Purchases of marketable securities, available-for-sale

 

 
(631
)
 

 
(631
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities, available-for-sale
349

 

 
531

 

 
880

Net cash used for investing activities
(6,994
)
 
(6,662
)
 
(120
)
 

 
(13,776
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Decrease in debt
(126,481
)
 

 

 

 
(126,481
)
Decrease in borrowings against financial services credit facilities, net

 

 
(6,782
)
 

 
(6,782
)
Common stock dividends and stock-based compensation
13,629

 

 

 

 
13,629

Decrease in restricted cash
16,116

 

 
1,327

 

 
17,443

Intercompany balances
187,779

 
(178,848
)
 
(8,931
)
 

 

Other financing activities, net
(499
)
 
(288
)
 
(58
)
 

 
(845
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
90,544

 
(179,136
)
 
(14,444
)
 

 
(103,036
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(2,969
)
 
(237,507
)
 
(739
)
 

 
(241,215
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
29,993

 
480,239

 
10,963

 

 
521,195

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
27,024

 
$
242,732

 
$
10,224

 
$

 
$
279,980

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

29


 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The Ryland Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
 
(in thousands)
TRG, INC.

 
GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
NON-GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

 
GUARANTOR
ELIMINATIONS

 
CONSOLIDATED
TOTAL

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
55,569

 
$
25,624

 
$
(2,041
)
 
$
(23,583
)
 
$
55,569

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities:
16,501

 
4,489

 
203

 

 
21,193

Changes in assets and liabilities
(207,804
)
 
(69,021
)
 
71,281

 
23,583

 
(181,961
)
Other operating activities, net
(992
)
 

 

 

 
(992
)
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities from continuing operations
(136,726
)
 
(38,908
)
 
69,443

 

 
(106,191
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, net
366

 

 

 

 
366

Additions to property, plant and equipment
(6,448
)
 
(3,380
)
 
(47
)
 

 
(9,875
)
Purchases of marketable securities, available-for-sale
(238,315
)
 

 
(800
)
 

 
(239,115
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities, available-for-sale
339,157

 

 
1,800

 

 
340,957

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities from continuing operations
94,760

 
(3,380
)
 
953

 

 
92,333

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Decrease in borrowings against financial services credit facilities, net

 

 
(14,006
)
 

 
(14,006
)
Common stock dividends and stock-based compensation
20,243

 

 

 

 
20,243

Increase in restricted cash
(3,859
)
 

 
(1,776
)
 

 
(5,635
)
Intercompany balances
19,563

 
35,680

 
(55,243
)
 

 

Other financing activities, net
(376
)
 

 
(155
)
 

 
(531
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities from continuing operations
35,571

 
35,680

 
(71,180
)
 

 
71

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations
(6,395
)
 
(6,608
)
 
(784
)
 

 
(13,787
)
Cash flows from operating activities— discontinued operations

 
(27
)
 

 

 
(27
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
25,521

 
193,383

 
9,109

 

 
228,013

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
19,126

 
$
186,748

 
$
8,325

 
$

 
$
214,199


 
Note 21.  Subsequent Event
 
No event has occurred subsequent to June 30, 2015, that has required recognition or disclosure in the Company’s financial statements.


30


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following management’s discussion and analysis is intended to assist the reader in understanding the Company’s business and is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company’s results of operations discussed below are presented in conformity with GAAP.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
Note: Certain statements in this quarterly report may be regarded as “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may qualify for the safe harbor provided for in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events, and no assurance can be given that the results described in this quarterly report will be achieved. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of statements that include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foresee,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will” or other similar words or phrases. All forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this quarterly report. Except as may be required under applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. The factors and assumptions upon which any forward-looking statements herein are based are subject to risks and uncertainties which include, among others:
 
risk relating to the Company's pending merger with Standard Pacific, including uncertainties as to the timing of the merger, the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, and Standard Pacific’s and the Company's business may suffer as a result of the uncertainty surrounding the transaction;
economic changes nationally or in the Company’s local markets, including volatility and increases in interest rates, the impact of, and changes in, governmental stimulus, tax and deficit reduction programs, inflation, changes in consumer demand and confidence levels and the state of the market for homes in general;
changes and developments in the mortgage lending market, including revisions to underwriting standards for borrowers and lender requirements for originating and holding mortgages, changes in government support of and participation in such market, and delays or changes in terms and conditions for the sale of mortgages originated by the Company;
the availability and cost of land and the future value of land held or under development;
increased land development costs on projects under development;
shortages of skilled labor or raw materials used in the production of homes;
increased prices for labor, land and materials used in the production of homes;
increased competition;
failure to anticipate or react to changing consumer preferences in home design;
increased costs and delays in land development or home construction resulting from adverse weather conditions or other factors;
potential delays or increased costs in obtaining necessary permits as a result of changes to laws, regulations or governmental policies (including those that affect zoning, density, building standards, the environment and the residential mortgage industry);
delays in obtaining approvals from applicable regulatory agencies and others in connection with the Company’s communities and land activities;
changes in the Company’s effective tax rate and assumptions and valuations related to its tax accounts;
the risk factors set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; and
other factors over which the Company has little or no control.
 

31


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations
 
Overview

The Company consists of six reportable segments: four geographically determined homebuilding regions; financial services; and corporate. All of the Company’s business is conducted and located in the United States. The Company’s operations span all significant aspects of the homebuying process—from design, construction and sale to mortgage origination, title and escrow services. The homebuilding operations are, by far, the most substantial part of its business, comprising approximately 98 percent of consolidated revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. The homebuilding segments generate nearly all of their revenues from sales of completed homes, with a lesser amount from sales of land and lots.
 
On June 14, 2015, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with Standard Pacific. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Standard Pacific and the Company have agreed that the Company will merge with and into Standard Pacific in a “merger of equals,” with Standard Pacific continuing as the Surviving Corporation, and the separate corporate existence of the Company will cease. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Standard Pacific and the Company, if the Merger is completed, each five shares of common stock issued and outstanding of Standard Pacific will be combined and converted into one issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation and each share of common stock of the Company issued and outstanding will be converted and exchangeable for 1.0191 issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation. The proposed merger is subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company and Standard Pacific and other customary closing conditions. The Company currently expects the transaction to close in early Fall 2015. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company incurred transaction related fees totaling $3.6 million, which was reported in "Other (expense) income" within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

During the second quarter of 2015, a slow and steady housing market recovery continued to materialize, evidenced by attractive housing affordability; steady job growth; and consistent improvement in consumer confidence. As a result, the Company experienced year-over-year improvement in net income; new orders; homebuilding revenues; and selling, general and administrative expense leverage. Furthermore, a backlog dollar value of $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2015, represented an 8.3 percent increase from June 30, 2014, and provided for a solid order base leading into the second half of 2015. As housing supply constraints are contributing to increases in home prices, further increases in prices, along with a potential rise in interest rates, may adversely affect future affordability. Additionally, persistent lack of buyer urgency, relatively stagnant wage growth, a slowing population growth rate and elevated levels of student debt payments for first-time homebuyers may provide additional headwinds to the recovery.

The Company’s significant investments in land and land development during 2015 and over the last several years should position it to maintain consistent community count growth and provide for additional operating leverage from increased deliveries. Homeownership rates remain at historically low levels, and the Company believes that, as the housing recovery continues to materialize, growth in household formations may promote an improvement in sales absorption rates. The Company maintains a geographically diverse footprint in order to manage risk and believes that it is well positioned to take advantage of favorable trends and opportunities in all of its markets. Furthermore, continued strategic investment in its existing markets should facilitate additional market penetration and create a platform for future growth. Generating revenue growth, along with maintaining strong operating margins and remaining structurally lean in order to sustain leverage, continue to be the Company’s primary focus. Net income totaled $42.6 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to $32.0 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, for the same period in 2014. The number of active communities rose 12.1 percent to 344 active communities at June 30, 2015, from 307 active communities at June 30, 2014. Investments in new communities increased consolidated inventory owned by $231.8 million, or 11.4 percent, at June 30, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014.

The Company’s consolidated revenues rose 13.2 percent to $653.6 million for the second quarter of 2015, from $577.4 million for the same period in 2014. This increase was primarily attributable to a 6.7 percent rise in the number of homes delivered and to a 5.4 percent increase in average closing price, which provided a $70.9 million rise in housing revenue and a $5.4 million improvement in financial services revenue. The rise in the number of homes delivered resulted from 6.4 percent higher backlog at the beginning of the second quarter, compared to the prior year. The increase in average closing price was primarily due to a change in the product and geographic mix of homes delivered. Revenues for the homebuilding and financial services segments totaled $637.0 million and $16.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to $566.2 million and $11.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
 
New orders rose 7.1 percent to 2,387 units for the second quarter of 2015 from 2,228 units for the second quarter of 2014 primarily due to an increase in the number of active communities, partially offset by lower sales absorption rates. New order dollars rose 6.8 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to 2014. The Company’s average monthly sales absorption rate was 2.3 homes per community for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, versus 2.5 homes per community for the same period in 2014. The

32


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Company’s average monthly sales absorption rate is calculated as the net new orders in the period divided by the average number of active communities during the period divided by the number of months in that period.
 
Housing gross profit margin was 20.4 percent of revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to 21.2 percent for the same period in 2014. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily driven by the mix of closings within the Company’s markets during the second quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year, as well as to an increase in land costs.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense totaled 10.9 percent of homebuilding revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to 11.8 percent for the same period in 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to improved leverage that resulted from increased revenues.
 
The financial services segment reported pretax earnings of $8.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to a pretax loss of $1.9 million in 2014. This increase was primarily attributable to higher locked loan and origination volumes during the second quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, and a decrease in litigation expense that related to the Countrywide settlement in the prior year.
 
The Company maintained a strong balance sheet, ending the second quarter of 2015 with $316.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. As of June 30, 2015, the Company’s earliest senior debt maturity is in 2017. Its net debt-to-capital ratio, including marketable securities, was 45.6 percent at June 30, 2015, compared to 43.3 percent at December 31, 2014.
 
The net debt-to-capital ratio, including marketable securities, is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated as debt, net of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, divided by the sum of debt and total stockholders’ equity, net of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. The Company believes that the net debt-to-capital ratio, including marketable securities, is useful in understanding the leverage employed in its operations and in comparing it with other homebuilders.
 
Homebuilding Overview
The Company’s homes are built on-site and marketed in four major geographic regions, or reporting segments: North, Southeast, Texas and West. Within each of those segments, the Company operated in the following metropolitan areas at June 30, 2015:
 
North
Baltimore, Chicago, Delaware, Indianapolis, Metro Washington, D.C., Minneapolis/St. Paul,
New Jersey, Northern Virginia and Philadelphia
Southeast
Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Raleigh/Durham and Tampa
Texas
Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio
West
Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Southern California
 
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(in thousands, except units)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

REVENUES
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Housing
$
636,401

 
$
565,488

 
$
1,137,970

 
$
1,046,129

Land and other
645

 
756

 
4,075

 
1,600

TOTAL REVENUES
637,046

 
566,244

 
1,142,045

 
1,047,729

EXPENSES
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Housing
506,602

 
445,511

 
909,180

 
824,823

Land and other
434

 
680

 
3,147

 
1,367

Total cost of sales
507,036

 
446,191

 
912,327

 
826,190

Selling, general and administrative
62,154

 
60,115

 
117,764

 
115,375

TOTAL EXPENSES
569,190

 
506,306

 
1,030,091

 
941,565

PRETAX EARNINGS
$
67,856

 
$
59,938

 
$
111,954

 
$
106,164

Closings (units)
1,814

 
1,700

 
3,277

 
3,170

Housing gross profit margin
20.4
%
 
21.2
%
 
20.1
%
 
21.2
%
 

33


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to three months ended June 30, 2014
 
The homebuilding segments reported pretax earnings of $67.9 million for the second quarter of 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $59.9 million for the same period in 2014. This increase in homebuilding pretax earnings was primarily due to a rise in revenues and to a reduction in selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of homebuilding revenues, partially offset by a lower housing gross profit margin.
 
Homebuilding revenues increased 12.5 percent to $637.0 million for the second quarter of 2015 from $566.2 million for the same period in 2014 due to a 6.7 percent rise in the number of homes delivered and to a 5.4 percent increase in average closing price. The Company’s closings increased to 1,814 units for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, from 1,700 units for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, due to higher backlog at the beginning of the second quarter of 2015, compared to the prior year. The increase in average closing price was due to a change in the product and geographic mix of homes delivered during the second quarter of 2015, versus the same period in 2014.
 
In order to manage its risk from land investments and monetize certain land positions, the Company executed several land and lot sales during the quarter. Homebuilding revenues for the second quarter of 2015 included $645,000 from land sales, which resulted in pretax earnings of $211,000, compared to homebuilding revenues for the second quarter of 2014 that included $756,000 from land sales, which resulted in pretax earnings of $76,000. Gross profit margin from land sales was 32.7 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to 10.1 percent for the same period in 2014. Fluctuations in revenues and gross profit percentages from land sales are a product of local market conditions and changing land portfolios. The Company generally purchases land and lots with the intent to build homes on those lots and sell them; however, it occasionally sells a portion of its land to other homebuilders or third parties.
 
Housing gross profit margin for the second quarter of 2015 was 20.4 percent, compared to 21.2 percent for the same period in 2014. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily driven by the mix of closings within the Company’s markets during the second quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year, as well as to an increase in land costs.

For the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company capitalized all interest incurred, resulting in no interest expense. Interest incurred principally to finance land acquisitions, land development and home construction totaled $15.8 million and $17.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to six months ended June 30, 2014
 
The homebuilding segments reported pretax earnings of $112.0 million for the first six months of 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $106.2 million for the same period in 2014. This increase in homebuilding pretax earnings was primarily due to a rise in revenues and to a reduction in selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of homebuilding revenues, partially offset by a lower housing gross profit margin.
 
Homebuilding revenues increased 9.0 percent to $1.1 billion for the first six months of 2015 from $1.0 billion for the same period in 2014 due to a 5.2 percent rise in average closing price and to a 3.4 percent increase in the number of homes delivered. The rise in average closing price was due to a change in the product and geographic mix of homes delivered during the first six months of 2015, versus the same period in 2014. The Company’s closings increased to 3,277 units for the first six months of 2015, compared to 3,170 units for the same period in 2014, due to an 8.2 percent increase in new orders for 2015, compared to 2014.
 
In order to manage its risk from land investments and monetize certain land positions, the Company executed several land and lot sales during the first six months of 2015. Homebuilding revenues for the first six months of 2015 included $4.1 million from land sales, which resulted in pretax earnings of $928,000, compared to homebuilding revenues for the first six months of 2014 that included $1.6 million from land sales, which resulted in pretax earnings of $233,000. Gross profit margin from land sales was 22.8 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to 14.6 percent for the same period in 2014. Fluctuations in revenues and gross profit percentages from land sales are a product of local market conditions and changing land portfolios. The Company generally purchases land and lots with the intent to build homes on those lots and sell them; however, it occasionally sells a portion of its land to other homebuilders or third parties.
 
Housing gross profit margin for the first six months of 2015 was 20.1 percent, compared to 21.2 percent for the same period in 2014. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily driven by the mix of closings within the Company’s markets during the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year.

34


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For the first six months of 2015 and 2014, the Company capitalized all interest incurred, resulting in no interest expense. Interest incurred principally to finance land acquisitions, land development and home construction totaled $31.8 million and $34.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. This decrease in interest incurred was due to the settlement of the Company’s 5.4 percent senior notes in January 2015. (See Note 13, “Debt and Credit Facilities.”)
 
Consolidated inventory owned by the Company, which includes homes under construction; land under development and improved lots; and cash deposits related to consolidated inventory not owned, rose 11.4 percent to $2.3 billion at June 30, 2015, from $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014. Homes under construction increased 18.4 percent to $905.5 million at June 30, 2015, from $764.9 million at December 31, 2014. Land under development and improved lots totaled $1.3 billion at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company had 482 model homes with inventory values totaling $138.1 million at June 30, 2015, compared to 449 model homes with inventory values totaling $132.3 million at December 31, 2014. In addition, it had 1,014 started and unsold homes with inventory values totaling $190.0 million at June 30, 2015, compared to 1,024 started and unsold homes with inventory values totaling $252.4 million at December 31, 2014.

The following table provides certain information with respect to the Company’s number of residential communities and lots controlled at June 30, 2015:
 
 
COMMUNITIES
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
NEW AND

 
 

 
HELD-

 
 

 
TOTAL LOTS

 
 
ACTIVE

 
NOT YET OPEN

 
INACTIVE

 
FOR-SALE

 
TOTAL

 
CONTROLLED

1 

North
102

 
63

 
10

 
2

 
177

 
14,664

 
Southeast
92

 
66

 
8

 
5

 
171

 
12,552

 
Texas
93

 
33

 

 
2

 
128

 
6,653

 
West
57

 
35

 

 

 
92

 
6,543

 
Total
344

 
197

 
18

 
9

 
568

 
40,412

 
1 Includes lots controlled through the Company’s investments in joint ventures.
 
Inactive communities consist of projects on hold for future home sales. At June 30, 2015, of the 9 communities that were held-for-sale, 8 communities had fewer than 20 lots remaining.
 
Favorable affordability levels and slowly improving economic conditions in most housing submarkets have allowed the Company to focus on growing its number of active communities and on increasing its profitability, all while balancing those two objectives with cash preservation. During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, it secured 3,170 owned or optioned lots, opened 37 communities and closed 33 communities. The Company ended the quarter with 12.1 percent more active communities at June 30, 2015, compared to June 30, 2014. The number of lots controlled totaled 39,801 lots at June 30, 2015, compared to 38,973 lots at December 31, 2014. Optioned lots, as a percentage of total lots controlled, were 34.5 percent and 35.1 percent at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. In addition, 611 lots and 623 lots were controlled by the Company under joint venture agreements at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.










35


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following table provides a summary of results for the Company’s homebuilding segments for the three- and six-month periods presented: 

STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
 
 
(in thousands)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

NORTH
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
178,477

 
$
154,111

 
$
314,131

 
$
287,675

Expenses
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
143,492

 
122,135

 
252,259

 
229,535

Selling, general and administrative
17,230

 
17,022

 
32,578

 
32,392

Total expenses
160,722

 
139,157

 
284,837

 
261,927

Pretax earnings
$
17,755

 
$
14,954

 
$
29,294

 
$
25,748

Housing gross profit margin
19.6
%
 
20.7
%
 
19.6
%
 
20.2
%
SOUTHEAST
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Revenues
$
166,042

 
$
140,791

 
$
302,591

 
$
267,458

Expenses
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
129,410

 
108,505

 
238,295

 
205,539

Selling, general and administrative
16,776

 
15,023

 
31,797

 
29,799

Total expenses
146,186

 
123,528

 
270,092

 
235,338

Pretax earnings
$
19,856

 
$
17,263

 
$
32,499

 
$
32,120

Housing gross profit margin
22.1
%
 
23.0
%
 
21.3
%
 
23.2
%
TEXAS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Revenues
$
127,610

 
$
125,138

 
$
243,058

 
$
236,289

Expenses
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
104,899

 
100,813

 
200,388

 
190,455

Selling, general and administrative
13,920

 
14,749

 
27,150

 
28,411

Total expenses
118,819

 
115,562

 
227,538

 
218,866

Pretax earnings
$
8,791

 
$
9,576

 
$
15,520

 
$
17,423

Housing gross profit margin
17.8
%
 
19.4
%
 
17.6
%
 
19.4
%
WEST
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Revenues
$
164,917

 
$
146,204

 
$
282,265

 
$
256,307

Expenses
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
129,235

 
114,738

 
221,385

 
200,661

Selling, general and administrative
14,228

 
13,321

 
26,239

 
24,773

Total expenses
143,463

 
128,059

 
247,624

 
225,434

Pretax earnings
$
21,454

 
$
18,145

 
$
34,641

 
$
30,873

Housing gross profit margin
21.6
%
 
21.5
%
 
21.6
%
 
21.7
%
TOTAL
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Revenues
$
637,046

 
$
566,244

 
$
1,142,045

 
$
1,047,729

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
507,036

 
446,191

 
912,327

 
826,190

Selling, general and administrative
62,154

 
60,115

 
117,764

 
115,375

Total expenses
569,190

 
506,306

 
1,030,091

 
941,565

Pretax earnings
$
67,856

 
$
59,938

 
$
111,954

 
$
106,164

Housing gross profit margin
20.4
%
 
21.2
%
 
20.1
%
 
21.2
%
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to three months ended June 30, 2014
 
North—Homebuilding revenues improved 15.8 percent to $178.5 million in 2015 from $154.1 million in 2014 primarily due to a 16.9 percent rise in the number of homes delivered. This increase in the number of homes delivered was largely attributable to a rise in closings in the Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., markets, partially offset by a decline in the Baltimore market. Gross profit margin on home sales was 19.6 percent in 2015, compared to 20.7 percent in 2014. This decrease was primarily related to

36


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

land and direct construction costs outpacing price increases. As a result, the North region generated pretax earnings of $17.8 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $15.0 million in 2014.
 
Southeast—Homebuilding revenues improved 17.9 percent to $166.0 million in 2015 from $140.8 million in 2014 primarily due to a 7.2 percent increase in the number of homes delivered and to a 10.4 percent rise in average closing price. The increase in the number of homes delivered was driven by the Tampa market, as most other markets were relatively flat year-over-year. Average closing price increased in all markets, with the largest contributions coming from the Orlando and Atlanta markets, primarily from the opening of new, higher-priced communities. Gross profit margin on home sales was 22.1 percent in 2015, compared to 23.0 percent in 2014, which resulted from the mix of closings within the segment’s markets and the closing out of higher-margin communities in the Charleston market. As a result, the Southeast region generated pretax earnings of $19.9 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $17.3 million in 2014.
 
Texas—Homebuilding revenues improved 2.0 percent to $127.6 million in 2015 from $125.1 million in 2014 primarily due to a 10.6 percent rise in average closing price, partially offset by an 8.0 percent decrease in the number of homes delivered. The increase in average closing price was broad-based across all markets. The decline in the number of homes delivered was primarily attributable to the Houston and Dallas markets, partially offset by an increase in the San Antonio market. Gross profit margin on home sales was 17.8 percent in 2015, compared to 19.4 percent in 2014, which resulted from the mix of closings within the segment’s markets, as well as to land costs outpacing price increases in the Houston market. As a result, the Texas region generated pretax earnings of $8.8 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $9.6 million in 2014.
 
West—Homebuilding revenues improved 12.8 percent to $164.9 million in 2015 from $146.2 million in 2014 primarily due to an 8.5 percent increase in the number of homes delivered and to a 3.8 percent rise in average closing price. The Phoenix and Denver markets were the largest contributors to the increase in the number of homes delivered. The rise in average closing price was primarily due to strong pricing power and to a shift in product mix to higher-priced communities in the Southern California market, partially offset by a decline in average closing price in the Phoenix market due to a shift in product mix to lower-priced communities. Gross profit margin on home sales was flat at 21.6 percent in 2015, compared to 21.5 percent in 2014. As a result, the West region generated pretax earnings of $21.5 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $18.1 million in 2014.

Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to six months ended June 30, 2014
 
North—Homebuilding revenues improved 9.2 percent to $314.1 million in 2015 from $287.7 million in 2014 primarily due to an 8.7 percent rise in the number of homes delivered. This increase in the number of homes delivered was largely attributable to an increase in the Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., markets, partially offset by a decline in the Baltimore market. Gross profit margin on home sales was 19.6 percent in 2015, compared to 20.2 percent in 2014. This decrease was primarily related to a change in the product and geographic mix, as well as to direct construction costs outpacing price increases. As a result, the North region generated pretax earnings of $29.3 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $25.7 million in 2014.
 
Southeast—Homebuilding revenues improved 13.1 percent to $302.6 million in 2015 from $267.5 million in 2014 primarily due to a 1.7 percent increase in the number of homes delivered and to an 11.5 percent rise in average closing price. The rise in the number of homes delivered was primarily due to an increase in the Tampa and Raleigh markets, partially offset by a decline in the Orlando market. Average closing price increased in all markets, with the largest contributions coming from the Orlando and Atlanta markets primarily from the opening of new, higher-priced communities. Gross profit margin on home sales was 21.3 percent in 2015, compared to 23.2 percent in 2014, which resulted from the mix of closings within the segment’s markets and the closing out of higher-margin communities in the Charleston market. As a result, the Southeast region generated pretax earnings of $32.5 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $32.1 million in 2014.
 
Texas—Homebuilding revenues improved 2.9 percent to $243.1 million in 2015 from $236.3 million in 2014 primarily due to an 8.8 percent rise in average closing price, partially offset by a 6.5 percent decrease in the number of homes delivered. The increase in average closing price was broad-based across all markets. The decline in the number of homes delivered was primarily attributable to the Houston and Dallas markets, partially offset by an increase in the San Antonio market. Gross profit margin on home sales was 17.6 percent in 2015, compared to 19.4 percent in 2014, which resulted from the mix of closings within the segment’s markets, as well as to land costs outpacing price increases in the Houston market. As a result, the Texas region generated pretax earnings of $15.5 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $17.4 million in 2014.
 
West—Homebuilding revenues improved 10.1 percent to $282.3 million in 2015 from $256.3 million in 2014 primarily due to a 10.2 percent rise in the number of homes delivered. The Phoenix and Denver markets were the largest contributors to the increase in the number of homes delivered. Gross profit margin on home sales was flat at 21.6 percent in 2015, compared to 21.7 percent

37


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

in 2014. As a result, the West region generated pretax earnings of $34.6 million in 2015, compared to pretax earnings of $30.9 million in 2014.

New Orders
Historically, new order activity is higher in the spring and summer months. As a result, the Company typically has more homes under construction, closes more homes, and has greater revenues and operating income in the third and fourth quarters of its fiscal year. Historical results, however, are not necessarily indicative of current or future homebuilding activities.
 
The following table provides the Company’s new orders (units and aggregate sales values) for the three- and six-month periods presented:
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
 
2015

 
2014

 
% CHG

 
2015

 
2014

 
% CHG

UNITS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
North
645

 
657

 
(1.8
)%
 
1,352

 
1,267

 
6.7
 %
Southeast
681

 
670

 
1.6

 
1,371

 
1,305

 
5.1

Texas
467

 
453

 
3.1

 
942

 
960

 
(1.9
)
West
594

 
448

 
32.6

 
1,111

 
882

 
26.0

Total
2,387

 
2,228

 
7.1
 %
 
4,776


4,414

 
8.2
 %
DOLLARS (in millions)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
North
$
206

 
$
208

 
(1.1
)%
 
$
432

 
$
399

 
8.3
 %
Southeast
215

 
218

 
(1.4
)
 
431

 
410

 
5.1

Texas
166

 
152

 
9.1

 
326

 
317

 
3.0

West
226

 
183

 
23.7

 
438

 
365

 
19.8

Total
$
813

 
$
761

 
6.8
 %
 
$
1,627

 
$
1,491

 
9.1
 %
 
New orders increased 7.1 percent to 2,387 units for the second quarter of 2015 from 2,228 units for the same period in 2014, and new order dollars rose 6.8 percent for the second quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The overall increase in new orders was primarily due to a 12.1 percent rise in active communities, partially offset by lower average monthly sales absorption rates. The Company’s average monthly sales absorption rate was 2.3 homes per community for the second quarter of 2015, versus 2.5 homes per community for the same period in 2014.

New orders for the second quarter of 2015 increased by 1.6 percent in the Southeast, 3.1 percent in Texas and 32.6 percent in the West, compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due an increase in the average number of active communities, partially offset by a decline in sales absorption rates. New orders for the second quarter of 2015 decreased 1.8 percent in the North, compared to the same period in 2014, due to a decline in sales absorption rates, partially offset by an increase in the average number of active communities.
 
The following table provides the number of the Company’s active communities:
 
 
JUNE 30, 2015

 
JUNE 30, 2014

 
% CHG

North
102

 
101

 
1.0
 %
Southeast
92

 
93

 
(1.1
)
Texas
93

 
73

 
27.4

West
57

 
40

 
42.5

Total
344

 
307

 
12.1
 %
 

38


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following table provides the Company’s cancellation rates, which are defined as cancelled orders divided by gross new orders, for the three- and six-month periods presented:
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
2015

 
2014

 
% CHG

 
2015

 
2014

 
% CHG

North
15.7
%
 
15.1
%
 
0.6
 %
 
16.1
%
 
14.6
%
 
1.5
 %
Southeast
13.7

 
16.9

 
(3.2
)
 
14.3

 
15.9

 
(1.6
)
Texas
19.2

 
21.8

 
(2.6
)
 
17.2

 
19.4

 
(2.2
)
West
14.0

 
17.9

 
(3.9
)
 
13.8

 
16.9

 
(3.1
)
Total
15.4
%
 
17.6
%
 
(2.2
)%
 
15.3
%
 
16.5
%
 
(1.2
)%
 
The following table provides the Company’s sales incentives and price concessions (average dollar value per unit closed and percentage of revenues) for the three- and six-month periods presented:

 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
AVG $

 
% OF

 
AVG $

 
% OF

 
AVG $

 
% OF

 
AVG $

 
% OF

(in thousands)
PER UNIT

 
REVENUES

 
PER UNIT

 
REVENUES

 
PER UNIT

 
REVENUES

 
PER UNIT

 
REVENUES

North
$
24

 
7.1
%
 
$
20

 
5.9
%
 
$
25

 
7.3
%
 
$
19

 
5.5
%
Southeast
24

 
7.0

 
23

 
7.4

 
25

 
7.3

 
21

 
7.0

Texas
36

 
9.2

 
35

 
9.8

 
38

 
9.8

 
34

 
9.6

West
18

 
4.1

 
18

 
4.2

 
19

 
4.2

 
19

 
4.4

Total
$
25

 
6.7
%
 
$
24

 
6.7
%
 
$
27

 
7.1
%
 
$
23

 
6.6
%
 
Closings
The following table provides the Company’s closings and average closing prices for the three- and six-month periods presented:
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
 
2015

 
2014

 
% CHG

 
2015

 
2014

 
% CHG

UNITS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
North
553

 
473

 
16.9
 %
 
975

 
897

 
8.7
 %
Southeast
522

 
487

 
7.2

 
949

 
933

 
1.7

Texas
358

 
389

 
(8.0
)
 
692

 
740

 
(6.5
)
West
381

 
351

 
8.5

 
661

 
600

 
10.2

Total
1,814

 
1,700

 
6.7
 %
 
3,277

 
3,170

 
3.4
 %
AVERAGE PRICE (in thousands)
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

North
$
322

 
$
325

 
(0.9
)%
 
$
321

 
$
320

 
0.3
 %
Southeast
318

 
288

 
10.4

 
319

 
286

 
11.5

Texas
356

 
322

 
10.6

 
347

 
319

 
8.8

West
433

 
417

 
3.8

 
427

 
427

 

Total
$
351

 
$
333

 
5.4
 %
 
$
347

 
$
330

 
5.2
 %
 
Outstanding Contracts
Outstanding contracts denote the Company’s backlog of homes sold, but not closed, which are generally built and closed, subject to cancellations, over the subsequent two quarters. At June 30, 2015, the Company had outstanding contracts of 4,116 units, representing a 57.3 percent increase from 2,617 units at December 31, 2014, and a 6.4 percent rise from 3,870 units at June 30, 2014. The Company’s $1.4 billion value of outstanding contracts at June 30, 2015, represented an 8.3 percent increase from the $1.3 billion value of outstanding contracts at June 30, 2014.


39


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following table provides the Company’s outstanding contracts (units, aggregate dollar values and average prices) at June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
 

 
 

 
2015

 
 

 
 

 
2014

 
UNITS

 
DOLLARS
(in millions)

 
AVERAGE
PRICE
(in thousands)

 
UNITS

 
DOLLARS
(in millions)

 
AVERAGE
PRICE
(in thousands)

North
1,174

 
$
375

 
$
320

 
1,202

 
$
378

 
$
315

Southeast
1,205

 
393

 
326

 
1,174

 
376

 
320

Texas
802

 
280

 
349

 
834

 
279

 
335

West
935

 
359

 
384

 
660

 
266

 
403

Total
4,116

 
$
1,407

 
$
342

 
3,870

 
$
1,299

 
$
336

 
Impairments
As required by ASC 360, inventory is reviewed for potential impairments on an ongoing basis. ASC 360 requires that, in the event that impairment indicators are present and undiscounted cash flows signify that the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable, impairment charges must be recorded if the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. (See Note 9, “Housing Inventories.”) There were no inventory valuation adjustments for the quarters ended June 30, 2015 or 2014. The Company periodically writes off preacquisition feasibility costs and earnest money deposits related to land and lot option purchase contracts that it no longer plans to pursue. The Company wrote off $582,000 and $490,000 in preacquisition feasibility costs and earnest money deposits during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company wrote off $1.0 million and $973,000 in preacquisition feasibility costs and earnest money deposits during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Should homebuilding market conditions weaken or the Company be unsuccessful in renegotiating certain land option purchase contracts, it may write off additional preacquisition feasibility costs and earnest money deposits in future periods.

Financial Services
The Company’s financial services segment provides mortgage-related products and services, as well as title and escrow services, to its homebuyers. By aligning its operations with the Company’s homebuilding segments, the financial services segment leverages this relationship to offer its lending services to homebuyers, which, in turn, helps the Company monitor its backlog and closing process. RMC’s mortgage origination operations consist primarily of mortgage loans originated in connection with sales of the Company’s homes. The mortgage capture rate represents the percentage of homes closed and available to capture by the Company that were financed with mortgage loans originated by RMC. Substantially all of the loans RMC originates are sold to third-party investors within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing-released basis. The third-party investor then services and manages the loans. The fair values of RMC’s mortgage loans held-for-sale totaled $129.8 million and $153.4 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
 
 
(in thousands, except units)
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

REVENUES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Income from origination and sale of mortgage loans, net
$
13,445

 
$
8,475

 
$
23,219

 
$
14,115

Title, escrow and insurance
2,618

 
2,235

 
4,733

 
4,132

Interest and other
526

 
435

 
1,037

 
1,096

TOTAL REVENUES
16,589

 
11,145

 
28,989

 
19,343

EXPENSES
7,895

 
13,079

 
15,229

 
22,688

OTHER INCOME
83

 
25

 
139

 
25

PRETAX EARNINGS (LOSS)
$
8,777

 
$
(1,909
)
 
$
13,899

 
$
(3,320
)
Originations (units)
1,053

 
835

 
1,867

 
1,539

Ryland Homes origination capture rate
65.4
%
 
60.4
%
 
64.2
%
 
60.3
%
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to three months ended June 30, 2014
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2015, the financial services segment reported pretax earnings of $8.8 million, compared to a pretax loss of $1.9 million for the same period in 2014. Revenues for the financial services segment rose 48.8 percent to $16.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $11.1 million for the same period in the prior year. This increase

40


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

in revenues for the second quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, was primarily attributable to higher locked loan and origination volumes. The rise in volume levels was the result of a 5.0 percent improvement in capture rate, as well as the gradual introduction of mortgage-related products and services into new markets during 2014. For the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the capture rates of mortgages originated for customers of the Company’s homebuilding operations were 65.4 percent and 60.4 percent, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2015, financial services expense decreased by 39.6 percent to $7.9 million from $13.1 million for the same period in 2014. This decline was primarily due to a decrease in litigation expense that related to the Countrywide settlement in the prior year.

Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to six months ended June 30, 2014
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the financial services segment reported pretax earnings of $13.9 million, compared to a pretax loss of $3.3 million for the same period in 2014. Revenues for the financial services segment rose 49.9 percent to $29.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $19.3 million for the same period in the prior year. This increase in revenues for the first six months of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, was primarily attributable to higher locked loan and origination volumes. The rise in volume levels was the result of a 3.9 percent improvement in capture rate, as well as the gradual introduction of mortgage-related products and services into new markets during 2014. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the capture rates of mortgages originated for customers of the Company’s homebuilding operations were 64.2 percent and 60.3 percent, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, financial services expense decreased by 32.9 percent to $15.2 million from $22.7 million for the same period in 2014. This decline was primarily due to lower litigation expense and a reduction in expense that related to a change in the estimate of ultimate insurance loss liability in the prior year.

Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expense was $23.9 million and $38.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $20.2 million and $34.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Its provision for income tax presented an overall effective income tax expense rate of 36.0 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to 38.6 percent and 38.5 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The change in the overall effective income tax rate for 2015 from 2014 was primarily due to the tax benefit that resulted from the domestic production activities deduction.
 
Deferred tax assets are recognized for estimated tax effects that are attributable to deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards related to tax credits and NOLs. They are realized when existing temporary differences are carried back to a profitable year(s) and/or carried forward to a future year(s) having taxable income. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if an assessment of their components indicates that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of these assets will not be realized. In the assessment for a valuation allowance, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses; actual earnings; forecasts of future earnings; the duration of statutory carryforward periods; the Company’s experience with NOL carryforwards not expiring unused; and tax planning alternatives. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s net deferred tax assets totaled $84.4 million and $91.8 million, respectively, with no valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets.

Financial Condition and Liquidity
The Company has historically funded its homebuilding and financial services operations with cash flows from operating activities; the issuance of new debt securities; borrowings from revolving credit facilities; and borrowings under financial services credit facilities. Under current market conditions, the Company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet by generating cash from active communities and by extending debt maturities when market conditions are favorable, as well as by investing in new communities to facilitate continued growth and profitability. As a result of this strategy, the Company opened 37 new communities during the second quarter of 2015; has senior debt and convertible senior debt with various maturities through 2022 (See Note 13, “Debt and Credit Facilities.”); and ended the quarter with $316.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Additionally, the Company had $213.5 million available under an unsecured revolving credit facility at June 30, 2015.
 
Consolidated inventory owned by the Company increased 11.4 percent to $2.3 billion at June 30, 2015, compared to $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014. The Company continues to grow at a healthy rate and strives to maintain a projected four- to five-year supply of land. At June 30, 2015, it controlled 39,801 lots, with 26,090 lots owned and 13,711 lots, or 34.5 percent, under option, compared to 38,973 lots controlled at December 31, 2014. The Company also controlled 611 lots and 623 lots under joint venture agreements at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. (See Note 12, “Investments in Joint Ventures.”)
 

41


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

At June 30, 2015, the Company’s net debt-to-capital ratio, including marketable securities, was 45.6 percent, compared to 43.3 percent at December 31, 2014. The Company remains focused on maintaining its liquidity so that it can be flexible in reacting to changing market conditions.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company used $124.4 million of cash for operating activities, which included cash outflows related to a $219.1 million increase in inventories and $28.3 million from changes in other assets, liabilities and other operating activities, partially offset by cash inflows of $92.1 million from current period net income; $23.6 million from a decrease in mortgage loans held-for-sale; and $7.3 million from a decline in deferred income taxes. It used $13.8 million of cash for investing activities, which included cash outflows of $14.4 million related to an increase in property, plant and equipment, partially offset by cash inflows of $366,000 related to a net return of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and $249,000 related to net reductions in investments in marketable securities. The Company used $103.0 million for financing activities, which included cash outflows of $126.5 million for retirement of long-term debt; net repayments of $6.8 million against the financial services credit facilities; payments of $2.9 million for common stock dividends; and $845,000 for other financing activities, partially offset by cash inflows of $17.4 million from a decrease in restricted cash and $16.5 million from the issuance of common stock under stock-based compensation. As a result, net cash used during the six months ended June 30, 2015, totaled $241.2 million.
 
Dividends declared totaled $0.03 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, borrowing arrangements for the homebuilding segments included senior notes; convertible senior notes; nonrecourse secured notes payable; and its $300.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. Senior notes outstanding, net of discount, totaled $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. (See Note 13, “Debt and Credit Facilities.”)
 
During 2014, the Company entered into the Credit Facility, which provides for a $300.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, including a $150.0 million Letter of Credit Subfacility and a $25.0 million swing line facility. In addition, the Credit Facility includes an accordion feature pursuant to which the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility may be increased, from time to time, up to a principal amount not to exceed $450.0 million, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. The commitments for the Letter of Credit Subfacility are not to exceed half of the amount of the commitments for the Revolving Credit Facility. The Credit Facility, which matures on November 21, 2018, provides for the commitments to be extended for up to two additional one-year periods, subject to satisfaction of the terms and conditions set forth therein. (See Note 13, “Debt and Credit Facilities.”)
 
Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum that is equal to the base rate or the reserve-adjusted LIBOR rate in each case, plus an applicable margin that is determined based on changes in the leverage ratio of the Company and its homebuilding segment subsidiaries. The Company did not have any outstanding borrowings against the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The Company provides letters of credit in the ordinary course of its business. It did have unsecured letters of credit outstanding under its Letter of Credit Subfacility that totaled $86.5 million and $67.7 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The unused borrowing capacity of the Credit Facility totaled $213.5 million and $232.3 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 
Senior notes; convertible senior notes; credit facilities; and indenture agreements are subject to certain covenants that include, among other things, restrictions on additional secured debt and the sale of assets. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2015.
 
To finance its land purchases, the Company may also use nonrecourse secured notes payable. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, outstanding nonrecourse secured notes payable totaled $24.8 million and $5.8 million, respectively.
 
The financial services segment uses funds made available under its credit facilities and cash generated internally to finance its operations.
 
During 2014, RMCMC entered into a $50.0 million warehouse line of credit with Comerica Bank, which was subsequently extended in April 2015 to expire in April 2016, and allows for borrowings of $50.0 million to $100.0 million, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. This facility is used to fund, and is secured by, mortgages originated by RMCMC that are pending sale. Under the terms of this facility, RMCMC is required to maintain various financial and other covenants and to satisfy certain requirements relating to the mortgages securing the facility. At June 30, 2015, RMCMC was in compliance with these covenants. Outstanding borrowings against the credit facility totaled $63.3 million and $48.5 million at June 30, 2015 and

42


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

December 31, 2014, respectively, with a weighted-average effective interest rate of 3.0 percent at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
During 2011, RMCMC entered into a $50.0 million repurchase credit facility with JPM, which was subsequently increased to $100.0 million during 2014 and will expire in November 2015. This facility is used to fund, and is secured by, mortgages originated by RMCMC that are pending sale. Under the terms of the facility, RMCMC is required to maintain various financial and other covenants and to satisfy certain requirements relating to the mortgages securing the facility. At June 30, 2015, RMCMC was in compliance with these covenants. Outstanding borrowings against the credit facility totaled $59.3 million and $80.9 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, with weighted-average effective interest rates of 2.9 percent and 3.2 percent at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 
The Company did not repurchase any shares of its outstanding common stock during the first six months of 2015. The Company had existing authorization of $112.6 million from its Board of Directors to purchase 2.4 million additional shares, based on the Company’s stock price at June 30, 2015. Outstanding shares of common stock at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, totaled 46,849,340 and 46,296,045, respectively.
 
During the first quarter of 2015, the Company filed a shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The registration statement provides that securities may be offered, from time to time, in one or more series and in the form of senior, subordinated or convertible debt; preferred stock; preferred stock represented by depository shares; common stock; stock purchase contracts; stock purchase units; and warrants to purchase both debt and equity securities. The Company filed this registration statement to replace the prior registration statement that expired in January 2015. In the future, the Company intends to continue to maintain effective shelf registration statements that will facilitate access to the capital markets. The timing and amount of future offerings, if any, will depend on market and general business conditions.
 
The Company is focused on managing overhead expense, land acquisition, development and homebuilding construction activity in conjunction with opportunistic debt offerings in order to maintain liquidity and appropriate debt levels commensurate with its existing business and growth expectations. The Company believes that it will be able to continue to fund its homebuilding and financial services operations through its existing cash resources, operating income, and issuances of replacement and new debt.
 
Off—Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into land and lot option purchase contracts in order to procure land or lots for the construction of homes. Land and lot option purchase contracts enable the Company to control significant lot positions with a minimal capital investment, thereby reducing the risks associated with land ownership and development. At June 30, 2015, the Company had $75.2 million in cash deposits and letters of credit outstanding pertaining to land and lot option purchase contracts with an aggregate purchase price of $783.7 million, of which option contracts totaling $1.4 million contained specific performance provisions. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $72.8 million in cash deposits and letters of credit outstanding pertaining to land and lot option purchase contracts with an aggregate purchase price of $847.1 million, of which option contracts totaling $1.4 million contained specific performance provisions. The Company’s liability is generally limited to forfeiture of nonrefundable deposits, letters of credit and other nonrefundable amounts incurred.
 
Pursuant to ASC 810, the Company consolidated $29.7 million and $30.8 million of inventory not owned related to land and lot option purchase contracts at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. (See Note 11, “Variable Interest Entities (‘VIE’).”)
 
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding letters of credit under secured letter of credit agreements that totaled $17.5 million and $33.3 million, respectively. Additionally, it had $86.5 million and $67.7 million of unsecured letters of credit under its Credit Facility at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company had development or performance bonds that totaled $203.1 million, issued by third parties, to secure performance under various contracts and obligations related to land or municipal improvements at June 30, 2015, compared to $189.4 million at December 31, 2014. The Company expects that the obligations secured by these letters of credit and performance bonds will generally be satisfied in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with applicable contractual terms. To the extent that the obligations are fulfilled, the related letters of credit and performance bonds will be released, and the Company will not have any continuing obligations.
 
The Company has no material third-party guarantees other than those associated with its senior notes. (See Note 20, “Supplemental Guarantor Information.”)


43


 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Critical Accounting Policies
Preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires the use of judgment in the application of accounting policies and estimates of inherently uncertain matters. There were no significant changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies during the six-month period ended June 30, 2015, compared to those policies disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

Outlook
The Company believes that the housing market is experiencing a slow but steady multi-year recovery. This recovery has been supported by attractive housing affordability, driven by sustained low interest rates; continued improvement in consumer sentiment; and positive macroeconomic indicators. The Federal Reserve remains cautious and is maintaining a close watch of inflation measures. The expectation, however, is that they may take action in the second half of 2015 for measured rate increases. The Company believes that it could capture a potential growth in demand stemming from a stronger macroeconomic environment that is expected to drive potential rate increases. These factors should provide a healthy backdrop for industry participants.

With homeownership rates near historical lows and buyers constrained by a limited supply of homes on the market, the Company remains well positioned to participate in the continued recovery. The homebuilding segments have a healthy supply of lots to deliver sustained growth in community count during the remainder of 2015 and into the future, and they will remain focused on maintaining strong operating profit margins. Continued investment in land acquisition and development should support growth in the homebuilding segments going forward, providing for additional operating leverage as deliveries increase. Additionally, the financial services segment continues to provide outstanding service and value to the Company’s homebuyers, contributing to improvement in the segment's capture rates and financial results. As the housing market recovery continues to unfold, the Company’s execution of its strategic initiatives are expected to contribute to increased shareholder value.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
There have been no material changes in the Company’s market risk since December 31, 2014. For information regarding the Company’s market risk, refer to “Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
The Company has procedures in place for accumulating and evaluating information that enable it to prepare and file reports with the SEC. At the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was performed by the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2015. Additionally, the Company’s general counsel ensures that its disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed such that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, as well as accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company’s management summarized its assessment process and documented its conclusions in the Report of Management, which appears in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm summarized its review of management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting in an attestation report, which also appears within the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
At December 31, 2014, the Company completed a detailed evaluation of its internal control over financial reporting, including the assessment, documentation and testing of its controls, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. No material weaknesses were identified. The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, has evaluated any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015, and has concluded that there was no change during this period that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.





44



PART II.  Other Information

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
Contingent liabilities may arise from obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or from the usual obligations of on-site housing producers for the completion of contracts.
 
The Company is party to various legal proceedings generally incidental to its businesses. Based on evaluation of these matters and discussions with counsel, management believes that it is not probable that liabilities arising from these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Except as described below, there has been no material change in our risk factors as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. For a detailed description of risk factors, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The proposed merger between Standard Pacific and the Company may present certain risks to the Company’s business and operations.

On June 14, 2015, the Company entered into a Merger Agreement with Standard Pacific. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Standard Pacific and the Company have agreed that the Company will merge with and into Standard Pacific in a “merger of equals,” with Standard Pacific continuing as the Surviving Corporation, and the separate corporate existence of the Company will cease. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Standard Pacific and the Company, if the Merger is completed, each five shares of common stock issued and outstanding of Standard Pacific will be combined and converted into one issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation and each share of common stock of the Company issued and outstanding will be converted and exchangeable for 1.0191 issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation. The proposed merger is subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company and Standard Pacific and other customary closing conditions. The Company currently expects the transaction to close in early Fall 2015.

The Merger may present certain risks to the Company’s business and operations prior to the closing of the Merger, including, among other things, risks that:

we may lose management personnel and other key employees and be unable to attract and retain such personnel and employees;
management’s attention and other company resources may be focused on the Merger instead of on day-to-day management activities, including pursuing other opportunities beneficial to the Company;
we may incur substantial unexpected transaction fees and merger-related costs;
the Merger may not be completed, which may have an adverse effect on our stock price and future business and financial results; and
the Merger Agreement contains provisions that could discourage a potential competing acquirer of the Company.

In addition, certain risks may continue to exist after the closing of the Merger, including, among other things, risks that:

we may be unable to integrate successfully our businesses and workforces with those of Standard Pacific and many of the anticipated benefits of combining the Company and Standard Pacific may not be realized;
completion of the Merger may trigger assignment, change of control or other provisions in certain commercial contracts to which the Company is a party, such that counterparties may potentially have the right to terminate the contracts or give consent to the Merger;
the Surviving Corporation may lose management personnel and other key employees and be unable to attract and retain such personnel and employees; and
launching branding or rebranding initiatives may involve substantial costs and may not be favorably received by customers.




45



These risks, as they relate to the Company as part of the Surviving Corporation and additional risks associated with the Merger, are qualified in their entirety by reference to and are described in more detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in Standard Pacific’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2015.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
On December 6, 2006, the Company announced that it had received authorization from its Board of Directors to purchase shares totaling $175.0 million. During the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015, there were no shares repurchased in accordance with this authorization. At June 30, 2015, there were approximately 2.4 million shares available for purchase in accordance with this authorization, based on the Company’s stock price on that date. This authorization does not have an expiration date.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.


46



Item 6.  Exhibits
 
 
2.1
Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 14, 2015, by and between Standard Pacific Corp. and The Ryland Group, Inc.
 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed July 2, 2015)
 
 
3.1
Amendment to the Bylaws of The Ryland Group, Inc.
 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed June 15, 2015)
 
 
10.1
2015 Executive Officer Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed February 27, 2015)
 
 
12.1
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
32.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document
 
(Filed herewith)


47



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
THE RYLAND GROUP, INC.
 
Registrant
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 28, 2015
By: /s/ Gordon A. Milne
Date
Gordon A. Milne
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)


48



INDEX OF EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit No.
 
 
 
2.1
Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 14, 2015, by and between Standard Pacific Corp. and The Ryland Group, Inc.
 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed July 2, 2015)
 
 
3.1
Amendment to the Bylaws of The Ryland Group, Inc.
 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed June 15, 2015)
 
 
10.1
2015 Executive Officer Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed February 27, 2015)
 
 
12.1
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
32.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
 
(Filed herewith)
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document
 
(Filed herewith)

49




Exhibit 12.1: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 
 
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
JUNE 30,

(in thousands, except ratio)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
 
2015
(Loss) income from continuing operations before taxes
$
(80,497
)
$
(32,732
)
$
43,967

$
195,691

$
284,464

 
$
107,885

Share of distributed loss (income) of
     50%-or-less-owned affiliates,
     net of equity pickup
3,705

976

(1,218
)
(1,202
)
(1,414
)
 
(497
)
Amortization of capitalized interest
40,791

32,068

40,612

52,362

50,597

 
22,036

Interest
55,615

56,635

59,503

68,184

69,802

 
32,578

Less: interest capitalized during the period
(31,221
)
(38,032
)
(42,327
)
(59,208
)
(68,788
)
 
(31,840
)
Interest portion of rental expense
3,733

2,360

1,976

2,182

2,442

 
1,263

(LOSS) EARNINGS
$
(7,874
)
$
21,275

$
102,513

$
258,009

$
337,103

 
$
131,425

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
$
55,615

$
56,635

$
59,503

$
68,184

$
69,802

 
$
32,578

Interest portion of rental expense
3,733

2,360

1,976

2,182

2,442

 
1,263

FIXED CHARGES
$
59,348

$
58,995

$
61,479

$
70,366

$
72,244

 
$
33,841

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(DEFICIENCY) SURPLUS
$
(67,222
)
$
(37,720
)
$
41,034

$
187,643

$
264,859

 
$
97,584

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges


1.67

3.67

4.67

 
3.88








Exhibit 31.1:  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
 
I, Larry T. Nicholson, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Ryland Group, Inc., (the “registrant”);

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f ) and 15d-15(f )) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: July 28, 2015
/s/ Larry T. Nicholson
 
Larry T. Nicholson
 
President and Chief Executive Officer







Exhibit 31.2:  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
 
I, Gordon A Milne, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Ryland Group, Inc., (the “registrant”);

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f ) and 15d-15(f )) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: July 28, 2015
/s/ Gordon A. Milne
 
Gordon A. Milne
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer







Exhibit 32.1:  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
 
I, Larry T. Nicholson, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of The Ryland Group, Inc., (the “registrant”), certify, to the best of my knowledge, based upon a review of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015, of the registrant (the “Report”), that:
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended; and

(2)
The information contained and incorporated by reference in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the registrant.
/s/ Larry T. Nicholson
 
Larry T. Nicholson
 
July 28, 2015
 







Exhibit 32.2:  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
 
I, Gordon A. Milne, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer (principal financial officer) of The Ryland Group, Inc., (the “registrant”), certify, to the best of my knowledge, based upon a review of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015, of the registrant (the “Report”), that:
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended; and

(2)
The information contained and incorporated by reference in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the registrant.
/s/ Gordon A. Milne
 
Gordon A. Milne
 
July 28, 2015