BZH Beazer Homes USA Inc New

Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (NYSE: BZH) (www.beazer.com) today announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended September 30, 2008. The Company previously provided fourth quarter home closings and new home orders and its September 30, 2008 cash balance. Summary results of the quarter and the year are as follows: Quarter Ended September 30, 2008 Reported net loss from continuing operations of $(475.2) million, or $(12.32) per share, including non-cash pre-tax charges related to inventory impairments and abandonment of land option contracts of $58.8 million, impairments in joint ventures of $6.0 million and a non-cash deferred tax valuation allowance under SFAS 109 of $398.6 million. For the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $(152.0) million, or $(3.95) per share. Home closings: 2,441 homes, a decrease of 38.2% from 3,949 in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Total revenues: $712.6 million, compared to $1.09 billion in the fourth quarter of the prior year. New orders: 1,083 homes, an increase of 10.3% from 982 in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Net cash provided by operating activities: $291.1 million, compared to $387.3 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Year Ended September 30, 2008 Reported net loss from continuing operations of $(951.2) million, or $(24.68) per share, including non-cash pre-tax charges related to inventory impairments and abandonment of land option contracts of $510.6 million, goodwill impairments of $52.5 million, impairments in joint ventures of $68.8 million and a non-cash deferred tax valuation allowance of $400.3 million. For the prior fiscal year, net loss from continuing operations totaled $(410.4) million, or $(10.68) per share. Home closings: 7,692 homes, a decrease of 36.0% from 12,020 in the prior year. Total revenues: $2.07 billion, compared to $3.47 billion in the prior year. New orders: 6,065 homes, a decrease of 38.8% from 9,903 in the prior year. Net cash provided by operating activities: $315.6 million, compared to $509.4 million in the prior year. As of September 30, 2008 Cash and cash equivalents: $584.3 million compared to $454.3 million as of September 30, 2007. Backlog: 1,358 homes with a sales value of $326.6 million compared to 2,985 homes with a sales value of $838.8 million as of September 30, 2007. �Conditions in both the overall economy and housing market came under greater pressure during our fourth quarter and have continued to deteriorate since that time,� said Ian J. McCarthy, President and Chief Executive Officer. �Home buyer demand for new homes continues to be adversely affected by low levels of consumer confidence, falling home prices, extensive new and existing home supply and reduced access to mortgage financing. In recent months this difficult environment has been greatly exacerbated by turmoil in financial markets, heightened concerns about the global economy and a substantial rise in the number of home foreclosures. Against this backdrop we continue to focus on generating liquidity, reducing overhead and direct costs, and limiting investment in land and unsold home inventory. As evidenced by our strengthened cash balance over the fiscal year, our efforts are helping us weather this unprecedented housing environment while positioning Beazer Homes for a return to profitability upon the market�s eventual recovery.� Quarter Ended September 30, 2008 In connection with the Company�s realignment of management, operational and financial reporting lines and its decision to exit a number of markets during fiscal 2008, the Company has correspondingly realigned its reportable segments as follows: West (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas), East (Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia), Southeast (Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) and Other Homebuilding. The Other Homebuilding segment is comprised of markets the Company has exited or is in the process of exiting including Cincinnati, Columbus, Lexington, Columbia, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Denver and Fresno. Homebuilding revenues declined 44.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, due to both a 38.2% decline in home closings and a 9.9% decline in average selling price from the same period in the prior fiscal year. Home closings declined in all regions, with the most significant declines in the Southeast and Other Homebuilding segments. Net new home orders totaled 1,083 for the quarter, an increase of 10.3% from the same period in the prior fiscal year. This year-over-year increase was driven largely by a lower cancellation rate of 45.7% during the fourth quarter, compared to 68.1% in the same period of the prior year. The increase in net orders year-over-year was also achieved through a 17.2% increase in net orders in markets where the Company maintains a presence, partially offset by a 31.7% decline in net orders in markets the Company had previously announced it was exiting. Revenues from land and lot sales totaled $121.3 million in the fourth quarter as the Company completed asset sales in Virginia totaling $99.1 million, including the previously announced sale of two condominium projects, as well as additional asset sales primarily related to market exits. During the fourth quarter, margins continued to be negatively impacted by both the average sales price decline and reduced closing volumes as compared to the same period a year ago. In addition, the Company incurred pre-tax charges to abandon land option contracts of $13.3 million, and to recognize inventory impairments of $45.5 million and impairments in joint ventures of $6.0 million. The Company controlled 39,627 lots at September 30, 2008 (73% owned and 27% controlled under options), reflecting reductions of approximately 14% and 36% from levels as of June 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. As of September 30, 2008, unsold finished homes totaled 408, declining by approximately 53% from the level a year ago. The Company substantially reduced its land and land development spending, which totaled $333 million in fiscal 2008, compared to $824 million for the prior year. With respect to the Company�s cash position, at September 30, 2008, the Company had a cash balance of $584.3 million, compared to $314.2 million at June 30, 2008 and $454.3 million at September 30, 2007. Cash provided by operating activities for the three months and year ended September 30, 2008 was $291.1 and $315.6 million, respectively. Tax Matters As of September 30, 2008, the Company had a non-cash deferred tax asset valuation allowance under SFAS 109 of $400.6 million following an assessment of the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, which consist primarily of inventory valuation adjustments, reserves and accruals that are not currently deductible for tax purposes, as well as operating loss carry-forwards from losses incurred during fiscal 2008. This reserve reflects the Company�s application of SFAS 109 which requires companies to reserve against deferred tax assets when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company is now in a cumulative loss position over the four prior years, which, among other things, the Company relied upon in reaching the determination that such a reserve was appropriate. In future periods the reserve could be reduced based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax asset will be realized. Separately and as previously announced, the Company has also conducted an analysis of whether an �ownership change� occurred under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (�Section 382�). Ownership changes under Section 382 generally relate to the cumulative change in ownership among shareholders with more than a 5% ownership interest over a three year period. The Company has determined that an �ownership change� under Section 382 did occur as of December 31, 2007. As a result, the Company�s ability to utilize certain of its loss carry-forwards and recognize certain built-in losses or deductions will be limited in the future. Finally, notwithstanding the deferred tax asset valuation allowance and the determination of an �ownership change� under Section 382, the Company continues to expect to receive a cash tax refund of approximately $150 million during fiscal 2009. Secured Revolving Credit Facility As a result of recording the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, the Company�s tangible net worth, as defined in its secured revolving credit facility (the �facility�) agreement, fell below $350 million as of September 30, 2008. Pursuant to the previously negotiated terms of the facility, and effective as of the filing of the Company�s 2008 10-K, the facility size will be reduced from $400 million to $250 million, and the collateral value of assets securing the facility must exceed 4.5 times outstanding loans and letters of credit (up from 3.0 times previously). At September 30, 2008, the Company was in compliance with the collateral coverage requirements but had no additional borrowing capacity. In order to comply with the new higher collateralization requirements effective as of the filing of the Company�s 2008 10-K, the Company will restrict approximately $20 million in cash to sufficiently collateralize the outstanding letters of credit until additional real estate collateral is added to the borrowing base. Although the Company has had no cash borrowings under the facility since its inception in July 2007, and has no current plans that would require cash borrowings, the Company intends to add approximately $250 million in assets to the borrowing base over the next year which should create approximately $35 million in availability, after providing a return of the restricted cash. Beazer Homes USA, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country�s ten largest single-family homebuilders with continuing operations in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol �BZH.� Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this press release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, among other things, (i) the timing and final outcome of the United States Attorney investigation and other state and federal agency investigations, the putative class action lawsuits, the derivative claims, multi-party suits and similar proceedings as well as the results of any other litigation or government proceedings; (ii) additional asset impairment charges or writedowns; (iii) economic changes nationally or in local markets, including changes in consumer confidence, volatility of mortgage interest rates and inflation; (iv) continued or increased downturn in the homebuilding industry; (v) estimates related to homes to be delivered in the future (backlog) are imprecise as they are subject to various cancellation risks which cannot be fully controlled, (vi) continued or increased disruption in the availability of mortgage financing; (vii) our cost of and ability to access capital and otherwise meet our ongoing liquidity needs including the impact of any further downgrades of our credit ratings or reductions in our tangible net worth or liquidity levels; (viii) potential inability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements; (ix) increased competition or delays in reacting to changing consumer preference in home design; (x) shortages of or increased prices for labor, land or raw materials used in housing production; (xi) factors affecting margins such as decreased land values underlying land option agreements, increased land development costs on projects under development or delays or difficulties in implementing initiatives to reduce production and overhead cost structure; (xii) the performance of our joint ventures and our joint venture partners; (xiii) the impact of construction defect and home warranty claims and the cost and availability of insurance, including the availability of insurance for the presence of moisture intrusion; (xiv) delays in land development or home construction resulting from adverse weather conditions; (xv) potential delays or increased costs in obtaining necessary permits as a result of changes to, or complying with, laws, regulations, or governmental policies and possible penalties for failure to comply with such laws, regulations and governmental policies; (xvi) effects of changes in accounting policies, standards, guidelines or principles; or (xvii) terrorist acts, acts of war and other factors over which the Company has little or no control. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors. -Tables Follow- BEAZER HOMES USA, INC. CONSOLIDATED OPERATING AND FINANCIAL DATA - CONTINUING OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) � � � � � � FINANCIAL DATA Quarter Ended Fiscal Year Ended September 30, September 30, 2008 � � 2007 � � 2008 � 2007 � CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Total revenue $ 712,649 $ 1,093,677 $ 2,074,298 $ 3,466,725 Home construction and land sales expenses 663,259 936,973 1,886,511 2,959,660 Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments � 58,774 � � 212,008 � � 510,628 � � 611,864 � Gross loss (9,384 ) (55,304 ) (322,841 ) (104,799 ) � Selling, general and administrative expenses 99,227 111,451 344,923 413,774 Depreciation and amortization 9,294 10,338 27,544 33,176 Goodwill impairment � - � � 23,003 � � 52,470 � � 52,755 � Operating loss (117,905 ) (200,096 ) (747,778 ) (604,504 ) Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures (6,245 ) (28,142 ) (81,314 ) (35,154 ) Other (expense) income � (16,085 ) � (371 ) � (36,992 ) � 7,499 � � Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (140,235 ) (228,609 ) (866,084 ) (632,159 ) Income tax provision (benefit) � 334,935 � � (76,617 ) � 85,164 � � (221,778 ) Net loss from continuing operations � (475,170 ) � (151,992 ) � (951,248 ) � (410,381 ) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations � 1,229 � � (3,240 ) � (664 ) � (692 ) Net loss $ (473,941 ) $ (155,232 ) $ (951,912 ) $ (411,073 ) � Net loss per common share - continuing operations: Basic $ (12.32 ) � $ (3.95 ) $ (24.68 ) $ (10.68 ) Diluted $ (12.32 ) � $ (3.95 ) $ (24.68 ) $ (10.68 ) Net income (loss) per common share - discontinued operations: Basic $ 0.03 � � $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.02 ) Diluted $ 0.03 � � $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.02 ) Net loss per common share: Basic $ (12.29 ) � $ (4.03 ) $ (24.69 ) $ (10.70 ) Diluted $ (12.29 ) � $ (4.03 ) $ (24.69 ) $ (10.70 ) � � Weighted average shares outstanding, in thousands: Basic 38,561 38,475 38,549 38,410 Diluted 38,561 38,475 38,549 38,410 � � � BEAZER HOMES USA, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA - CONTINUING OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) � � CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS September 30, September 30, 2008 � � 2007 � Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 584,334 $ 454,337 Restricted cash 297 5,171 Accounts receivable, net 46,555 45,501 Income tax receivable 173,500 63,981 Inventory Owned inventory 1,545,006 2,537,791 Consolidated inventory not owned � 106,655 � � 237,382 � Total inventory 1,651,661 2,775,173 Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale 94 781 Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures 33,065 109,143 Deferred tax assets, net 20,216 232,949 Property, plant and equipment, net 39,822 71,682 Goodwill 16,143 68,613 Other assets � 76,112 � � 102,690 � Total assets $ 2,641,799 � $ 3,930,021 � � Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Trade accounts payable $ 90,371 $ 118,030 Other liabilities 358,592 453,089 Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned 70,608 177,931 Senior Notes (net of discounts of $2,565 and $3,033, respectively) 1,522,435 1,521,967 Junior subordinated notes 103,093 103,093 Other secured notes payable 50,618 118,073 Model home financing obligations � 71,231 � � 114,116 � Total liabilities � 2,266,948 � � 2,606,299 � � Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued) - - Common stock (par value $0.001 per share, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 42,612,801 and 42,597,229 issued and 39,270,038 and 39,261,721 outstanding, respectively) 43 43 Paid-in capital 556,910 543,705 Retained earnings 1,845 963,869 Treasury stock, at cost (3,342,763 and 3,335,508 shares, respectively) � (183,947 ) � (183,895 ) Total stockholders' equity � 374,851 � � 1,323,722 � Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,641,799 � $ 3,930,021 � � � Inventory Breakdown � Homes under construction $ 338,971 $ 787,102 Development projects in progress 618,252 1,233,140 Land held for future development 407,320 324,350 Land held for sale 85,736 49,473 Model homes 94,727 143,726 Consolidated inventory not owned � 106,655 � � 237,382 � $ 1,651,661 � $ 2,775,173 � � � � � � � BEAZER HOMES USA, INC. CONSOLIDATED OPERATING AND FINANCIAL DATA - CONTINUING OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands) � � OPERATING DATA � � Quarter Ended Fiscal Year Ended SELECTED OPERATING DATA September 30, September 30, 2008 � 2007 2008 2007 Closings: West region 1,038 1,342 2,777 4,369 East region 733 1,017 2,405 2,821 Southeast region 455 1,019 1,515 2,970 Other homebuilding � 215 � � 571 995 1,860 Total closings � 2,441 � � 3,949 7,692 12,020 New orders, net of cancellations: West region 440 297 2,499 3,444 East region 318 325 1,573 2,816 Southeast region 230 221 1,331 2,117 Other homebuilding � 95 � � 139 662 1,526 Total new orders � 1,083 � � 982 6,065 9,903 Backlog units at end of period: West region 527 805 East region 485 1,317 Southeast region 306 490 Other homebuilding � 40 � � 373 Total backlog units � 1,358 � � 2,985 Dollar value of backlog at end of period $ 326,599 � $ 838,806 BEAZER HOMES USA, INC. CONSOLIDATED OPERATING AND FINANCIAL DATA - CONTINUING OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands) � � � � � � � Quarter Ended Fiscal Year Ended SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA - September 30, September 30, CONTINUING OPERATIONS � 2008 � � 2007 � � 2008 � � 2007 � � Revenues Homebuilding operations $ 590,138 $ 1,065,408 $ 1,914,304 $ 3,359,594 Land and lot sales 121,257 25,670 155,801 99,063 Financial Services � 1,254 � � � 2,599 � � 4,193 � � 8,068 � Total revenues $ 712,649 � � $ 1,093,677 � $ 2,074,298 � $ 3,466,725 � Gross (loss) profit Homebuilding operations $ (17,313 ) $ (59,881 ) $ (334,711 ) $ (116,290 ) Land and lot sales 6,675 1,978 7,677 3,423 Financial Services � 1,254 � � � 2,599 � � 4,193 � � 8,068 � Total gross loss $ (9,384 ) � $ (55,304 ) $ (322,841 ) $ (104,799 ) Selling, general and administrative Homebuilding operations $ 98,650 $ 110,410 $ 342,440 $ 410,432 Financial Services � 577 � � � 1,041 � � 2,483 � � 3,342 � Total selling, general and administrative $ 99,227 � � $ 111,451 � $ 344,923 � $ 413,774 � � � SELECTED SEGMENT INFORMATION - CONTINUING OPERATIONS Revenue: West region $ 236,734 $ 367,228 $ 674,103 $ 1,321,870 East region 307,873 326,858 780,380 889,597 Southeast region 103,934 263,453 354,837 817,453 Other homebuilding 62,854 133,539 260,785 429,737 Financial services � 1,254 � � � 2,599 � � 4,193 � � 8,068 � Total revenue $ 712,649 � � $ 1,093,677 � $ 2,074,298 � $ 3,466,725 � � Operating (loss) income West region $ (439 ) $ (121,269 ) $ (140,989 ) $ (229,121 ) East region (887 ) (6,933 ) (63,913 ) (66,725 ) Southeast region (21,054 ) 4,238 (109,675 ) (19,921 ) Other homebuilding (15,530 ) (9,926 ) (127,355 ) (55,111 ) Financial services � 669 � � � 1,552 � � 1,681 � � � 4,696 � Segment operating loss (37,241 ) (132,338 ) (440,251 ) (366,182 ) Corporate and unallocated � (80,664 ) � � (67,758 ) � (307,527 ) � (238,322 ) Total operating loss $ (117,905 ) � $ (200,096 ) $ (747,778 ) $ (604,504 )