UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 20082010

 

Commission file number 1-11749

 

 

Lennar Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 95-4337490

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

700 Northwest 107th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock, par value 10¢

 New York Stock Exchange

Class B Common Stock, par value 10¢

 New York Stock Exchange

 

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

 

NONE

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES  þ  NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES  ¨  NO  þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES  þ  NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES  þ  NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filerfiler” and large accelerated filer”“smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  þ

  Accelerated filer  ¨  Non-accelerated filer  ¨Smaller reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  YES  ¨  NO  þ

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A and Class B common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (125,042,232(148,575,861 Class A shares and 9,731,6839,661,358 Class B shares) as of May 31, 2008,2010, based on the closing sale price per share as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on such date, was $2,258,050,557.$2,708,519,815.

 

As of December 31, 2008,2010, the registrant had outstanding 129,251,272155,346,780 shares of Class A common stock and 31,284,00331,291,294 shares of Class B common stock.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Related Section

  

Documents

III

  Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on or before March 30, 2009.2011.

 

 

 


PART I

 

Item 1.    Business.

 

Overview of Lennar Corporation

 

We are one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, and a provider of financial services.services and through our Rialto Investments (“Rialto”) segment, an investor in distressed real estate assets. Our homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, and to a lesser extent multi-level residential buildings, as well as the purchase, development and sale of residential land directly and through unconsolidated entities in which we have investments. We have grouped our homebuilding activities into four reportable segments, which we refer to as Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding West and Homebuilding Houston. Information about homebuilding activities in states in which our homebuilding activities are not economically similar to those in other states in the same geographic area is grouped under “Homebuilding Other.” Our reportable homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other have operationsdivisions located in:

 

East:Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia

Central:Arizona, Colorado and Texas (1)

West:California and Nevada

Houston: Houston, Texas

Other: Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina

          (1) Texas in the Central reportable segment excludes Houston, Texas, which is its own reportable segment.

 

We have one Financial Services reportable segment that provides primarily mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services and other ancillary services (including high-speed Internet and cable television) for both buyers of our homes and others. Substantially all of the loans that we originate are sold within a short period in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis; although,basis. After the loans are sold, we remain liableretain potential liability for possible claims by purchasers that we breached certain limited industry-standard representations and warranties related toin the loan sales.sale agreements. Our Financial Services segment operates generally in the same states as our homebuilding operations, as well as in other states.

Our Rialto segment is a new reportable segment. Rialto’s objective is to generate superior, risk-adjusted returns by focusing on commercial and residential real estate opportunities arising from dislocation in the United States real estate markets and the eventual restructure and recapitalization of those markets. Rialto expects to be able to deliver these returns through its abilities to source, underwrite, price, manage and ultimately monetize real estate assets, as well as by providing similar services to others in markets across the country.

For financial information about both our homebuildingHomebuilding, Lennar Financial Services and financial servicesRialto operations, you should review Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which is Item 7 of this Report, and our consolidated financial statements and the notes to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in Item 8 of this Report.

 

A Brief History of Our Company

 

We are a national homebuilder that operates in various states with deliveries of 10,955 new homes in 2010. Our company was founded as a local Miami homebuilder in 1954. We completed our initial public offering in 1971, and listed our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. During the 1980s and 1990s, we entered and expanded operations in some of our current major homebuilding markets including California, Florida and Texas through both organic growth and acquisitions such as Pacific Greystone Corporation in 1997, amongst others. In 1997, we completed the spin-off of our commercial real estate business to LNR Property Corporation. In 2000, we acquired U.S. Home Corporation, which expanded our operations into New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Minnesota and Colorado and strengthened our position in other states. DuringFrom 2002 and 2003,through 2005, we acquired several regional homebuilders, which brought us into new markets and strengthened our position in several existing markets. During 2010, we made several investments through our Rialto segment in distressed real estate assets to take advantage of opportunities arising from dislocation in the United States real estate market.

 

Recent Business Developments

 

Throughout 2007 and 2008,Overview

During 2010, we continued to see a housing market conditionsthat was trying to stabilize. As expected, this stabilization process was impacted by the expiration of the Federal homebuyer tax credit at the end of April, which resulted in a decline in the homebuilding industry were negatively impacted by broad-based pressures such as risinghousing market sales pace. High unemployment, falling home prices, increased foreclosures, tighter credittight lending standards and volatile equity markets, which further erodedlow consumer confidence and depressed home sales. These market conditions resulted in higher than historical cancellation rates (26% and 30%, respectively, in 2008 and 2007) and lower net new orders (new orders were down 48% and 39%, respectively, in 2008 and 2007) for our company despite our continued use of sales incentives. The market hashave continued to become more competitive andpresent challenges for the housing market.

Despite challenges in the housing market, we have respondedreturned to competitive market pressureprofitability in 2010, ending the year with net earnings of $95.3 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to reduce prices througha net loss of $417.1 million, or $2.45 per diluted share, for the use of sales incentives and price reductions, as well as, consolidating divisions, repositioning our product and reducing land purchases, construction costs and overhead. During 2008, we filed net operating loss (“ NOL”) carryback claims and received $877.0 million of federal and state tax refunds, net. In addition, we have received $251.0 million of federal tax refunds subsequent to November 30, 2008.

We continued evaluating our balance sheet quarterly for impairment on an asset-by-asset basis. Based on this assessment, during the yearsyear ended November 30, 2008, 20072009. We also ended 2010 with $1.2 billion in Lennar Homebuilding cash and 2006, we recorded $340.5 million, $2,445.1 million and $501.8 million, respectively, of inventory adjustments, which included $195.5 million, $747.8 million and $280.5 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets,(“SFAS 144”) valuation adjustments to finished homes, construction in progress and land on which we intend to build homes, $47.8 million, $1,167.3 million and $69.1

million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties and $97.2 million, $530.0 million and $152.2 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs. The $1,167.3cash equivalents. We extended our debt maturities by issuing $250 million of valuation adjustments recorded6.95% senior notes maturing in 2007 to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties included $740.42018, $276.5 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related2.00% convertible senior notes and $446 million of 2.75% convertible senior notes, both maturing in 2020. In addition, during the year we repurchased and retired $624.9 million of senior notes and other debt. We continued to a portfolioreduce the number of land we sold to a strategic land investment venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., which was formed in November 2007 andLennar Homebuilding unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have investments to 42 at the end of 2010 from 61 at the end of 2009 and our maximum recourse debt exposure related to those investments was reduced to $173 million at the end of 2010 from $288 million at the end of 2009.

In 2010, we continued focusing on refining our product offering, reducing the number of floor plans and targeting first time and value oriented homebuyers. Our more efficient product offerings have significantly reduced our construction costs and allowed us to meet our customers’ demands. Our intense focus on construction costs, product re-engineering and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses, combined with reduced sales incentives, contributed to improved gross and operating margins year over year.

As demand in some of our markets showed signs of stabilization and our balance sheet strengthened, we continued to contract for new potentially high-margin communities to improve our profitability. These strategic land purchases utilize conservative underwriting standards and began generating high returns as we started delivering those homes in the second half of 2010.

During 2010, our Lennar Financial Services segment had operating earnings of $31.3 million, compared to $36.0 million in the same period last year. The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to decreased volume in the segment’s mortgage and title operations.

In December 2009, Rialto became a 20% ownership interest. Seesub-advisor to Alliance Bernstein L.P. (“AB”) with regard to a fund formed under the Federal government’s Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”) to purchase real estate related securities from banks and other financial institutions. Rialto receives management fees for sub-advisory services. We committed to invest $75 million of the total equity commitments of approximately $1.2 billion made by private investors in this fund, and the U.S. Treasury has committed to a matching amount of approximately $1.2 billion of equity in the fund, as well as agreed to extend up to approximately $2.3 billion of debt financing. During the year ended November 30, 2010, we invested $63.8 million in the AB PPIP fund. As of November 30, 2010, the carrying value of our investment in the AB PPIP fund was $77.3 million.

During 2010, we also invested in several distressed real estate opportunities through our Rialto segment. In February 2010, our Rialto segment acquired indirectly 40% managing member equity interests in two limited liability companies (“LLCs”), in partnership with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), for approximately $243 million (net of transaction costs and a $22 million working capital reserve). The LLCs hold performing and non-performing loans formerly owned by 22 failed financial institutions. The two portfolios originally consisted of more than 5,500 distressed residential and commercial real estate loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $3 billion and an initial fair value of approximately $1.2 billion. The FDIC retained a 60% equity interest in the LLCs and provided $626.9 million of notes with 0% interest, which are non-recourse to us.

In September 2010, Rialto completed the acquisitions of over $700 million of distressed real estate assets, in separate transactions, from three financial institutions. The combined portfolios included approximately 400 loans with a total aggregate unpaid principal balance of over $500 million and over 300 real estate owned (“REO”) properties with an original appraised value of approximately $200 million. We paid $310 million for the distressed real estate assets of which $125 million was financed through a 5-year senior unsecured note provided by one of the selling institutions.

In November 2010, Rialto completed its first closing of a real estate investment fund (the “Fund”) with initial equity commitments of $300 million (including $75 million committed by us). The Fund’s objective during its three-year investment period is to invest in distressed real estate assets and other related investments that fit within the Fund’s investment parameters.

Homebuilding Operations

Overview

We primarily sell single-family attached and detached homes in communities targeted to first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers. The average sales price of a Lennar home was $243,000 in both fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, compared to $270,000 in fiscal 2008. We operate primarily under the Lennar brand name.

Through our own efforts and those of unconsolidated entities in which Lennar Homebuilding has investments, we are involved in all phases of planning and building in our residential communities including land acquisition, site planning, preparation and improvement of land and design, construction and marketing of homes. For additional information about our investments in and relationships with unconsolidated entities, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Report for further details on the aforementioned transaction and land investment venture.Report.

 

Additionally,Inventory Impairments and Valuation Adjustments related to Lennar Homebuilding Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

We continued evaluating our balance sheet quarterly for impairment on an asset-by-asset basis during fiscal 2010. Based on our evaluations and assessments, during the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, we recorded $205.0 million, $496.4 millionthe following inventory impairments:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes

  $44,717     180,239     195,518  

Valuation adjustments to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties

   3,436     95,314     47,791  

Write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs

   3,105     84,372     97,172  
               

Total inventory impairments

  $51,258     359,925     340,481  
               

During the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and $140.9 million, respectively, of2008, we recorded the following valuation adjustments related to Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Our share of valuation adjustments related to assets of Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

  $10,461     101,893     32,245  

Valuation adjustments to Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities

   1,735     88,972     172,790  
               

Total valuation adjustments to Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities

  $12,196     190,865     205,035  
               

The inventory impairments and valuation adjustments to ourLennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities which included $32.2 million, $364.2 million and $126.4 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of our unconsolidated entities and $172.8 million, $132.2 million and $14.5 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18,The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock (“APB 18”).

The valuation adjustments recorded above were estimated based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the valuation adjustments were recorded, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our assumptions change.

 

In June 2008, our LandSource Communities Development LLC (“LandSource”) unconsolidated joint venture and a number of its subsidiaries commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy CodeLennar Homebuilding Investments in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. We own 16% of LandSource, and until 2007, we had owned 50%. In November 2008, our land purchase options with LandSource were terminated, thus we recognized a deferred profit of $101.3 million (net of $31.8 million of write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs and other write-offs) related to the 2007 recapitalization of LandSource in which our ownership interest was reduced to 16%. The bankruptcy filing could result in LandSource losing some or all of the properties it owns, termination of our management agreement with LandSource, claims against us and a substantial reduction (or total elimination) of our 16% ownership interest in LandSource, which had a carrying value of zero at November 30, 2008.Unconsolidated Entities

 

For a number of years, we created and participated in joint ventures that acquired and developed land for our homebuilding operations, for sale to third parties or for use in their own homebuilding operations. Through these joint ventures, we reduced the amount we had to invest in order to assure access to potential future homesites, thereby mitigating certain risks associated with land acquisitions, and, in some instances, we obtained access to land to which we could not otherwise have obtained access or could not have obtained access on as favorable terms. Although these ventures initially served their initial intended purpose of risk mitigation, as the homebuilding market deteriorated from 2006 through 2008 and asset impairments resulted in the loss of equity, some of our joint venture partners became financially unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations. As a result, during 2007 and 2008,During 2010, we re-evaluatedcontinued reevaluating all of our joint venture arrangements, with particular focus on those ventures with recourse indebtedness, and began to reduce reduced

the number of joint ventures in which we were participating andas well as the recourse indebtedness of those joint ventures. As of November 30, 2008,2010, we had reduced the number of Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated joint ventures in which we were participating to 11642 from 261270 joint ventures at the peak in 2006 and reduced our maximum recourse debt exposure related to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated joint ventures to $172.9 million from $1,764.4 million at the peak in 2006. At November 30, 2006. As of November 30, 2008, we had also reduced2010, our net recourse exposure related to unconsolidated joint ventures to $392.5 million from $1,102.9 million at November 30, 2006.

Homebuilding Operations

Overview

We primarily sell single-family attached and detached homes, and to a lesser extent, multi-level residential buildings, in communities targeted to first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers. The average sales price of a Lennar home was $270,000 in fiscal 2008, compared to $297,000 in fiscal 2007. We operate primarily under the Lennar brand name.

Through our own efforts andHomebuilding unconsolidated entities in which we have investments, we are involved in all phases of planning and building in our residential communities including land acquisition, site planning, preparation and improvement of land and design, construction and marketing of homes. We view unconsolidated entities as a means to both expand our market opportunities and manage our risks. For additional information about our investments in and relationships with unconsolidated entities, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Report.was $114.0 million.

 

Management and Operating Structure

 

We balance a local operating structure with centralized corporate level management. Decisions related to our overall strategy, acquisitions of land and businesses, risk management, financing, cash management and information systems are centralized at the corporate level. Our local operating structure consists of divisions, which are managed by individuals who generally have significant experience in the homebuilding industry and, in most instances, in their particular markets. They are responsible for operating decisions regarding land identification, entitlement and development, the management of inventory levels for our current volume levels, community development, home design, construction and marketing of our homes.

 

Diversified Program of Property Acquisition

 

During 2008, we significantly reduced our property acquisitions. We generally acquire land for development and for the construction of homes that we sell to homebuyers. Land is subject to specified underwriting criteria and is acquired through our diversified program of property acquisition, consistingwhich may consist of the following:

 

Acquiring land directly from individual land owners/developers or homebuilders;

 

Acquiring local or regional homebuilders that own, or have options to purchase, land in strategic markets;

 

Acquiring land through option contracts, which generally enables us to control portions of properties owned by third parties (including land funds) and unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether to exercise the option; and

 

Acquiring parcels of land through joint ventures, primarily to reduce and share our risk, among other factors, by limiting the amount of our capital invested in land, while increasing our access to potential future homesites and allowing us to participate in strategic ventures.ventures; and

Acquiring distressed assets from banks, government sponsored enterprises and opportunity funds.

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, we owned 74,68184,482 homesites and had access through option contracts to an additional 38,58919,974 homesites, of which 12,7188,490 were through option contracts with third parties and 25,87111,484 were through option contracts with Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which we have investments. At November 30, 2007,2009, we owned 62,80182,703 homesites and had access through option contracts to an additional 85,87021,173 homesites, of which 22,8777,423 were through option contracts with third parties and 62,99313,750 were through option contracts with Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

 

Construction and Development

 

We generally supervise and control the development of land and the design and building of our residential communities with a relatively small labor force. We hire subcontractors for site improvements and virtually all of the work involved in the construction of homes. Generally, arrangementsArrangements with our subcontractors generally provide that our subcontractors will complete specified work in accordance with price schedules and applicable building codes and laws. The price schedules may be subject to change to meet changes in labor and material costs or for other reasons. We believe that the sources and availability of raw materials to our subcontractors are adequate for our current and planned levels of operation. We generally do not own heavy construction equipment. We finance construction and land development activities primarily with cash generated from operations, and public debt issuances as well as cash borrowed under our revolving credit facility.and equity offerings.

 

Marketing

 

We offer a diversified line of homes for first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers available in a variety of environments ranging from urban infill communities to golf course communities. We sell our homes primarily from models that we have designed and constructed. During 2008, those2010, the homes we delivered had an average sales price of $270,000.$243,000.

We employ sales associates who are paid salaries, commissions or both to complete on-site sales of homes. We also sell homes through independent brokers. We advertise our communities inthrough newspapers, radio advertisements and other local and regional publications, on billboards and on the Internet, including our website, www.lennar.com. In addition, we advertise our active adult communities in areas where prospective active adult homebuyers live.

We have historically participated in charitable down-payment assistance programs. Through these programs, we made donations to non-profit organizations that provided financial assistance to a homebuyer who would not otherwise have sufficient funds for a down payment. During 2008, 35% of our homebuyers utilized the charitable down-payment assistance programs. The FHA Modernization Act of 2008 eliminated these programs after September 30, 2008 and their elimination has had an adverse impact on home sales since that point.

 

Quality Service

 

We strive to continually improve homeowner customer satisfaction throughout the pre-sale, sale, construction, closing and post-closing periods. Through the participation of sales associates, on-site construction supervisors and customer care associates, all working in a team effort, we strive to create a quality homebuying experience for our customers, which we believe leads to enhanced customer retention and referrals.

The quality of our homes is substantially affected by the efforts of on-site management and others engaged in the construction process, by the materials we use in particular homes or by other similar factors. To the extent bonuses have been paid, management incentives programs have consistently been contingent upon achieving certain customer satisfaction standards.

 

We warrant our new homes against defective materials and workmanship for a minimum period of one year after the date of closing. Although we subcontract virtually all segments of construction to others and our contracts call for the subcontractors to repair or replace any deficient items related to their trades, we are primarily responsible to the homebuyers for the correction of any deficiencies.

 

Deliveries

 

The table below indicates the number of deliveries for each of our homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other during our last three fiscal years:

 

  2008  2007  2006  2010   2009   2008 

East

  4,957  9,840  14,859   4,195     3,817     4,957  

Central

  2,442  7,020  11,287   1,682     1,796     2,442  

West

  4,031  8,739  13,333   2,079     2,480     4,031  

Houston

  2,736  4,380  5,782   1,645     2,150     2,736  

Other

  1,569  3,304  4,307   1,354     1,235     1,569  
                     

Total

  15,735  33,283  49,568   10,955     11,478     15,735  
                     

 

Of the total home deliveries listed above, 391, 1,70196, 56 and 2,536,391, respectively, represent deliveries from unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008.

 

Backlog

 

Backlog represents the number of homes under sales contracts. Homes are sold using sales contracts, which are generally accompanied by sales deposits. In some instances, purchasers are permitted to cancel sales contracts if they fail to qualify for financing or under certain other circumstances. We experienced a cancellation rate of 26%17% in 2008,2010, compared to 30%18% and 29%26%, respectively, in 20072009 and 2006.2008. Substantially all homes currently in backlog will be delivered withinin fiscal year 2009.2011. We do not recognize revenue on homes under sales contracts until the sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowners, except for our multi-level residential buildings under construction for which revenue was recognized under percentage-of-completion accounting during 2006 and 2007. In 2008, we stopped recognizing revenues and expenses under percentage-of-completion accounting for our multi-level residential buildings under construction as a result of Emerging Issues Task Force 06-8,Applicability of the Assessment of a Buyer’s Continuing Investment under FASB Statement No. 66 for Sales of Condominiums (“EITF 06-8”) (see Note 1 in Item 8 of this Report).

homeowners.

The table below indicates the backlog dollar value for each of our homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other as of the end of our last three fiscal years:

 

  2008  2007  2006  2010   2009   2008 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

East

  $202,791  587,100  1,460,213  $190,095     179,175     202,791  

Central

   23,736  67,344  590,487   52,923     36,158     23,736  

West

   108,779  408,280  1,328,617   58,072     143,868     108,779  

Houston

   57,785  128,340  259,985   58,822     60,876     57,785  

Other

   63,179  193,073  341,126   47,380     59,494     63,179  
                     

Total

  $456,270  1,384,137  3,980,428  $407,292     479,571     456,270  
                     

 

Of the dollar value of homes in backlog listed above, $12,460, $182,664$2.1 million, $7.2 million and $478,707,$12.5 million, respectively, represent the backlog dollar value from unconsolidated entities at November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008.

Lennar Financial Services Operations

 

Mortgage Financing

 

We primarily originate conforming conventional, FHA-insured, VA-guaranteed residential mortgage loan products and other products to our homebuyers and others through our financial services subsidiaries, Universal American Mortgage Company, LLC and Eagle Home Mortgage, LLC, which are located generally in the same states as our homebuilding operations as well as other states. In 2008,2010, our financial services subsidiaries provided loans to 85% of our homebuyers who obtained mortgage financing in areas where we offered services. Because of the availability of mortgage loans from our financial services subsidiaries, as well as independent mortgage lenders, we believe most creditworthy purchasers of our homes have access to financing.

 

During 2008,2010, we originated approximately 18,30015,200 mortgage loans totaling $4.3$3.3 billion, compared to 30,90017,900 mortgage loans totaling $7.7$4.0 billion during 2007.2009. Substantially all of the loans we originate are sold within a short period in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis; although,basis. After the loans are sold, we remain liableretain potential liability for possible claims by purchasers that we breached certain limited representations.industry-standard representations and warranties in the loan sale agreements. Therefore, we have littlelimited direct exposure related to the residential mortgages we sell.originate.

 

We have a corporate risk management policy under which we hedge our interest rate risk on rate-locked loan commitments and loans held-for-sale to mitigate exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We finance our mortgage loan activities with borrowings under our financial services warehouse repurchase facilities or from our operating funds. Our syndicatedOne of our warehouse repurchase facilities with a maximum aggregate commitment of $150 million and an additional uncommitted amount of $50 million matures in April 2011, and the other warehouse repurchase facility with a maximum aggregate commitment of $175 million matures in April 2009 ($125 million, plus a $50 million temporary accordion feature that expired in December 2008) and our warehouse repurchase facility matures in June 2009 ($150 million).July 2011. We expect boththe facilities to be renewed or replaced with other facilities when they mature. Additionally, we recently entered into an on going 60-day committed repurchase facility for $75 million.

 

Title Insurance and Closing Services

 

We provide title insurance and closing services as well as other ancillary services to our homebuyers and others. During 2008,2010, we provided title and closing services for approximately 105,900102,500 real estate transactions, and issued approximately 96,700107,600 title insurance policies through our underwriter, North American Title Insurance Company.Company, compared to 120,500 real estate transactions and 92,500 title insurance policies issued during 2009. Title and closing services are provided by agency subsidiaries in Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.Title insurance services are provided in these same states, as well as in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and the Carolinas.Tennessee.

 

Communication ServicesRialto Investments Operations

 

The Rialto segment was formed to focus on acquisitions of distressed debt and other real estate assets utilizing Rialto’s abilities to source, underwrite, price, turnaround and ultimately monetize such assets in markets across the United States. For more detail regarding the acquisitions and investments made by our Rialto segment during 2010, refer to the Overview of Lennar Communications provides cable television and high-speed Internet services to residentsCorporation section discussed earlier in Item 1 of our communities and others and oversees our interests and activities in relationships with providers of advanced communication services. We exited the Sacramento, California market during 2008. At December 31, 2008, we had approximately 3,100 subscribers in Texas.

this Report.

Seasonality

 

We have historically experienced variability in our results of operations from quarter-to-quarter due to the seasonal nature of the homebuilding business. Due to deteriorating market conditions, we are currently focusing our efforts, in all quarters, on inventory management in order to deliver inventory and generate cash.

 

Competition

 

The residential homebuilding industry is highly competitive. We compete for homebuyers in each of the market regions where we operate with numerous national, regional and local homebuilders, as well as with resales of existing homes and with the rental housing market. Recently,In recent years, lenders’ efforts to sell foreclosed homes have become an increasingly competitive factor.factor within the homebuilding industry. We compete for homebuyers on the basis of a number of interrelated factors including location, price, reputation, amenities, design, quality and financing. In addition to competition for homebuyers, we also compete with other homebuilders for desirable properties, raw materials and reliable, skilled labor. We compete for land buyers with third parties in our efforts to sell land to homebuilders and others. We believe we are competitive in the market regions where we operate primarily due to our:

 

Balance sheet, where we continue to focus on inventory management and liquidity;

 

Access to land, particularly in land-constrained markets; and

Pricing to current market conditions through sales incentives offered to homebuyers.homebuyers;

Cost efficiencies realized through our national purchasing programs and production of value-engineered homes; and

Quality construction and home warranty program, which are supported by a responsive customer care team.

 

Our financial services operations compete with other mortgage lenders, including national, regional and local mortgage bankers and brokers, banks, savings and loan associations and other financial institutions, in the origination and sale of mortgage loans. Principal competitive factors include interest rates and other features of mortgage loan products available to the consumer. We compete with other title insurance agencies and underwriters for closing services and title insurance. Principal competitive factors include service and price.

Rialto’s business of purchasing distressed assets is highly competitive and fragmented. A number of entities and funds have been formed recently for the purpose of acquiring real estate related assets at prices that reflect the depressed state of the real estate market, and it is likely that additional entities and funds will be formed for this purpose in the next several years. We compete with other communication service providerspurchasers of distressed assets. We compete in the salemarketplace for distressed asset portfolios based on many factors, including purchase price, representations, warranties and indemnities, timeliness of high-speed Internetpurchase decisions and cable television services. Principal competitive factors include price, quality,reputation. We believe that our major distinction from the competition is that our team is made up of already in place managers who are already working out loans and dealing with similar borrowers. Additionally, because of the high content of loans made to developers, we believe having our homebuilding team participating in the underwriting process provides us with a distinct advantage in our evaluation of these assets. We believe that our experienced team and the infrastructure already in place, including our investment in a service and availability.provider, are ahead of our competitors. This has us well positioned for the large pipeline of opportunity that has been building.

 

Regulation

 

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

 

The residential homebuilding industry is also subject to a variety of local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning the protection of health and the environment. These environmental laws include such areas as storm water and surface water management, soil, groundwater and wetlands protection, subsurface conditions and air quality protection and enhancement. Environmental laws and existing conditions may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance and other costs and may prohibit or severely restrict homebuilding activity in environmentally sensitive regions or areas.

 

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

 

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

Various states have statutory disclosure requirements relating to the marketing and sale of new homes. These disclosure requirements vary widely from state-to-state. In addition, some states require that each new home be registered with the state at or before the time title is transferred to a buyer (e.g., the Texas Residential Construction Commission Act).

In some states, we are required to be registered as a licensed contractor and comply with applicable rules and regulations. In various states, our new home consultants are required to be registered as licensed real estate agents and to adhere to the laws governing the practices of real estate agents.

 

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

 

Our cable subsidiary is generally required to both secure a franchise agreement with each locality in which it operates and to satisfy requirements of the Federal Communications Commission in the ordinary conduct of its business.

A subsidiary of The Newhall, Land and Farming Company,an unconsolidated entity of which we currently indirectly own 16%15%, provides water to a portion of Los Angeles County, California. This subsidiary is subject to extensive regulation by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Several federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) and the Federal Trade Commission Act and comparable state statutes, regulate consumer debt collection activity. Although, for a variety of reasons, we may not be specifically subject to the FDCPA or certain state statutes that govern debt collectors, it is our policy to comply with applicable laws in our collection activities. To the extent that some or all of these laws apply to our collection activities or failure to comply with such laws could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Compliance Policy

 

We have a Code of Business and Ethics that requires every associate (i.e., employee) and officer to at all times deal fairly with the Company’s customers, subcontractors, suppliers, competitors and associates, and saysstates that all our associates, officers and directors are expected to comply at all times with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. Despite this, there are instances in which subcontractors or others through which we do business engage in practices that do not comply with applicable regulations and guidelines. There have been instances in which some of our employeesassociates were aware of these practices and did not take adequate steps to prevent them. When we learn of practices relating to homes we build or financing we provide that do not comply with applicable regulations or guidelines, we move actively to stop the non-complying practices as soon as possible and we have taken disciplinary action with regard to our employeesassociates who were aware of the practices, including in some instances terminating their employment. Our Code of Business and Ethics also has procedures in place that allows whistleblowers to submit their concerns regarding our operations, financial reporting, business integrity or any other related matter anonymously to the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and/or to the non-management directors of our Board of Directors, thus ensuring their protectionhelping protect them from any possibility of retaliation.

 

EmployeesAssociates

 

At December 31, 2008,2010, we employed 4,7044,087 individuals of whom 2,9402,208 were involved in our homebuildingthe Lennar Homebuilding operations, and 1,7641,767 were involved in our financial servicesthe Lennar Financial Services operations, and 112 were involved in the Rialto operations, compared to November 30, 2007,2009, when we employed 7,7453,873 individuals of whom 5,1502,204 were involved in our homebuildingthe Lennar Homebuilding operations and 2,5951,669 were involved in our financial servicesLennar Financial Services operations. We do not have collective bargaining agreements relating to any of our employees.associates. However, we subcontract many phases of our homebuilding operations and some of the subcontractors we use have employeesassociates who are represented by labor unions.

 

Relationship with LNR Property Corporation

 

In 1997, we transferred our commercial real estate investment and management business to LNR Property Corporation (“LNR”), and spun-off LNR to our stockholders. As a result, LNR became a publicly-traded company, and the family of Stuart A. Miller, our President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director, which had voting control of us,our company, became the controlling shareholder of LNR.

 

Since the spin-off, we have entered into a number of joint ventures and other transactions with LNR. Many of the joint ventures were formed to acquire and develop land, part of which was subsequently sold to us or other homebuilders for residential building and part of which was subsequently sold to LNR for commercial development. In February 2005, LNR was acquired by a privately-owned entity. Although Mr. Miller’s family was required to purchase a 20.4% financial interest in that privately-owned entity, this interest is non-voting and

neither Mr. Miller nor anyone else in his family is an officer or director, or otherwise is involved in the management, of LNR or its parent. Nonetheless, because the Miller family hascontinues to have a 20.4% financial, non-voting, interest in LNR’s parent, although reduced from the percentage interest initially acquired, significant transactions with LNR, or entities in which it has an interest, have historically been and continued to be reviewed and approved by the Independent Directors Committee of our Board of Directors.

LandSourceLandSource/Newhall Transactions

 

In January 2004, a company of which we and LNR each owned 50% acquired The Newhall Land and Farming Company (“Newhall”) for approximately $1 billion, including $200 million we contributed and $200 million that LNR contributed (the remainder came from borrowings and sales of properties to LNR). Subsequently, we and LNR each transferred our interests in most of our joint ventures to the jointly-owned company that had acquired The Newhall Land and Farming Company, and that company was renamed LandSource Communities Development LLC (“LandSource”).

 

In February 2007, LandSource admitted MW Housing Partners as a new strategic partner. As part of the transaction, the joint venture obtained $1.6 billion of non-recourse financing, which consisted of a $200 million five-year Revolving Credit Facility, a $1.1 billion six-year Term Loan B Facility and a $244 million seven-year Second Lien Term Facility. The transaction resulted in a cash distribution to us of $707.6 million.million and a similar distribution to LNR. Our resulting ownership of LandSource was 16%. As a result of the recapitalization, we recognized a pretax financial statement gain of $175.9 million in 2007.

 

In June 2008, our LandSource unconsolidated joint venture and a number of its subsidiaries commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. In November 2008, our land purchase options with LandSource were terminated, thus, in 2008 we recognized a deferred profit of $101.3 million (net of $31.8 million of write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs and other write-offs) related to the 2007 recapitalization of LandSource. The bankruptcy filing could

In July 2009, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed the plan of reorganization for LandSource. As a result in LandSource losing some or all of the properties it owns, terminationbankruptcy proceedings, LandSource was reorganized into a new company named Newhall Land Development, LLC, (“Newhall”). The reorganized company emerged from Chapter 11 free of our management agreement withits previous bank debt. As part of the reorganization, we invested $140 million in exchange for approximately a 15% equity interest in the reorganized Newhall, ownership in several communities that were formerly owned by LandSource, the settlement and release of any claims that might have been asserted against us and a substantial reduction (or total elimination) of our 16% ownership interest incertain other claims LandSource which had a carrying value of zero at November 30, 2008.against third parties.

 

NYSE Certification

 

We submitted our 20072009 Annual CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange on April 14, 2008.16, 2010. The certification was not qualified in any respect.

 

Available Information

 

Our corporate website is www.lennar.com. We make available on our website, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these documents with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information on our website is not part of this document.

 

Our website also includes printable versions of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the charters for each of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of our Board of Directors. Each of these documents is also available in print to any stockholder who requests a copy by addressing a request to:

 

Lennar Corporation

Attention: Office of the General Counsel

700 Northwest 107th Avenue

Miami, Florida 33172

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

 

The following are what we believe to be the principal risks maythat could cause a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies and prospects.

 

Homebuilding Market and Economic Risks

 

The homebuilding industry is in the midst ofhas experienced a significant downturn.downturn over the last several years. A continuing decline in demand for new homes coupled with an increase in the inventory of available new homes and alternatives to new homes could adversely affect our sales volume and pricing even more than has occurred to date.

 

The homebuilding industry is in the midst ofhas experienced a significant downturn.downturn over the last several years. As a result, we have experienced a significant decline in demand for newly built homes in almost all of our markets. Homebuilders’ inventories of

unsold new homes have increased as a result of increased cancellation rates on pending contracts as new homebuyers sometimes find it more advantageous to forfeit a deposit than to complete the purchase of the home. In addition,This decline in demand, together with an oversupply of alternatives to new homes, such as rental properties and used homes (including foreclosed homes), has depressed prices and reduced margins. This combination of lower demand and higher inventories affects both the number of homes we can sell and the prices at which we can sell them. In 20072008 and 2008,2009, we experienced aperiods of significant decline in our sales results, significant reductions in our margins as a result of higher levels of sales incentives and price concessions, and a higher than normal cancellation rate. In 2010, our margins improved to closer to normal market levels, but demand continued to be weak and there continued to be a significant stock of used homes, including foreclosed homes. We have no basis for predicting how long demand and supply will remain out of balance in various homebuilding markets where we operate or whether even if demand and supply come back in balance, sales volumes or pricing will return to priorpre-2007 levels.

 

Demand for new homes is sensitive to economic conditions over which we have no control, such as the availability of mortgage financing and the level of employment.

 

Demand for new homes is sensitive to changes in economic conditions such as the level of employment, consumer confidence, consumer income, the availability of financing and interest rate levels. During 20072008, 2009 and 2008,2010, the mortgage lending industry experienced significant instability. As a result of increased default rates, particularly (but not entirely) with regard to sub-prime and other non-conforming loans, many lenders have reduced their willingness to make, and tightened their credit requirements with regard to, residential mortgage loans. Fewer loan products, and stricter loan qualification standards and higher down payment requirements have made it more difficult for some borrowers to finance the purchase of our homes. Although our finance company subsidiaries offer mortgage loans to potential buyers of most of the homes we build, we may no longer be able to offer financing terms that are attractive to our potential buyers. Lack of availability of mortgage financing at acceptable rates reduces demand for the homes we build, including in some instances causing potential buyers to cancel contracts they have signed.

 

There has also been a substantial loss of jobs in the United States during 2008.the last several years. People who are not employed or are concerned about loss of their jobs are unlikely to purchase new homes and may be forced to try to sell the homes they owned.own. Therefore, the current employment situation can adversely affect us both by reducing demand for the homes we build and by increasing the supply of homes for sale.

 

Mortgage defaults by homebuyers who financed homes using non-traditional financing products are increasing the number of homes available for resale.

 

During the period of high demand in the homebuilding industry, many homebuyers financed their purchases using non-traditional adjustable rate or interest only mortgages or other mortgages, including sub-prime mortgages that involved, at least during initial years, monthly payments that were significantly lower than those required by conventional fixed rate mortgages. As a result, new homes became more affordable. However, as monthly payments for these homes increasehave increased either as a result of increasing adjustable interest rates or as a result of principal payments coming due, some of these homebuyers have defaulted on their payments and had their homes foreclosed, which has increased the inventory of homes available for resale. This is likely to continue. Foreclosure sales and other distress sales may result in further declines in market prices for homes. In an environment of declining home prices, many homebuyers may delay purchases of homes in anticipation of lower prices in the future. In addition, as lenders perceive deterioration in credit quality among homebuyers, lenders have been eliminating some of the available non-traditional and sub-prime financing products and increasing the qualifications needed for mortgages or adjusting their terms to address increased credit risk. In general, to the extent mortgage rates increase or lenders make it more difficult for prospective buyers to finance home purchases, it becomes more difficult or costly for customers to purchase our homes, which has an adverse effect on our sales volume.

It has become more difficult for potential homebuyers to obtain mortgage financing, which is reducing demand for homes we offer.

Many lenders and other holders of mortgage loans have been adversely affected in recent years by a combination of reduced ability of homeowners to meet mortgage obligations and reduced value of the homes that secure mortgage loans. As a result, many lenders and secondary market mortgage purchasers have eliminated most of their non-traditional and sub-prime financing products and increased the qualifications needed to obtain mortgage loans. In addition, if a home appraises for less than the sales price, a greater down-payment may need to be provided by the potential homebuyer in order to meet the lender requirement or the sales price may need to be reduced. Although mortgage interest rates were very low during 2010, the factors that have made mortgage loans more difficult to obtain could lead to higher interest rates on mortgage loans that are made. To the extent lenders make it more difficult or more expensive for prospective buyers to finance home purchases, it becomes more difficult or costly for customers to purchase our homes, which has an adverse effect on our sales volume.

 

We have had to take significant write-downs of the carrying values of the land we own and of our investments in unconsolidated entities, and a continuing decline in land values could result in additional write-downs.

 

Some of the land we currently own was purchased at high prices.prices and had to be written down to reduced values that reflect current market conditions. Also, prior to 2007, we obtained options to purchase land at prices that no longer are attractive, and in connection with those options, we made substantial non-refundable deposits and, in some instances, agreed to incurincurred pre-acquisition land development costs. When demand fell, we were required to take substantialsignificant write-downs of the carrying value of our land inventory and we elected not to exercise many high price options, even though that required us to forfeit deposits and write-off pre-acquisition land development costs.

Additionally, as a result of these market conditions, we recorded significant valuation adjustments relating to our investments in unconsolidated entities. The valuationentities and recorded our share of adjustments were SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to assets of ourmade by unconsolidated entities and APB 18 valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities.the carrying values of their assets.

 

The combination of land value write-downsinventory impairments, write-offs of option deposits and forfeitures in addition topre-acquisition costs and valuation adjustments relating to our investments in unconsolidated entities had a material negative effect on our operating results for fiscal 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, contributing to most of our net lossesloss in fiscal 20072008 and 2008. If2009. Write downs were a lot less during 2010, however, if market conditions continuedeteriorate further or our strategy related to deteriorate,certain assets change, some of our assets may be subject to further write-downs in the future, decreasing the assetsasset values reflected on our balance sheet and adversely affecting our stockholders’ equity.

 

Inflation can adversely affect us, particularly in a period of declining home sale prices.

 

Inflation can have a long-term impact on us because increasing costs of land, materials and labor require us to attempt to increase the sale prices of homes in order to maintain satisfactory margins. Although anthe rate of inflation has been low for the last several years, some economists predict that government spending programs and other factors could lead to significant inflation in the future. An excess of supply over demand for new homes, such as the one we are currently experiencing, requires that we reduce prices, rather than increasingincrease them, but it does not necessarily result in reductions, or prevent increases, in the costs of materials and labor. Under those circumstances, theThe effect of cost increases isthat we cannot recover by increasing prices would be to reduce the margins on the homes we sell. That makeswould make it more difficult for us to recover the full cost of previously purchased land, and has contributedcould lead to the significant reductions in the value of our land inventory.

 

We face significant competition in our efforts to sell new homes.

 

The homebuilding industry is highly competitive. We compete in each of our markets with numerous national, regional and local homebuilders. This competition with other homebuilders could reduce the number of homes we deliver or cause us to accept reduced margins in order to maintain sales volume.

 

We also compete with the resale of existing homes, including foreclosed homes, sales by housing speculators and available rental housing. As demand for homes has slowed, competition, including competition with homes purchased for speculation rather than as places to live and competition with foreclosed homes, has created increased downward pressure on the prices at which we are able to sell homes, as well as upon the number of homes we can sell.

Operational Risks

 

Homebuilding is subject to warranty and liability claims in the ordinary course of business that can be significant.

 

As a homebuilder, we are subject to home warranty and construction defect claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We are also subject to liability claims arisingfor injuries that occur in the course of construction activities. We record warranty and other reserves for the homes we sell based on historical experience in our markets and our judgment of the qualitative risks associated with the types of homes we built. We have, and many of our subcontractors have, general liability, property, errors and omissions, workers compensation and other business insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims, subject to certain self-insured retentions, deductibles and other coverage limits. However, because of the uncertainties inherent in these matters, we cannot provide assurance that our insurance coverage or our subcontractors’ insurance and financial resources will be adequate to address all warranty, construction defect and liability claims in the future. Additionally, the coverage offered and the availability of general liability insurance for construction defects are currently limited and costly. As a result, an increasing number of our subcontractors are unable to obtain insurance, and we have in many cases waived our customary insurance requirements. There can be no assurance that coverage will not be further restricted and become even more costly.

 

Performance of subcontractors and quality and suitability of building materials.

We rely on subcontractors to perform the actual construction of our homes, and in many cases, to select and obtain raw materials. Despite our detailed specifications and quality control procedures, in some cases, improper construction processes or defective materials, such as Chinese drywall, were used in the construction of our homes. When we find these issues, we repair them in accordance with our warranty obligations. Defective products widely used by the homebuilding industry can result in the need to perform extensive repairs to large numbers of homes. The cost to the Company of complying with our warranty obligations in these cases may be significant if we are unable to recover the cost of repair from subcontractors, materials suppliers and insurers.

Natural disasters and severe weather conditions could delay deliveries, increase costs and decrease demand for new homes in affected areas.

 

Many of our homebuilding operations are conducted in areas that are subject to natural disasters and severe weather. The occurrence of natural disasters or severe weather conditions can delay new home deliveries, increase costs by damaging inventories and negatively impact the demand for new homes in affected areas. Furthermore, if our insurance does not fully cover business interruptions or losses resulting from these events, our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources could be adversely affected.

Supply shortages and other risks related to the demand for skilled labor and building materials could increase costs and delay deliveries.

 

Increased costs or shortages of skilled labor and/or lumber, framing, concrete, steel and other building materials could cause increases in construction costs and construction delays. We generally are unable to pass on increases in construction costs to customers who have already entered into sales contracts, as those sales contracts generally fix the price of the homes at the time the contracts are signed, which may be well in advance of the construction of the home. Sustained increases in construction costs may, over time, erode our margins, particularly if pricing competition restricts our ability to pass on any additional costs of materials or labor, thereby decreasing our margins.

 

Reduced numbers of home sales forceextend the time it takes us to absorb additionalrecover land purchase and property development costs.

 

We incur many costs even before we begin to build homes in a community. These include costs of preparing land and installing roads, sewagesewers and other utilities, as well as taxes and other costs related to ownership of the land on which we plan to build homes. Reducing the rate at which we build homes extends the length of time it takes us to recover these costs. Also, we frequently acquire options to purchase land and make deposits that will be forfeited if we do not exercise the options within specified periods. Because of current market conditions,when we have had to terminate a number of theseterminated land purchase options, resulting in significant forfeitures ofwe have forfeited deposits we made with regard to the options, and in many instances, lost the benefit of pre-acquisition costs we incurred with regard to properties that were the subject of the options. We may never recover those costs.

If our financial performance further declines, we may not be able to maintain compliance with the covenants in our credit facilities and senior debt securities.

Our credit facility imposes certain restrictions on our operations. The most significant restrictions relate to debt incurrence, sales of assets, cash distributions and investments by us and certain of our subsidiaries. In addition, our credit facility requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including a minimum adjusted consolidated tangible net worth requirement and a maximum permitted leverage ratio. Also, because we currentlyWe do not have investment grade debt ratings, we can only borrow up to specified percentages of the book values of various types of our assets, referred to in thea corporate credit agreement as our borrowing base. In January and November 2008, we completed amendments to the credit facility that modified the minimum adjusted consolidated tangible net worth requirement and restructured the borrowing base among other changes. The amendments also limit the amount of permissible joint venture recourse obligations, requiring that those obligations be reduced quarterly through July 2011. Under the November 2008 amendment, the commitment was reduced from $1.5 billion to $1.1 billion.

While $1.1 billion of borrowing capacity should be sufficient in the current depressed market, if markets strengthen, we might have to seek increased borrowing capacity.

While we currently are in compliance with the financial covenants in the amended credit agreement, if we had to record significant additional impairments in the future, they could cause us to fail to comply with the amended credit agreement debt covenants. In addition, if we default in the payment or performance of certain obligations relating to the debt of unconsolidated entities above a specified threshold amount, we would be in default under the amended credit agreement. Either of those events would give the lenders the right to cause any amounts we owe under that credit facility to become immediately due. If we were unable to repay the borrowings when they became due, that could entitle the holders of $2.2 billion of debt securities we have sold into the capital markets to cause the sums evidenced by those debt securities to become due immediately. We would not be able to repay those amounts without selling substantial assets, which we might have to do at prices well below the long term fair values, and the carrying values, of the assets.

We may be unable to obtain suitable financing and bonding for the development of our communities.line.

 

Our business depends upon our ability to obtain financing for the development of our residential communities and to provide bonds to ensure the completion of our projects. We currently use our credit facility to provide some of the financingrequires that we need. In addition, we have from time-to-time raised funds by selling debt securities into public and private capital markets although this would be difficult to do under current market conditions. As is noted above, a recent amendment to our credit agreement reduced the commitment to $1.1 billion. The willingness of lenders to make funds available to us has been affected both by factors relating to us as a borrower, and by a decrease in the willingness of banks and other lenders to lend to homebuilders generally. If we were unableable to finance the development of our communitiesresidential communities. In the past we have had a corporate credit facility (with Lennar Corporation as the borrower and most of our subsidiaries, other than finance company subsidiaries, as guarantors) that we used to help finance development activities. However, because of the decline in our land purchasing, development and building activities, and our ability to obtain debt and equity financing through the capital markets, we have had little need for the credit facility in recent years. Therefore, in February 2010, we terminated the Credit Facility in order to eliminate the cost of maintaining it. While we believe that under current circumstances, the funds we generate through our operations, together with our ability to sell debt and equity securities into capital markets, give us access to all the funds we need, if market conditions lead us to want to increase our homebuilding activities to a level that requires us to incur short-term borrowings, but we are not able to arrange a new credit facility, or other debt, or if we were unable to provide required surety bonds for our projects, our business operations and revenues could suffer materially.

the absence of a credit facility may prevent us from taking full advantage of market opportunities.

Our ability to continue to grow our businessWe do not have an investment grade credit rating, which makes it more difficult and operations in a profitable manner depends to a significant extent upon our abilitycostly for us to access capital on favorable terms.

 

Our ability to access capital on favorable terms has been an important factor in growing our business and operations in a profitable manner. Recently,In 2007 and 2008, each of the principal credit rating agencies lowered our credit rating,ratings, and as a result we no longer have investment grade ratings. This willmakes it more costly, and under some circumstances could make it more difficult, and costly for us to access the debt capital markets for funds we may require in order to implement our business plans and achieve our growth objectives.

Despite not having an investment grade rating, during 2010, we were able to sell debt securities in capital market transactions at significantly lower interest rates than prior year. We sold $250 million principal amount of 6.95% senior notes due 2018, $276.5 million of 2.00% convertible senior notes and $446 million of 2.75% convertible senior notes, both due in 2020. The interest rates with regard to that debt are higher than they probably would have been if we had had an investment grade rating. However, unless and until our credit rating improves, our cost of borrowing in capital market transactions will almost always be higher than it would be if we had an investment grade rating. If we arewere subject to a further downgrade, itdowngrades, that would exacerbate such difficulties.

 

The repurchase warehouse credit facilities of our Financial Services segment will expire in 2009.2011.

 

Our Lennar Financial Services segment has a syndicated warehouse repurchase facility whichwith a maximum aggregate commitment of $150 million and an additional uncommitted amount of $50 million that matures in April 2009 ($125 million, plus a $50 million temporary accordion feature that expired in December 2008)2011, and aanother warehouse repurchase facility whichwith a maximum aggregate commitment of $175 million that matures in June 2009 ($150 million).July 2011. The Financial Services segment uses these facilities to finance its mortgage lending activities until the mortgage loans are sold to investors and expects both facilities to be renewed or replaced with other facilities when they mature. If we are unable to renew or replace these facilities when they mature, in April 2009 and June 2009, itthat could seriously impede the activities of our Financial Services segment. The risk of inability to renew or replace these facilities may be significant if, as currently is the case, capital market participantssegment, unless we are reluctant to purchase securities backed by residential mortgages.

Our competitive position could suffer if we were unable to take advantage of acquisition opportunities.

Our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to identifywilling and purchase suitable acquisition candidates, as well as our ability to successfully integrate acquired operations into our business. Given current market conditions, executing this strategy by identifying opportunities to purchase at favorable prices companies that are having problems contending with the current difficult homebuilding environment may be particularly important. Not properly executing this strategy could put us at a disadvantage in our efforts to compete with other major homebuilders who are able to take advantage of such favorable acquisition opportunities.

We might have difficulty integrating acquired companies intoprovide the funds our operations.

The integration of operations of acquired companies with our operations, includingFinancial Services segment needs to finance its mortgage originations until the consolidation of systems, procedures, personnel and facilities, the relocation of staff, and the achievement of anticipated cost savings, economies of scale and other business efficiencies, presents significant challenges to our management, particularly if several acquisitions occur at the same time.mortgages can be sold.

 

We conduct some of our operations through unconsolidated joint ventures with independent third parties in which we do not have a controlling interest and we can be adversely impacted by joint venture partners’ failure to fulfill their obligations.

 

For a number of years, we created and participated in joint ventures that acquired and developed land for our homebuilding operations, for sale to third parties or for use in their own homebuilding operations. Through these joint ventures, we reduced the amount we had to invest in order to assure access to potential future homesites, and, in some instances, we obtained access to land to which we could not otherwise have obtained access or could not have obtained access on as favorable terms. However, as the homebuilding market deteriorated frombeginning in 2006, through 2008, many of our joint venture partners became financially unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations.

 

Most joint ventures borrowed money to help finance their activities, and although recourse on the loans was generally limited to the joint ventures and their properties, frequently we and our joint venture partners were required to provide maintenance guarantees (guarantees that the values of the joint ventures’ assets would be at least specified percentages of their borrowings) or limited repayment guarantees.

Our joint venture strategy depends in large part on the ability of our joint venture partners to perform their obligations under our agreements with them.

If a joint venture partner does not perform its obligations, we may be required to make significant financial expenditures or otherwise undertake the performance of obligations not satisfied by our partner at significant cost to us. Also, when we have guaranteed joint venture obligations, we have been given the right to be reimbursed by our joint venture partners for any amounts by which we pay more than our pro rata share of the joint ventures’ obligations. However, particularly if our joint venture partners are having financial problems, we may have difficulty collecting the sums they owe us, and therefore, we may be

required to pay a disproportionately large portion of the guaranteed amounts. In addition, because we lack a controlling interest in these joint ventures, we are usually unable to require that they sell assets, return invested capital or take any other action without the consent of at least one of our joint venture partners. As a result, without joint venture partner consent, we may be unable to liquidate our joint venture investments to generate cash. Even if we are able to liquidate joint venture investments, the amounts received upon liquidation may be insufficient to cover the costs we have incurred in satisfying joint venture obligations.

 

During 2007 and 2008,through 2010, we began to reducehave significantly reduced the number of joint ventures in which we participate and theour exposure to recourse indebtedness of such joint ventures. However, the risks to us from joint ventures in which we are a participant are likely to continue at least as long as the value of residential properties continues to decline.

 

The unconsolidated entities in which we have investments may not be able to modify the terms of their debt arrangements.

 

Some of the unconsolidated entities’ debt arrangements contain financial covenants they may not be able to meet. Additionally, certain joint venture loan agreements have minimum number of homesite takedown requirements in which the joint ventures are required to sell a minimum amountnumber of homesites over a stated amountperiod of time. Due to the deterioration of the homebuilding market, many of the joint ventures are in the process of repaying, refinancing, renegotiating or extending our joint venturetheir loans. This action may be required, for example, in the case of an expired maturity date or a failure to comply with the loan’s covenants. There can be no assurance that wethe joint ventures will be able to successfully finance, refinance, renegotiate or extend, on terms we and our joint venture partners deem acceptable, all of the joint venture loans that we are currently in the process of negotiating.being renegotiated. If we werejoint ventures are unsuccessful in these efforts, we could be required to repay one or more of these loans.

We could be injured by the LandSource Chapter 11 filing.

LandSource was the largest joint venture in which we wereprovide at least a participant. Originally, we owned 50% of LandSource. However, in February 2007, LandSource admitted a new strategic partner and LandSource was recapitalized, which resulted in a cash distribution to us of $707.6 million, but reduced our ownership to 16%. In connection with the recapitalization, we entered into a new agreement to manage LandSource and received land purchase options from LandSource.

In June 2008, LandSource and a number of its subsidiaries commenced proceedings under Chapter 11portion of the Bankruptcy Code. In November 2008, our land purchase options with LandSource were terminated (which resulted in us recognizing a deferred profit of $101.3 million, net of $31.8 million of write-offs, relatedfunds the joint ventures need to be able to repay the 2007 recapitalization). It is possible that LandSource will seek to disaffirm our management agreement as well. It is also possible that LandSource will seek to recover at least some of what was distributed to us in the recapitalization.loans.

 

We could be adversely impacted by the loss of key management personnel.

 

Our future success depends, to a significant degree, on the efforts of our senior management. Our operations could be adversely affected if key members of senior management cease to be active in our company. As a result of a decline in our stock price, previous retention mechanisms, such as equity awards, have diminished in value.

 

Our Financial Services segment is adversely affected by reduced demand for our homes.

A majority of the mortgage loans made by our Financial Services segment are made to buyers of homes we build. Therefore, a decrease in the demand for our homes adversely affects the financial results of this segment of our business.

If our ability to resell mortgages to investors is impaired, we may be required to brokerreduce home sales unless we are willing to become a long term investor in loans or fund them ourselves.we originate.

 

We sell substantiallySubstantially all of the loans we originate are sold within a short period in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis; although,basis. After the loans are sold, we remain liableretain potential liability for possible claims by purchasers that we breached certain limited industry-standard representations and warranties related toin the loan sales. If there is a decline in thesale agreements. The secondary mortgage market has been severely impacted by the decline in property values over the past several years. To date, our abilityfinancial company subsidiaries have been able to sell substantially all the mortgages could be adversely impacted and we could be required to fund our commitments to our buyers with our own financial resources or require our buyers to find other sources of financing.they have originated. If, however we became unable to sell loans into the secondary mortgage market or directly to the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”)Mae and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”),Mac, we would either have to curtail our origination of mortgage loans, which among other things, could significantly reduce our ability to sell homes, or to commit our own funds to long term investments in mortgage loans, which could, among other things, delay the time when we recognize revenues from home sales on our statements of operations.

Our Financial Services segment receives demands that it repurchase mortgage loans it sold in the secondary mortgage market and we may be required to repurchase loans in excess of amounts reserved.

Particularly during 2008, 2009 and 2010, our Financial Services segment received demands that it repurchase certain loans that it sold to entities in the secondary mortgage market. The demands have related primarily to loans originated during 2005 through 2007 and are frequently based on assertions that information borrowers gave our Financial Services segment was not accurate. In many instances, we have successfully disputed the claims. However, in some instances we have settled claims to maintain our business relationships with the claimants or to avoid litigation costs. In other instances, there are active disputes regarding certain loans. While we believe we have significant defenses against virtually all of the currently unresolved repurchase demands, we have established a reserve based upon, among other things, an analysis of repurchase requests received, an estimate of potential repurchase claims not yet received, our actual past repurchases and losses through the disposition of affected loans. At November 30, 2010, this reserve was $9.9 million. If there is an unexpected increase in the amount of repurchase demands we receive, or if we are not able to resolve repurchase demands on a basis consistent with our experience to date, the cost to us with regard to the repurchase demands could exceed the reserve we have established.

Our Rialto segment invests in distressed loans and real estate related assets at significant discounts; however, if the real estate markets deteriorate significantly we could suffer losses.

Almost all the investments to date by our Rialto segment have involved acquisitions of portfolios of, or interests in portfolios of, distressed loans and other real estate related assets. That is consistent with the Rialto segment’s objective of focusing on commercial and residential real estate opportunities arising from dislocations in the United States real estate markets and the restructuring and recapitalization of those markets. However, the Rialto segment’s investing in distressed loans and other real estate related assets presents many risks in addition to those inherent in normal lending activities, including the risk that the anticipated restructuring and recapitalization of the United States real estate markets will not take place for many years, the risk that defaults on debt instruments in which the Rialto segment invests will be greater than anticipated and the risk that if the Rialto segment has to liquidate its investments into the market, it could suffer losses in doing so. There is also the possibility that, even if the Rialto segment’s investments perform as expected, absence of a liquid market for these investments will result in a need to reduce the value at which they are carried on our financial statements.

There is substantial competition for the types of investments on which our Rialto segment is focused, and this may limit the ability of the Rialto segment to make investments on terms that are attractive to it.

Our Rialto segment currently is focused on investments in distressed mortgage debt, foreclosed properties and other real estate related assets that have been adversely affected by the dislocations during the last several years in the markets for real estate, mortgage loans and real estate related securities. Many of the opportunities to acquire these types of assets arise under programs involving co-investments with and financing provided by agencies of the Federal government. There are many firms and investment funds that are trying to acquire the types of assets on which our Rialto segment is focused, and it is likely that a significant number of additional investment funds will be formed in the next year or more with the objective of acquiring those types of assets. At least some of the firms with which the Rialto segment competes, or will compete, for investment opportunities have, or will have, a cost of capital that is lower than that of the Rialto segment, and therefore may be able to pay more for investment opportunities than would be prudent for our Rialto segment.

Our Rialto segment could be adversely affected by reduced demandcourt and governmental responses to improper residential mortgage foreclosure procedures.

During recent years it appears that residential mortgage lenders and residential mortgage loan servicers have in a number of instances failed to comply with the requirements for obtaining and foreclosing residential mortgage loans. Although our Rialto segment owns or manages entities that own large numbers of mortgage loans, those loans all were acquired by our Rialto segment and the entities it manages within the past year, and our Rialto segment has procedures designed to ensure that any mortgage foreclosures which it undertakes will comply with all applicable requirements. However, even if neither our Rialto segment nor any servicing organization it uses does anything improper in foreclosing mortgages held by the Rialto segment or entities it manages, reaction by courts and regulatory agencies against apparently widespread instances of improper mortgage foreclosure procedures could make it more difficult and more expensive for our homes.Rialto segment to foreclose mortgages that secure loans that it or entities it manages own.

The ability of our Rialto segment to profit from the investments it makes may depend to a significant extent on its ability to manage resolutions related to the distressed loans and other real estate related assets.

 

A majorityprincipal factor in a prospective purchaser’s decision regarding the price it will pay for a portfolio of mortgage loans or other real estate related assets is the cash flow the prospective purchaser expects the portfolio to generate. The cash flow a portfolio of distressed mortgage loans and related assets will generate can be affected by the way the assets in the portfolio are managed. We believe the backgrounds and experience of the mortgage loans made bypersonnel in our Financial ServicesRialto segment are madewill enable the Rialto segment to buyers of homes we build. Therefore, a decrease ingenerate better cash flows from the demand for our homes adversely affectsdistressed assets it manages than what is generally expected with regard to similar assets. If it is not able to do that, the financial results of thisRialto segment of our business.probably will not generate the returns it is seeking.

 

If housingThe supply of real estate related assets available at discounts from normal prices will likely decrease if and when the real estate markets improve, we may not be able to acquire land suitable for residential homebuilding at reasonable prices, which could increaserequire our costs and reduce our revenues, earnings and margins.Rialto segment to change its investment objectives.

 

Our long-term abilityThe current objectives of our Rialto segment is to build homes depends upon our acquiring landfocus on investments in commercial and residential real estate related assets that are available at below market prices because of the dislocations in the United States real estate markets over the past several years. A recovery of the real estate markets would probably benefit the investments the Rialto segment has made, but it probably would substantially reduce or end the availability of the types of investments the Rialto segment has made and currently is seeking. That would require the Rialto segment to rethink, and probably to change, its investment strategy.

Restrictions in agreements related to a fund that the Rialto segment manages could prevent the Rialto segment from making investments.

The Rialto segment manages the Rialto Real Estate Fund (the “Fund”), a fund that was formed to make investments in, among other things, distressed loans and real estate related assets. In order to protect investors in the Fund against the possibility that we would keep attractive investment opportunities for ourselves instead of presenting them to the Fund, we agreed that we would not make investments that are suitable for residential building at reasonable pricesthe Fund except to the extent an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives of Fund investors decides that the Fund should not make particular investments. There is an exception that permits us to purchase properties for use in locations where we wantconnection with our homebuilding operations and to build. For a number of years, we experienced an increase in competition for suitable land as a result of land constraints in many of our markets. That increased the price we had to pay to acquire land. Then, when demand for new homes began to drop beginning in 2006, we started to reduce our land inventory to bring it in lineco-invest with the reduced rate atFund (of which we were absorbing land into our operations. Whilewill own between 10% and 25% depending on the current low demand for new single family homes is making it possible to purchase land at prices far below those we were required to pay prior to 2006,total amount of the investments in the long term, competition for suitable land is likely to increase again, and as available land is developed, the cost of acquiring additional suitable land could rise, and in some areas suitable land might not be available at reasonable prices. Any land shortages or any decrease in the supply of suitable land at reasonable prices could limit our ability to develop new communities or result in increased land costs that we are not able to pass through to our customers. This could adversely impact our revenues, earnings and margins.Fund).

 

Regulatory Risks

 

Federal laws and regulations that adversely affect liquidity in the secondary mortgage market could hurt our business.

 

Changes in federal laws and regulations couldThere have been significant concerns about the effect of curtailing the activitiescontinuing viability of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Mac and a number of proposals to curtail their activities. These organizations provide significant liquidity to the secondary mortgage market. Any curtailment of their activities could increase mortgage interest rates and increase the effective cost of our homes, which could reduce demand for our homes and adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Our homebuyers’ ability to qualify for and obtain affordable mortgages could be impacted by changes in government sponsored entities and private mortgage insurance companies supporting the mortgage market.

Changes made by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA/VA sponsored mortgage programs, as well as changes made by private mortgage insurance companies, have reduced the ability of many potential homebuyers to qualify for mortgages. Principal among these have been tighter lending standards such as higher income requirements, larger required down payments, increased reserves and higher required credit scores. Higher income requirements could reduce the amount that homebuyers can qualify for when buying new homes. Larger down payment requirements and increased asset reserve thresholds appear to be preventing or delaying some homebuyers from entering the market. Increased credit score requirements eliminate a segment of potential homebuyers.

Government entities in regions where we operate have adopted or may adopt, slow or no growth initiatives, which could adversely affect our ability to build or timely build in these areas.

 

Some state and local governments in areas where we operate have approved, and others where we operate may approve, various slow growth or no growth homebuilding initiatives and other ballot measures that could negatively impact the availability of land and building opportunities within those jurisdictions. Approval of slow growth, no growth or similar initiatives (including the effect of these initiatives on existing entitlements and zoning) could adversely affect our ability to build or timely build and sell homes in the affected markets and/or create additional administrative and regulatory requirements and costs, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our future revenues and earnings.

 

Compliance with federal, state and local regulations related to our business could create substantial costs both in time and money, and some regulations could prohibit or restrict some homebuilding ventures.

 

We are subject to extensive and complex laws and regulations that affect the land development and homebuilding process, including laws and regulations related to zoning, permitted land uses, levels of density, building design, elevation of properties, water and waste disposal and use of open spaces. In addition, we are subject to laws and regulations related to workers’ health and safety. We also are subject to a variety of local, state and federal laws and regulations concerning the protection of health and the environment. In some of the markets where we operate, we are required by law to pay environmental impact fees, use energy-saving construction materials and give commitments to municipalities to provide certain infrastructure such as roads and sewage systems. We generally are required to obtain permits, entitlements and approvals from local authorities to commence and carry out residential development or home construction. Such permits, entitlements and approvals may, from time-to-time, be opposed or challenged by local governments, neighboring property owners or other interested parties, adding delays, costs and risks of non-approval to the process. Our obligation to comply with the laws and regulations under which we operate, and our obligationneed to ensure that our employees,associates, subcontractors and other agents comply with these laws and regulations, could result in delays in construction and land development, cause us to incur substantial costs and prohibit or restrict land development and homebuilding activity in certain areas in which we operate.

Budget reductions by state and local governmental agencies may increase our builder fees and the time it takes to obtain required approvals and therefore may aggregate the delays we could encounter.

We can be injured by failures of persons who act on our behalf to comply with applicable regulations and guidelines.

 

Although we expect all of our associates (i.e., employees), officers and directors to comply at all times with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, there aremay be instances in which subcontractors or others through whom we do business engage in practices that do not comply with applicable regulations or guidelines. Sometimes our employees have been aware of these practices but did not take steps to prevent them. When we learn of practices relating to homes we build or financing we provide that do not comply with applicable regulations or guidelines, we move actively to stop the non-complying practices as soon as possible and we have taken disciplinary action with regard to our employeesassociates who were aware of the practices, including in some instances terminating their employment. However, regardless of the steps we take after we learn of practices that do not comply with applicable regulations or guidelines, we can in some instances be subject to fines or other governmental penalties, and our reputation can be injured, due to the practicespractices’ having taken place.

 

Tax law changes could make home ownership more expensive or less attractive.

 

Significant expenses of owning a home, including mortgage interest expense and real estate taxes, generally are deductible expenses for the purpose of calculating an individual’s federal, and in some cases state, taxable income. If the government were to make changes to income tax laws that eliminate or substantially reduce these income tax deductions, the after-tax cost of owning a new home would increase substantially. This could adversely impact demand for, and/or sales prices of, new homes.

Recent proposed rule change by HUD could negatively impact our operations and revenue.

On November 17, 2008, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) issued a final rule (“Final Rule”) that amended the regulations pertaining to permissible affiliated business arrangements under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”). The Final Rule has the effect of prohibiting homebuilders from providing incentives to their buyers for their buyers to use affiliated businesses. The Final Rule was to go into effect on January 16, 2009. A lawsuit has been filed against HUD alleging among other things that HUD did not have the statutory authority to prohibit such incentives. HUD has agreed to delay the implementation of the Final Rule until at least April 16, 2009 in order to give the court time to decide the legality of the Final Rule. If the Final Rule is implemented, it could have an adverse impact on our homebuilding, mortgage lending and title company operations.

 

Other Risks

 

We have a stockholder who can exercise significant influence over matters that are brought to a vote of our stockholders.

 

Stuart A. Miller, our President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director, has voting control, through personal holdings and family-owned entities, of Class A and Class B common stock that enables Mr. Miller to cast approximately 49%46% of the votes that may be cast by the holders of our outstanding Class A and Class B common

stock combined. That effectively gives Mr. Miller the power to control the election of our directors and the approval of matters that are presented to our stockholders. Mr. Miller’s voting power might discourage someone from acquiring us or from making a significant equity investment in us, even if we needed the investment to meet our obligations and to operate our business. Also, because of his voting power, Mr. Miller may be able to authorize actions that are contrary to our other stockholders’ desires.

 

We may not be able to benefit from net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards.

We suffered significant losses in 2007, 2008 and 2009 for tax (as well as for financial statement) purposes. We were able to carry back 100% of our 2007 tax loss and most of our 2008 tax loss to recover taxes we had paid with regard to prior years. However, we would not have been able to carry back our 2009 fiscal year tax loss without legislation enacted in November 2009 that expanded the NOL carryback to 5 years, but only allowed 50% of taxable income earned in 2004 to be offset with 2009 loss. We will not receive any tax benefits with regard to tax losses we could not carry back, except to the extent we have taxable income in the 20 year NOL carryforward period. In our financial statements, we have fully reserved against all our deferred tax assets due to the possibility that we may not have taxable income that will enable us to benefit from them. However, those reserves will be reversed when it becomes more likely than not that we will have sufficient future taxable income to take advantage of the deferred tax assets.

Trading in our shares could substantially reduce our ability to use tax loss carryforwards.

Under the Internal Revenue Code, if there is a greater than 50% change of ownership of our stock during any three-year period caused by more than 5% shareholders, the ability to utilize NOL carryforwards is limited to the market value of the Company times the long-term federal tax exempt rate. This change of ownership limitation can occur as a result of purchases and sales in the market by persons who become owners of more than 5% of our stock, even without becoming a new majority owner. During the past three years, there have not been any significant changes in our holdings by 5% shareholders. However, it is possible that as a result of future stock trading, within a three-year period buyers could acquire in the market 5% or greater ownership interests in our stock totaling more than 50%. If that occurred, our ability to apply our tax loss carryforwards could become limited.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

Not applicable.

Executive Officers of Lennar Corporation

 

The following individuals are our executive officers as of January 26, 2009:28, 2011:

 

Name

  

Position

  Age

Stuart A. Miller

  President and Chief Executive Officer  53

Richard Beckwitt

Executive Vice President51

Jonathan M. Jaffe

  Vice President and Chief Operating Officer  49

Richard Beckwitt

51
  Executive Vice President49

Bruce E. Gross

  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  5052

Diane J. Bessette

  Vice President and Treasurer  4850

Mark Sustana

  Secretary and General Counsel  4749

David M. Collins

  Controller  3941

 

Mr. Miller is one of our Directors and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since 19971997. Effective if and is onewhen our stockholders approve an amendment to our bylaws relating to the titles and functions of officers, Mr. Miller will cease to be our Directors.President, but will continue to serve as our Chief Executive Officer. Before 1997, Mr. Miller held various executive positions with us.

Mr. Beckwitt has served as our Executive Vice President since March 2006 and beginning January 12, 2011 was elected our President, subject to stockholders approval of an amendment to our bylaws. As our Executive Vice President, Mr. Beckwitt was involved in all operational aspects of our company. Mr. Beckwitt served on the Board of Directors of D.R. Horton, Inc. from 1993 to November 2003. From 1993 to March 2000, he held various executive officer positions at D.R. Horton, including President of the company. From March 2000 to April 2003, Mr. Beckwitt was the owner and principal of EVP Capital, L.P., (a venture capital and real estate advisory company). Mr. Beckwitt retired in May 2003 to design and personally construct a second home in Maine.

 

Mr. Jaffe has served as Vice President since 1994 and has served as our Chief Operating Officer since December 2004. Before that time, Mr. Jaffe served as a Regional President in our Homebuilding operations. Additionally, prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Jaffe was one of our Directors from 1997 through June 2004.

Mr. Beckwitt has served as our Executive Vice President since March 2006. In this position, Mr. Beckwitt is involved in all operational aspects of our company. Mr. Beckwitt served on the Board of Directors of D.R. Horton, Inc. from 1993 to November 2003. From 1993 to March 2000, he held various executive officer positions at D.R. Horton, including President of the company.

 

Mr. Gross has served as Vice President and our Chief Financial Officer since 1997. Before that, Mr. Gross was Senior Vice President, Controller and Treasurer of Pacific Greystone Corporation.

 

Ms. Bessette joined us in 1995 and served as our Controller from 1997 to 2008. Since February 2008, she has served as our Treasurer. She was appointed a Vice President in 2000.

 

Mr. Sustana has served as our Secretary and General Counsel since 2005. Before joining Lennar, Mr. Sustana held various legal positions at GenTek, Inc., a manufacturer of communication products, industrial components and performance chemicals.

 

Mr. Collins joined us in 1998 and has served as our Controller since February 2008. Before becoming Controller, Mr. Collins served as our Executive Director of Financial Reporting.

 

Item 2.    Properties.

 

We lease and maintain our executive offices in an office complex in Miami, Florida. Our homebuilding, and financial services and Rialto Investments offices are located in the markets where we conduct business, primarily in leased space. We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our current and planned levels of operation.

 

Because of the nature of our homebuilding operations, significant amounts of property are held as inventory in the ordinary course of our homebuilding business. We discuss these properties in the discussion of our homebuilding operations in Item 1 of this Report.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

 

We are party to various claims and lawsuits which arise in the ordinary course of business, but we do not consider the volume of our claims and lawsuits unusual given the number of homes we deliver and the fact that the lawsuits often relate to homes delivered several years before the lawsuits are commenced. Although the specific allegations in the lawsuits differ, they most commonly involve claims that we failed to construct homes in particular communities in accordance with plans and specifications or applicable construction codes and seek reimbursement for sums allegedly needed to remedy the alleged deficiencies, assert contract issues or relate to personal injuries. Lawsuits of these types are common within the homebuilding industry. We are a plaintiff in many cases in which we seek contribution from our subcontractors for home repair costs. The costs incurred by us in construction defect lawsuits are offset by warranty reserves, our third party insurers, subcontractor insurers and indemnity contributions from subcontractors. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these claims

or lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. From time-to-time, we also receive notices from environmental agencies regarding alleged violations of environmental laws. We typically settle these matters before they reach litigation for amounts that are not material to us.

 

In MayApril 2008, we were named as thea nominal defendant in a derivative suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, entitledDoris Staehr, Derivatively on Behalf of Lennar Corporation v. Stuart A. Miller, et al.al., Case No. 08-20990-CIV, in which the plaintiff purports to assert claims for our benefit against some of our current and former officers and directors, primarily relating to allegedly inadequate or incorrect disclosures about the likelihood of a decline in the housing market and the effects it would have on us. We haveBecause the suit was allegedly brought for our benefit, it did not seek any damages from us. In August 2008, we moved to dismiss an amended complaintthe suit on the ground that the plaintiff failed to make a demand on our directors that under most circumstances is a prerequisite to a derivative suit. The actualdirector defendants have moved to dismiss for that and other reasons. BecauseOn March 31, 2010, the suit is allegedly brought for our benefit, it does not seek any damages from us.Court issued an order dismissing the plaintiff’s claims.

The following table discloses as of January 22, 2009, the approximate number of pending adversarial proceedings against us (including counterclaims against us in suits we brought) and the approximate number of pending suits by us, to the best of our knowledge. The table excludes simple mortgage foreclosures in which we have no interest and ordinary course disputes involving North American Title Group, Inc. It groups the proceedings against us by the amounts demanded in the complaints or a post-complaint demand. However, some complaints demand only the minimum amount required to bring suit in a particular forum, with the plaintiff intending to amend at a later point to insert a more specific claim for damages or to make some other damages assertion. Other complaints seek amounts many times the maximum conceivable damages. Accordingly, the groupings are not necessarily indicative of the amounts involved in the litigations.

Claims Against Lennar (and Lennar Claims Against Others) in Active Litigation or Arbitration as of January 22, 2009

  Amount of Claims Not
Specified, or Lennar - -
Asserted Without

Counterclaim
 Amount
of Claims Against
Lennar < $100,000
 Amount of Claims
Against Lennar -
$100,000 - $250,000
 Amount
of Claims Against
Lennar > $250,000
 Total
Claims
 

Construction

 52 46 15 90 203 

Contract

 61 57 24 47 189 

Premises liability/personal injury

 32 13 5 15 65 

Employment

 5 3 3 7 18 

Other

 62 28 10 25 125 
           

Total

 212 147 57 184 600(1)
           

(1)Lennar is the plaintiff in 62 of the claims and the defendant in 538 of the claims.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Our Class A and Class B common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “LEN” and “LEN.B,” respectively. The following table shows the high and low sales prices for our Class A and Class B common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by the NYSE, and cash dividends declared per share:

 

  

Class A Common Stock
High/Low Prices

  Cash Dividends
Per Class A Share
   

Class A Common Stock
High/Low Prices

  Cash Dividends
Per Class A Share
 

Fiscal Quarter

  

2008

  

2007

  2008 2007   

2010

  

2009

  2010 2009 

First

  $21.64 – 11.98  $ 56.54 – 48.33  16¢ 16¢  $17.88 – 11.56  $11.56 –   5.54   4¢   4¢ 

Second

  $22.73 – 13.40  $ 49.90 – 40.65  16¢ 16¢  $21.79 – 15.86  $11.25 –   5.72   4¢   4¢ 

Third

  $17.22 –   9.33  $ 45.90 – 26.92  16¢ 16¢  $17.16 – 11.93  $15.92 –   7.28   4¢   4¢ 

Fourth

  $16.90 –   3.42  $ 28.96 – 14.00  4¢ 16¢  $16.61 – 13.42  $17.66 – 12.05   4¢   4¢ 
  

Class B Common Stock
High/Low Prices

  Cash Dividends
Per Class B Share
   

Class B Common Stock
High/Low Prices

  Cash Dividends
Per Class B Share
 

Fiscal Quarter

  

2008

  

2007

  2008 2007   

2010

  

2009

  2010 2009 

First

  $20.10 – 11.14  $ 52.42 – 45.27  16¢ 16¢  $14.25 –   8.63  $  8.99 –   4.09   4¢   4¢ 

Second

  $20.92 – 12.41  $ 46.44 – 38.35  16¢ 16¢  $18.07 – 12.71  $  8.93 –   4.36   4¢   4¢ 

Third

  $15.43 –   8.46  $ 42.53 – 25.61  16¢ 16¢  $14.18 –   9.25  $12.49 –   5.58   4¢   4¢ 

Fourth

  $15.34 –   2.26  $ 27.39 – 13.00  4¢ 16¢  $13.61 – 10.74  $13.87 –   9.18   4¢   4¢ 

 

As of December 31, 2008,2010, the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock was $8.67$18.75 and the last reported sale price of our Class B common stock was $6.48.$15.57. As of December 31, 2008,2010, there were approximately 1,000970 and 700 holders of record, respectively, of our Class A and Class B common stock.

 

On January 13, 2009,12, 2011, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share for both our Class A and Class B common stock, which is payable on February 13, 20098, 2011 to holders of record at the close of business on February 3, 2009. We regularly evaluate with ourJanuary 25, 2011. Our Board of Directors evaluates each quarter the decision whether to declare a dividend and the amount of the dividend.

 

In June 2001, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to permit future purchases of up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock. During the three months and year ended November 30, 2008,2010, there were no shares repurchased under this program.

 

The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is provided in Item 12 of this Report.

Performance Graph

 

The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return of our Class A common stock with the Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index. The graph assumes $100 invested on November 30, 20032005 in our Class A common stock, the Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index, and the reinvestment of all dividends. Because of our dividend of Class B common stock in April 2003, our returns for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are based on the sales price of one share of our Class A common stock and one-tenth of the sale price of one share of our Class B common stock.

 

Comparison of Five - YearFive-Year Cumulative Total Return

Fiscal Year Ended November 30

(2003=(2005=$100)

 

  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2005   2006   2007   2008   2009   2010 

Lennar Corporation

  $100  92  120  110  34  15  $100     92     26     12     22     26  

Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction Index

  $100  114  154  123  51  36  $100     80     33     23     28     25  

Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index

  $100  113  125  143  154  94  $100     114     123     76     97     109  

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

 

The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial and operating information as of or for each of the years ended November 30, 20042006 through 2008.2010. The information presented below is based upon our historical financial statements, except for the results of operations of a subsidiary of the Financial Services segment’s title company that was sold in May 2005, which have been classified as discontinued operations.statements.

 

   At or for the Years Ended November 30, 
   2008  2007  2006  2005  2004 (1) 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Results of Operations:

      

Revenues:

      

Homebuilding

  $4,263,038  9,730,252  15,623,040  13,304,599  10,000,632 

Financial services

  $312,379  456,529  643,622  562,372  500,336 

Total revenues

  $4,575,417  10,186,781  16,266,662  13,866,971  10,500,968 

Operating earnings (loss) from continuing operations:

      

Homebuilding (2)

  $(400,786) (2,913,999) 986,153  2,277,091  1,548,488 

Financial services (3)

  $(30,990) 6,120  149,803  104,768  110,731 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

  $(129,752) (173,202) (193,307) (187,257) (141,722)

Loss on redemption of 9.95% senior notes

  $—    —    —    (34,908) —   

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before (provision) benefit for income taxes

  $(561,528) (3,081,081) 942,649  2,159,694  1,517,497 

Earnings from discontinued operations before (provision) for income taxes (4)

  $—    —    —    17,261  1,570 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (5)

  $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869  1,344,410  944,642 

Earnings from discontinued operations

  $—    —    —    10,745  977 

Net earnings (loss)

  $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869  1,355,155  945,619 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

      

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

  $(7.00) (12.31) 3.69  8.17  5.70 

Earnings from discontinued operations

  $—    —    —    0.06  —   

Net earnings (loss)

  $(7.00) (12.31) 3.69  8.23  5.70 

Cash dividends declared per share—Class A common stock

  $0.52  0.64  0.64  0.573  0.513 

Cash dividends declared per share—Class B common stock

  $0.52  0.64  0.64  0.573  0.513 

Financial Position:

      

Total assets (6)

  $7,424,898  9,102,747  12,408,266  12,541,225  9,165,280 

Debt:

      

Homebuilding

  $2,544,935  2,295,436  2,613,503  2,592,772  2,021,014 

Financial services

  $225,783  541,437  1,149,231  1,269,782  896,934 

Stockholders’ equity

  $2,623,007  3,822,119  5,701,372  5,251,411  4,052,972 

Shares outstanding (000s)

   160,558  159,887  158,155  157,559  156,230 

Stockholders’ equity per share

  $16.34  23.91  36.05  33.33  25.94 

Homebuilding Data (including unconsolidated entities):

      

Number of homes delivered

   15,735  33,283  49,568  42,359  36,204 

New orders

   13,391  25,753  42,212  43,405  37,667 

Backlog of home sales contracts

   1,599  4,009  11,608  18,565  15,546 

Backlog dollar value

  $456,270  1,384,137  3,980,428  6,884,238  5,055,273 
   At or for the Years Ended November 30, 
   2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Results of Operations:

      

Revenues:

      

Lennar Homebuilding

  $2,705,639    2,834,285    4,263,038    9,730,252    15,623,040  

Lennar Financial Services

  $275,786    285,102    312,379    456,529    643,622  

Rialto Investments

  $92,597    —      —      —      —    

Total revenues

  $3,074,022    3,119,387    4,575,417    10,186,781    16,266,662  

Operating earnings (loss):

      

Lennar Homebuilding (1)

  $100,060    (676,293  (404,883  (2,912,072  999,568  

Lennar Financial Services (2)

  $31,284    35,982    (30,990  6,120    149,803  

Rialto Investments

  $57,307    (2,528  —      —      —    

Corporate general and administrative expenses

  $(93,926  (117,565  (129,752  (173,202  (193,307

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  $94,725    (760,404  (565,625  (3,079,154  956,064  

Net earnings (loss) attributable to
Lennar (3)

  $95,261    (417,147  (1,109,085  (1,941,081  593,869  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $0.51    (2.45  (7.01  (12.31  3.68  

Cash dividends declared per each—Class A and Class B common stock

  $0.16    0.16    0.52    0.64    0.64  

Financial Position:

      

Total assets

  $8,787,851    7,314,791    7,424,898    9,102,747    12,408,266  

Debt:

      

Lennar Homebuilding

  $3,128,154    2,761,352    2,544,935    2,295,436    2,613,503  

Rialto Investments

  $752,302    —      —      —      —    

Lennar Financial Services

  $271,678    217,557    225,783    541,437    1,149,231  

Stockholders’ equity

  $2,608,949    2,443,479    2,623,007    3,822,119    5,701,372  

Total equity

  $3,194,383    2,588,014    2,788,753    3,850,647    5,756,765  

Shares outstanding (000s)

   186,636    184,896    160,558    159,887    158,155  

Stockholders’ equity per share

  $13.98    13.22    16.34    23.91    36.05  

Lennar Homebuilding Data (including unconsolidated entities):

      

Number of homes delivered

   10,955    11,478    15,735    33,283    49,568  

New orders

   10,928    11,510    13,391    25,753    42,212  

Backlog of home sales contracts

   1,604    1,631    1,599    4,009    11,608  

Backlog dollar value

  $407,292    479,571    456,270    1,384,137    3,980,428  

 

(1) In May 2005, we sold a subsidiary of our Financial Services segment’s title company. As a result of the sale, the subsidiary’s results of operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations to conform with the 2005 presentation.

(2)Lennar Homebuilding operating earnings (loss) from continuing operations include $51.3 million, $359.9 million, $340.5 million, $2,445.1 million $501.8 million and $20.5$501.8 million, respectively, of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005.2006. In addition, it includes $10.5 million, $101.9 million, $32.2 million, $364.2 million and $126.4 million, respectively, of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of our investments in unconsolidated entities in which we have investments for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and $1.7 million, $89.0 million, $172.8 million, $132.2 million and $14.5 million, respectively of APB 18 valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006. During the year ended November 30, 2007, homebuildingLennar Homebuilding operating earnings (loss) from continuing operations also includes $190.2 million of goodwill impairments. There were no other material valuation adjustments for the years ended November 30, 2005 and 2004.
(3)(2) Lennar Financial Services operating loss from continuing operations for the year ended November 30, 2008 includes a $27.2 million impairment of the Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill.
(4)(3) Earnings from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes includes a gain of $15.8 millionNet earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar for the year ended November 30, 2005 related2010 includes a $25.7 million benefit for income taxes, primarily due to settlements with various taxing authorities. Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar for the saleyear ended November 30, 2009 primarily includes a partial reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $351.8 million, primarily due to a subsidiary of the Financial Services segment’s title company.
(5)Earningschange in tax legislation, which allowed us to carryback our fiscal year 2009 tax loss to recover previously paid income taxes. Net earnings (loss) from continuing operationsattributable to Lennar for the year ended November 30, 2008 includes a $730.8 million valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets.
(6)As of November 30, 2004, the Financial Services segment had assets of discontinued operations of $1.0 million related to a subsidiary of the segment’s title company that was sold in May 2005.

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

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Report.

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the statements in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies and prospects. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Report. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by Federal securities laws.

 

Outlook

 

The housing market continues to be compromised by the most significant domestic economic downturn in recent history. General economic pressures continue to drive down the volume and prices of homes being sold, as rising levels of foreclosures add inventory to an already saturated marketplace. Overall consumer sentiment has continued to deteriorate, resulting in fewer potential home purchasers willing to enter the market. These conditions have fostered a competitive need amongst homebuilders to drive pricing downward through the use of incentives, price reductions and incentivized brokerage fees. Although there is optimism that the new administration taking federal office will offer stimulus to fix the sliding housing environment, we currently do not have visibility as to when these deteriorating market conditions will subside. Whether or not there is additional federal stimulus, there could be further deterioration in market conditions, which may lead to additional valuation adjustments in the future.

In midst of this environment, we remained balance sheet focused with great emphasis on liquidity and positioning ourselves for future opportunities. We continued to reduce overhead in an effort to be “right-sized” for anticipated lower volume levels inDuring our 2010 fiscal 2009. In addition,year, we continued to carefully managesee a housing market that was trying to stabilize. This stabilization process was impacted by the expiration of the Federal homebuyer tax credit at the end of April 2010, which contributed to a reduction in the pace of home sales. The rate at which homes sold nationally was also adversely affected by high unemployment, lenders’ effort to sell foreclosed homes, tight lending standards and low consumer confidence. All these factors contributed to a 5% decline in our inventory levels through curtailing land purchases, reducing home startsnew orders during our 2010 fiscal year compared with prior year. Overall, recovery of the housing market is still sporadic, and adjusting priceshow long it will take for the housing market to deliver completed homes.return to historical conditions is uncertain.

 

We also have diligently workedremained focused on restructuring, repositioningimproving our core business and reducingwe returned to profitability in 2010. Our principal focus in our joint ventures.homebuilding operations is on maintaining and improving our gross profit margin on the homes we sell. We have reducedtaken steps over the number of joint ventures in which we participatepast several years to 116 unconsolidated joint ventures at November 30, 2008, compared to 270 unconsolidated joint ventures at the peak in 2006.reduce costs and right-size our overhead structure. We have also reducedrepositioned our product offering to target first-time and value-focused homebuyers, the result of which has only recently begun to be reflected in our operating results. We continue to make carefully underwritten strategic land acquisitions in well-positioned markets that will support our homebuilding operations going forward. As a result, we are beginning to open communities with land that we purchased relatively recently at prices that reflect the recent depressed state of the market with respect to land that is suitable for residential homebuilding.

Our Rialto Investments (“Rialto”) segment added significant profits to our bottom line, generating operating earnings of $24.2 million (net of $33.2 million of net recourse indebtedness exposure with regardearnings attributable to joint ventures to $392.5 million atnoncontrolling interests) in year ended November 30, 2008, compared to $1.12010. During our 2010 fiscal year, we acquired for $243 million, a 40% interest (with the FDIC holding the other 60%) in a pool of real estate loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $3 billion atacquired by the peak in 2006.

FDIC from 22 failed banks, and acquired for approximately $310 million, portfolios of mortgage loans and REO from three financial institutions. In 2009, cash generationthe fourth quarter, we also completed the first closing of our Rialto real estate investment fund (the “Fund”) with initial equity commitments of approximately $300 million (including $75 million committed by us). Through the Fund, we will continue to beinvest in distressed opportunities that we expect will contribute to our top priority. We will convert inventory to cash and reduce both our land purchases and homebuilding starts. In addition, we will reduce our cash outflows by continuing to right-size our overhead to improve our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues.future earnings.

 

Although high unemployment, tight lending standards and low consumer confidence continue to present challenges for the housing market, we believe that 2011 will be another profitable year. We believe that our homebuilding operations are on track to achieving sustainable profitability as the housing market stabilizes and ultimately recovers and our financial services and Rialto Investments segments will continue to enhance our earnings.

Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

Our net lossearnings attributable to Lennar in 2008 was $1.1 billion,2010 were $95.3 million, or $7.00$0.51 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss attributable to Lennar of $1.9 billion,$417.1 million, or $12.31$2.45 per basic and diluted share, in 2007. The current year net loss was attributable to weakness in the housing market that has persisted during 2008 and has impacted all of our operations.2009. Our gross margin percentage increasedimproved in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to our lower inventory basis and continued focus on repositioning our product and reducing construction costs, despite Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets, (“SFAS 144”)a reduction in valuation adjustments and reduced sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a decrease in the average sales pricepercentage of homes delivered during 2008, compared to 2007. Our 2008 results were also impacted by a non-cash SFAS 109,Accounting for Income Taxes, (“SFAS 109”) valuation allowance of $730.8 million, or $4.61 per basic and diluted share, recorded against our deferred tax assets.

revenues from home sales.

The following table sets forth financial and operational information for the years indicated related to our operations. The results of operations of the homebuilders we acquired during 2006 were not material to our consolidated financial statements and are included in the tables since the respective dates of the acquisitions.

 

  Years Ended November 30,   Years Ended November 30, 
  2008 2007 2006           2010                 2009                 2008         
  (Dollars in thousands, except average sales price)   (Dollars in thousands, except average sales price) 

Homebuilding revenues:

    

Lennar Homebuilding revenues:

    

Sales of homes

  $4,150,717   9,462,940  14,854,874   $2,631,314    2,776,850    4,150,717  

Sales of land

   112,321   267,312  768,166    74,325    57,435    112,321  
                    

Total homebuilding revenues

   4,263,038   9,730,252  15,623,040 

Total Lennar Homebuilding revenues

   2,705,639    2,834,285    4,263,038  
                    

Homebuilding costs and expenses:

    

Lennar Homebuilding costs and expenses:

    

Cost of homes sold

   3,641,090   8,892,268  12,114,433    2,113,393    2,524,850    3,641,090  

Cost of land sold

   245,536   1,928,451  798,165    52,968    236,277    245,536  

Selling, general and administrative

   655,255   1,368,358  1,764,967    376,962    449,259    655,255  
                    

Total homebuilding costs and expenses

   4,541,881   12,189,077  14,677,565 

Total Lennar Homebuilding costs and expenses

   2,543,323    3,210,386    4,541,881  
                    

Lennar Homebuilding operating margins

   162,316    (376,101  (278,843

Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (10,966  (130,917  (59,156

Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net

   19,135    (98,425  (172,387

Other interest expense

   (70,425  (70,850  (27,594

Gain on recapitalization of unconsolidated entity

   133,097   175,879  —      —      —      133,097  

Goodwill impairments

   —     (190,198) —   

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (59,156)  (362,899) (12,536)

Management fees and other income (expense), net

   (199,981)  (76,029) 66,629 

Minority interest income (expense), net

   4,097   (1,927) (13,415)
                    

Homebuilding operating earnings (loss)

   (400,786)  (2,913,999) 986,153 

Lennar Homebuilding operating earnings (loss)

   100,060    (676,293  (404,883
                    

Financial services revenues

   312,379   456,529  643,622 

Financial services costs and expenses (1)

   343,369   450,409  493,819 

Lennar Financial Services revenues

   275,786    285,102    312,379  

Lennar Financial Services costs and expenses (1)

   244,502    249,120    343,369  
                    

Financial services operating earnings (loss)

   (30,990)  6,120  149,803 

Lennar Financial Services operating earnings (loss)

   31,284    35,982    (30,990
          

Rialto Investments revenues

   92,597    —      —    

Rialto Investments costs and expenses

   67,904    2,528    —    

Rialto Investments equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

   15,363    —      —    

Rialto Investments other income, net

   17,251    —      —    
          

Rialto Investments operating earnings (loss)

   57,307    (2,528  —    
                    

Total operating earnings (loss)

   (431,776)  (2,907,879) 1,135,956    188,651    (642,839  (435,873

Corporate general and administrative expenses

   (129,752)  (173,202) (193,307)   (93,926  (117,565  (129,752
                    

Earnings (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes

  $(561,528)  (3,081,081) 942,649 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  $94,725    (760,404  (565,625
                    

Gross margin on home sales

   12.3%  6.0% 18.4%   19.7  9.1  12.3
                    

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

   15.8%  14.5% 11.9%   14.3  16.2  15.8
                    

Operating margin as a % of revenues from home sales

   (3.5)%  (8.4)% 6.6%   5.4  (7.1)%   (3.5)% 
                    

Gross margin on home sales excluding valuation adjustments (2)

   17.0%  13.9% 20.3%   21.4  15.6  17.0
                    

Operating margin as a % of revenues from home sales excluding valuation adjustments (2)

   1.2%  (0.5)% 8.5%   7.1  (0.6)%   1.2
                    

Average sales price

  $270,000  $297,000  315,000   $243,000    243,000    270,000  
                    

 

(1) Lennar Financial Services costs and expenses for the year ended November 30, 2008 include a $27.2 million impairment of goodwill.
(2) Gross marginsmargin on home sales excluding valuation adjustments and operating margin as a percentage of revenues from home sales excluding valuation adjustments are non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by certain of our competitors and have been presented because we find it useful in evaluating our performance and believe that it helps readers of our financial statements compare our operations with those of our competitors. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measure section.

2008

2010 versus 20072009

 

Revenues from home sales decreased 56%5% in the year ended November 30, 20082010 to $4.2$2.6 billion from $9.5$2.8 billion in 2007.2009. Revenues were lower primarily due to a 51%5% decrease in the number of home deliveries, excluding unconsolidated entities. New home deliveries, excluding unconsolidated entities, decreased to 10,859 homes in the year ended November 30, 2010 from 11,422 homes last year. The average sales price of homes delivered for both the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009 was $243,000. Sales incentives offered to homebuyers were $32,800 per home delivered in the year ended November 30, 2010, or 11.9% as a percentage of home sales revenue, compared to $44,800 per home delivered in the prior year, or 15.6% as a percentage of home sales revenue.

Gross margins on home sales were $517.9 million, or 19.7%, in the year ended November 30, 2010, which included $44.7 million of valuation adjustments, compared to gross margins on home sales of $252.0 million, or 9.1%, in the year ended November 30, 2009, which included $180.2 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $562.6 million, or 21.4%, in the year ended November 30, 2010, compared to $432.2 million, or 15.6%, in 2009. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, improved compared to last year, due primarily to reduced sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales, reduced construction costs and product re-engineering, as well as third-party recoveries related to Chinese drywall. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is discussed in the Non-GAAP Financial Measure section.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were reduced by $72.3 million, or 16%, in the year ended November 30, 2010, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to reductions in legal, personnel and occupancy expenses. As a percentage of revenues from home sales, selling, general and administrative expenses improved to 14.3% in the year ended November 30, 2010, from 16.2% in 2009.

Gross profits on land sales totaled $21.4 million in the year ended November 30, 2010, primarily due to the reduction of an obligation related to a profit participation agreement. Gross profits on land sales were net of $3.4 million of valuation adjustments and $3.1 million in write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisitions costs. Losses on land sales totaled $178.8 million in the year ended November 30, 2009, which included $108.9 million of valuation adjustments and $84.4 million in write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs.

Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities was $11.0 million in the year ended November 30, 2010, which included $10.5 million of valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities in which we have investments. In the year ended November 30, 2009, Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities was $130.9 million, which included $101.9 million of valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net, totaled $19.1 million in the year ended November 30, 2010, which included a $19.4 million pre-tax gain on the extinguishment of other debt and other income, partially offset by a $10.8 million pre-tax loss related to the repurchase of senior notes through a tender offer and $1.7 million of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities. Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net, totaled ($98.4) million in the year ended November 30, 2009, which included $89.0 million of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities and $9.7 million of write-offs of notes and other receivables.

Homebuilding interest expense was $143.9 million in the year ended November 30, 2010 ($71.5 million was included in cost of homes sold, $2.0 million in cost of land sold and $70.4 million in other interest expense), compared to $147.4 million in the year ended November 30, 2009 ($67.4 million was included in cost of homes sold, $9.2 million in cost of land sold and $70.9 million in other interest expense). Despite an increase in debt, interest expense decreased primarily due to an increase in qualifying assets eligible for interest capitalization and savings resulting from the termination of our senior unsecured revolving credit facility during the first quarter of 2010.

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests were $25.2 million and ($28.9) million, respectively, in the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009. Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests during the year ended November 30, 2010 were primarily related to the FDIC’s interest in the portfolio of real estate loans that we acquired in partnership with the FDIC.

Sales of land, Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities, other income (expense), net and net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests may vary significantly from period to period depending on the timing of land sales and other transactions entered into by the Company and unconsolidated entities in which it has investments.

Operating earnings for the Lennar Financial Services segment were $31.3 million in the year ended November 30, 2010, compared to $36.0 million in the same period last year. The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to decreased volume in the segment’s mortgage and title operations.

In the year ended November 30, 2010, operating earnings for the Rialto Investments segment were $57.3 million (which included $33.2 million of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests), compared to an operating loss of $2.5 million in the prior year. In the year ended November 30, 2010, revenues in this segment were $92.6 million, which consisted primarily of accretable interest income associated with the portfolios of real estate loans acquired in partnership with the FDIC. In the year ended November 30, 2010, other income, net was $17.3 million, which consisted primarily of gains on the sale of real estate owned (“REO”) and gains from acquisition of REO through foreclosure. The segment also had equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities of $15.4 million during the year ended November 30, 2010, consisting primarily of interest income and unrealized gains related to our investment in the AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AB”) fund formed under the Federal government’s Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”). In the year ended November 30, 2010, expenses in this segment were $67.9 million, which consisted primarily of the carrying costs related to its portfolio operations, underwriting expenses related to both completed and abandoned transactions, and other general and administrative expenses.

Corporate general and administrative expenses were reduced by $23.6 million, or 20%, in the year ended November 30, 2010, compared to the same period last year primarily due to our cost reduction initiatives implemented during the downturn. As a percentage of total revenues, corporate general and administrative expenses decreased to 3.1% in the year ended November 30, 2010, from 3.8% in the prior year.

A reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance is required if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Based upon an evaluation of all available evidence, during the year ended November 30, 2010, we recorded a reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $37.9 million, primarily due to the recording of a deferred tax liability from the issuance of 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2020 and the net earnings generated during the year. The reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to the issuance of the 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2020 was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. At November 30, 2010, the deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $609.5 million.

At November 30, 2010, we owned 84,482 homesites and had access to an additional 19,974 homesites through either option contracts with third parties or agreements with unconsolidated entities in which we have investments. At November 30, 2010, 2% of the homesites we owned were subject to home purchase contracts. Our backlog of sales contracts was 1,604 homes ($407.3 million) at November 30, 2010, compared to 1,631 homes ($479.6 million) at November 30, 2009.

2009 versus 2008

Revenues from home sales decreased 33% in the year ended November 30, 2009 to $2.8 billion from $4.2 billion in 2008. Revenues were lower primarily due to a 26% decrease in the number of home deliveries, excluding unconsolidated entities, and a 9%10% decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered in 2008.2009. New home deliveries, excluding unconsolidated entities, decreased to 15,34411,422 homes in the year ended November 30, 20082009 from 31,58215,344 homes last year.in 2008. In the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, new home deliveries were lower in each of our homebuildingLennar Homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other, compared to 2007.2008. The average sales price of homes delivered decreased to $270,000$243,000 in the year ended November 30, 20082009 from $297,000$270,000 in 2007, due to reduced pricing.2008. Sales incentives offered to homebuyers were $48,700 and $48,000$44,800 per home delivered respectively, in the yearsyear ended November 30, 2008 and 2007.

2009, compared to $48,700 per home delivered in 2008.

Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $705.1$252.0 million, or 17.0%9.1%, in the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, which included $180.2 million of valuation adjustments, compared to $1.3 billion, or 13.9%, in 2007. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments, improved compared to last year primarily due to our lower inventory basis and continued focus on repositioning our product and reducing construction costs. Grossgross margins on home sales wereof $509.6 million, or 12.3%, in the year ended November 30, 2008, which included $195.5 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments, compared to gross margins on home sales of $570.7 million, or 6.0%, in the year ended November 30, 2007, which included $747.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments is a non-GAAP financial measure disclosed by certain of our competitors and has been presented because we find it usefulwere $432.2 million, or 15.6%, in evaluating our performance and believe that it helps readers of our financial statements compare our operations with those of our competitors.

Homebuilding interest expense (primarily included in cost of homes sold and cost of land sold) was $130.4 million in 2008,the year ended November 30, 2009, compared to $203.7$705.1 million, or 17.0%, in 2007. The decrease in interest expense was due to lower interest costs resulting from lower average debt during 2008, as well as2008. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, decreased deliveries during 2008, compared to 2007. Our homebuilding debt2008, due primarily to total capital ratio as of November 30, 2008 was 49.2%, compared to 37.5% as of November 30, 2007. Our net homebuilding debt to total capital ratio as of November 30, 2008 was 35.7% compared to 30.2% as of November 30, 2007. The net homebuilding debt to total capital ratio consists of net homebuilding debt (homebuilding debt less homebuilding cash) divided by total capital (net homebuilding debt plus stockholders’ equity).reduced sales prices.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were reduced by $713.1$206.0 million, or 52%31%, in the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, compared to last year,2008, primarily due to the consolidation of divisions, which resulted in reductions in associate headcount, variable selling expenseexpenses and fixed costs. As a percentage of revenues from home sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 15.8%16.2% in the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, from 14.5%15.8% in 2007,2008, due to lower revenues.

 

Losses on land sales totaled $133.2$178.8 million in the year ended November 30, 2009, which included $108.9 million of valuation adjustments and $84.4 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to homesites under option that we did not intend to purchase. In the year ended November 30, 2008, losses on land sales totaled $133.2 million, which included $47.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments and $97.2 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to approximately 8,200 homesites under option that we do not intend to purchase. In the year ended November 30, 2007, losses on land sales totaled $1,661.1 million, which included $1,167.3 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments and $530.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to approximately 36,900 homesites that were under option.

 

EquityLennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities was $59.2$130.9 million in the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, which included $32.2$101.9 million of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities in which we have investments, compared to Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities of $362.9$59.2 million in the year ended November 30, 2007,2008, which included $364.2$32.2 million of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

 

Management feesLennar Homebuilding other expense, net totaled $98.4 million in the year ended November 30, 2009, which included $89.0 million of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities and $9.7 million of write-offs of notes and other income (expense),receivables, compared to Lennar Homebuilding other expense, net totaled ($200.0)of $172.4 million in the year ended November 30, 2008, which included $172.8 million of APB 18 valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities and $25.0 million of write-offs of notes receivable, compared to management fees and other income (expense), net of ($76.0)receivables.

Homebuilding interest expense was $147.4 million in the year ended November 30, 2007,2009 ($67.4 million was included in cost of homes sold, $9.2 million in cost of land sold and $70.9 million in other interest expense), compared to $130.4 million in the year ended November 30, 2008 ($99.3 million was included in cost of homes sold, $3.4 million in cost of land sold and $27.6 million in other interest expense). Despite a decrease in deliveries during the year ended November 30, 2009, compared to 2008, interest expense increased primarily due to the interest related to the $400 million 12.25% senior notes due 2017 issued during the second quarter of 2009, as well as a reduction in qualifying assets eligible for interest capitalization as a result of a decrease in inventories from prior year.

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was $28.9 million in the year ended November 30, 2009, which included $132.2$13.6 million of APB 18noncontrolling interest income as a result of $27.2 million of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities.

Minority interest income (expense),inventories of 50%-owned consolidated joint ventures, compared to net wasloss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $4.1 million in the year ended November 30, 2008, compared to minority interest income (expense), net of ($1.9) million in the year ended November 30, 2007.

Due to the termination of our rights to purchase certain assets from our LandSource unconsolidated joint venture, we recognized deferred profit of $101.3 million in the year ended November 30, 2008 (net of $31.8 million of write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs and other write-offs) related to the 2007 recapitalization of LandSource.2008.

 

Sales of land, Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities, management fees and other income (expense), net and minority interest income (expense), net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests may vary significantly from period to period depending on the timing of land sales and other transactions entered into by us and unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

 

Operating lossearnings for the Lennar Financial Services segment was $31.0$36.0 million in the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, compared to an operating earningsloss of $6.1$31.0 million in the same period last year.2008. The declineincrease in profitability in the Lennar Financial Services segment was

primarily due to lower fixed costs as a goodwill impairmentresult of successful cost reduction initiatives implemented throughout the downturn. In addition, in the year ended November 30, 2008, there was a $27.2 million write-off of goodwill related to the segment’s mortgage operations, and fewer transactionscompared to no write-off in the segment’s titleyear ended November 30, 2009.

Operating loss for the Rialto Investments segment was $2.5 million in the year ended November 30, 2009, which related primarily to general and mortgage operations.administrative expenses incurred to start up the Rialto Investments segment.

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses were reduced by $43.5$12.2 million, or 25%9%, for the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, compared to 2007.2008. As a percentage of total revenues, corporate general and administrative expenses increased to 2.8%3.8% in the year ended November 30, 2008,2009, from 1.7%2.8% in the same period last year,2008, due to lower revenues.

 

SFAS 109 requires a reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance, if based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. As a result of our operational results for the year ended November 30, 2008, we have now incurred cumulative losses over the evaluation period we established in accordance with SFAS 109. Accordingly, based on our evaluation of available evidence including our cumulative losses in the evaluation period, our current level of profits and losses and current market conditions, we have recorded a $730.8 million non-cash valuation allowance against our deferred tax assetsnet operating loss during the year ended November 30, 2008. In future periods, this2009, we generated deferred tax assets of $269.6 million and recorded a non-cash valuation allowance could be reduced based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not thatagainst the entire amount of the deferred tax assets. In addition, we recorded a portionreversal of the our deferred tax assets will be realized.asset valuation allowance of $351.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2009, primarily due to a change in tax legislation, which allowed us to carry back our fiscal year 2009 tax loss to recover previously paid income taxes.

At November 30, 2008,2009, we owned 74,68182,703 homesites and had access to an additional 38,58921,173 homesites through either option contracts with third parties or agreements with unconsolidated entities in which we have investments. At November 30, 2008,2009, 2% of the homesites we owned were subject to home purchase contracts. Our backlog of sales contracts was 1,631 homes ($479.6 million) at November 30, 2009, compared to 1,599 homes ($456.3 million) at November 30, 2008, compared to 4,009 homes ($1,384.1 million) at November 30, 2007. The lower backlog was attributable to challenged market conditions that persisted throughout 2008, which resulted in lower new orders in 2008, compared to 2007.2008.

 

2007 versus 2006

Revenues from home sales decreased 36% in the year ended November 30, 2007 to $9.5 billion from $14.9 billion in 2006. Revenues were lower primarily due to a 33% decrease in the number of home deliveries and a 6% decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered in 2007. New home deliveries, excluding unconsolidated entities, decreased to 31,582 homes in the year ended November 30, 2007 from 47,032 homes in 2006. In the year ended November 30, 2007, new home deliveries were lower in each of our homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other, compared to 2006. The average sales price of homes delivered decreased to $297,000 in the year ended November 30, 2007 from $315,000 in 2006, primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers ($48,000 per home delivered in 2007, compared to $32,000 per home delivered in 2006).Non-GAAP Financial Measure

 

Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $1.3 billion, or 13.9%, in the year ended November 30, 2007, compared to $3.0 billion, or 20.3%, in 2006. Gross margin percentage on home sales decreased compared to 2006 in all of our homebuilding segments primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers. Gross margins on home sales were $570.7 million, or 6.0%, in the year ended November 30, 2007, which included $747.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments, compared to gross margins on home sales of $2,740.4 million, or 18.4%, in the year ended November 30, 2006, which included $280.5 million of SFAS 144 inventory valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments is a non-GAAP financial measure, disclosedand is defined by certainus as sales of homes revenue less cost of homes sold excluding valuation adjustments recorded during the period. Management finds this to be an important and useful measure in evaluating our performance because it discloses the profit we generate on homes we actually delivered during the period, as our valuation adjustments generally relate to inventory that we did not deliver during the period. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments also is important to our management, because it assists our management in making strategic decisions regarding our construction pace, product mix and product pricing based upon the profitability we generated on homes we actually delivered during previous periods. We believe investors also find gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments to be important and useful because it discloses a profitability measure on homes we actually delivered in a period that can be compared to the profitability on homes we delivered in a prior period without regard to the variability of valuation adjustments recorded from period to period. In addition, to the extent that our competitors provide similar information, disclosure of our competitors and has been presented because we find it useful in evaluating its performance and believe that itgross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments helps readers of our financial statements compare our ability to generate profits with regard to the homes we deliver in a period to our competitors’ ability to generate profits with regard to the homes they deliver in the same period.

Although management finds gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments to be an important measure in conducting and evaluating our operations, this measure has limitations as an analytical tool as it is not reflective of the actual profitability generated by our company during the period. This is because it excludes charges we recorded relating to inventory that was impaired during the period. In addition, because gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with thosegenerally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), it may not be completely comparable to similarly titled measures of our competitors.

Homebuilding interest expense (primarily included in cost of homes sold and cost of land sold) was $203.7 million in 2007, compared to $241.1 million in 2006. The decrease in interest expense wascompetitors due to lower interest costs resulting from lower average debt during 2007, as well as decreased deliveries during 2007, compared to 2006.differences in methods of calculation and charges being excluded. Our homebuilding debt to total capital ratio asmanagement compensates for the limitations of November 30, 2007 was 37.5%, compared to 31.4% as of November 30, 2006. Our net homebuilding debt to total capital ratio as of November 30, 2007 was 30.2% compared to 25.5% as of November 30, 2006. The net homebuilding debt to total capital ratio consists of net homebuilding debt (homebuilding debt less homebuilding cash) divided by total capital (net homebuilding debt plus stockholders’ equity).

Selling, general and administrative expenses were reduced by $396.6 million, or 22%, in the year ended November 30, 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to reductions in associate headcount and variable selling expenses. As a percentage of revenues fromusing gross margins on home sales selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 14.5% in the year ended November 30, 2007, from 11.9% in 2006. The 260 basis point increase was primarily due to lower revenues.

Loss on land sales totaled $1,661.1 million in the year ended November 30, 2007, which included $740.4 million of SFAS 144excluding valuation adjustments on the inventory acquired by the Morgan Stanley land investment venture discussed below, $426.9 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments and $530.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs relatedusing this non-GAAP measure only to 36,900 homesites under option that we do not intendsupplement our GAAP results in order to purchase. In the year ended November 30, 2006, loss on land sales totaled $30.0 million, which included $69.1 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments and $152.2 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to 24,200 homesites that were under option.

In November 2007, we and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., formedprovide a strategic land investment venture to acquire, develop, manage and sell residential real estate. We acquired a 20% ownership interest and 50% voting rights in the land investment venture. Concurrent with the formationmore complete understanding of the land investment venture, we sold a diversified portfolio offactors and trends affecting our landoperations. In order to the venture for $525 million. The properties acquired by the new entity consist of approximately 11,000 homesites in 32 communities located throughout the country. The properties sold by us had a net book value of approximately $1.3 billion. As part of the transaction, we entered into option agreementsanalyze our overall performance and obtained rights of first offer providing us the opportunity to purchase certain finished homesites. The exercise price of the options is based on a fixed percentage of the future home price. We have no obligation to exercise these options and cannot acquire a majority of the entity’s assets. We are managing the land investment venture’s operations and receive fees for our services. We will also receive disproportionate distributions if the investment venture exceeds certain financial targets.

Due to our continuing involvement, the transaction did not qualify as a sale under GAAP; thus, the inventory remained on our balance sheet in consolidated inventory not owned as of November 30, 2007. Additionally, the $445 million of net cash received from the transaction was recorded in liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned in the consolidated balance sheet and classified as cash flows from financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. In connection with the transaction, we recorded a SFAS 144 valuation adjustment of $740.4 million on the inventory sold to the land investment venture.

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities was $362.9 million in the year ended November 30, 2007, which included $364.2 million of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to the assets of our investments in unconsolidated entities, compared to equity in loss from unconsolidated entities of $12.5 million in the year ended November 30, 2006, which included $126.4 million of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to the assets of our investments in unconsolidated entities.

During the year ended November 30, 2007, we recorded goodwill impairments of $190.2 million relatedactual profitability relative to our homebuilding operations.operations, we also compare our gross margins on home sales during the period, inclusive of valuation adjustments, with the same measure during prior comparable periods. Due to the limitations discussed above, gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments should not be viewed in isolation as it is not a substitute for GAAP measures of gross margins.

 

Management fees and other income (expense), net, totaled ($76.0) million in the year ended November 30, 2007, which included $132.2 million of APB 18The table set forth below reconciles our gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities, compared to management fees and other income (expense), net, of $66.6 million in the year ended November 30, 2006, net of $14.5 million of APB 18 valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities.

Minority interest income (expense), net was ($1.9) million and ($13.4) million, respectively, infor the years ended November 30, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.

Sales of land, equity in loss from unconsolidated entities, management fees and other income (expense), net and minority interest income (expense), net may vary significantly from period2008 to period dependingour gross margins on the timing of landhome sales and other transactions entered into by us and unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

In February 2007, our LandSource joint venture admitted MW Housing Partners as a new strategic partner. As part of the transaction, the joint venture obtained $1.6 billion of non-recourse financing, which consisted of a $200 million five-year Revolving Credit Facility, a $1.1 billion six-year Term Loan B Facility and a $244 million seven-year Second Lien Term Facility. The transaction resulted in a cash distribution to us of $707.6 million, but reduced our resulting ownership of LandSource to 16%. As a result of the recapitalization, we recognized a pretax gain of $175.9 million in 2007.

Operating earnings for the Financial Services segment were $6.1 million in the yearyears ended November 30, 2007, compared to $149.8 million in 2006. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in profitability from both the segment’s mortgage2010, 2009 and title operations and $28.4 million of partial write-offs of land seller notes receivable.

The decline in profitability was due to the overall weakness in the housing market, which led to a decrease in volume and transactions for the mortgage and title operations compared to 2006.2008:

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses were reduced by $20.1 million, or 10%, in the year ended November 30, 2007, compared to 2006. As a percentage of total revenues, corporate general and administrative expenses increased to 1.7% in the year ended November 30, 2007, compared to 1.2% in 2006, primarily due to lower revenues.

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Sales of homes

  $2,631,314     2,776,850     4,150,717  

Cost of homes sold

   2,113,393     2,524,850     3,641,090  
               

Gross margins on home sales

   517,921     252,000     509,627  

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes

   44,717     180,239     195,518  
               

Gross margins on homes sales excluding valuation adjustments

  $562,638     432,239     705,145  
               

 

At November 30, 2007, we owned 62,801 homesites and had access to an additional 85,870 homesites through either option contracts with third parties or agreements with unconsolidated entities in which we have investments. At November 30, 2007, 5% of the homesites we owned were subject to home purchase contracts. Our backlog of sales contracts was 4,009 homes ($1.4 billion) at November 30, 2007, compared to 11,608 homes ($4.0 billion) at November 30, 2006. The lower backlog was attributable to weak market conditions that persisted during 2007, which resulted in lower new orders in 2007, compared to 2006.

Homebuilding Segments

 

Our Homebuilding operations construct and sell homes primarily for first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers primarily under the Lennar brand name. In addition, our homebuilding operations also purchase, develop and sell land to third parties. In certain circumstances, we diversify our operations through strategic alliances and attempt to minimize our risks by investing with third parties in joint ventures.

We have disaggregatedgrouped our Houston homebuilding division from ouractivities into four reportable segments, which we refer to as Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, reportable segmentHomebuilding West and have presented Houston as a separate reportable segment due to the division achieving a quantitative threshold set forth in SFAS No. 131,Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information(“SFAS 131”) as of and for the year ended November 30, 2008. All segment information related to prior years has been restated to conform to the fiscal 2008 presentation. The change in reportable segments has no effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Homebuilding Houston. Information about homebuilding activities in states in which our homebuilding activitiesthat do not have economic characteristics that are not economically similar to those in other states in the same geographic area is grouped under “Homebuilding Other.” ReferencesReference in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to homebuilding segments are to those reportable segments.

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, our revised reportable homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other consisted of homebuilding operationsdivisions located in:

 

East:Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.

Central: Arizona, Colorado and Texas. (1)

West:California and Nevada.

HoustonHouston:: Houston, Texas.

Other: Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina.

          (1) Texas in the Central reportable segment excludes Houston, Texas, which is its own reportable segment.

The following tables set forth selected financial and operational information related to our homebuilding operations for the years indicated:

 

Selected Financial and Operational Data

 

  Years Ended November 30,  Years Ended November 30, 
  2008  2007  2006  2010   2009   2008 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

Revenues:

            

East:

            

Sales of homes

  $1,252,725  2,691,198  4,642,582  $922,947     844,689     1,252,725  

Sales of land

   23,033  63,452  129,297   16,503     27,569     23,033  
                     

Total East

   1,275,758  2,754,650  4,771,879   939,450     872,258     1,275,758  
                     

Central:

            

Sales of homes

   512,957  1,549,020  2,549,138   348,486     361,273     512,957  

Sales of land

   20,153  56,819  80,168   9,246     5,910     20,153  
                     

Total Central

   533,110  1,605,839  2,629,306   357,732     367,183     533,110  
                     

West:

            

Sales of homes

   1,408,051  3,460,667  5,466,437   650,844     810,459     1,408,051  

Sales of land

   32,112  83,045  503,075   32,646     15,778     32,112  
                     

Total West

   1,440,163  3,543,712  5,969,512   683,490     826,237     1,440,163  
                     

Houston:

            

Sales of homes

   542,288  815,250  996,036   357,590     429,127     542,288  

Sales of land

   8,565  23,000  23,879   8,348     5,691     8,565  
                     

Total Houston

   550,853  838,250  1,019,915   365,938     434,818     550,853  
                     

Other:

            

Sales of homes

   434,696  946,805  1,200,681   351,447     331,302     434,696  

Sales of land

   28,458  40,996  31,747   7,582     2,487     28,458  
                     

Total Other

   463,154  987,801  1,232,428   359,029     333,789     463,154  
                     

Total homebuilding revenues

  $4,263,038  9,730,252  15,623,040  $2,705,639     2,834,285     4,263,038  
                     

  Years Ended November 30,   Years Ended November 30, 
  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Operating earnings (loss):

        

East:

        

Sales of homes

  $(37,361) (366,153) 305,397   $122,235    (70,878  (37,361

Sales of land

   (41,242) (400,830) (63,729)   1,042    (92,968  (41,242

Goodwill impairments

   —    (46,274) —   

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (31,422) (58,069) (14,947)   (871  (5,660  (31,422

Management fees and other income (expense), net

   (64,106) (20,910) 14,335 

Minority interest income (expense), net

   3,924  (923) (4,402)

Other income (expense), net

   12,962    (11,900  (37,633

Other interest expense

   (22,376  (24,847  (9,376
                    

Total East

   (170,207) (893,159) 236,654    112,992    (206,253  (157,034
                    

Central:

        

Sales of homes

   (67,124) (110,663) 113,960    (7,910  (39,309  (67,124

Sales of land

   (11,330) (142,330) (878)   (353  406    (11,330

Goodwill impairments

   —    (31,293) —   

Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities

   (1,310) (25,378) 7,931 

Management fees and other income (expense), net

   (11,006) (18,834) 6,297 

Minority interest income (expense), net

   (407) (85) 689 

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (4,727  (8,143  (1,310

Other expense, net

   (2,261  (13,371  (9,954

Other interest expense

   (10,661  (10,223  (5,369
                    

Total Central

   (91,177) (328,583) 127,999    (25,912  (70,640  (95,087
                    

West:

        

Sales of homes

   (67,757) (347,018) 532,456    4,019    (80,294  (67,757

Sales of land

   (74,987) (950,316) 84,749    16,502    (48,125  (74,987

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (6,113  (114,373  (25,113

Other income (expense), net

   5,451    (66,568  (100,597

Other interest expense

   (25,720  (21,710  (8,339

Gain on recapitalization of unconsolidated entity

   133,097  175,879  —      —      —      133,097  

Goodwill impairments

   —    (43,955) —   

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (25,113) (274,267) (6,449)

Management fees and other income (expense), net

   (100,597) (38,404) 38,918 

Minority interest income (expense), net

   440  (723) (9,757)
                    

Total West

   (134,917) (1,478,804) 639,917    (5,861  (331,070  (143,696
                    

Houston:

        

Sales of homes

   39,897  76,378  77,732    25,138    25,854    39,897  

Sales of land

   807  1,151  5,989    1,683    (3,424  807  

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (920) (752) (168)

Management fees and other income (expense), net

   (978) 2,878  3,834 

Minority interest income, net

   —    22  —   

Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities

   766    (1,801  (920

Other income (expense), net

   1,413    (900  (978

Other interest expense

   (2,970  (3,287  —    
                    

Total Houston

   38,806  79,677  87,387    26,030    16,442    38,806  
                    

Other:

        

Sales of homes

   (13,283) (50,230) (54,071)   (2,523  (32,632  (13,283

Sales of land

   (6,463) (168,814) (56,130)   2,483    (34,731  (6,463

Goodwill impairments

   —    (68,676) —   

Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities

   (391) (4,433) 1,097 

Management fees and other income (expense), net

   (23,294) (759) 3,245 

Minority interest income (expense), net

   140  (218) 55 

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   (21  (940  (391

Other income (expense), net

   1,570    (5,686  (23,226

Other interest expense

   (8,698  (10,783  (4,509
                    

Total Other

   (43,291) (293,130) (105,804)   (7,189  (84,772  (47,872
                    

Total homebuilding operating earnings (loss)

  $(400,786) (2,913,999) 986,153   $100,060    (676,293  (404,883
                    

Summary of Homebuilding Data

 

   At or for the Years Ended
November 30,
   2008  2007  2006

Deliveries

      

East

   4,957  9,840  14,859

Central

   2,442  7,020  11,287

West

   4,031  8,739  13,333

Houston

   2,736  4,380  5,782

Other

   1,569  3,304  4,307
          

Total

   15,735  33,283  49,568
          

Of the total home deliveries listed above, 391, 1,701 and 2,536, respectively, represent deliveries from unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

New Orders

      

East

   3,953  7,492  11,290

Central

   2,280  5,055  10,292

West

   3,396  6,765  11,119

Houston

   2,416  3,621  5,828

Other

   1,346  2,820  3,683
          

Total

   13,391  25,753  42,212
          

Of the new orders listed above, 174, 1,091 and 1,921, respectively, represent new orders from unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Backlog—Homes

      

East

   787  1,797  4,139

Central

   123  285  2,250

West

   247  942  2,991

Houston

   269  589  1,348

Other

   173  396  880
          

Total

   1,599  4,009  11,608
          

Of the homes in backlog listed above, 8 homes, 364 homes and 1,089 homes, respectively, represent homes in backlog from unconsolidated entities at November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Backlog Dollar Value(In thousands)

      

East

  $202,791  587,100  1,460,213

Central

   23,736  67,344  590,487

West

   108,779  408,280  1,328,617

Houston

   57,785  128,340  259,985

Other

   63,179  193,073  341,126
          

Total

  $456,270  1,384,137  3,980,428
          

Deliveries:

    Years Ended November 30, 
   Homes 
   2010   2009   2008 

East

   4,195     3,817     4,957  

Central

   1,682     1,796     2,442  

West

   2,079     2,480     4,031  

Houston

   1,645     2,150     2,736  

Other

   1,354     1,235     1,569  
               

Total

   10,955     11,478     15,735  
               

 

Of the total home deliveries above, 96, 56 and 391, respectively, represent deliveries from unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

    Years Ended November 30, 
   Dollar Value (In thousands)   Average Sales Price 
   2010   2009   2008   2010   2009   2008 

East

  $922,947     844,689     1,276,454    $220,000     221,000     258,000  

Central

   348,486     361,273     512,957     207,000     201,000     210,000  

West

   711,822     856,285     1,519,219     342,000     345,000     377,000  

Houston

   357,590     429,127     542,288     217,000     200,000     198,000  

Other

   351,447     331,852     504,336     260,000     269,000     321,000  
                              

Total

  $2,692,292     2,823,226     4,355,254    $246,000     246,000     277,000  
                              

Of the total dollar value of home deliveries above, $61.0 million, $46.4 million and $204.5 million, respectively, represent the dollar value of home deliveries from unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The home deliveries from unconsolidated entities had an average sales price of $635,000, $828,000 and $523,000, respectively, for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

Sales Incentives (1):

    Years Ended November 30, 
   (In thousands) 
   2010   2009   2008 

East

  $130,170     190,600     260,118  

Central

   53,034     65,448     97,136  

West

   65,988     129,476     253,732  

Houston

   63,255     72,480     67,408  

Other

   44,040     54,030     68,124  
               

Total

  $356,487     512,034     746,518  
               

    Years Ended November 30, 
   Average Sales Incentives Per Home
Delivered
   Sales Incentives as a % of Revenue 
    2010   2009   2008   2010  2009  2008 

East

  $31,000     49,900     53,400     12.3  18.4  17.2

Central

   31,500     36,400     39,800     13.2  15.4  15.9

West

   33,300     53,400     66,600     9.2  13.8  15.3

Houston

   38,500     33,700     24,600     15.0  14.4  11.1

Other

   32,500     43,800     45,900     11.1  14.0  13.6
                            

Total

  $32,800     44,800     48,700     11.9  15.6  15.3
                            

(1)Sales incentives relate to home deliveries during the period, excluding deliveries by unconsolidated entities.

New Orders (2):

   Years Ended November 30, 
   Homes 
   2010   2009   2008 

East

   4,270     3,710     3,953  

Central

   1,769     1,840     2,280  

West

   1,922     2,569     3,396  

Houston

   1,641     2,130     2,416  

Other

   1,326     1,261     1,346  
               

Total

   10,928     11,510     13,391  
               

Of the new orders above, 90, 58 and 174, respectively, represent new orders from unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

    Years Ended November 30, 
   Dollar Value (In thousands)   Average Sales Price 
   2010   2009   2008   2010   2009   2008 

East

  $940,311     820,209     910,749    $220,000     221,000     230,000  

Central

   365,667     373,084     470,721     207,000     203,000     206,000  

West

   625,469     892,002     1,249,733     325,000     347,000     368,000  

Houston

   355,771     432,380     471,733     217,000     203,000     195,000  

Other

   339,393     328,858     357,718     256,000     261,000     266,000  
                              

Total

  $2,626,611     2,846,533     3,460,654    $240,000     247,000     258,000  
                              

Of the total dollar value of new orders above, $55.9 million, $41.5 million and $97.5 million, respectively, represent the dollar value of new orders from unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The new orders from unconsolidated entities had an average sales price of $621,000, $716,000 and $560,000, respectively, for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

(2)New orders represent the number of new sales contracts executed by homebuyers, net of cancellations, during the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

Backlog:

   November 30, 
   Homes 
   2010   2009   2008 

East

   757     682     787  

Central

   254     167     123  

West

   179     336     247  

Houston

   245     249     269  

Other

   169     197     173  
               

Total

   1,604     1,631     1,599  
               

Of the total homes in backlog above, 3 homes, 9 homes and 8 homes, respectively, represent homes in backlog from unconsolidated entities at November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

    November 30, 
   Dollar Value (In thousands)   Average Sales Price 
   2010   2009   2008   2010   2009   2008 

East

  $190,095     179,175     202,791     251,000     263,000     258,000  

Central

   52,923     36,158     23,736     208,000     217,000     193,000  

West

   58,072     143,868     108,779     324,000     428,000     440,000  

Houston

   58,822     60,876     57,785     240,000     244,000     215,000  

Other

   47,380     59,494     63,179     280,000     302,000     365,000  
                              

Total

  $407,292     479,571     456,270     254,000     294,000     285,000  
                              

Of the total dollar value of homes in backlog above, $2.1 million, $7.2 million and $12.5 million, respectively, represent the dollar value of homes in backlog listed above, $12,460, $182,664 and $478,707, respectively, represent the backlog dollar value from unconsolidated entities at November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008. The homes in backlog from unconsolidated entities had an average sales price of $716,000, $804,000 and $1,558,000, respectively, at November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

Backlog represents the number of homes under sales contracts. Homes are sold using sales contracts, which are generally accompanied by sales deposits. In some instances, purchasers are permitted to cancel sales if they fail to qualify for financing or under certain other circumstances. We experienced cancellation rates in our homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other as follows:

 

  Years Ended November 30,   Years Ended November 30, 
  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 

Cancellation Rates

        

East

  31% 34% 32%   16  22  31

Central

  22% 29% 29%   18  17  22

West

  24% 29% 30%   18  15  24

Houston

  27% 32% 24%   18  19  27

Other

  23% 20% 22%   18  16  23
                    

Total

  26% 30% 29%   17  18  26
                    

 

During the fourth quarter of 2008,2010, our cancellation rate was 32%20%. Although we continued to experience a higher than normalOur cancellation rate during 2008, we remained focused on reselling these homes, which, in many instances, included the use of sales incentives (discussed below as a percentage of revenues from home sales) to avoid the build up of excess inventory.2010 was consistent with 2009. We do not recognize revenue on homes under sales contracts until the sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowners,homeowners.

2010 versus 2009

East: Homebuilding revenues increased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to an increase in the number of home deliveries in all of the states in this segment, except for our multi-level residential buildings under construction for which revenue was recognized under percentage-of-completion accounting during 2006 and 2007. In 2008, we stopped recognizing revenues and expenses under percentage-of-completion accounting for our multi-level residential buildings under constructionNew Jersey. Gross margins on home sales were $232.4 million, or 25.2%, in 2010 including valuation adjustments of $10.4 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $36.2 million, or 4.3%, in 2009 including $73.7 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $242.8 million, or 26.3%, in 2010, compared to $109.8 million, or 13.0%, in 2009. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, improved compared to last year primarily due to reduced sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a resultpercentage of Emerging Issues Task Force 06-8,revenues from home sales (12.3% in 2010 and 18.4% in 2009) and third-party recoveries related to Chinese drywall.

Gross profits on land sales were $1.0 million in 2010 (net of $2.7 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $0.1 million of valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $93.0 million in 2009 (including $64.1 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $37.0 million of valuation adjustments).

ApplicabilityCentral: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in all of the Assessmentstates in this segment, except Colorado. Gross margins on home sales were $44.2 million, or 12.7%, in 2010 including valuation adjustments of $9.2 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $29.2 million, or 8.1%, in 2009 including $13.6 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $53.4 million, or 15.3%, in 2010, compared to $42.8 million, or 11.9%, in 2009. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, improved compared to last year primarily due to reduced sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a Buyer’s Continuing Investment under FASB Statement No. 66 for Salespercentage of Condominiums (“EITF 06-8”) (see Note 1revenues from home sales (13.2% in Item 8 of this Report)2010 and 15.4% in 2009).

 

2008Loss on land sales were $0.4 million in 2010 (including $2.1 million of valuation adjustments), compared to gross profits on land sales of $0.4 million in 2009 (net of $0.1 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $1.3 million of valuation adjustments).

West: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries and average sales price of homes delivered in all of the states in this segment. Gross margins on home sales were $125.5 million, or 19.3%, in 2010 including valuation adjustments of $7.1 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $92.8 million, or 11.5%, in 2009 including $64.1 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $132.7 million, or 20.4%, in 2010, compared to $156.9 million, or 19.4%, in 2009. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, improved compared to last year primarily due to reduced sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales (9.2% in 2010, compared to 13.8% in 2009).

Gross profits on land sales were $16.5 million in 2010, primarily due to the reduction of an obligation related to a profit participation agreement. Gross profits on land sales were net of $0.4 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $1.2 million of valuation adjustments. Losses on land sales were $48.1 million in 2009 (including $13.9 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $38.7 million of valuation adjustments).

Houston: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in this segment. Gross margins on home sales were $68.1 million, or 19.0%, in 2010 including valuation adjustments of $0.2 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $75.3 million, or 17.5%, in 2009 including $1.1 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $68.3 million, or 19.1%, in 2010, compared to $76.4 million, or 17.8%, in 2009. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, improved compared to last year primarily due to an increase in average sales price.

Gross profits on land sales were $1.7 million in 2010, compared to losses on land sales of $3.4 million in 2009 (including $2.5 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $0.7 million of valuation adjustments).

Other: Homebuilding revenues increased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to an increase in the number of home deliveries in all of the states in Homebuilding Other except Illinois. Gross margins on home sales were $47.8 million, or 13.6% in 2010 including valuation adjustments of $17.7 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $18.5 million, or 5.6%, in 2009 including $27.8 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $65.5 million, or 18.6%, in 2010, compared to $46.2 million, or 14.0%, in 2009. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, improved compared to last year primarily due to reduced sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales (11.1% in 2010, compared to 14.0% in 2009).

Gross profits on land sales were $2.5 million in 2010, compared to losses on land sales of $34.7 million in 2009 (including $3.8 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $31.2 million of valuation adjustments).

2009 versus 20072008

 

East: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2008,2009, compared to 2007,2008, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries and in the average sales price of homes delivered in all of the states in this segment. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $241.3$36.2 million, or 19.3%4.3%, in 2008, compared to $368.0 million, or 13.7%, in 2007. Gross margin percentage on home sales increased compared to last year due to our lower inventory basis and continued focus on reducing costs. As a percentage of home sales revenues, sales incentives were 17.2% in 2008 and 16.9% in 2007. Gross margins on home sales were $164.5 million, or 13.1% in 20082009 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $76.8$73.7 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $89.0$164.5 million, or 3.3%13.1%, in 20072008 including $279.1$76.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $109.8 million, or 13.0%, in 2009, compared to $241.3 million, or 19.3%, in 2008. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, decreased compared to 2008 due to reduced pricing and higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales (18.4% in 2009 and 17.2% in 2008).

 

Losses on land sales were $93.0 million in 2009 (including $64.1 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $37.0 million of valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $41.2 million in 2008 (including $19.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $23.3 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $400.8 million in 2007 (including $119.6 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $307.5 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

 

Central: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2008,2009, compared to 2007, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in all of the states in this segment. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $59.9 million, or 11.7%, in 2008, compared to $193.3 million, or 12.5%, in 2007. Gross margin percentage on home sales decreased compared to last year primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (15.9% in 2008, compared to 13.0% in 2007). Gross margins on home sales were $31.8 million, or 6.2% in 2008 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $28.1 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $102.0 million, or 6.6%, in 2007 including $91.4 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments.

Losses on land sales were $11.3 million in 2008 (including $6.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $12.4 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $142.3 million in 2007 (including $56.3 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $79.1 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

West: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2008, compared to 2007, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries and average sales price of homes delivered in all of the states in this segment. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $229.7 million, or 16.3%, in 2008,

compared to $451.0 million, or 13.0%, in 2007. Gross margin percentage on home sales increased compared to last year primarily due to our lower inventory basis and continued focus on reducing costs, despite higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (15.3% in 2008, compared to 14.3% in 2007). Gross margins on home sales were $154.1 million, or 10.9% in 2008 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $75.6 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $119.1 million, or 3.4%, in 2007 including $331.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments.

Losses on land sales were $75.0 million in 2008 (including $62.4 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $11.1 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $950.3 million in 2007 (including $310.8 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $648.6 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

Houston: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2008, compared to 2007, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in this segment. Gross margins from home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $106.2 million, or 19.6%, in 2008, compared to $174.5 million, or 21.4%, in 2007. Gross margin percentage on home sales decreased compared to last year primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (11.1% in 2008, compared to 7.7% in 2007). Gross margins on home sales were $103.9 million, or 19.2% in 2008 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $2.3 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $171.7 million, or 21.1%, in 2007 including $2.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments.

Gross profits on land sales were $0.8 million in 2008 (net of $0.7 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $0.1 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments), compared to gains on land sales of $1.2 million in 2007 (net of $0.8 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $1.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

Other: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2008, compared to 2007, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in all of the states in Homebuilding Other, and a decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered in all of the states in this segment except in Minnesota. Gross margins from home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $68.0 million, or 15.7%, in 2008, compared to $131.7 million, or 13.9%, in 2007. Gross margin percentage on home sales increased compared to last year primarily due to our lower inventory basis and continued focus on reducing costs, despite higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (13.6% in 2008, compared to 9.1% in 2007). Gross margins on home sales were $55.3 million, or 12.7% in 2008 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $12.7 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $88.9 million, or 9.4%, in 2007 including $42.8 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments.

Losses on land sales were $6.5 million in 2008 (including $9.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $0.9 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $168.8 million in 2007 (including $42.4 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $130.3 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

2007 versus 2006

East: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in Florida and a decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered in all of the states in this segment. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $368.0 million, or 13.7%, in 2007, compared to $1,020.7 million, or 22.0%, in 2006. Gross margins decreased compared to 2006 primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (16.9% in 2007, compared to 11.4% in 2006). Gross margins on home sales were $89.0 million, or 3.3% in 2007 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $279.1 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $865.0 million, or 18.6%, in 2006 including $155.7 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments.

Losses on land sales were $400.8 million in 2007 (including $119.6 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $307.5 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $63.7 million in 2006 (including $80.5 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $24.7 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

Central: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in all of the states in this segment and a decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered in Arizona, partially offset by a slight increase in the average selling price in Colorado and Colorado. Gross margins on home salesTexas, excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $193.3 million, or 12.5%, in 2007, compared to $442.0 million, or 17.3%, in 2006. Gross margins decreased compared to 2006 primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (13.0% in 2007, compared to 10.2% in 2006).Houston. Gross margins on home sales were $102.0$29.2 million, or 6.6%8.1%, in 20072009 including $91.4 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $13.6 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $414.9$31.8 million, or 16.3%6.2%, in 20062008 including $27.1$28.1 million of SFAS 144valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments primarilywere $42.8 million, or 11.9%, in Arizona2009, compared to $59.9 million, or 11.7%, in 2008. Sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales were 15.4% in 2009 and Colorado.15.9% in 2008.

 

LossesGross profits on land sales were $142.3$0.4 million in 2007 (including $56.32009 (net of $0.1 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $79.1$1.3 million of SFAS 144 valuation

adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $0.9$11.3 million in 20062008 (including $2.5$6.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $16.3$12.4 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

 

West: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2007,2009, compared to 2006,2008, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries and average sales price of homes delivered in all of the states in this segment. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $451.0$92.8 million, or 13.0%11.5%, in 2007, compared to $1,224.8 million, or 22.4%, in 2006. Gross margins decreased compared to 2006 primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (14.3% in 2007, compared to 7.5% in 2006). Gross margins on home sales were $119.1 million, or 3.4% in 20072009 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $331.8$64.1 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $1,144.6$154.1 million, or 20.9%10.9%, in 20062008 including $80.2$75.6 million of SFAS 144valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $156.9 million, or 19.4%, in all states.2009, compared to $229.7 million, or 16.3%, in 2008. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, increased compared to 2008 primarily due to a decrease of sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of home sales revenues (13.8% in 2009, compared to 15.3% in 2008).

 

Losses on land sales were $950.3$48.1 million in 20072009 (including $310.8$13.9 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $648.6$38.7 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments), compared to gainslosses on land sales of $84.7$75.0 million in 2006 (net of $44.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase).

Houston: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in this segment. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $174.5 million, or 21.4%, in 2007, compared to $189.5 million, or 19.0%, in 2006. Gross margins on home sales decreased compared to 2006 primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (7.7% in 2007, compared to 5.9% in 2006). Gross margins on home sales were $171.7 million, or 21.1%, in 2007 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $2.8 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $189.5 million, or 19.0%, in 2006.

Gross profits on land sales were of $1.2 million in 2007 (net of $0.82008 (including $62.4 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $1.8$11.1 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments),.

Houston: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2009, compared to gains2008, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in this segment. Gross margins on home sales were $75.3 million, or 17.5%, in 2009 including valuation adjustments of $1.1 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $103.9 million, or 19.2%, in 2008 including $2.3 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $76.4 million, or 17.8%, in 2009, compared to $106.2 million, or 19.6%, in 2008. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, decreased compared to 2008 primarily due to higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales (14.4% in 2009, compared to 11.1% in 2008).

Losses on land sales of $6.0were $3.4 million in 20062009 (including $0.5$2.5 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $1.0$0.7 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments).

Other: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in all of the states in this segment, and a decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered in Illinois. Gross margins on home sales excluding SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were $131.7 million, or 13.9%, in 2007, compared to $143.9 million, or 12.0%, in 2006. Gross margins on home sales decreased compared to 2006 primarily due to the decrease in homebuilding revenues and higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers (9.1% in 2007, compared to 7.8% in 2006). Gross margins on home sales were $88.9 million, or 9.4% in 2007 including SFAS 144 valuation adjustments of $42.8 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $126.5 million, or 10.5%, in 2006 including $17.4 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments primarily in Arizona and Colorado.

Lossesprofits on land sales were $168.8of $0.8 million in 2007 (including $42.42008 (net of $0.7 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $130.3$0.1 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments),.

Other: Homebuilding revenues decreased in 2009, compared to losses2008, primarily due to a decrease in the number of home deliveries in all of the states in Homebuilding Other except in North and South Carolina combined, and a decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered in North and South Carolina combined and Minnesota. Gross margins on home sales were $18.5 million, or 5.6% in 2009 including valuation adjustments of $27.8 million, compared to gross margins on home sales of $55.3 million, or 12.7%, in 2008 including $12.7 million of valuation adjustments. Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments were $46.2 million, or 14.0%, in 2009, compared to $68.0 million, or 15.7%, in 2008. Gross margin percentage on home sales, excluding valuation adjustments, decreased compared to 2008 due to reduced pricing and higher sales incentives offered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales (14.0% in 2009, compared to 13.6% in 2008).

Losses on land sales of $56.1were $34.7 million in 20062009 (including $24.8$3.8 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $27.1$31.2 million of SFAS 144valuation adjustments), compared to losses on land sales of $6.5 million in 2008 (including $9.0 million of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that we do not intend to purchase and $0.9 million of valuation adjustments).

Gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments is a non-GAAP financial measure that is discussed previously under “Non-GAAP Financial Measure.” The table set forth below reconciles our gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 for each of our reportable homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other to our gross margins on home sales for the three respective years:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

East:

      

Sales of homes

  $922,947     844,689     1,252,725  

Cost of homes sold

   690,584     808,528     1,088,229  
               

Gross margins on home sales

   232,363     36,161     164,496  

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes

   10,410     73,670     76,791  
               

Gross margins on homes sales excluding valuation adjustments

   242,773     109,831     241,287  
               

Central:

      

Sales of homes

   348,486     361,273     512,957  

Cost of homes sold

   304,329     332,040     481,176  
               

Gross margins on home sales

   44,157     29,233     31,781  

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes

   9,205     13,603     28,142  
               

Gross margins on homes sales excluding valuation adjustments

   53,362     42,836     59,923  
               

West:

      

Sales of homes

   650,844     810,459     1,408,051  

Cost of homes sold

   525,310     717,631     1,253,952  
               

Gross margins on home sales

   125,534     92,828     154,099  

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes

   7,139     64,095     75,614  
               

Gross margins on homes sales excluding valuation adjustments

   132,673     156,923     229,713  
               

Houston:

      

Sales of homes

   357,590     429,127     542,288  

Cost of homes sold

   289,474     353,838     438,368  
               

Gross margins on home sales

   68,116     75,289     103,920  

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes

   219     1,116     2,262  
               

Gross margins on homes sales excluding valuation adjustments

   68,335     76,405     106,182  
               

Other:

      

Sales of homes

   351,447     331,302     434,696  

Cost of homes sold

   303,696     312,813     379,365  
               

Gross margins on home sales

   47,751     18,489     55,331  

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes

   17,744     27,755     12,709  
               

Gross margins on homes sales excluding valuation adjustments

   65,495     46,244     68,040  
               

Total gross margins on home sales

  $517,921     252,000     509,627  

Total valuation adjustments

  $44,717     180,239     195,518  

Total gross margins on home sales excluding valuation adjustments

  $562,638     432,239     705,145  
               

Lennar Financial Services Segment

 

We have one Lennar Financial Services reportable segment that provides primarily mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services and other ancillary services (including high-speed Internet and cable television) for both buyers of our homes and others. Substantially all of the loans the Lennar Financial Services segment originates are sold within a short period in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis; although,basis. After the loans are sold, we remain liableretain potential liability for possible claims by purchasers that we breached certain limited representations.industry-standard representations and warranties in the loan sale agreements. The following table sets forth selected financial and operational information relating to ourthe Lennar Financial Services segment. The results of operations of companies we acquired during 2006 were not material to our consolidated financial statements and are included in the table since the respective dates of the acquisitions.segment:

 

  Years Ended November 30,   Years Ended November 30, 
  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 
  (Dollars in thousands)   (Dollars in thousands) 

Revenues

  $312,379  456,529  643,622   $275,786    285,102    312,379  

Costs and expenses (1)

   343,369  450,409  493,819    244,502    249,120    343,369  
                    

Operating earnings (loss) (1)

  $(30,990) 6,120  149,803   $31,284    35,982    (30,990
                    

Dollar value of mortgages originated

  $4,290,000  7,740,000  10,480,000   $3,272,000    4,020,000    4,290,000  
                    

Number of mortgages originated

   18,300  30,900  41,800    15,200    17,900    18,300  
                    

Mortgage capture rate of Lennar homebuyers

   85% 73% 66%   85  87  85
                    

Number of title and closing service transactions

   105,900  136,300  161,300    102,500    120,500    105,900  
                    

Number of title policies issued

   96,700  146,200  195,700    107,600    92,500    96,700  
                    

 

(1) Financial Services costs and expenses and operating loss for the year ended November 30, 2008 include a $27.2 million impairment of goodwill.

 

During 2007Rialto Investments Segment

Our Rialto segment is a new reportable segment that met the reportable segment criteria set forth in GAAP beginning in fiscal 2010. All prior year segment information has been restated to conform with the 2010 presentation. The change had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for certain reclassifications. Rialto’s objective is to generate superior, risk-adjusted returns by focusing on commercial and 2008, concernresidential real estate opportunities arising from dislocations in the mortgage market aboutUnited States real estate markets and the eventual restructure and recapitalization of those markets. Rialto believes it will be able to deliver these returns through its abilities to source, underwrite, price, manage and ultimately monetize real estate assets, as well as providing similar services to others in markets across the country.

The following table presents the results of operations of our Rialto segment for the periods indicated:

   Years Ended November 30, 
       2010           2009     
   (In thousands) 

Revenues

  $92,597     —    

Costs and expenses

   67,904     2,528  

Rialto Investments equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

   15,363     —    

Rialto Investments other income, net

   17,251     —    
          

Operating earnings (loss) (1)

  $57,307     (2,528
          

(1)Operating earnings for the year ended November 30, 2010 include $33.2 million of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Distressed Asset Portfolios

In February 2010, the Rialto segment acquired indirectly 40% managing member equity interests in two limited liability companies (“LLCs”), in partnership with the FDIC, for approximately $243 million (net of transactions costs and a $22 million working capital reserve). The LLCs hold performing and non-performing loans formerly owned by 22 failed financial institutions. The two portfolios originally consisted of more than 5,500 distressed residential and commercial real estate loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $3 billion and an initial fair value of approximately $1.2 billion. The FDIC retained a 60% equity

interest in the LLCs and provided $626.9 million of notes with 0% interest, which are non-recourse to us. In accordance with GAAP, interest has not been imputed because the notes are with, and guaranteed by, a governmental agency. The notes are secured by the loans held by the LLCs. Additionally, if the LLCs exceed expectations and meet certain internal rate of return and distribution thresholds, our equity interest in the LLCs could be reduced from 40% down to 30%, with a corresponding increase to the FDIC’s equity interest from 60% up to 70%. Although our equity interest could decrease, we believe we would most likely increaseyield a higher return on our investment if the thresholds are met. As of November 30, 2010, the notes payable balance was $626.9 million; however, during the year ended November 30, 2010, $101.3 million of cash collections on loans in defaults (which, in fact, has occurred) led to tightening lending standards, which among other things, has resultedexcess of expenses were deposited in a significant declinedefeasance account, established for the repayment of the notes payable, under the agreement with the FDIC. The funds in the availabilitydefeasance account will be used to retire the notes payable upon their maturity.

The LLCs met the accounting definition of sub-primevariable interest entities (“VIEs”) and since we were determined to be the primary beneficiary, we consolidated the LLCs. We determined that we were the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities of the LLCs that most significantly impact the LLCs’ economic performance through our management and servicer contracts. At November 30, 2010, these consolidated LLCs had total combined assets and liabilities of $1.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively.

In September 2010, the Rialto segment completed the acquisitions of over $700 million of distressed real estate assets, in separate transactions, from three financial institutions. The combined portfolio includes approximately 400 loans (loans to persons with a FICO score under 620)total aggregate unpaid principal balance of over $500 million and Alt Aover 300 real estate owned (“REO”) properties with an original appraised value of approximately $200 million. We paid $310 million for the distressed real estate assets of which $125 million was financed through a 5-year senior unsecured note provided by one of the selling institutions.

The loans (loans to personsconsist primarily of non-performing residential and commercial acquisition development and construction loans. The largest concentration of collateral for these loans is finished/partially-finished homesites, undeveloped land and completed/partially-completed homes. The real estate properties primarily consist of land, homesites, and single-family and multi-family residential communities at varying stages of completion. In the combined portfolio, 65% of the assets are residential and 35% are commercial. The acquired assets are located in 17 states, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States with FICO scoresthe largest concentration of 620 or more who do not have conventional documentation of their incomes or net worths). Because we sell allassets in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

Investments

An affiliate in the loans we originate, we had to conform our lending standardsRialto segment is a sub-advisor to the tightened industry standards. This reduced the number of persons who qualifiedAB PPIP fund and receives management fees for loans from us.sub-advisory services. During the year ended November 30, 2008,2010, we invested $63.8 million, in the numberAB PPIP fund. As of sub-prime and Alt A loans made by our Financial Services segment to purchasersNovember 30, 2010, the carrying value of our homes were negligible, compared to approximately 2% and 29%, respectively, of sub-prime and Alt A loans made duringinvestment in the year ended November 30, 2007.AB PPIP fund was $77.3 million.

 

In November 2010, the Rialto segment completed the closing of its Fund with initial equity commitments of approximately $300 million (including $75 million committed by us). The Fund’s objective during its three-year investment period is to invest in distressed real estate assets and other related investments that fit within the Fund’s investment parameters. In addition, the Rialto segment also invested in approximately $43 million of non-investment grade commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) for $19.4 million, representing a 55% discount to par value.

We have grouped these investments in the Rialto segment, along with our $7.3 million, or approximately 5%, investment in a service and infrastructure provider to the residential home loan market (the “Service Provider”), which provides services to the LLCs.

Financial Condition and Capital Resources

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, we had cash and cash equivalents related to our homebuilding, and financial services and Rialto operations of $1,203.4 million,$1.4 billion, compared to $795.2 million$1.5 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, at November 30, 2007.2009 and 2008.

 

We finance our land acquisition and development activities, construction activities, financial services activities, Rialto activities and general operating needs primarily with cash generated from our operations, and public debt issuances and equity offerings, as well as cash borrowed under our revolving credit facility and our warehouse lines of credit.

Operating Cash Flow Activities

 

During 20082010 and 2007,2009, cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $1,100.8totaled $274.2 million and $444.5$420.8 million, respectively. During 2008,2010, cash flows provided by operating activities includedwas positively impacted by the receipt of tax refunds of $343.0 million generated primarily from losses incurred prior to fiscal 2010 and our net earnings. This was partially offset by a net increase in inventories of $115.2 million, primarily due to a higher level of land purchases in strategic markets during the year ended November 30, 2010 and a decrease in our inventoryaccounts payable and other liabilities.

During 2009, cash provided by operating activities was positively impacted by a decrease in inventories as a result of reduced land purchases,reducing completed, unsold inventory, a reduction in construction in progress resulting from lower new home starts in early 2009 and write-offs and valuation adjustments pertaining to the respective inventory. In order to improve liquidity in 2008, we continued to focus our efforts on adjusting pricing to meet market conditions, as we pulled back production and curtailedinventory, which was partially offset by land purchases where possible in order to keep our balance sheet positioned for future opportunities.acquisitions. Cash flows provided by operating activities were also impacted by a decrease in our receivables primarily related to the collection of our income tax receivables, a decrease in loans held-for-sale resulting from a decrease in our new home deliveries during the year and our deferred income tax provision. Cash flows provided by operating activities werewas partially offset by our net loss, and a decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities and an increase in our receivables as a result of an increase in our income tax receivables primarily due to a decrease in our land purchases.

During 2007, cash flows provided by operating activities consisted primarily of the change in inventories including inventory write-offs and valuation adjustments,tax legislation, which allowed us to carryback our equity infiscal year 2009 tax loss from unconsolidated entities including our share of valuation adjustments related to assets of the unconsolidated entities, partially offset by our net loss, a deferredrecover previously paid income tax benefit and a decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities.taxes.

 

Investing Cash Flow Activities

 

Cash flowsDuring 2010 and 2009, cash used in investing activities totaled $265.7$673.4 million in the year ended November 30, 2008, compared to cash provided by investing activities of $307.0and $275.1 million, in 2007.respectively. During the year ended November 30, 2008, we2010, our Rialto segment contributed $403.7$243 million of cash (net of $22 million working capital reserve) to acquire indirectly 40% managing member interests in two LLCs in partnership with the FDIC. Upon consolidation of the LLCs that hold the two portfolios of real estate loans acquired in the FDIC transaction, the Company consolidated $93.7 million of cash, resulting in net contributions to consolidated entities by the Rialto segment of $171.4 million during the year ended November 30, 2010. In addition, during 2010 cash collections of $101.3 million on loans in excess of expenses were deposited in a defeasance account established for the repayment of the notes payable under the agreement with the FDIC. In September 2010, our Rialto segment used $183.4 million of cash to acquire portfolios of distressed loans and real estate assets, in separate transactions, from three financial institutions. The Rialto segment also contributed $64.3 million of cash to unconsolidated entities comparedrelated primarily to $608.0the AB PPIP fund.

Additionally, during 2010 we contributed $209.3 million in 2007. Our investing activities also included distributions of capital fromcash to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities of $87.8which $113.5 million was to retire and $542.3extend debt of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities thereby decreasing leverage at the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities and $95.8 million respectively, duringwas for working capital. Specifically, we contributed $69.6 million to one Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity of which $50.3 million was a loan paydown, representing both our and our partner’s share, in return for a 4-year loan extension and the yearsrights to obtain preferred returns and priority distributions at that unconsolidated entity. We also made a $19.3 million payment to extinguish debt at a discount and buy out the partner of a Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity resulting in a net pre-tax gain of $7.7 million.

During the year ended November 30, 2008 and 2007. During 2007,2009, we received distributionscontributed $316.1 million of $354.6cash to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities of which $94.5 million in excess ofrelated to our investment in LandSource due to its recapitalization.the reorganized Newhall, as well as the purchase of equity interests in other joint ventures previously owned by LandSource.

 

We are always looking atevaluating the possibility of acquiring homebuilders and other companies. However, at November 30, 2008,2010, we had no agreements or understandings regarding any significant transactions.

 

Financing Cash Flow Activities

 

During 2008,2010 and 2009, our cash provided by financing cash flow activities was primarily relatedattributed to net repayments under financial servicesthe issuance of new debt, partially offset by the redemption of senior notes and principal payments on other borrowings and dividends paid, partially offset by receipts related to minority interests.borrowings.

 

During 2007,2010 and 2009, we exercised certain land option contracts from a land investment venture that we sold a diversified portfolio of land to in 2007, reducing the liabilities reflected on our land investment joint venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P. for $525 million. As part of the transaction, we entered into option agreementsconsolidated balance sheet related to consolidated inventory not owned by $39.3 million and obtained rights of first offer, providing us the opportunity to purchase certain finished homesites.$33.7 million, respectively. Due to our continuing involvement, the transaction did not qualify as a sale under GAAP; thus, the inventory remained on our balance sheet as of November 30, 2007. As a result of the transaction in 2007, we received $445 million of cash (net of our deposit on the homesites under option and our invested contribution to the land investment venture). During 2008, we exercised certain land option contracts from the land investment venture, reducing the liabilities reflected on our consolidated balance sheet related to consolidated inventory not owned by $48.4 million.owned.

Homebuilding debtDebt to total capital and net homebuilding debt to total capitalratios are financial measures commonly used in the homebuilding industry and are presented to assist in understanding the leverage of our homebuildingLennar Homebuilding operations. Management believes providing a measure of leverage of our homebuildingLennar Homebuilding operations enables management and readers of our financial statements to better understand our financial position and performance and we find it useful in evaluating our performance. Lennar Homebuilding debt to total capital and net homebuildingLennar Homebuilding debt to total capital are calculated as follows:

 

   November 30, 
   2008  2007 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Homebuilding debt

  $2,544,935  2,295,436 

Stockholders’ equity

   2,623,007  3,822,119 
        

Total capital

  $5,167,942  6,117,555 
        

Homebuilding debt to total capital

   49.2% 37.5%
        

Homebuilding debt

  $2,544,935  2,295,436 

Less: Homebuilding cash and cash equivalents

   1,091,468  642,467 
        

Net homebuilding debt

  $1,453,467  1,652,969 
        

Net homebuilding debt to total capital (1)

   35.7% 30.2%
        
   November 30, 
   2010  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Lennar Homebuilding debt

  $3,128,154    2,761,352  

Total stockholders’ equity

   2,608,949    2,443,479  
         

Total capital

  $5,737,103    5,204,831  
         

Lennar Homebuilding debt to total capital

   54.5  53.1
         

Lennar Homebuilding debt

  $3,128,154    2,761,352  

Less: Lennar Homebuilding cash and cash equivalents

   1,207,247    1,330,603  
         

Net Lennar Homebuilding debt

  $1,920,907    1,430,749  
         

Net Lennar Homebuilding debt to total capital (1)

   42.4  36.9
         

 

(1) Net homebuildingLennar Homebuilding debt to total capital consists of net homebuildingLennar Homebuilding debt (homebuilding(Lennar Homebuilding debt less homebuildingLennar Homebuilding cash and cash equivalents) divided by total capital (net homebuildingLennar Homebuilding debt plus total stockholders’ equity).

 

At November 30, 2008, homebuilding2010, net Lennar Homebuilding debt to total capital was higher compared to prior year because of the decrease in stockholders’ equity primarily due to our net lossthe increase in Lennar Homebuilding debt as a result of inventory valuation adjustments,

write-offs of option depositsan increase in senior notes and pre-acquisition costs, SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities, APB 18 valuation adjustments to investments in unconsolidated entitiesother debts payable and a SFAS 109 valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, all of which are non-cash items. At November 30, 2008, net homebuilding debt to total capital was higher compared to November 30, 2007 due to a decrease in stockholders’ equity despite an increase in homebuildingLennar Homebuilding cash and cash equivalents, of $449.0 million.partially offset by an increase in stockholders’ equity.

 

In addition to the use of capital in our homebuilding, and financial services and Rialto operations, we actively evaluate various other uses of capital, which fit into our homebuilding, and financial services and Rialto strategies and appear to meet our profitability and return on capital goals. This may include acquisitions of, or investments in, other entities, the payment of dividends or repurchases of our outstanding common stock or debt. These activities may be funded through any combination of our warehouse lines of credit, facilities, cash generated from operations, sales of assets or the issuance into capital markets of public debt, common stock or preferred stock.

 

The following table summarizes our homebuildingLennar Homebuilding senior notes and other debts payable:

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008  2007  2010   2009 
  (Dollars in thousands)  (Dollars in thousands) 

7 5/8% senior notes due 2009

  $280,976  279,491

5.125% senior notes due 2010

   299,877  299,825

5.95% senior notes due 2011

   249,615  249,516   113,189     244,727  

5.95% senior notes due 2013

   346,851  346,268   266,319     347,471  

5.50% senior notes due 2014

   248,088  247,806   248,657     248,365  

5.60% senior notes due 2015

   501,618  501,804   501,216     501,424  

6.50% senior notes due 2016

   249,733  249,708   249,788     249,760  

12.25% senior notes due 2017

   393,031     392,392 ��

6.95% senior notes due 2018

   247,323     —    

2.00% convertible senior notes due 2020

   276,500     —    

2.75% convertible senior notes due 2020

   375,875     —    

5.125% senior notes due 2010

   —       249,955  

Mortgage notes on land and other debt

   368,177  121,018   456,256     527,258  
              
  $2,544,935  2,295,436  $3,128,154     2,761,352  
              

 

Our Lennar Homebuilding average debt outstanding was $2.3$2.8 billion in 2008,2010, compared to $3.1$2.6 billion in 2007.2009. The average rate for interest incurred was 5.8%6.1% and 6.0%, respectively in 20082010 and 2007.2009. Interest incurred related to homebuildingLennar Homebuilding debt for the year ended November 30, 20082010 was $148.3$181.5 million, compared to $199.1$172.1 million in 2007.2009. The majority of our short-term financing needs, including financings for land acquisition and development activities and general operating needs, are met with cash generated from operations and funds available under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”).

The Credit Facility consistsproceeds of a $1.1 billion revolving credit facility maturing in July 2011. Our borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited by a borrowing base calculation, consisting of specified percentages of various types of our assets. Under the Credit Facility, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio of 55% for the fourth quarter of 2008 and our 2009 fiscal year and a leverage ratio of 52.5% for our 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. If our minimum tangible net worth, as defined by our Credit Facility, goes below $1.6 billion, our Credit Facility would be reduced from $1.1 billion to $0.9 billion. In no event can our minimum tangible net worth, as defined by our Credit Facility, be less than $1.3 billion. At November 30, 2008, we believe we were in compliance with our debt covenants.

In addition to other requirements, the Credit Facility limits our investments in joint ventures and requires us to effect quarterly reductions of our maximum recourse exposure related to joint ventures in which we have investments by a total of $200 million by November 30, 2009 of which we have already made significant progress. We must also effect quarterly reductions during our 2010 fiscal year totaling $180 million and during the first six months of our 2011 fiscal year totaling $80 million. By May 31, 2011, our maximum recourse exposure related joint ventures in which we have investments cannot exceed $275 million.

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries. Interest rates on outstanding borrowings are LIBOR-based, with margins determined based on changes in our credit ratings, or an alternate base rate, as described in the credit agreement. During the years ended November 30, 2008 and 2007, the average daily borrowings under the Credit Facility were $21.3 million and $143.2 million, respectively. At both November 30, 2008 and 2007, we had no outstanding balance under the Credit Facility. However, at November 30, 2008 and 2007, $275.2 million and $443.5 million, respectively, of our total letters of credit outstanding discussed below, were collateralized against certain borrowings available under the Credit Facility.

Our performance letters of credit outstanding were $167.5 millions and $390.2 million, respectively, at November 30, 2008 and 2007. Our financial letters of credit outstanding were $278.5 million and $424.2 million,issuances.

respectively, at November 30, 2008 and 2007. Performance letters of credit are generally posted with regulatory bodies to guarantee our performance of certain development and construction activities, and financial letters of credit are generally posted in lieu of cash deposits on option contracts.

In June 2007, we redeemed our $300 million senior floating-rate notes due 2009. The redemption price was $300.0 million, or 100% of the principal amount of the outstanding notes due 2009, plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date.

In November 2006, we redeemed our $200 million senior floating-rate notes due 2007. The redemption price was $200.0 million, or 100% of the principal amount of outstanding notes due 2007, plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date.

In April 2006, substantially all of our outstanding 5.125% zero-coupon convertible senior subordinated notes due 2021, (the “Convertible Notes”) were converted by the noteholders into 4.9 million Class A common shares. The Convertible Notes were convertible at a rate of 14.2 shares of our Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount at maturity. Convertible Notes not converted by the noteholders were not material and were redeemed by us on April 4, 2006. The redemption price was $468.10 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity, which represented the original issue price plus accrued original issue discount to the redemption date.

In April 2006,2010, we issued $250$446.0 million of 5.95%2.75% convertible senior notes due 2011 and $250 million of 6.50% senior notes due 2016 (collectively, the “New Senior Notes”) at prices of 99.766% and 99.873%, respectively, in a private placement under SEC Rule 144A. Proceeds from the offering of the New Senior Notes, after initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $248.7 million and $248.9 million, respectively. We added the proceeds to our working capital to be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the New Senior Notes is due semi-annually. The New Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, and substantially all of our subsidiaries guarantee the New Senior Notes. In October 2006, we completed an exchange offer of the New Senior Notes for substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act of 19332020 (the “Exchange Notes”), with substantially all of the New Senior Notes being exchanged for the Exchange Notes. At November 30, 2008 and 2007, the carrying amount of the Exchange Notes was $499.3 million and $499.2 million, respectively.

In September 2005, we sold $300 million of 5.125% senior notes due 2010 (the “5.125%“2.75% Convertible Senior Notes”) at a price of 99.905%100% in a private placement. Proceeds from the offering, after payment of expenses, were $436.4 million. The net proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including repayments or repurchases of existing senior notes or other indebtedness. The 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes are convertible into cash, shares of Class A common stock or a combination of both, at our election. However, it is our intent to settle the face value of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes in cash. Holders may convert the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes at the initial conversion rate of 45.1794 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount or 20,150,012 Class A common shares if all the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes are converted, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $22.13 per share of Class A common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The shares are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share primarily because it is our intent to settle the face value of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes in cash and our stock price does not exceed the conversion price.

Holders of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes will have the right to convert them, if during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ended on November 30, 2010 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day. Holders of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase them for cash equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest, on December 15, 2015. We will have the right to redeem the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes at any time on or after December 20, 2015 for 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest. Interest on the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes is due semi-annually beginning June 15, 2011. Beginning with the period commencing December 20, 2015, under certain circumstances based on the average trading price of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes, we may be required to pay contingent interest. The 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, and currently are guaranteed by substantially all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Certain provisions under ASC Topic 470,Debt, require the issuer of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash on conversion to separately account for the liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. We have applied these provisions related to our 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes. We estimated the fair value of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes using similar debt instruments at issuance that did not have a conversion feature and allocated the residual fair value to an equity component that represents the estimated fair value of the conversion feature at issuance. The debt discount of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes is being amortized over five years and the annual effective interest is 7.1% after giving effect to the amortization of the discount and deferred financing costs. At November 30, 2010, the principal amount of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was $446.0 million, the unamortized discount included in stockholders’ equity was $70.1 million and the net carrying amount of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was $375.9 million. The carrying amount of the equity component of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was $71.2 million at November 30, 2010. During the year ended November 30, 2010, the amount of interest recognized relating to both the contractual interest and amortization of the discount was $1.7 million.

In May 2010, we issued $250 million of 6.95% senior notes due 2018 (the “6.95% Senior Notes”) at a price of 98.929% in a private placement. Proceeds from the offering, after payment of initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $298.2$243.9 million. We addedused the net proceeds of the sale of the 6.95% Senior Notes to fund purchases pursuant to our working capital to be usedtender offer for general corporate purposes.our 5.125% senior notes due October 2010, our 5.95% senior notes due 2011 and our 5.95% senior notes due 2013. Interest on the 5.125%6.95% Senior Notes is due semi-annually.semi-annually beginning December 1, 2010. The 5.125%6.95% Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated. Substantiallyunsubordinated, and currently are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries guaranteed the 5.125% Senior Notes. In 2006, we exchanged the 5.125% Senior Notes for registered notes. The registered notes have substantially identical terms as the 5.125% Senior Notes, except that the registered notes do not include transfer restrictions that are applicable to the 5.125% Senior Notes. At November 30, 2008 and 2007, the carrying amountwholly-owned subsidiaries. Subsequently, most of the 5.125% Senior Notes was $299.9 million and $299.8 million, respectively.

In April 2005, we sold $300 million of 5.60% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”) at a price of 99.771%. Proceeds from the offering, after initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $297.5 million. In July 2005, we sold $200 million of 5.60% Senior Notes due 2015 at a price of 101.407%. Theprivately placed 6.95% Senior Notes were the same issue as the Senior Notes we sold in April 2005. Proceeds from the offering, after initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $203.9 million. We added the proceeds of both offerings to our working capital to be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the Senior Notes is due semi-annually. The Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated. Substantially all of our subsidiaries guaranteed the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes were subsequently exchanged for substantially identical Senior Notes6.95% senior notes that had been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At November 30, 2008 and 2007,2010, the carrying amount of the 6.95% Senior Notes soldwas $247.3 million.

In May 2010, we also issued $276.5 million of 2.00% convertible senior notes due 2020 (the “2.00% Convertible Senior Notes”) at a price of 100% in Aprila private placement. Proceeds from the offering, after payment of expenses, were $271.2 million. The net proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including repayments or repurchases of existing senior notes or other indebtedness. The 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes are convertible into shares of Class A common stock at the initial conversion rate of 36.1827 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes or 10,004,517 Class A common shares if all the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes are converted, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $27.64 per share of Class A common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The shares are

included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Holders of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase them for cash equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest, on each of December 1, 2013 and July 2005December 1, 2015. We will have the right to redeem the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes at any time on or after December 1, 2013 for 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest. Interest on the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes is due semi-annually beginning December 1, 2010. Beginning with the six-month interest period commencing December 1, 2013, under certain circumstances based on the average trading price of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes, we may be required to pay contingent interest. The 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, and are currently guaranteed by substantially all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. At November 30, 2010, the carrying amount of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes was $501.6$276.5 million.

In May 2010, we repurchased $289.4 million aggregate principal amount of our senior notes due 2010, 2011 and 2013 through a tender offer, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $10.8 million. Through the tender offer, we repurchased $76.4 million principal amount of our 5.125% senior notes due October 2010, $130.8 million principal amount of our 5.95% senior notes due 2011 and $82.3 million principal amount of our 5.95% senior notes due 2013.

During the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, we redeemed $150.8 million (including the amount redeemed through the tender offer) and $50.0 million, respectively, of our 5.125% senior notes due October 2010. In October 2010, we retired the remaining $99.2 million of our 5.125% senior notes due October 2010 for 100% of the outstanding principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the maturity date.

During the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, we redeemed $131.8 million (including the amount redeemed through the tender offer) and $5.0 million, respectively, of our 5.95% senior notes due 2011. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, the carrying amount of our 5.95% senior notes due 2011 was $113.2 million and $501.8$244.7 million, respectively.

 

SubstantiallyDuring the year ended November 30, 2010, we redeemed $82.3 million (including the amount redeemed through the tender offer) of our 5.95% senior notes due 2013. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, the carrying amount of our 5.95% senior notes due 2013 was $266.3 million and $347.5 million, respectively.

Currently, substantially all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries have guaranteedare guaranteeing all our Senior Notes (the “Guaranteed Notes”). The guarantees are full and unconditional and the guarantor subsidiaries are 100% directly and indirectly owned by Lennar Corporation.unconditional. The principal reason our wholly-owned subsidiaries guaranteed the Guaranteed Notes is so holders of the Guaranteed Notes will have rights at least as great with regard to our subsidiaries as any other holders of a material amount of our unsecured debt. Therefore, the guarantees of the Guaranteed Notes will remain in effect only while the guarantor subsidiaries guarantee a material amount of the debt of Lennar Corporation, as a separate entity, to others. At any time, however, when a guarantor subsidiary is no longer guaranteeing at least $75 million of Lennar Corporation’s debt other than the Guaranteed Notes, either directly or by guaranteeing other subsidiaries’ obligations as guarantors of Lennar Corporation’s debt, the

guarantor subsidiaries’ guarantee of the Guaranteed Notes will be suspended. Currently, the only debt the guarantor subsidiaries are guaranteeing other than the Guaranteed Notes is Lennar Corporation’s principal revolving bank credit line (currently the Credit Facility). Therefore, if, the guarantor subsidiaries cease guaranteeing Lennar Corporation’s obligations under its principal revolving bankletter of credit linefacility and are not guarantors of any new debt, the guarantor subsidiaries’ guarantees of the Guaranteed Notes will be suspended until such time, if any, as they again are guaranteeing at least $75 million of Lennar Corporation’s debt other than the Guaranteed Notes.

 

If theour guarantor subsidiaries are guaranteeing a revolving credit linelines totaling at least $75 million, we will treat the guarantees of the Guaranteed Notes as remaining in effect even during periods when Lennar Corporation’s borrowings under the revolving credit line islines are less than $75 million. Because it is possible that

In February 2010, we terminated our banks will permit some or all of the guarantor subsidiaries to stop guaranteeing our$1.1 billion senior unsecured revolving credit line,facility (the “Credit Facility”) and entered into cash-collateralized letter of credit agreements with two banks with a capacity totaling $225 million. At that time, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility as it is possible that,was only being used to issue letters of credit. In November 2010, we terminated our cash-collateralized letter of credit agreements and simultaneously entered into a $150 million Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (“LC Agreement”) with certain financial institutions. The LC Agreement may be increased to $200 million, although there are currently no commitments for the additional $50 million. At November 30, 2010, we believe we were in compliance with our debt covenants.

Our performance letters of credit outstanding were $78.9 million and $97.7 million, respectively, at some time or timesNovember 30, 2010 and 2009. Our financial letters of credit outstanding were $195.0 million and $205.4 million, respectively, at November 30, 2010 and 2009. Performance letters of credit are generally posted with regulatory

bodies to guarantee our performance of certain development and construction activities, and financial letters of credit are generally posted in the future, the Guaranteed Notes will no longer be guaranteed by the guarantor subsidiaries.lieu of cash deposits on option contracts, for insurance risks, credit enhancements and as other collateral.

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, our Lennar Financial Services segment had a syndicated warehouse repurchase facility whichwith a maximum aggregate commitment of $150 million and an additional uncommitted amount of $50 million that matures in April 2009 ($125 million, plus a $50 million temporary accordion feature that expired in December 2008)2011, and aanother warehouse repurchase facility whichwith a maximum aggregate commitment of $175 million that matures in June 2009 ($150 million).

July 2011. The maximum aggregate commitment under these facilities totaled $325 million. Our Lennar Financial Services segment uses these facilities to finance its lending activities until the mortgage loans are sold to investors and expects boththe facilities to be renewed or replaced with other facilities when they mature. AtBorrowings under the facilities were $271.6 million and $217.5 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 2007, borrowings under the lines of credit were $209.5 million and $505.4 million, respectively,2009, and were collateralized by mortgage loans and receivables on loans sold to investors but not yet funded by investorspaid for with outstanding principal balances of $286.7$286.0 million and $540.9$266.9 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009. These facilities have several interest rate-pricing options, which fluctuate with market rates. The combined effective interest rate on the facilities at November 30, 20082010 was 3.5%3.9%.

 

At November 30, 2008Since our Lennar Financial Services segment’s borrowings under the warehouse repurchase facilities are generally repaid with the proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans and 2007,receivables on loans that secure those borrowings, the facilities are not likely to be a call on our current cash or future cash resources. If the facilities are not renewed, the borrowings under the lines of credit will be paid off by selling the mortgage loans held-for-sale and by collecting on receivables on loans sold but not yet paid. Without the facilities, our Lennar Financial Services segment had advances under a different conduitwould have to use cash from operations and other funding agreement totaling $10.8 million and $11.8 million, respectively, which had an effective interest rate of 2.9% and 5.8%, respectively, at November 30, 2008 and 2007. During 2008, our Financial Services segment entered into a new on going 60-day committed repurchase facility for $75 million. As of November 30, 2008, it had advances under this facility totaling $5.2 million, which had an effective interest rate of 3.7%.sources to finance its lending activities.

 

Our Lennar Financial Services segment, in the normal course of business, uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. TheOur Lennar Financial Services segment enters into forward commitments and, to a lesser extent, option contracts to protect the value of loans held-for-sale from increases in market interest rates. We do not anticipate that we will suffer credit losses from counterparty non-performance.

 

Changes in Capital Structure

 

In June 2001, our Board of Directors authorizedWe have a stock repurchase program to permitwhich permits the purchase of up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock. During 20082010, 2009 and 2007,2008, there were no material share repurchases of common stock under the stock repurchase program. During 2006, we repurchased 6.2 million shares of common stock under the stock repurchase program for an aggregate purchase price including commissions of $320.1 million, or $51.59 per share. As of November 30, 2008,2010, 6.2 million shares of common stock can be repurchased in the future under the program.

 

Treasury stock increased by 0.50.1 million Class A common shares and 0.80.3 million Class A common shares, respectively, during the years ended November 30, 20082010 and November 30, 2007, primarily2009, due to activity related to our equity compensation plan and forfeitures of restricted stock.

In additionApril 2009, we entered into distribution agreements with J.P Morgan Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merril Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., relating to the common shares purchased underan offering of our stock repurchase program during the year ended November 30, 2006, we repurchased approximately 0.1 million Class A common stock into the market from time to time for an aggregate of up to $275 million. As of November 30, 2009, we had sold a total of 21.0 million shares of our Class A common stock under the equity offering for gross proceeds of $225.5 million, or an average of $10.76 per share. After compensation to the distributors of $4.5 million, we received net proceeds of $221.0 million. We used the proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes. There was no activity related to the vesting of restricted stockthese distribution agreements during 2010.

During 2010 and distribution of2009, Class A and Class B common stock from our deferred compensation plan.

holders received a per share annual dividend of $0.16. In October 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors voted to decrease the annual dividend rate with regard to the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock to $0.16 per share per year (payable quarterly) from $0.64 per share per year (payable quarterly). During 2008, 2007 and 2006, Class A and Class B common stockholders received per share annual dividends of $0.52, $0.64 and $0.64, respectively.$0.52.

 

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Lennar Homebuilding—Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, we had equity investments in 11642 unconsolidated entities (of which 14 had recourse debt, 11 had non-recourse debt and 17 had no debt), compared to 21461 unconsolidated entities at November 30, 2007. Due to current market conditions,2009. Historically, we are focused on continuing to reduce the number of unconsolidated entities that we have investments in. Our investments in unconsolidated entities by type of venture were as follows:

   November 30,
   2008  2007
   (In thousands)

Land development

  $633,652  738,481

Homebuilding

   133,100  195,790
       

Total investment

  $766,752  934,271
       

During 2008, as homebuilding market conditions remained challenged, we recorded $32.2 million of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to the assets of unconsolidated entities in which we have investments, compared to $364.2 million for the year ended November 30, 2007. In addition, we recorded $172.8 million and $132.2 million, respectively, of APB 18 valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2008 and 2007. We will continue to monitor our investments in joint ventures and the recoverability of assets owned by those joint ventures.

We strategically investinvested in unconsolidated entities that acquire and develop land (1) for our homebuilding operations or for sale to third parties or (2) for the construction of homes for sale to third-party homebuyers. Through these entities, we primarily seeksought to reduce and share our risk by limiting the amount of our capital invested in land, while obtaining access to potential future homesites and allowing us to participate in strategic ventures. The use of these entities also, in some instances, enablesenabled us to acquire land to which we could not otherwise obtain access, or could not obtain access on as favorable terms, without the participation of a strategic partner. Participants in these joint ventures arehave been land owners/developers, other homebuilders and financial or strategic partners. Joint ventures with land owners/developers givehave given us access to homesites owned or controlled by our partner.partners. Joint ventures with other homebuilders providehave provided us with the ability to bid jointly with our partnerpartners for large land parcels. Joint ventures with financial partners allowhave allowed us to combine our homebuilding expertise with access to our partners’ capital. Joint ventures with strategic partners allowhave allowed us to combine our homebuilding expertise with the specific expertise (e.g. commercial or infill experience) of our partner. Each joint venture is governed by an executive committee consisting of members from the partners.

 

Although the strategic purposes of our joint ventures and the nature of our joint ventures partners vary, the joint ventures are generally designed to acquire, develop and/or sell specific assets during a limited life-time. The joint ventures are typically structured through non-corporate entities in which control is shared with our venture partners. Each joint venture is unique in terms of its funding requirements and liquidity needs. We and the other joint venture participants typically make pro-rata cash contributions to the joint venture. In many cases, our risk is limited to our equity contribution and potential future capital contributions. The capital contributions usually coincide in time with the acquisition of properties by the joint venture. Additionally, most joint ventures obtain third-party debt to fund a portion of the acquisition, development and construction costs of their communities. The joint venture agreements usually permit, but do not require, the joint ventures to make additional capital calls in the future. However, capital calls relating to the repayment of joint venture debt under payment or maintenance guarantees generally is required.

 

Under the terms of our joint venture agreements, we generally have the right to share in earnings and distributions of the entities on a pro-rata basis based on our ownership percentage. Some joint venture agreements provide for a different allocation of profit and cash distributions if and when the cumulative results of the joint venture exceed specified targets (such as a specified internal rate of return). OurLennar Homebuilding equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities excludes our pro-rata share of joint ventures’ earnings resulting from land sales to our homebuilding divisions. Instead, we account for those earnings as a reduction of our costs of purchasing the land from the joint ventures. This in effect defers recognition of our share of the joint ventures’ earnings related to these sales until we deliver a home and title passes to a third-party homebuyer.

 

In some instances, we are designated as the manager under the direction of a management committee that has shared power amongst the partners of the unconsolidated entity and receive fees for such services. In addition, we often enter into option contracts to acquire properties from our joint ventures, generally for market prices at specified dates in the future. Option contracts generally require us to make deposits using

cash or irrevocable letters of credit toward the exercise price. These option deposits are generally approximate 10% of the exercise price.negotiated by management on a case by case basis.

 

We regularly monitor the results of our unconsolidated joint ventures and any trends that may affect their future liquidity or results of operations. Joint ventures in which we have investments are subject to a variety of financial and non-financial debt covenants related primarily to equity maintenance, fair value of collateral and minimum homesite takedown or sale requirements. We monitor the performance of joint ventures in which we have investments on a regular basis to assess compliance with debt covenants. For those joint ventures not in compliance with the debt covenants, we evaluate and assess possible impairment of our investment.

 

Our arrangements with joint ventures generally do not restrict our activities or those of the other participants. However, in certain instances, we agree not to engage in some types of activities that may be viewed as competitive with the activities of these ventures in the localities where the joint ventures do business.

 

As discussed above, the joint ventures in which we invest generally supplement equity contributions with third-party debt to finance their activities. In many instances, the debt financing is non-recourse, thus neither we nor the other equity partners are a party to the debt instruments. In other cases, we and the other partners agree to provide credit support in the form of repayment or maintenance guarantees.

Material contractual obligations of our unconsolidated joint ventures primarily relate to the debt obligations described above. The joint ventures generally do not enter into lease commitments because the entities are managed either by us, or another of the joint venture participants, who supply the necessary facilities and employee services in exchange for market-based management fees. However, they do enter into management contracts with the participants who manage them. Some joint ventures also enter into agreements with developers, which may be us or other joint venture participants, to develop raw land into finished homesites or to build homes.

 

The joint ventures often enter into option agreements with buyers, which may include us or other joint venture participants, to deliver homesites or parcels in the future at market prices. Option deposits are recorded by the joint ventures as liabilities until the exercise dates at which time the deposit and remaining exercise proceeds are recorded as revenue. Any forfeited deposit is recognized as revenue at the time of forfeiture. Our unconsolidated joint ventures generally do not enter into off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

As described above, the liquidity needs of joint ventures in which we have investments vary on an entity-by-entity basis depending on each entity’s purpose and the stage in its life cycle. During formation and development activities, the entities generally require cash, which is provided through a combination of equity contributions and debt financing, to fund acquisition and development of properties. As the properties are completed and sold, cash generated is available to repay debt and for distribution to the joint venture’s members. Thus, the amount of cash available for a joint venture to distribute at any given time is primarily a function of the scope of the joint venture’s activities and the stage in the joint venture’s life cycle.

 

We track our share of cumulative earnings and cumulative distributions of our joint ventures. For purposes of classifying distributions received from joint ventures in our statements of cash flows, cumulative distributions are treated as returnson capital to the extent of cumulative earnings and included in our consolidated statements of cash flows as operating activities. Cumulative distributions in excess of our share of cumulative earnings are treated as returnsof capital and included in our consolidated statements of cash flows as investing activities.

 

AtSummarized financial information on a combined 100% basis related to Lennar Homebuilding’s unconsolidated entities that are accounted for by the equity method was as follows:

Statements of Operations and Selected Information

  Years Ended November 30, 
  2010  2009  2008 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Revenues

  $236,752    339,993    862,728  

Costs and expenses

   378,997    1,212,866    1,394,601  
             

Net loss of unconsolidated entities (1)

  $(142,245  (872,873  (531,873
             

Our share of net loss

  $(13,301  (131,138  (55,598

Our share of net loss—recognized (2)

  $(10,966  (130,917  (59,156

Our cumulative share of net earnings—deferred at November 30

  $8,689    12,052    21,491  

Our investments in unconsolidated entities

  $626,185    599,266    766,752  

Equity of the unconsolidated entities

  $2,148,610    2,249,289    2,688,365  
             

Our investment % in the unconsolidated entities

   29  27  29
             

(1)The net loss of unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009 was primarily related to valuation adjustments and operating losses recorded by the unconsolidated entities. Our exposure to such losses was significantly lower as a result of our small ownership interest in the respective unconsolidated entities or our previous valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities. In addition, for the year ended November 30, 2010, we recorded a net pre-tax gain of $7.7 million from a transaction related to one of our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities.
(2)For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, our share of net loss recognized from unconsolidated entities includes $10.5 million, $101.9 million and $32.2 million, respectively, of our share of valuation adjustments related to assets of the unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

Balance Sheets

  November 30, 
  2010   2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $82,573     171,946  

Inventories

   3,371,435     3,628,491  

Other assets

   307,244     403,383  
          
  $3,761,252     4,203,820  
          

Liabilities and equity:

    

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $327,824     366,141  

Debt

   1,284,818     1,588,390  

Equity

   2,148,610     2,249,289  
          
  $3,761,252     4,203,820  
          

In fiscal 2007, we sold a portfolio of land to a strategic land investment venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., in which we have a 20% ownership interest and 50% voting rights. Due to our continuing involvement, the transaction did not qualify as a sale under GAAP; thus, the inventory has remained on our consolidated balance sheet in consolidated inventory not owned. As of November 30, 2008,2010 and 2009, the portfolio of land (including land development costs) of $424.5 million and $477.9 million, respectively, is reflected as inventory in the summarized condensed financial information related to unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

In February 2007, LandSource Communities Development LLC (“LandSource”) admitted MW Housing Partners as a new strategic partner. As a result we received a distribution from LandSource of $707.6 million and our ownership in LandSource was reduced to 16%. In June 2008, LandSource and a number of its subsidiaries commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. In November 2008, our land purchase options with LandSource were terminated, thus, in 2008, we recognized a deferred profit of $101.3 million (net of $31.8 million of write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs and other write-offs) related to the 2007 recapitalization of LandSource. In July 2009, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed the plan of reorganization for LandSource. As a result of the bankruptcy proceedings, LandSource was reorganized into a new company called Newhall Land Development, LLC, (“Newhall”). The reorganized company emerged from Chapter 11 free of its previous bank debt. As part of the reorganization plan, during the year ended November 30, 2009, we invested $140 million in exchange for approximately 15% equity interest in the reorganized Newhall, ownership in several communities that were formerly owned by LandSource, the settlement and release of all claims that might have been asserted against us and certain other claims LandSource had against third parties.

Debt to total capital of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which we have investments had totalwas calculated as follows:

   November 30, 
   2010  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Debt

  $1,284,818    1,588,390  

Equity

   2,148,610    2,249,289  
         

Total capital

  $3,433,428    3,837,679  
         

Debt to total capital of our unconsolidated entities

   37.4  41.4
         

Our investments in Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities by type of venture were as follows:

   November 30, 
   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 

Land development

  $   530,004        555,799  

Homebuilding

   96,181     43,467  
          

Total investment

  $626,185     599,266  
          

During the year ended November 30, 2010, we recorded $10.5 million of our share of valuation adjustments related to the assets of $7.8 billion and total liabilities of $5.1 billion, which included $4.1 billion of debt. These unconsolidated entities usually finance their activities within which we have investments, compared to $101.9 million for the year ended November 30, 2009. In addition, we recorded $1.7 million and $89.0 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009. We will continue to monitor our investments in joint ventures and the recoverability of assets owned by those joint ventures.

The summary of our net recourse exposure related to the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which we have investments was as follows:

   November 30, 
   2010  2009 
   (In thousands) 

Several recourse debt—repayment

  $33,399    42,691  

Several recourse debt—maintenance

   29,454    75,238  

Joint and several recourse debt—repayment

   48,406    85,799  

Joint and several recourse debt—maintenance

   61,591    81,592  

Land seller debt and other debt recourse exposure

   —      2,420  
         

Lennar’s maximum recourse exposure

   172,850    287,740  

Less: joint and several reimbursement agreements with our partners

   (58,878  (93,185
         

Lennar’s net recourse exposure

  $113,972    194,555  
         

During the year ended November 30, 2010, we reduced our maximum recourse exposure related to indebtedness of our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities by $114.9 million, of which $82.5 million was paid by us primarily through capital contributions to unconsolidated entities and $32.4 million related to a combinationreduction in the number of partner equityjoint ventures in which we have investments, the reduction of joint and several recourse debt financing. and the joint ventures selling inventory.

As of November 30, 2008,2010, we had $10.2 million of obligation guarantees recorded as a liability on our equity in theseconsolidated balance sheet, compared to $14.1 million as of November 30, 2009. During the year ended November 30, 2010, the liability was reduced by $11.0 million as a result of the debt extinguishment related to one of our unconsolidated entities represented 29%and by $2.1 million due to cash paid related to an obligation guarantee previously recorded. This was partially offset by an accrual of $9.2 million established by us to cover claims arising under obligation guarantees. The obligation guarantees are estimated based on current facts and circumstances and any unexpected changes may lead us to incur additional liabilities under our obligation guarantees in the entities’ total equity, down from 34% at November 30, 2007. future.

Indebtedness of an unconsolidated entity is secured by its own assets. Some unconsolidated entities own multiple properties and other assets. There is no cross collateralization of debt to different unconsolidated entities. Some unconsolidated entities own multiple properties and other assets. We also do not use our investment in one unconsolidated entity as collateral for the debt in another unconsolidated entity or commingle funds among our unconsolidated entities.

 

In connection with a loan to an unconsolidated entity, we and our partners often guarantee to a lender either jointly and severally or on a several basis, any, or all of the following: (i) the completion of the development, in whole or in part, (ii) indemnification of the lender from environmental issues, (iii) indemnification of the lender from “bad boy acts” of the unconsolidated entity (or full recourse liability in the event of unauthorized transfer or

bankruptcy) and (iv) that the loan to value and/or loan to cost will not exceed a certain percentage (maintenance or remargining guarantee) or that a percentage of the outstanding loan will be repaid (repayment guarantee).

 

In connection with loans to an unconsolidated entity where there is a joint and several guarantee, we generally have a reimbursement agreement with our partner. The reimbursement agreement provides that neither party is responsible for more than its proportionate share of the guarantee. However, if our joint venture partner does not have adequate financial resources to meet its obligations under the reimbursement agreement, we may be liable for more than our proportionate share, up to our maximum exposure, which is the full amount covered by the joint and several guarantee.

 

The summary of our net recourse exposure related to the unconsolidated entities in which we have investments was as follows:

   November 30, 
   2008  2007 
   (In thousands) 

Several recourse debt—repayment

  $78,547  123,022 

Several recourse debt—maintenance

   167,941  355,513 

Joint and several recourse debt—repayment

   138,169  263,364 

Joint and several recourse debt—maintenance

   123,051  291,727 

Land seller debt recourse exposure

   12,170  —   
        

Our maximum recourse exposure

   519,878  1,033,626 

Less joint and several reimbursement agreements with our partners

   (127,428) (238,692)
        

Our net recourse exposure

  $392,450  794,934 
        

The recourse debt exposure in the previous table above represents our maximum exposure to loss from guarantees and does not take into account the underlying value of the collateral.collateral or the other assets of the borrowers that are

Although we, in some instances, guarantee the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities in which we have an investment,available to repay debt or to reimburse us for any payments on our guarantees. Our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities that have recourse debt have a significant amount of assets and equity. The summarized balance sheets of our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities with recourse debt were as follows:follows.

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008  2007  2010   2009 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

Assets

  $2,846,819  3,220,695  $990,028     1,324,993  

Liabilities

   1,565,148  2,311,216   487,606     777,836  

Equity

   1,281,671  909,479   502,422     547,157  

 

In addition, in most instances in which we and/orhave guaranteed debt of a Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity, our partners sometimeshave also guaranteed that debt and are required to contribute their share of the guarantee the obligationspayment. Some of an unconsolidated entity in order to help secure a loan to that entity. When we and/or our partners provide guarantees the unconsolidated entity generally receives more favorable terms from its lenders than would otherwise be available to it.are repayment guarantees and some are maintenance guarantees. In a repayment guarantee, we and our venture partners guarantee repayment of a portion or all of the debt in the event of a default before the lender would have to exercise its rights against the collateral. In the event of default, if our venture partner does not have adequate financial resources to meet its obligations under the reimbursement agreement, we may be liable for more than our proportionate share, up to our maximum recourse exposure, which is the full amount covered by the joint and several guarantee. The maintenance guarantees only apply if the value of the collateral (generally land and improvements) is less than a specified percentage of the loan balance. If we are required to make a payment under a maintenance guarantee to bring the value of the collateral above the specified percentage of the loan balance, the payment maywould generally constitute a capital contribution or loan to the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity and increase our share of any funds the unconsolidated entity distributes.

In connection with many of the loans to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities, we and our joint venture partners (or entities related to them) have been required to give guarantees of completion to the lenders. Those completion guarantees may require that the guarantors complete the construction of the improvements for which the financing was obtained. If the construction is to be done in phases, the guarantee generally is limited to completing only the phases as to which construction has already commenced and for which loan proceeds were used.

During the year ended November 30, 2010, there were: (1) payments of $10.0 million under our maintenance guarantees, (2) at our election, a loan paydown of $50.3 million, representing both our and our partner’s share, in return for 4-year loan extension and the rights to obtain preferred returns and priority distributions at one of our unconsolidated entities, and (3) a $19.3 million payment to extinguish debt at a discount and buy out the partner of one of our unconsolidated entities resulting in a net pre-tax gain of $7.7 million. In addition, during the year ended November 30, 2010, there were other loan paydowns of $28.1 million, a portion of which related to amounts paid under our repayment guarantees. During the year ended November 30, 2009, there were payments of $31.6 million under our maintenance guarantees and there were other loan repayments of $72.4 million, a portion of which related to amounts paid under our repayment guarantees. During the years ended November 30, 2008 and 2007, amounts paid2010, there were no payments under our maintenance guarantees were $74.0completion guarantees. During the years ended November 30, 2009, there was a payment of $5.6 million and $84.1 million, respectively. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 45,Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,asunder a completion guarantee related to one joint venture.

As of November 30, 2008,2010, the fair values of the maintenance guarantees, completion guarantees and repayment guarantees were not material. We believe that as of November 30, 2008,2010, in the event we become legally obligated to perform under a guarantee of the obligationsobligation of ana Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity due to a triggering event under a guarantee, most of the time the collateral should be sufficient to repay at least a significant portion of the obligation or we and our partners would contribute additional capital into the venture.

In many of the loans to unconsolidated entities, we and another entity or entities generally related to our subsidiary’s joint venture partner(s), have been required to give guarantees of completion to the lenders. Those

completion guarantees may require that the guarantors complete the construction of the improvements for which the financing was obtained. If the construction was to be done in phases, very often the guarantee is to complete only the phases as to which construction has already commenced and for which loan proceeds were used. Under many of the completion guarantees, the guarantors are permitted, under certain circumstances, to use undisbursed loan proceeds to satisfy the completion of obligations, and in many of those cases, the guarantors only pay interest on those funds, with no repayment of the principal of such funds required.

In certain circumstances, we have placed performance letters of credit and surety bonds with municipalities for our joint ventures.

The total debt of theLennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which we have investments was as follows:

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008  2007  2010 2009 
  (In thousands)  (Dollars in thousands) 

Our net recourse exposure

  $392,450  794,934

Lennar’s net recourse exposure

  $113,972    194,555  

Reimbursement agreements from partners

   127,428  238,692   58,878    93,185  

Partner several recourse

   285,519  465,641
       

Lennar’s maximum recourse exposure

   172,850    287,740  
       

Non-recourse bank debt and other debt (partner’s share of several recourse)

   79,921    140,078  

Non-recourse land seller debt or other debt

   90,519  202,048   58,604    47,478  

Non-recourse debt with completion guarantees

   820,435  1,432,880   600,297    608,397  

Non-recourse debt without completion guarantees

   2,345,707  1,982,475   373,146    504,697  
             

Non-recourse debt to Lennar

   1,111,968    1,300,650  
       

Total debt

  $4,062,058  5,116,670  $1,284,818    1,588,390  
             

Lennar’s maximum recourse exposure as a % of total JV debt

   13  18
       

 

SomeIn view of the unconsolidated entities’ debt arrangements contain financial covenants. Ascurrent credit market conditions, remained challenged during the year ended November 30, 2008, we continuedit is not uncommon for lenders to closely monitor these covenants and the unconsolidated entities’ abilities to comply with them. In these challenged market conditions, some of the unconsolidated entities may have to request of their lenders waivers or amendments to debt agreements so that the unconsolidated entities would remain in compliance with such covenants. Additionally, unconsolidated entities may have to extend or refinance the debt if their operations are not on track to meet their projected cash flows. In instancesreal estate developers, including joint ventures in which we have interests, to assert non-monetary defaults (such as failure to meet construction completion deadlines or declines in the market value of collateral below required amounts) or technical monetary defaults against the real estate developers. In most instances, those asserted defaults are resolved by modifications of the loan terms, additional equity investments or other concessions by the borrowers. In addition, in some instances, real estate developers, including joint ventures in which we have interests, are forced to request temporary waivers of covenants in loan documents or modifications of loan terms, which are often, but not always obtained. However, in some instances developers, including joint ventures in which we have interests, are not able to meet their monetary obligations to lenders, and are thus declared in default. Because we sometimes guarantee all or portions of the obligations to lenders of joint ventures in which we have interests, when these joint ventures default on their obligations, lenders may or may not have claims against us. Normally, we do not make payments with regard to guarantees of joint venture obligations while the joint ventures are contesting assertions regarding sums due to their lenders. When it is determined that a joint venture is obligated to make a payment that we have guaranteed and the joint venture will not be able to make that payment, we accrue the amounts probable to be paid by us as a liability. Although we generally fulfill our guarantee obligations within a reasonable time after we determine that we are obligated with regard to them, at any point in time it is likely that we will have some balance of unpaid guarantee liability. At November 30, 2010, the liability for unpaid guarantees of joint venture indebtedness on our consolidated balance sheet totaled $10.2 million.

The following table summarizes the principal maturities of our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities (“JVs”) debt as per current debt arrangements as of November 30, 2010 and does not represent estimates of future cash payments that will be made to reduce debt balances. Many JV loans have extension options in the entities’ inabilityloan agreements that would allow the loans to comply with loan covenants couldbe extended into future years.

       Principal Maturities of Unconsolidated JVs by Period 
   Total JV
Assets (1)
   Total JV
Debt
   2011 (2)   2012   2013   Thereafter   Other
Debt (3)
 
       (In thousands) 

Net recourse debt to Lennar

  $      113,972     68,237     24,983     13,548     7,204     —    

Reimbursement agreements

     58,878     —       23,444     8,434     27,000     —    
                                

Maximum recourse debt exposure to Lennar

  $990,028     172,850     68,237     48,427     21,982     34,204     —    

Debt without recourse to Lennar

   2,450,048     1,111,968     815,481     58,082     44,493     133,388     60,524  
                                   

Total

  $3,440,076     1,284,818     883,718     106,509     66,475     167,592     60,524  
                                   

(1)Excludes unconsolidated joint venture assets where the joint venture has no debt.
(2)

Subsequent to November 30, 2010, one of our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities extended the maturity of its $573.5 million debt without recourse to Lennar until 2018. In exchange for the favorable

extension, all the partners agreed to provide a limited several repayment guarantee on the outstanding debt, which will result in a $36.3 million increase to our maximum recourse debt exposure related to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities.

(3)Represents land seller debt and other debt.

The following table is a breakdown of the assets, debt and equity of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated joint ventures by partner type as of November 30, 2010:

  Total JV
Assets
  Maximum
Recourse Debt
Exposure to
Lennar
  Reimbursement
Agreements
  Net
Recourse
Debt to
Lennar
  Total Debt
Without
Recourse to
Lennar
  Total JV
Debt
  Total JV
Equity
  JV
Debt  to
Total
Capital
Ratio
  Remaining
Homes/

Homesites
in JV
 
  (Dollars in thousands) 

Partner Type:

         

Financial

 $2,464,122    30,000    27,000    3,000    823,857    853,857   $1,303,777    40  41,987  

Land Owners/Developers

  539,386    50,506    —      50,506    118,476    168,982    314,975    35  20,577  

Other Builders

  371,919    32,152    8,434    23,718    76,282    108,434    247,806    30  6,549  

Strategic

  385,825    60,192    23,444    36,748    32,829    93,021    282,052    25  6,711  
                                    

Total

 $3,761,252    172,850    58,878    113,972    1,051,444    1,224,294   $2,148,610    36  75,824  
                     

Land seller debt and other debt

 $     —      —      —      60,524    60,524     
                        

Total JV debt

 $     172,850    58,878    113,972    1,111,968    1,284,818     
                        

The table below indicates the assets, debt and equity of our 10 largest Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated joint venture investments as of November 30, 2010:

  Lennar’s
Investment
  Total JV
Assets
  Maximum
Recourse

Debt
Exposure
to Lennar
  Reimbursement
Agreements
  Net
Recourse
Debt to
Lennar
  Total Debt
Without
Recourse to
Lennar
  Total JV
Debt
  Total JV
Equity
  JV
Debt to
Total
Capital
Ratio
 
  (Dollars in thousands) 

Top Ten JVs (1):

         

Platinum Triangle Partners

 $107,468    270,383    46,889    23,445    23,444    —      46,889    213,381    18

Heritage Fields El Toro

  82,541    1,288,756    —      —      —      573,467    573,467    649,025    47

Central Park West Holdings

  62,268    197,745    30,000    27,000    3,000    120,251    150,251    44,697    77

Newhall Land Development

  47,085    452,832    —      —      —      —      —      271,961    —    

Runkle Canyon

  37,014    75,375    —      —      —      —      —      74,029    —    

Ballpark Village

  35,878    124,927    —      —      —      52,910    52,910    71,376    43

LS College Park

  34,649    68,300    —      —      —      —      —      67,805    —    

MS Rialto Residential Holdings

  29,268    436,285    —      —      —      103,310    103,310    314,415    25

Treasure Island Community Development

  21,449    45,594    —      —      —      —      —      42,929    —    

Rocking Horse Partners

  19,205    48,085    —      —      —      8,628    8,628    38,411    18
                                    

10 largest JV investments

  476,825    3,008,282    76,889    50,445    26,444    858,566    935,455    1,788,029    34
                                    

Other JVs

  149,360    752,970    95,961    8,433    87,528    192,878    288,839    360,581    44
                                    

Total

 $626,185    3,761,252    172,850    58,878    113,972    1,051,444    1,224,294    2,148,610    36
                     

Land seller debt and other debt

 $      —      —      —      60,524    60,524    
                        

Total JV debt

 $      172,850    58,878    113,972    1,111,968    1,284,818    
                        

(1)All of the joint ventures presented in the table above operate in our Homebuilding West segment except for Rocking Horse Partners, which operates in our Homebuilding Central segment, and MS Rialto Residential Holdings, which operates in all of our homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other.

The table below indicates the percentage of assets, debt and equity of our 10 largest Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated joint venture investments as of November 30, 2010:

   % of Total
JV Assets
  % of Maximum
Recourse Debt
Exposure to
Lennar
  % of Net
Recourse
Debt to
Lennar
  % of Total
Debt Without
Recourse to
Lennar
  % of Total
JV Equity
 

10 largest JVs

   80  44  23  82  83

Other

   20  56  77  18  17
                     

Total

   100  100  100  100  100
                     

Rialto Investments—Investments in calls on our guarantees.Unconsolidated Entities

 

In March 2009, the Legacy Securities program was announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) under the Federal government’s PPIP. The PPIP matches private capital with public capital and financing provided by the U.S. Treasury, which provides an opportunity for private investors to invest in certain non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities and CMBS issued prior to 2009 that were originally rated AAA, or an equivalent rating, by two or more nationally recognized statistical organizations without ratings enhancements. These securities are backed directly by actual mortgage loans and not by other securities.

During fiscal 2009, we committed to invest $75 million in the Federal government’s PPIP fund managed by AB. An affiliate of Rialto is a sub-advisor to the AB PPIP fund and receives management fees for sub-advisory services. Total equity commitments of approximately $1.2 billion were made by private investors in this fund, and the U.S. Treasury has committed to a matching amount of approximately $1.2 billion of equity in the fund, as well as agreeing to extend up to approximately $2.3 billion of debt financing. As of November 30, 2010, 85% of committed capital has been called including our portion, $63.8 million of the $75 million we committed to invest. As of November 30, 2010, the AB PPIP has invested approximately $4.0 billion to purchase $6.4 billion in face amount of non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities and it is reflected in investments in the summarized condensed balance sheets of Rialto’s unconsolidated entities. The gross yield of the fund since its inception has totaled approximately 39%. As of November 30, 2010, the carrying value of our investment in the AB PPIP fund was $77.3 million.

In November 2010, our Rialto segment completed the closing of its Fund with initial equity commitments of approximately $300 million (including $75 million committed by us). The Fund’s objective during its three-year investment period is to invest in distressed real estate assets and other related investments that fit within the Fund’s investment parameters.

As of November 30, 2010, a subsidiary in our Rialto segment also has a $7.3 million, or approximately 5%, investment in the Service Provider, which provides services to the consolidated LLCs.

Summarized condensed financial information on a combined 100% basis related to Rialto’s investment in unconsolidated entities in which we hadRialto has investments that are accounted for by the equity method as of November 30, 2010 was as follows:

 

Balance Sheets

  November 30, 
 ��2008  2007 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $135,081  301,468 

Inventories

   7,115,360  7,941,835 

Other assets

   541,984  827,208 
        
  $7,792,425  9,070,511 
        

Liabilities and equity:

   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $1,042,002  1,214,374 

Debt

   4,062,058  5,116,670 

Equity of:

   

Lennar

   766,752  934,271 

Others

   1,921,613  1,805,196 
        

Total equity of unconsolidated entities

   2,688,365  2,739,467 
        
  $7,792,425  9,070,511 
        

Our equity in its unconsolidated entities

   29% 34%
        

Debt to total capital of our unconsolidated entities is calculated as follows:

   November 30, 
   2008  2007 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Debt

  $4,062,058  5,116,670 

Equity

   2,688,365  2,739,467 
        

Total capital

  $6,750,423  7,856,137 
        

Debt to total capital of our unconsolidated entities

   60.2% 65.1%
        

Debt to total capital of our unconsolidated entities (excluding LandSource)

   49.8% 61.1%
        

In November 2007, we sold a portfolio of land to a strategic land investment venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., in which we have a 20% ownership interest and 50% voting rights. We also manage the land investment venture’s operations and receive fees for our services. As part of the transaction, we entered into option agreements and obtained rights of first offer providing us the opportunity to purchase certain finished homesites. We have no obligation to exercise the options and cannot acquire a majority of the entity’s assets. Due to our continuing involvement, the transaction did not qualify as a sale under GAAP; thus, the inventory has remained on our consolidated balance sheet in consolidated inventory not owned. As a result of the transaction, the land investment venture recorded the purchase of the portfolio of land as inventory. As of November 30, 2008, the portfolio of land (including land development costs) of $538.4 million is reflected as inventory in the summarized condensed financial information related to unconsolidated entities in which we have investments.

Statements of Operations and Selected Information

  Years Ended November 30, 
  2008  2007  2006 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Revenues

  $862,728  2,060,279  2,651,932 

Costs and expenses

   1,394,601  3,075,696  2,588,196 
           

Net earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities

  $(531,873) (1,015,417) 63,736 
           

Our share of net earnings (loss) (1)

  $(55,598) (353,946) 24,918 

Our share of net loss—recognized (1)

  $(59,156) (362,899) (12,536)

Our cumulative share of net earnings—deferred at November 30

  $21,491  34,731  99,360 

Our investments in unconsolidated entities

  $766,752  934,271  1,447,178 

Equity of the unconsolidated entities

  $2,688,365  2,739,467  3,710,771 
           

Our investment % in the unconsolidated entities

   29% 34% 39%
           

Balance Sheets

  November 30, 
  2010   2009 (1) 
   (In thousands) 

Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $42,793     2,229  

Investments

   4,341,226     —    

Other assets

   181,600     179,985  
          
  $4,565,619     182,214  
          

Liabilities and equity:

    

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $110,921     58,209  

Partner loans

   137,820     135,570  

Debt due to the U.S. Treasury

   1,955,000     —    

Equity

   2,361,878     (11,565
          
  $4,565,619     182,214  
          
   Years Ended
November 30,
 

Statements of Operations

  2010   2009 (1) 
   (In thousands) 

Revenues

  $357,330     58,464  

Costs and expenses

   209,103     89,570  

Other gains

   311,468     —    
          

Net earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities

  $459,695     (31,106
          

Rialto Investments’ share of net earnings recognized

  $15,363     —    
          

 

(1) ForAmounts included as of and for the yearsyear ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, our share of net loss recognized from unconsolidated entities includes $32.2 million, $364.2 million and $126.4 million, respectively, of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related2009 relate only to assets of the unconsolidated entitiesService Provider because the Company did not invest in which we have investments.the AB PPIP fund until December 2009.

 

In June 2008, the LandSource Communities Development LLC (“LandSource”) unconsolidated joint venture and a number of its subsidiaries commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. We own 16% of LandSource, and until 2007, we had owned 50%. In November 2008, our land purchase options with LandSource were terminated, thus we recognized a deferred profit of $101.3 million (net of $31.8 million of write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs and other write-offs) related to the 2007 recapitalization of LandSource. The bankruptcy filing could result in LandSource losing some or all of the properties it owns, termination of our management agreement with LandSource, claims against us and a substantial reduction (or total elimination) of our 16% ownership interest in LandSource, which had a carrying value of zero at November 30, 2008.

In February 2007, the LandSource joint venture admitted MW Housing Partners as a new strategic partner. As part of the transaction, the joint venture obtained $1.6 billion of non-recourse financing, which consisted of a $200 million five-year Revolving Credit Facility, a $1.1 billion six-year Term Loan B Facility and a $244 million seven-year Second Lien Term Facility. The transaction resulted in a cash distribution to us of $707.6 million. As a result, our ownership in LandSource was reduced to 16%. As a result of the recapitalization, we recognized a pretax financial statement gain of $175.9 million during the year ended November 30, 2007. During the year ended November 30, 2007, we also recognized $24.7 million of profit deferred at the time of the recapitalization of the LandSource joint venture in management fees and other income (expense), net.

Option Contracts

 

In our homebuilding operations, we often obtainWe have access to land through option contracts, which generally enables us to control portions of properties owned by third parties (including land funds) and unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether to exercise the option.

 

A majority of our option contracts require a non-refundable cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase price of the land. TheseUntil recently, these option deposits generally approximatehave approximated 10% of the exercise price. Our option contracts sometimes include price adjustment provisions, which adjust the purchase price of the land to its approximate fair value at the time of acquisition or are based on fair value at the time of takedown. The exercise periods of our option contracts generally range from one-to-ten years.

 

Our investments in option contracts are recorded at cost unless those investments are determined to be impaired, in which case our investments are written down to fair value. We review option contracts for indicators of impairment during each reporting period in accordance with SFAS 144 and SFAS No. 67,Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects.period. The most significant indicator of impairment is a decline in the fair value of the optioned property such that the purchase and development of the optioned property would no longer meet our targeted return on investment. Such declines could be caused by a variety of factors including increased competition, decreases in demand or changes in local regulations that adversely impact the cost of development. Changes in any of these factors would cause us to re-evaluate the likelihood of exercising our land options.

 

Some option contracts contain a predetermined take-down schedule for the optioned land parcels. However, in almost all instances, we are not required to purchase land in accordance with those take-down schedules. In substantially all instances, we have the right and ability to not exercise our option and forfeit our deposit without further penalty, other than termination of the option and loss of any unapplied portion of our deposit and pre-acquisition costs. Therefore, in substantially all instances, we do not consider the take-down price to be a firm contractual obligation.

 

When we intend not to exercise an option, we write-off any deposit and pre-acquisition costs associated with the option contract. For the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, we wrote-off $97.2$3.1 million, $530.0$84.4 million and $152.2$97.2 million, respectively, of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to 8,200 homesites 36,900 homesites and 24,200 homesites, respectively, under option that we do not intend to purchase.

The table below indicates the number of homesites owned and homesites to which we had access through option contracts with third parties (“optioned”) or unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have investments (“JVs”) (i.e., controlled homesites) for each of our homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other at November 30, 20082010 and 2007:2009:

 

November 30, 2008

          Controlled Homesites          

Owned
Homesites

  

Total
Homesites

Optioned  JVs  Total  

November 30, 2010

  Controlled Homesites   Owned
Homesites
   Total
Homesites
 
Optioned   JVs   Total   

East

  8,705  4,444  13,149  25,688  38,837   4,856     1,631     6,487     26,565     33,052  

Central

  1,820  5,991  7,811  14,501  22,312   1,061     1,721     2,782     16,236     19,018  

West

  203  12,078  12,281  18,776  31,057   304     7,753     8,057     26,213     34,270  

Houston

  1,461  2,654  4,115  7,389  11,504   1,431     305     1,736     5,926     7,662  

Other

  529  704  1,233  8,327  9,560   838     74     912     9,542     10,454  
                                   

Total homesites

  12,718  25,871  38,589  74,681  113,270   8,490     11,484     19,974     84,482     104,456  
                                   

November 30, 2007

          Controlled Homesites          Owned
Homesites
  Total
Homesites
Optioned  JVs  Total  

East

  14,888  14,091  28,979  24,014  52,993

Central

  3,470  12,679  16,149  7,848  23,997

West

  1,243  30,800  32,043  15,300  47,343

Houston

  2,313  3,694  6,007  7,071  13,078

Other

  963  1,729  2,692  8,568  11,260
               

Total homesites

  22,877  62,993  85,870  62,801  148,671
               

    Controlled Homesites   Owned
Homesites
   Total
Homesites
 
          

November 30, 2009

  Optioned   JVs   Total     

East

   4,701     1,900     6,601     28,406     35,007  

Central

   1,273     2,381     3,654     15,607     19,261  

West

   78     7,667     7,745     24,770     32,515  

Houston

   901     1,728     2,629     6,672     9,301  

Other

   470     74     544     7,248     7,792  
                         

Total homesites

   7,423     13,750     21,173     82,703     103,876  
                         

 

We evaluatedevaluate all option contracts for land when entered into or upon a reconsideration event to determine whether they are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary of certain of these option contracts. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, under FASB Interpretation No. 46(R),Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, (“FIN 46R”), if we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary, we are required to consolidate the land under

option at the purchase price of the optioned land. During the year ended November 30, 2008,2010, the effect of consolidation of these option contracts was ana net increase of $32.4$19.8 million to consolidated inventory not owned with a corresponding increase to liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned in our consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2008. This increase was offset primarily by our exercise of options to acquire land under certain contracts previously consolidated, resulting in a net decrease in consolidated inventory not owned of $141.3 million.2010. To reflect the purchase price of the inventory consolidated, under FIN 46R, we reclassified $2.5 million ofthe related option deposits from land under development to consolidated inventory not owned in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2008.2010. The liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned primarily represent the difference between the option exercise prices for the optioned land and our cash deposits. However, consolidated inventory not owned decreased due to (1) our exercise of options to acquire land under certain contracts previously consolidated and (2) the deconsolidation of certain option contracts totaling $75.5 million related to the adoption of certain new provisions under ASC Topic 810,Consolidation, (“ASC 810”), resulting in a net decrease in consolidated inventory not owned of $139.2 million for the year ended November 30, 2010.

 

Our exposure to loss related to our option contracts with third parties and unconsolidated entities consisted of our non-refundable option deposits and pre-acquisition costs totaling $191.2$157.4 million and $317.1$127.4 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009. Additionally, we had posted $89.5$48.9 million and $193.3$58.2 million, respectively, of letters of credit in lieu of cash deposits under certain option contracts as of November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at November 30, 2008:2010:

 

Contractual Obligations

   Payments Due by Period   Payments Due by Period 
 Total Less than
1 year
 1 to 3
years
 3 to 5
years
 More than
5 years
 Total Less than
1 year
 1 to 3
years
 3 to 5
years
 More than
5 years
 
 (In thousands) (In thousands) 

Homebuilding—Senior notes and other debts payable

 $2,544,935 427,542 730,516 387,438 999,439

Financial services—Notes and other debts payable

  225,783 225,682 46 42 13

Lennar Homebuilding—Senior notes and other debts payable

 $3,128,154    206,985    591,530    784,188    1,545,451  

Lennar Financial Services—Notes and other debts payable

  271,678    271,623    42    13    —    

Interest commitments under interest bearing debt (1)

  570,929 126,520 208,084 145,401 90,924  940,502    177,096    314,100    248,010    201,296  

Rialto Investments—Notes payable (2)

  752,302    —      503,907    222,000    26,395  

Operating leases

  169,116 48,411 68,716 28,229 23,760  115,254    35,031    40,730    24,012    15,481  

Other contractual obligations (3)

  86,185    86,185    —      —      —    
                         

Total contractual obligations (2)

 $3,510,763 828,155 1,007,362 561,110 1,114,136

Total contractual obligations (4)

 $5,294,075    776,920    1,450,309    1,278,223    1,788,623  
                         

 

(1) Interest commitments on variable interest-bearing debt are determined based on the interest rate as of November 30, 2008.2010.
(2) Amount includes $626.9 million of notes payable that consolidated as part of the LLC consolidation related to the FDIC transaction and is non-recourse to Lennar; however, $101.3 million of cash collections on loans in excess of expenses was deposited in a defeasance account established for the repayment of the notes payable. The notes payable have extension provisions which could extend the maturity of amounts due for up to seven years from origination.
(3)Commitments to fund Rialto segment’s equity investments ($11.2 million in the AB PPIP fund and $75 million in the Fund).
(4)Total contractual obligations exclude our FASB Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—on Interpretationgross unrecognized tax benefits of FASB Statement No. 109, (“FIN 48”) liability of $100.2$46.0 million as of November 30, 20082010, because we wereare unable to make reasonable estimates as to the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.

 

We are subject to the usual obligations associated with entering into contracts (including option contracts) for the purchase, development and sale of real estate in the routine conduct of our business. Option contracts for the purchase of land generally enable us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether to exercise our option. This reduces our financial risk associated with land holdings. At November 30, 2008,2010, we had access to 38,58919,974 homesites through option contracts with third parties and unconsolidated entities in which we have investments. At November 30, 2008,2010, we had $191.2$157.4 million of non-refundable option deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to certain of these homesites and $89.5$48.9 million of letters of credit posted in lieu of cash deposits under certain option contracts.

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, we had letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $446.0$273.9 million (which included the $89.5$48.9 million of letters of credit discussed above). These letters of credit are generally posted either with regulatory bodies to guarantee our performance of certain development and construction activities, or in lieu of cash deposits on option contracts.contracts, for insurance risks, credit enhancements and as other collateral. Additionally, at November 30, 2008,2010, we had outstanding performance and surety bonds related to site improvements at various projects (including certain projects in our joint ventures) of $1.1 billion.$684.7 million. Although significant development and construction activities have been completed related to these site improvements, these bonds are generally not released until all of the development and construction activities are completed. As of November 30, 2008,2010, there were approximately $444.2$314.7 million, or 42%46%, of costs to complete related to these site improvements. We do not presently anticipate any draws upon these bonds, but if any such draws occur, we do not believe they would have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Our Lennar Financial Services segment had a pipeline of loan applications in process of $710.8$546.9 million at November 30, 2008.2010. Loans in process for which interest rates were committed to the borrowers and builder commitments for loan programs totaled $248.8$202.3 million as of November 30, 2008.2010. Substantially all of these commitments were for periods of 60 days or less. Since a portion of these commitments is expected to expire

without being exercised by the borrowers or borrowers may not meet certain criteria at the time of closing, the total commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

 

Our Lennar Financial Services segment uses mandatory mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) forward commitments, option contracts and investor commitments to hedge our mortgage-related interest rate exposure.

These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk. Credit risk associated with MBS forward commitments, option contracts and loan sales transactions is managed by limiting our counterparties to investment banks, federally regulated bank affiliates and other investors meeting our credit standards. Our risk, in the event of default by the purchaser, is the difference between the contract price and fair value of the MBS forward commitments and option contracts. At November 30, 2008,2010, we had open commitments amounting to $332.0$270.8 million to sell MBS with varying settlement dates through February 2009.2011.

 

The following sections discuss economic conditions, market and financing risk, seasonality and interest rates and changing prices that may have an impact on our business:

 

Economic Conditions

 

Throughout 2007 and 2008,2010, market conditions in the homebuilding industry were negatively impacted by broad-based pressures such as risinghave remained challenging. High unemployment fallingand foreclosures have continued to present challenges for the housing market. Despite a decrease of 5% in our sales of homes revenue, home prices, increased foreclosures, tighter creditdeliveries and volatile equity markets, which further eroded consumer confidence and depressednew orders year over year, our gross margins on home sales. These market conditions resultedsales improved to $517.9 million, or 19.7%, in high cancellation rates of 26% and 30%the year ended November 30, 2010, from $252.0 million, or 9.1%, respectively, in 2008 and 2007. Despite our continued use ofthe year ended November 30, 2009. The improvement in gross margins was primarily due to lower valuation adjustments, reduced sales incentives ouroffered to homebuyers as a percentage of revenues from home sales, reduced construction costs and product re-engineering, as well as third-party recoveries relating to Chinese drywall. In addition, during the year ended November 30, 2010, we returned to profitability with net new orders were down 48% and 39%earnings of $95.3 million , respectively, in 2008 and 2007. Our sales incentives were $48,700or $0.51 per home delivered and $48,000diluted share, compared to a net loss of $417.1 million, or $2.45 per home delivered, respectively in 2008 and 2007.diluted share during the year ended November 30, 2009. A continued decline in the prices for new homessales pace could adversely affect our revenues and margins, as well as the carrying amount of our inventory and other investments.margins.

 

Market and Financing Risk

 

We finance our contributions to JVs, land acquisition and development activities, construction activities, financial services activities, Rialto activities and general operating needs primarily with cash generated from operations, and public debt issuances, equity issuances, as well as cash borrowed under our revolving credit facility and borrowings under our warehouse lines of credit.repurchase facilities. We also purchase land under option agreements, which enables us to control homesites until we have determined whether to exercise the option. We tried to manage the financial risks of adverse market conditions associated with land holdings by what we believed to be prudent underwriting of land purchases in areas we viewed as desirable growth markets, careful management of the land development process and, until 2007 and 2008,recent years, limitation of risks by using partners to share the costs of purchasing and developing land, as well as obtaining access to land through option contracts. Although we believed our land underwriting standards were conservative, we did not anticipate the severe decline in land values and the sharply reduced demand for new homes encountered throughout 2007 and 2008.since 2007.

 

Seasonality

 

We have historically experienced variability in our results of operations from quarter-to-quarter due to the seasonal nature of the homebuilding business. Due to challenged market conditions, we are currently focusing our efforts, in all quarters, on inventory management in order to deliver inventory and generate cash.

 

Interest Rates and Changing Prices

 

Inflation can have a long-term impact on us because increasing costs of land, materials and labor result in a need to increase the sales prices of homes. In addition, inflation is often accompanied by higher interest rates, which can have a negative impact on housing demand and the costs of financing land development activities and housing construction. Rising interest rates, as well as increased materials and labor costs, may reduce gross margins. An increase in material and labor costs is particularly a problem during a period, like the current period, of declining home prices. During 2008, increased costs of materials and labor along with a decrease in home sales prices contributed to lower gross margins and significant inventory valuation adjustments. Converserly,Conversely, deflation can impact the value of real estate and make it difficult for us to recover our land costs. Therefore, either inflation or deflation could adversely impact our future results of operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006,January 2010, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157,Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06,Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS 157”ASU 2010-06”). SFAS 157 defines, which requires additional disclosures about transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value establishes a framework for measuring fair valuehierarchy and disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures aboutthe rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. SFAS 157 wasWe adopted ASU 2010-06 for our second quarter ending May 31, 2010, except for the Level 3 activity disclosures which will be effective for our financial assets and liabilities onfiscal year beginning December 1, 2007. The FASB deferred the provisions of SFAS 157 relating to nonfinancial assets and liabilities; implementation by us is now required on December 1, 2008. SFAS 1572011. ASU 2010-06 has not and is not expected to materially affect how we determine fair value, but has resulted and will result in certain additional disclosures.have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007,April 2010, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007)ASU 2010-18,, Business CombinationsEffect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset, (“SFAS 141R”ASU 2010-18”). SFAS 141R broadensUnder ASU 2010-18, modification of loans accounted for within a pool under ASC Topic 310-30,Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, (“ASC 310-30”) does not result in removal of such loans from the guidancepool even if the modification would otherwise be considered a troubled debt restructuring. An entity must continue to consider whether the pool of SFAS 141, extending its applicability to all transactions and other eventsassets in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. It broadens the fair value measurement and recognition of assetsmodified loan is included is impaired if expected cash flows for the pool change. ASU 2010-18 does not affect the accounting for loans acquired liabilities assumed and interests transferred aswith deteriorated credit quality that are not accounted for within a result of business combinations. SFAS 141R expands on required disclosurespool. Loans accounted for individually that were acquired with deteriorated credit quality continue to improvebe subject to the statement users’ abilitiesaccounting provisions for troubled debt restructuring by creditors. The amended guidance is to evaluate the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS 141Rbe applied prospectively, with early application permitted. ASU 2010-18 is effective for business combinationsmodifications of loans accounted for within a pool that closeoccur on or after DecemberSeptember 1, 2009. We do not expect the2010. The adoption of SFAS 141R tothis ASU did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007,July 2010, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,ASU 2010-20,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendmentDisclosures About the Credit Quality of ARB No. 51Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses, (“SFAS 160”ASU 2010-20”). SFAS 160ASU 2010-20 enhances current disclosure requirements to assist users of financial statements in assessing an entity’s credit risk exposure and evaluating the adequacy of an entity’s allowance for credit losses. ASU 2010-20 requires that a noncontrolling interestentities to disclose the nature of credit risk inherent in a subsidiary be reported as equitytheir finance receivables, the procedure for analyzing and assessing credit risk, and the amount of consolidated net income specifically attributable to the noncontrolling interest be identified in the consolidated financial statements. It also calls for consistency in the manner of reporting changes in both the parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiaryreceivables and requires fair value measurement of any noncontrolling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. SFAS 160the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment and class. ASU 2010-20 is effective for our fiscal year beginning December 1, 2009.2010. We are evaluating the impacteffect the adoption of SFAS 160ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161,Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 expands the disclosure requirementsdisclosures in SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, regarding an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for our fiscal year beginning December 1, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8,Disclosure by Public Entities (Enterprises) About Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities. The purpose of the FSP is to promptly improve disclosures by public companies until the pending amendments to FASB Statement No. 140,Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities, (“SFAS 140”), and FIN 46R are finalized and approved by the FASB. The FSP amends SFAS 140 to require public companies to provide additional disclosures about transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. It also amends FIN 46R by requiring public companies to provide additional disclosures regarding their involvement with variable interest entities. This FSP is effective for our fiscal year beginning December 1, 2008. The FSP will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this document. As discussed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Listed below are those policies and estimates that we believe are critical and require the use of significant judgment in their application.

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

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

A reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance is required if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets are assessed each reporting period by us based on the more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. 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, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with loss carryforwards not expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. Based upon an evaluation of all available evidence, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets of $730.8 million during the year ended November 30, 2008, and increased it by $269.6 million during the year ended November 30, 2009. In addition, for the year ended November 30, 2009, we recorded a reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $351.8 million, primarily due to a change in tax legislation, which allowed us to carry back our fiscal year 2009 tax loss to recover previously paid income taxes. During the year ended November 30, 2010, we recorded a reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $37.9 million primarily due to the recording of a deferred tax liability from the issuance of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes, and the net earnings generated

during the year. The reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to the issuance of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $609.5 million and $647.4 million, respectively. In future periods, the allowance could be reduced based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion or all of our deferred tax assets will be realized. At both November 30, 2010 and 2009, we had no net deferred tax assets.

We believe that the accounting estimate for the valuation of deferred tax assets is a critical accounting estimate because judgment is required in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We base our estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates and, in certain cases, business plans and other expectations about future outcomes. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could affect actual tax results and future business results, which may affect the amount of deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax assets over time. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of future events.

Lennar Homebuilding Operations

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from sales of homes are recognized when sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowner, the new homeowner’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the home, the new homeowner’s receivable is not subject to future subordination and we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the new home in accordance with SFAS No. 66,Accounting for Sales of Real Estate,(“SFAS 66”).home. Revenues from sales of land are recognized when a significant down payment is received, the earnings process is complete, title passes and collectability of the receivable is reasonably assured. We believe that the accounting policy related to revenue recognition is a critical accounting policy because of the significance of revenue.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at cost unless the inventory within a community is determined to be impaired, in which case the impaired inventory is written down to fair value. Inventory costs include land, land development and home construction costs, real estate taxes, deposits on land purchase contracts and interest related to development and construction. We review inventoriesour inventory for indicators of impairment by evaluating each community during each reporting periodperiod. The inventory within each community is categorized as finished homes and construction in progress or land under development based on a community by community basis. SFAS 144 requires that ifthe development state of the community. There were 440 and 390 active communities as of November 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. If the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asseta community are less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge should beis recorded to write down the carrying amount of such assetcommunity to its fair value.

 

In conducting our review for indicators of impairment on a community level, we evaluate, among other things, the margins on homes that have been delivered, margins on homes under sales contracts in backlog, projected margins on homes with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, projected margins with regard to future land sales, and the estimated fair value of the land itself. We pay particular attention to communities in which inventory is moving at a slower than anticipated absorption pace and communities whose average sales price and/or margins are trending downward and are anticipated to continue to trend downward. From this review, we identify communities whose carrying values exceed their undiscounted cash flows. Although gross margins for all of our homebuilding segments, and Homebuilding Other, except Homebuilding Houston, have improved for the year ended November 30, 2010, revenues of our Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding West and Homebuilding Houston segments decreased 4%, 20% and 17%, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2010, compared to the year ended November 30, 2009 due to a decrease in absorption pace.

 

We estimate the fair value of our communities using a discounted cash flow model. TheseThe projected cash flows for each community are significantly impacted by estimates related to market supply and demand, product type by community, homesite sizes, sales pace, sales prices, sales incentives, construction costs, sales and marketing expenses, the local economy, competitive conditions, labor costs, costs of materials and other factors for that particular community. Every division evaluates the historical performance of each of its communities as well as the current trends in the market and economy impacting the community and its surrounding areas. These trends are analyzed for each of the estimates listed above. For example, since the start of the downturn in the housing market, we have found ways to reduce our construction costs in many communities, and this reduction in construction costs in addition to changes in product type in many communities has impacted future estimated cash flows.

Each of the homebuilding markets in which we operate is unique, as homebuilding has historically been a local business driven by local market conditions and demographics. Each of our homebuilding markets has specific supply and demand relationships reflective of local economic conditions. Our projected cash flows are impacted by many assumptions. Some of the most critical assumptions in our cash flow models are our projected absorption pace for home sales, sales prices and costs to build and deliver our homes on a community by community basis.

In order to arrive at the assumed absorption pace for home sales included in our cash flow models, we analyze our historical absorption pace in the community as well as other communities in the geographical area. In addition, we analyze internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of competing product in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing our historical absorption pace for home sales and corresponding internal and external market studies, we place greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the absorption pace realized in our most recent quarters as well as forecasted population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of competing product. Generally, if we notice a variation from historical results over a span of two fiscal quarters, we consider such variation to be the establishment of a trend and adjust our historical information accordingly in order to develop assumptions on the projected absorption pace in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to determine the assumed sales prices included in our cash flow models, we analyze the historical sales prices realized on homes we delivered in the community and other communities in the geographical area as well as the sales prices included in our current backlog for such communities. In addition, we analyze internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities and sales prices on similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing our historical sales prices and corresponding market studies, we also place greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as future forecasted sales prices in neighboring communities as well as future forecasted sales prices for similar product in non-neighboring communities. Generally, if we notice a variation from historical results over a span of two fiscal quarters, we consider such variation to be the establishment of a trend and adjust our historical information accordingly in order to develop assumptions on the projected sales prices in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to arrive at our assumed costs to build and deliver our homes, we generally assume a cost structure reflecting contracts currently in place with our vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure. Costs assumed in our cash flow models for our communities are generally based on the rates we are currently obligated to pay under existing contracts with our vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure.

Due to the fact that the estimates and assumptions included in our cash flow models are based upon historical results and projected trends, they do not anticipate unexpected changes in market conditions or strategies that may lead to us incurring additional impairment charges in the future.

Using all the available trend information, we calculate our best estimate of projected cash flows for each community. While many of the estimates are calculated based on historical and projected trends, all estimates are subjective and change from market to market and community to community as market and economic conditions change. The determination of fair value also requires discounting the estimated cash flows at a rate we believe a market participant would determine to be commensurate with the inherent risks associated with the assets and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life and development stage. We generally use a 20% discount rate of approximately 20%, subject to the perceived risks associated with the community’s cash flow streams relative to its inventory. For example, construction in progress inventory which is closer to completion will generally require a lower discount rate than land under development in communities consisting of multiple phases spanning several years of development.

 

We estimate the fair valuesvalue of inventory evaluated for impairment under SFAS 144 based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the inventory is evaluated, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our assumptions change. For example, further market deterioration or changes in our assumptions may lead to us incurring additional impairment charges on previously impaired inventory, as well as on inventory not currently impaired, but for which indicators of impairment may arise if further market deterioration occurs.

 

We also have access to land inventory through option contracts, which generally enables us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether to exercise our option. A majority of our option contracts require a non-refundable cash deposit or

irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase price of the land. Our option contracts are recorded at cost. In determining whether to walk-away from an option contract, we evaluate the option primarily based upon the expected cash flows from the property that is the subject of the option. If we intend to walk-away from an option contract, we record a charge to earnings in the period such decision is made for the deposit amount and related pre-acquisition costs associated with the option contract.

 

We believe that the accounting related to inventory valuation and impairment is a critical accounting policy because: (1) assumptions inherent in the valuation of our inventory are highly subjective and susceptible to

change and (2) the impact of recognizing impairments on our inventory has been and could continue to be material to our consolidated financial statements. Our evaluation of inventory impairment, as discussed above, includes many assumptions. The critical assumptions include the timing of the home sales within a community, management’s projections of selling prices and costs and the discount rate applied to estimate the fair value of the homesites within a community on the balance sheet date. Our assumptions on the timing of home sales are critical because the homebuilding industry has historically been cyclical and sensitive to changes in economic conditions such as interest rates, credit availability, unemployment levels and consumer sentiment. Changes in these economic conditions could materially affect the projected sales price, costs to develop the homesites and/or absorption rate in a community. Our assumptions on discount rates are critical because the selection of a discount rate affects the estimated fair value of the homesites within a community. A higher discount rate reduces the estimated fair value of the homesites within the community, while a lower discount rate increases the estimated fair value of the homesites within a community. Because of changes in economic and market conditions and assumptions and estimates required of management in valuing inventory during changing market conditions, actual results could differ materially from management’s assumptions and may require material inventory impairment charges to be recorded in the future.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, we recorded $340.5 million, $2,445.1 million and $501.8 million, respectively, ofthe following inventory adjustments, which included $195.5 million, $747.8 million and $280.5 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006, of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to finished homes, construction in progress and land on which we intend to build homes, $47.8 million, $1,167.3 million and $69.1 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006, of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties and $97.2 million, $530.0 million and $152.2 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs. impairments:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes (1)

  $44,717     180,239     195,518  

Valuation adjustments to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties

   3,436     95,314     47,791  

Write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs

   3,105     84,372     97,172  
               

Total inventory impairments

  $51,258     359,925     340,481  
               

(1)Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 relate to 33 communities, 131 communities and 146 communities, respectively.

The $1,167.3 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments recorded in 2007 to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties includes $740.4 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to the portfolio of land we sold to our strategic land investment venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., which was formed in November 2007. The SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were estimated based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the valuation adjustments were recorded, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our assumptions change. See Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this document for details related to valuation adjustments and write-offs by reportable segment and homebuilding other.Homebuilding Other.

 

Warranty CostsValuation of Deferred Tax Assets

 

Although we subcontract virtually all aspectsWe record income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of constructionexisting assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as attributable to othersoperating loss and our contracts call fortax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the subcontractors to repair or replace any deficient items related to their trades, weyears in which the temporary differences are primarily responsible to correct any deficiencies. Additionally, in some instances, we may be held responsible for the actions of or losses incurred by subcontractors. Warranty reserves are established at an amount estimated to be adequate to cover potential costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims expected to be incurred subsequentrecovered or paid. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the changes are enacted.

A reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance is required if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets are assessed each reporting period by us based on the more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. In the assessment for a valuation allowance, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the deliveryrealization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with loss carryforwards not expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. Based upon an evaluation of all available evidence, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets of $730.8 million during the year ended November 30, 2008, and increased it by $269.6 million during the year ended November 30, 2009. In addition, for the year ended November 30, 2009, we recorded a reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $351.8 million, primarily due to a change in tax legislation, which allowed us to carry back our fiscal year 2009 tax loss to recover previously paid income taxes. During the year ended November 30, 2010, we recorded a reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $37.9 million primarily due to the recording of a home. Reserves are determineddeferred tax liability from the issuance of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes, and the net earnings generated

during the year. The reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to the issuance of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $609.5 million and $647.4 million, respectively. In future periods, the allowance could be reduced based upon historical dataon sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion or all of our deferred tax assets will be realized. At both November 30, 2010 and trends with respect to similar product types and geographical areas. 2009, we had no net deferred tax assets.

We believe that the accounting estimate related tofor the reserve for warranty costsvaluation of deferred tax assets is a critical accounting estimate because judgment is required in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We base our estimate requires a large degree of judgment.deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates and, in certain cases, business plans and other expectations about future outcomes. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could affect actual tax results and future business results, which may affect the amount of deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax assets over time. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of future events.

 

At November 30, 2008,Lennar Homebuilding Operations

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from sales of homes are recognized when sales are closed and title passes to the reserve for warranty costs was $129.4 million. While we believe thatnew homeowner, the reserve for warranty costsnew homeowner’s initial and continuing investment is adequate there can be no assurances that historical data and trends will accurately predict our actual warranty costs. Additionally, there can be no assurances thatto demonstrate a commitment to pay for the home, the new homeowner’s receivable is not subject to future economic or financial developments might not lead to a significant change in the reserve.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

We strategically invest in unconsolidated entities that acquire and develop land (1) for our homebuilding operations or for sale to third parties or (2) for construction of homes for sale third-party homebuyers. Our partners generally are unrelated homebuilders, land owners/developers and financial or other strategic partners.

Most of the unconsolidated entities through which we acquire and develop land are accounted for by the equity method of accounting because we are not the primary beneficiary, as defined under FIN 46R, and we have a significant, but less than controlling, interest in the entities. We record our investments in these entities in our consolidated balance sheets as “Investments in Unconsolidated Entities” and our pro-rata share of the entities’ earnings or losses in our consolidated statements of operations as “Equity in Earnings (Loss) from Unconsolidated Entities,” as described in Note 4 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Advances to these entities are included in the investment balance.

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

As of November 30, 2008, we believe that the equity method of accounting is appropriate for our investments in unconsolidated entities where we are not the primary beneficiarysubordination and we do not have a controlling interest, but rather share controlsubstantial continuing involvement with our partners. At November 30, 2008, the unconsolidated entitiesnew home. Revenues from sales of land are recognized when a significant down payment is received, the earnings process is complete, title passes and collectability of the receivable is reasonably assured. We believe that the accounting policy related to revenue recognition is a critical accounting policy because of the significance of revenue.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at cost unless the inventory within a community is determined to be impaired, in which we had investments had total assetscase the impaired inventory is written down to fair value. Inventory costs include land, land development and home construction costs, real estate taxes, deposits on land purchase contracts and interest related to development and construction. We review our inventory for indicators of $7.8 billion and total liabilities of $5.1 billion.

We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for impairment by evaluating each community during each reporting periodperiod. The inventory within each community is categorized as finished homes and construction in accordance with APB 18. A seriesprogress or land under development based on the development state of operating lossesthe community. There were 440 and 390 active communities as of November 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. If the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by a community are less than its carrying amount, an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease inimpairment charge is recorded to write down the value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity has occurred which is other-than-temporary. Thecarrying amount of impairment recognized is the excess of the investment’s carrying amount oversuch community to its estimated fair value.

 

Additionally,In conducting our review for indicators of impairment on a community level, we consider various qualitative factorsevaluate, among other things, the margins on homes that have been delivered, margins on homes under sales contracts in backlog, projected margins on homes with regard to determine iffuture home sales over the life of the community, projected margins with regard to future land sales, and the estimated fair value of the land itself. We pay particular attention to communities in which inventory is moving at a slower than anticipated absorption pace and communities whose average sales price and/or margins are trending downward and are anticipated to continue to trend downward. From this review, we identify communities whose carrying values exceed their undiscounted cash flows. Although gross margins for all of our homebuilding segments, and Homebuilding Other, except Homebuilding Houston, have improved for the year ended November 30, 2010, revenues of our Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding West and Homebuilding Houston segments decreased 4%, 20% and 17%, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2010, compared to the year ended November 30, 2009 due to a decrease in the value of our investment is other-than-temporary. These factors include age of the venture, intent and ability for us to retain our investment in the entity, financial condition and long-term prospects of the entity and relationships with the other partners and banks. If we believe that the decline inabsorption pace.

We estimate the fair value of our communities using a discounted cash flow model. The projected cash flows for each community are significantly impacted by estimates related to market supply and demand, product type by community, homesite sizes, sales pace, sales prices, sales incentives, construction costs, sales and marketing expenses, the investmentlocal economy, competitive conditions, labor costs, costs of materials and other factors for that particular community. Every division evaluates the historical performance of each of its communities as well as the current trends in the market and economy impacting the community and its surrounding areas. These trends are analyzed for each of the estimates listed above. For example, since the start of the downturn in the housing market, we have found ways to reduce our construction costs in many communities, and this reduction in construction costs in addition to changes in product type in many communities has impacted future estimated cash flows.

Each of the homebuilding markets in which we operate is temporary, then no impairment is recorded.unique, as homebuilding has historically been a local business driven by local market conditions and demographics. Each of our homebuilding markets has specific supply and demand relationships reflective of local economic conditions. Our projected cash flows are impacted by many assumptions. Some of the most critical assumptions in our cash flow models are our projected absorption pace for home sales, sales prices and costs to build and deliver our homes on a community by community basis.

 

The evaluationIn order to arrive at the assumed absorption pace for home sales included in our cash flow models, we analyze our historical absorption pace in the community as well as other communities in the geographical area. In addition, we analyze internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of competing product in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing our investmenthistorical absorption pace for home sales and corresponding internal and external market studies, we place greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the absorption pace realized in unconsolidated entities includesour most recent quarters as well as forecasted population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of competing product. Generally, if we notice a variation from historical results over a span of two critical assumptions: (1) projected future distributions fromfiscal quarters, we consider such variation to be the unconsolidated entitiesestablishment of a trend and (2) discount rates appliedadjust our historical information accordingly in order to the future distributions.

Ourdevelop assumptions on the projected absorption pace in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to determine the assumed sales prices included in our cash flow models, we analyze the historical sales prices realized on homes we delivered in the community and other communities in the geographical area as well as the sales prices included in our current backlog for such communities. In addition, we analyze internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities and sales prices on similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing our historical sales prices and corresponding market studies, we also place greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as future distributionsforecasted sales prices in neighboring communities as well as future forecasted sales prices for similar product in non-neighboring communities. Generally, if we notice a variation from the unconsolidated entities are dependent on market conditions. Specifically, distributions are dependent on cashhistorical results over a span of two fiscal quarters, we consider such variation to be generatedthe establishment of a trend and adjust our historical information accordingly in order to develop assumptions on the projected sales prices in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to arrive at our assumed costs to build and deliver our homes, we generally assume a cost structure reflecting contracts currently in place with our vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure. Costs assumed in our cash flow models for our communities are generally based on the rates we are currently obligated to pay under existing contracts with our vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure.

Due to the fact that the estimates and assumptions included in our cash flow models are based upon historical results and projected trends, they do not anticipate unexpected changes in market conditions or strategies that may lead to us incurring additional impairment charges in the future.

Using all the available trend information, we calculate our best estimate of projected cash flows for each community. While many of the estimates are calculated based on historical and projected trends, all estimates are subjective and change from market to market and community to community as market and economic conditions change. The determination of fair value also requires discounting the sale of inventory byestimated cash flows at a rate we believe a market participant would determine to be commensurate with the unconsolidated entities. Such inventory is also reviewed for potential impairment byinherent risks associated with the unconsolidated entitiesassets and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in accordance with SFAS 144. The unconsolidated entitiesdetermining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life and development stage. We generally use a 20% discount rate in their SFAS 144 reviews for impairment,of approximately 20%, subject to the perceived risks associated with the community’s cash flow streams relative to its inventory. If a valuation adjustment

We estimate the fair value of inventory evaluated for impairment based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the inventory is recorded by an unconsolidated entity in accordance with SFAS 144,evaluated, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our proportionate share of it is reflectedassumptions change. For example, further market deterioration or changes in our equity in earnings (loss) fromassumptions may lead to us incurring additional impairment charges on previously impaired inventory, as well as on inventory not currently impaired, but for which indicators of impairment may arise if further market deterioration occurs.

We also have access to land inventory through option contracts, which generally enables us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether to exercise our option. A majority of our option contracts require a non-refundable cash deposit or

irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase price of the land. Our option contracts are recorded at cost. In determining whether to walk-away from an option contract, we evaluate the option primarily based upon the expected cash flows from the property that is the subject of the option. If we intend to walk-away from an option contract, we record a charge to earnings in the period such decision is made for the deposit amount and related pre-acquisition costs associated with the option contract.

We believe that the accounting related to inventory valuation and impairment is a corresponding decreasecritical accounting policy because: (1) assumptions inherent in the valuation of our inventory are highly subjective and susceptible to change and (2) the impact of recognizing impairments on our inventory has been and could continue to be material to our investment in unconsolidated entities. In certain instances, we may be requiredconsolidated financial statements. Our evaluation of inventory impairment, as discussed above, includes many assumptions. The critical assumptions include the timing of the home sales within a community, management’s projections of selling prices and costs and the discount rate applied to record additional losses relating to our investment in unconsolidated entities under APB 18; such losses are included in management fees and other income (expense), net. We believe ourestimate the fair value of the homesites within a community on the balance sheet date. Our assumptions on the projected future distributions from the unconsolidated entitiestiming of home sales are critical because the operating results of the unconsolidated entities from which the projected distributions are derived are dependent on the status of the homebuilding industry which has historically been cyclical and sensitive to changes in economic conditions such as interest rates, credit availability, unemployment levels and consumer sentiment. Changes in these economic conditions could materially affect the projected operational results ofsales price, costs to develop the unconsolidated entities from which the distributions are derived.

We believe ourhomesites and/or absorption rate in a community. Our assumptions on discount rates are also critical accounting policies because the selection of thea discount rates alsorate affects the estimated fair value of our investment in unconsolidated entities.the homesites within a community. A higher discount rate reduces the estimated fair value of our investment in unconsolidated entities,the homesites within the community, while a lower discount rate increases the estimated fair value of our investment in unconsolidated entities.the homesites within a community. Because of changes in economic and market conditions and assumptions and estimates required of management in valuing inventory during changing market conditions, actual results could differ materially from management’s assumptions and may require material valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entitiesinventory impairment charges to be recorded in the future.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, we recorded $205.0 million, $496.4 million and $140.9 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities, which included $32.2 million, $364.2 million and $126.4 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006, of our share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of our unconsolidated entities and $172.8 million, $132.2 million and $14.5 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006, of valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities in accordance with APB 18. Thesethe following inventory impairments:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes (1)

  $44,717     180,239     195,518  

Valuation adjustments to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties

   3,436     95,314     47,791  

Write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs

   3,105     84,372     97,172  
               

Total inventory impairments

  $51,258     359,925     340,481  
               

(1)Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 relate to 33 communities, 131 communities and 146 communities, respectively.

The valuation adjustments were calculatedestimated based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the valuation adjustments were recorded, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our assumptions change. See Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this document for details related to valuation adjustments and write-offs by reportable segment and homebuilding other.

Financial Services OperationsHomebuilding Other.

 

Revenue Recognition

Premiums from title insurance policies are recognized as revenue on the effective date of the policies. Escrow fees and loan origination revenues are recognized at the time the related real estate transactions are completed, usually upon the close of escrow. Gains and losses from the sale of loans and the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of a loan are included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings at the time of commitment. Interest income on loans held-for-sale and loans held-for-investment is recognized as earned over the terms of the mortgage loans based on the contractual interest rates. We believe that the accounting policy related to revenue recognition is a critical accounting policy because of the significance of revenue.

Allowance for Loan and Other Losses

We provide an allowance for loan losses by taking into consideration various factors such as past loan loss experience, present economic conditions and other factors considered relevant by management. Anticipated changes in economic conditions, which may influence the level of the allowance, are considered in the evaluation by management when the likelihood of the changes can be reasonably determined. This analysis is based on judgments and estimates and may change in response to economic developments or other conditions that may influence borrowers’ financial conditions or prospects. At November 30, 2008, the allowance for loan losses was $20.4 million, compared to $11.1 million at November 30, 2007. We believe that the 2008 year-end allowance is adequate, particularly in view of the fact that we usually sell the loans in the secondary mortgage market on a non-recourse basis within 30 days after we originate them. Since we remain liable for certain representations and warranties, there can be no assurances that further deterioration in the housing market and future economic or financial developments, including general interest rate increases or a slowdown in the economy, might not lead to increased provisions to the allowance or a higher occurrence of loan write-offs. This allowance requires management’s judgment and estimate. For these reasons, we believe that the accounting estimate related to the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate.

We provide a reserve for estimated title and escrow losses based upon management’s evaluation of claims presented and estimates for any incurred but not reported claims. The reserve is established at a level that management estimates to be sufficient to satisfy those claims where a loss is determined to be probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The reserve for title and escrow losses for both known and incurred but not reported claims is considered by management to be adequate for such purposes.

Homebuilding and Financial Services Operations

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. Evaluating goodwill for impairment involves the determination of the fair value of our reporting units in which we have recorded goodwill. A reporting unit is a component of an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and reviewed by management on a regular basis. Inherent in the determination of fair value of our reporting units are certain estimates and judgments, including the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations as well as our strategic plans with regard to our operations. To the extent additional information arises or our strategies change, it is possible that our conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change, which could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. For these reasons, we believe that the accounting estimate related to goodwill impairment is a critical accounting estimate.

We review goodwill annually (or whenever indicators of impairment exist) for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,(“SFAS 142”). Due to the continued deterioration in market conditions as a result of tightening mortgage credit standards and other factors, we evaluated the carrying value of our Financial Services segment’s goodwill for impairment in both our third and fourth quarters of 2008. During the third quarter of 2008, we impaired $27.2 million of our Financial Services segment’s goodwill. We also performed our annual impairment test of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2008 and no additional impairments were recorded.

During the year ended November 30, 2007, we impaired $190.2 million of goodwill related to our homebuilding operations. We did not record impairment charges during the year ended November 30, 2006. As of November 30, 2008 and 2007, there were no material identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill.

During the year ended November 30, 2007, we used an equally weighted combination of the market and income approaches to determine the fair value of our reporting units when performing our impairment test of goodwill in accordance with SFAS 142.

The market approach establishes fair value by comparing our company to other publicly traded guideline companies or by analysis of actual transactions of similar businesses or assets sold. We wrote off all of our homebuilding operation’s goodwill during the year ended November 30, 2007. As a result, our recorded goodwill of $61.2 million as of November 30, 2007 was attributed entirely to our Financial Services segment. For our review of the Financial Services segment’s goodwill during the third and fourth quarters of 2008, we determined the fair value of our Financial Services segment based entirely on the income approach due to a lack of guideline companies with adequate comparisons to our Financial Services segment on a stand alone basis.

The income approach establishes fair value by methods which discount or capitalize earnings and/or cash flow by a discount or capitalization rate that reflects market rate of return expectations, market conditions and the risk of the relative investment. We used a discounted cash flow method when applying the income approach. This analysis includes operating income, interest expense, taxes, incremental working capital and long-term debt, as well as other factors. The projections used in the analysis are for a five-year period and represent what we consider to be normalized earnings.

In determining the fair value of our Financial Services segment under the income approach, our expected cash flows are affected by various assumptions. The most significant assumptions affecting our expected cash flows are the discount rate, projected revenue growth rate and operating profit margin. The impact of a change in any of our significant underlying assumptions +/- 1% would not result in a materially different fair value.

At November 30, 2008 and November 30, 2007, goodwill was $34.0 million and $61.2 million, respectively. Our goodwill of $34.0 million at November 30, 2008 is recorded in our Financial Services segment.

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

 

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

 

SFAS 109 requires aA reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance is required if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets are assessed periodicallyeach reporting period by us based on the SFAS 109 more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. 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, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards not expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. Based on our assessment, the uncertain and volatile market conditions and the fact that we are now in a cumulative loss position over theupon an evaluation period,of all available evidence, we recorded a non-cashvaluation allowance against our deferred tax assets of $730.8 million during the year ended November 30, 2008, and increased it by $269.6 million during the year ended November 30, 2009. In addition, for the year ended November 30, 2009, we recorded a reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $730.8$351.8 million, primarily due to a change in tax legislation, which allowed us to carry back our fiscal year 2009 tax loss to recover previously paid income taxes. During the year ended November 30, 2008.2010, we recorded a reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $37.9 million primarily due to the recording of a deferred tax liability from the issuance of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes, and the net earnings generated

during the year. The reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to the issuance of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $609.5 million and $647.4 million, respectively. In future periods, the allowance could be reduced based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion or all of our deferred tax assets will be realized. At both November 30, 2008,2010 and 2009, we had no net deferred tax assets, compared to net deferred tax assets of $746.9 million at November 30, 2007.assets.

 

We believe that the accounting estimate for the valuation of deferred tax assets is a critical accounting estimate because judgment is required in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We base our estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates and, in certain cases, business plans and other expectations about future outcomes. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could affect actual tax results and future business results, which may affect the amount of deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax assets over time. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of future events.

Share-Based PaymentsLennar Homebuilding Operations

 

We have share-based awards outstanding under four different plans which provideRevenue Recognition

Revenues from sales of homes are recognized when sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowner, the new homeowner’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the grantinghome, the new homeowner’s receivable is not subject to future subordination and we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the new home. Revenues from sales of stock optionsland are recognized when a significant down payment is received, the earnings process is complete, title passes and stock appreciation rightscollectability of the receivable is reasonably assured. We believe that the accounting policy related to revenue recognition is a critical accounting policy because of the significance of revenue.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at cost unless the inventory within a community is determined to be impaired, in which case the impaired inventory is written down to fair value. Inventory costs include land, land development and awardshome construction costs, real estate taxes, deposits on land purchase contracts and interest related to development and construction. We review our inventory for indicators of restricted common stock (“nonvested shares”)impairment by evaluating each community during each reporting period. The inventory within each community is categorized as finished homes and construction in progress or land under development based on the development state of the community. There were 440 and 390 active communities as of November 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. If the undiscounted cash flows expected to key officers, employees and directors. The exercise prices of stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be generated by a community are less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded to write down the marketcarrying amount of such community to its fair value.

In conducting our review for indicators of impairment on a community level, we evaluate, among other things, the margins on homes that have been delivered, margins on homes under sales contracts in backlog, projected margins on homes with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, projected margins with regard to future land sales, and the estimated fair value of the common stock on the dateland itself. We pay particular attention to communities in which inventory is moving at a slower than anticipated absorption pace and communities whose average sales price and/or margins are trending downward and are anticipated to continue to trend downward. From this review, we identify communities whose carrying values exceed their undiscounted cash flows. Although gross margins for all of the grant. No options granted under the plans may be exercisable until at least six months after the date of the grant. Thereafter, exercises are permitted in installments determined when options are granted. Each stock optionour homebuilding segments, and stock appreciation right will expire on a date determined at the time of the grant, but not more than ten years after the date of the grant.

We accountHomebuilding Other, except Homebuilding Houston, have improved for stock option awards granted under the plans in accordance with the recognition and measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS 123R”). Effective December 1, 2005, we adopted SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense recognized during the year ended November 30, 2006 included: (a) compensation expense2010, revenues of our Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding West and Homebuilding Houston segments decreased 4%, 20% and 17%, respectively, for all share-based awards granted priorthe year ended November 30, 2010, compared to the year ended November 30, 2009 due to a decrease in absorption pace.

We estimate the fair value of our communities using a discounted cash flow model. The projected cash flows for each community are significantly impacted by estimates related to market supply and demand, product type by community, homesite sizes, sales pace, sales prices, sales incentives, construction costs, sales and marketing expenses, the local economy, competitive conditions, labor costs, costs of materials and other factors for that particular community. Every division evaluates the historical performance of each of its communities as well as the current trends in the market and economy impacting the community and its surrounding areas. These trends are analyzed for each of the estimates listed above. For example, since the start of the downturn in the housing market, we have found ways to reduce our construction costs in many communities, and this reduction in construction costs in addition to changes in product type in many communities has impacted future estimated cash flows.

Each of the homebuilding markets in which we operate is unique, as homebuilding has historically been a local business driven by local market conditions and demographics. Each of our homebuilding markets has specific supply and demand relationships reflective of local economic conditions. Our projected cash flows are impacted by many assumptions. Some of the most critical assumptions in our cash flow models are our projected absorption pace for home sales, sales prices and costs to build and deliver our homes on a community by community basis.

In order to arrive at the assumed absorption pace for home sales included in our cash flow models, we analyze our historical absorption pace in the community as well as other communities in the geographical area. In addition, we analyze internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not yet vestedlimited to, statistics on population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of competing product in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing our historical absorption pace for home sales and corresponding internal and external market studies, we place greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the absorption pace realized in our most recent quarters as well as forecasted population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of December 1, 2005,competing product. Generally, if we notice a variation from historical results over a span of two fiscal quarters, we consider such variation to be the establishment of a trend and adjust our historical information accordingly in order to develop assumptions on the projected absorption pace in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to determine the assumed sales prices included in our cash flow models, we analyze the historical sales prices realized on homes we delivered in the community and other communities in the geographical area as well as the sales prices included in our current backlog for such communities. In addition, we analyze internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities and sales prices on similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing our historical sales prices and corresponding market studies, we also place greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as future forecasted sales prices in neighboring communities as well as future forecasted sales prices for similar product in non-neighboring communities. Generally, if we notice a variation from historical results over a span of two fiscal quarters, we consider such variation to be the establishment of a trend and adjust our historical information accordingly in order to develop assumptions on the projected sales prices in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to arrive at our assumed costs to build and deliver our homes, we generally assume a cost structure reflecting contracts currently in place with our vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure. Costs assumed in our cash flow models for our communities are generally based on the grant daterates we are currently obligated to pay under existing contracts with our vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure.

Due to the fact that the estimates and assumptions included in our cash flow models are based upon historical results and projected trends, they do not anticipate unexpected changes in market conditions or strategies that may lead to us incurring additional impairment charges in the future.

Using all the available trend information, we calculate our best estimate of projected cash flows for each community. While many of the estimates are calculated based on historical and projected trends, all estimates are subjective and change from market to market and community to community as market and economic conditions change. The determination of fair value also requires discounting the estimated in accordancecash flows at a rate we believe a market participant would determine to be commensurate with the original provisionsinherent risks associated with the assets and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life and development stage. We generally use a discount rate of SFAS 123, and (b) compensation expenseapproximately 20%, subject to the perceived risks associated with the community’s cash flow streams relative to its inventory.

We estimate the fair value of inventory evaluated for all share-based awards granted subsequent to December 1, 2005,impairment based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the grant date fair value estimatedtime the inventory is evaluated, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our assumptions change. For example, further market deterioration or changes in accordanceour assumptions may lead to us incurring additional impairment charges on previously impaired inventory, as well as on inventory not currently impaired, but for which indicators of impairment may arise if further market deterioration occurs.

We also have access to land inventory through option contracts, which generally enables us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether to exercise our option. A majority of our option contracts require a non-refundable cash deposit or

irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase price of the land. Our option contracts are recorded at cost. In determining whether to walk-away from an option contract, we evaluate the option primarily based upon the expected cash flows from the property that is the subject of the option. If we intend to walk-away from an option contract, we record a charge to earnings in the period such decision is made for the deposit amount and related pre-acquisition costs associated with the provisions of SFAS 123R.option contract.

 

We believe that the accounting estimate for share based paymentsrelated to inventory valuation and impairment is a critical accounting estimate becausepolicy because: (1) assumptions inherent in the calculationvaluation of share-based employee compensation expense involves estimates that requireour inventory are highly subjective and susceptible to change and (2) the impact of recognizing impairments on our inventory has been and could continue to be material to our consolidated financial statements. Our evaluation of inventory impairment, as discussed above, includes many assumptions. The critical assumptions include the timing of the home sales within a community, management’s judgments. These estimates includeprojections of selling prices and costs and the discount rate applied to estimate the fair value of each of our stock option awards, which are estimatedthe homesites within a community on the datebalance sheet date. Our assumptions on the timing of grant usinghome sales are critical because the homebuilding industry has historically been cyclical and sensitive to changes in economic conditions such as interest rates, credit availability, unemployment levels and consumer sentiment. Changes in these economic conditions could materially affect the projected sales price, costs to develop the homesites and/or absorption rate in a Black-Scholes option-pricing model as discussedcommunity. Our assumptions on discount rates are critical because the selection of a discount rate affects the estimated fair value of the homesites within a community. A higher discount rate reduces the estimated fair value of the homesites within the community, while a lower discount rate increases the estimated fair value of the homesites within a community. Because of changes in economic and market conditions and assumptions and estimates required of management in valuing inventory during changing market conditions, actual results could differ materially from management’s assumptions and may require material inventory impairment charges to be recorded in the future.

During the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recorded the following inventory impairments:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes (1)

  $44,717     180,239     195,518  

Valuation adjustments to land we intend to sell or have sold to third parties

   3,436     95,314     47,791  

Write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs

   3,105     84,372     97,172  
               

Total inventory impairments

  $51,258     359,925     340,481  
               

(1)Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which we intend to build homes for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 relate to 33 communities, 131 communities and 146 communities, respectively.

The valuation adjustments were estimated based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the valuation adjustments were recorded, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our assumptions change. See Note 132 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included underin Item 8 of this document.document for details related to valuation adjustments and write-offs by reportable segment and Homebuilding Other.

Warranty Costs

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

At November 30, 2010, the reserve for warranty costs was $109.2 million, which included $23.3 million related to defective drywall manufactured in China that was purchased and installed by various of our subcontractors. While we believe that the reserve for warranty costs is adequate, there can be no assurances that

historical data and trends will accurately predict our actual warranty costs. Additionally, there can be no assurances that future economic or financial developments might not lead to a significant change in the reserve.

Lennar Homebuilding Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

We strategically invest in unconsolidated entities that acquire and develop land (1) for our homebuilding operations or for sale to third parties or (2) for construction of homes for sale to third-party homebuyers. Our partners generally are unrelated homebuilders, land owners/developers and financial or other strategic partners.

Most of the unconsolidated entities through which we acquire and develop land are accounted for by the equity method of accounting because we are not the primary beneficiary, and we have a significant, but less than controlling, interest in the entities. We record our investments in these entities in our consolidated balance sheets as “Lennar Homebuilding Investments in Unconsolidated Entities” and our pro-rata share of the entities’ earnings or losses in our consolidated statements of operations as “Lennar Homebuilding Equity in Earnings (Loss) from Unconsolidated Entities,” as described in Note 4 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Advances to these entities are included in the investment balance.

Management looks at specific criteria and uses its judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary of, or have a controlling interest in, an unconsolidated entity. Factors considered in determining whether we have significant influence or we have control include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of the other partners, voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions and continuing involvement. The accounting policy relating to the use of the equity method of accounting is a critical accounting policy due to the judgment required in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary or have control or significant influence.

As of November 30, 2010, we believe that the equity method of accounting is appropriate for our investments in Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities where we are not the primary beneficiary and we do not have a controlling interest, but rather share control with our partners. At November 30, 2010, the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which we had investments had total assets of $3.8 billion and total liabilities of $1.6 billion.

We evaluate our investments in Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities for indicators of impairment during each reporting period. A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in the value of our investment in the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity has occurred which is other-than-temporary. The amount of impairment recognized is the excess of the investment’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value.

The evaluation of our investment in Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities includes certain critical assumptions: (1) projected future distributions from the unconsolidated entities, (2) discount rates applied to the future distributions and (3) various other factors.

Our assumptions on the projected future distributions from the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities are dependent on market conditions. Specifically, distributions are dependent on cash to be generated from the sale of inventory by the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities. Such inventory is also reviewed for potential impairment by the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities. The review for inventory impairment performed by our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities is materially consistent with our process, as discussed above, for evaluating our own inventory as of the end of a reporting period. The Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities generally also use a discount rate of approximately 20% in their reviews for impairment, subject to the perceived risks associated with the community’s cash flow streams relative to its inventory. If a valuation adjustment is recorded by an unconsolidated entity related to its assets, our proportionate share of it is reflected in our Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities with a corresponding decrease to our Lennar Homebuilding investment in unconsolidated entities. In certain instances, we may be required to record additional losses relating to our Lennar Homebuilding investment in unconsolidated entities; such losses are included in Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net. We believe our assumptions on the projected future distributions from the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities are critical because the operating results of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities from which the projected distributions are derived are dependent on the status of the homebuilding industry, which has historically been cyclical and sensitive to changes in economic conditions such as interest rates, credit availability, unemployment levels and consumer sentiment. Changes in these economic conditions could materially affect the projected operational results of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities from which the distributions are derived.

In addition, we believe our assumptions on discount rates are critical accounting policies because the selection of the discount rates affects the estimated fair value of our stock option awards,Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities. A higher discount rate reduces the estimated fair value of our Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities, while a lower discount rate increases the estimated fair value of our Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities. Because of changes in economic conditions, actual results could differ materially from management’s assumptions and may require material valuation adjustments to our Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities to be recorded in the future.

Additionally, we consider various qualitative factors to determine if a decrease in the value of our investment is other-than-temporary. These factors include age of the venture, intent and ability for us to recover our investment in the entity, financial condition and long-term prospects of the entity, short-term liquidity needs of the unconsolidated entity, trends in the general economic environment of the land, entitlement status of the land held by the unconsolidated entity, overall projected returns on investments, defaults under contracts with third parties (including bank debt), recoverability of the investment through future cash flows and relationships with the other partners and banks. If we believe that the decline in the fair value of the investment is temporary, then no impairment is recorded.

During the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recorded the following valuation adjustments related to our Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Our share of valuation adjustments related to assets of Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

  $10,461     101,893     32,245  

Valuation adjustments to our Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities

   1,735     88,972     172,790  
               

Total valuation adjustments to our Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities

  $12,196     190,865     205,035  
               

These valuation adjustments were calculated based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the valuation adjustments were recorded, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or our assumptions change. See Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this document for details related to valuation adjustments and write-offs by reportable segment and homebuilding other.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

GAAP requires the consolidation of VIEs in which an enterprise has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Our variable interest in VIEs may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets, (3) management services and development agreements between us and a VIE, (4) loans provided by us to a VIE or other partner and/or (5) guarantees provided by members to banks and other third parties. We examine specific criteria and use our judgment when determining if we are subject to graded vesting, is expensedthe primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a straight-line basisVIE’s executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights or voting rights, level of economic disproportionality between us and the other partner(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs. The accounting policy relating to variable interest entities is a critical accounting policy because the determination whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether we are primary beneficiary may require us to exercise significant judgment.

Generally, all major decision making in our joint ventures is shared between all partners. In particular, business plans and budgets are generally required to be unanimously approved by all partners. Usually, management and other fees earned by us are nominal and believed to be at market and there is no significant economic disproportionality between us and other partners. Generally, we purchase less than a majority of the JV’s assets and the purchase prices under our option contracts are believed to be at market.

Generally, our Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities become VIEs and consolidate when the other partner(s) lack the intent and financial wherewithal to remain in the entity. As a result, we continue to fund operations and debt paydowns through partner loans or substituted capital contributions.

Financial Services Operations

Revenue Recognition

Premiums from title insurance policies are recognized as revenue on the effective date of the policies. Escrow fees and loan origination revenues are recognized at the time the related real estate transactions are completed, usually upon the close of escrow. Expected gains and losses from the sale of loans and their related servicing rights are included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings at the time of commitment. Interest income on loans held-for-sale and loans held-for-investment is recognized as earned over the vestingterms of the mortgage loans based on the contractual interest rates. We believe that the accounting policy related to revenue recognition is a critical accounting policy because of the significance of revenue.

Loan Origination Liabilities

Substantially all of the loans we originate are sold within a short period in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis. After the loans are sold, we retain potential liability for possible claims by purchasers that we breached certain limited industry-standard representations and warranties in the loan sale agreement. There has been an increased industry-wide effort by purchasers to defray their losses in an unfavorable economic environment by purporting to have found inaccuracies related to sellers’ representations and warranties in particular loan sale agreements. Our mortgage operations has established liabilities for anticipated losses associated with mortgage loans previously originated and sold to investors. We establish liabilities for such anticipated losses based upon, among other things, an analysis of repurchase requests received, an estimate of potential repurchase claims not yet received, our actual past repurchases, and losses through the disposition of affected loans. While we believe that we have adequately reserved for losses known and projected repurchase requests, given the volatility in the mortgage industry and the uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of these claims, if either actual repurchases or the losses incurred resolving those repurchases exceed our expectations, additional recourse expense may be incurred. This allowance requires management’s judgment and estimate. For these reasons, we believe that the accounting estimate related to the loan origination losses is a critical accounting estimate.

Goodwill

At both November 30, 2010 and 2009, our goodwill was $34.0 million, which is part of our Lennar Financial Services segment. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. Evaluating goodwill for impairment involves the determination of the fair value of our reporting units in which we have recorded goodwill. A reporting unit is a component of an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and reviewed by management on a regular basis. Inherent in the determination of fair value of our reporting units are certain estimates and judgments, including the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations as well as our strategic plans with regard to our operations. To the extent additional information arises or our strategies change, it is possible that our conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change, which could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. For these reasons, we believe that the accounting estimate related to goodwill impairment is a critical accounting estimate.

We review goodwill annually (or whenever indicators of impairment exist) for impairment. Due to operating losses in the title operations of our Lennar Financial Services segment through the nine months ended August 31, 2010 and other factors, we evaluated the carrying value of our Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill in both our third and fourth quarters of 2010. The evaluations concluded that an impairment was not required for our Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill during 2010.

During the year ended November 30, 2009, we did not record goodwill impairment charges. During the year ended November 30, 2008, we impaired $27.2 million of our Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill. As of November 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no material identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill.

For our review of the Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill during the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, we determined the fair value of our Lennar Financial Services segment based entirely on the

income approach due to a lack of guideline companies with adequate comparisons to our Lennar Financial Services segment on a stand alone basis.

The income approach establishes fair value by methods which discount or capitalize earnings and/or cash flow by a discount or capitalization rate that reflects market rate of return expectations, market conditions and the risk of the relative investment. We used a discounted cash flow method when applying the income approach. This analysis includes operating income, interest expense, taxes and incremental working capital, as well as other factors. The projections used in the analysis are for a five-year period and represent what we consider to be normalized earnings.

In determining the fair value of our Lennar Financial Services segment under the income approach, our expected cash flows are affected by various assumptions. The most significant assumptions affecting our expected cash flows are the discount rate, projected revenue growth rate and operating profit margin. The impact of a change in any of our significant underlying assumptions +/- 1% would not result in a materially different fair value.

Rialto Investments

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality

All of the acquired loans for which (1) there was evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and (2) for which it was deemed probable that we would be unable to collect all contractually required principal and interest payments were accounted under ASC Topic 310-30,Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, (“ASC 310-30”). For loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, management determined upon acquisition the loan’s value based on extensive due diligence on each of the loans, the underlying properties and the borrowers. We determined fair value by discounting the cash flows expected to be collected adjusted for factors that a market participant would consider when determining fair value. Factors considered in the valuation were projected cash flows for the loans, type of loan and related collateral, classification status and current discount rates. Since the estimates are based on projections, all estimates are subjective and can change due to unexpected changes in economic conditions and loan performance. For these reasons, we believe that the accounting related to loans with deteriorated credit quality is a critical accounting policy.

Revenue Recognition—Accretable Yield

Under ASC 310-30, loans were pooled together according to common risk characteristics. The excess of the cash flows expected to be collected from the loans receivable at acquisition over the initial investment for those loans receivable is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the expected life of the options. Expected volatilitypools primarily using the effective yield method. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is based on an averagereferred to as the nonaccretable difference. Changes in the expected cash flows of (1) historical volatility of our stock and (2) implied volatilityloans receivable from traded options on our stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option award is based on the yield curve of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond on the date of acquisition will either impact the stock option awardaccretable yield or result in a charge to the provision for loan losses in the period in which the changes become probable. Prepayments are treated as a reduction of cash flows expected to be collected and a reduction of contractually required payments such that the nonaccretable difference is granted with a maturity equalnot affected. Subsequent significant decreases to the expected termcash flows will generally result in a charge to the provision for loan losses, resulting in an increase to the allowance for loan losses, and a reclassification from accretable yield to nonaccretable difference. Subsequent probable and significant increases in cash flows will result in a recovery of any previously recorded allowance for loan losses, to the extent applicable, and a reclassification from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield. Amounts related to the ASC 310-30 loans are estimates and may change as we obtain additional information related to the respective loans and the inherent uncertainty associated with estimating the amount and timing of the stock option award granted.expected cash flows associated with distressed residential and commercial real estate loans. The timing and amount of expected cash flows and related accretable yield can also be impacted by disposal of loans, loans payoffs or expected foreclosures, which result in removal of the loans from the pools. Since the cash flows are based on projections, they are subjective and can change due to unexpected changes in economic conditions and loan performance. We use historical data to estimate stock option exercises and forfeitures within our valuation model. The expected lifebelieve that the accretable yield is a critical accounting policy because of stock option awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under our share-based payment plans and represents the period of time that stock option awards granted are expected to be outstanding.significant judgment required.

 

SFAS 123R requiresNonaccrual Loans—Revenue Recognition & Impairment

Management classifies certain loans as nonaccrual and discontinues accruing interest income when future collectability of the recorded loan balance is doubtful. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, unpaid accrued interest income recognized is reversed and any subsequent cash receipt is accounted for using either the cost recovery or cash basis method. Loans are generally returned to accrual status when payments are made that cash flows resulting from tax benefits related to tax deductionsbring the loan account current under the terms of the agreement or when the loan becomes well secured and is in

the process of collection. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, the carrying value of the receivable is in excess of its fair value. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the compensation expensepresent value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loans obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral. If we determine that the value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, we recognize impairment through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned represents real estate which our Rialto segment has taken control of in partial or full satisfaction of loans receivable. At the time of acquisition, REO is recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. The amount by which the recorded investment in the loan is greater or less than the REO’s fair value (net of estimated cost to sell), is recorded as a gain or loss on foreclosure within Rialto Investments other income, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. Subsequently, management periodically performs valuations such that the real estate is carried at the lower of its new cost basis or fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. Any subsequent valuation adjustments, operating expenses or income, and gains and losses on disposition of such properties are also recognized in Rialto Investments other income, net. We believe that the accounting for those options (excess tax benefits) be classified as financing cash flows.REO is a critical accounting policy because of the significant judgment required.

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

 

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on our investments, debt obligations, loans held-for-sale and loans held-for-investment. We utilize forward commitments and option contracts to mitigate the risks associated with our mortgage loan portfolio.

The table below provides information at November 30, 20082010 about our significant financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For loans held-for-sale, loans held-for-investment, net and investments held-to-maturity, senior notes and other debts payable and notes and other debts payable, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average effective interest rates by expected maturity dates and estimated fair values at November 30, 2008.2010. Weighted average variable interest rates are based on the variable interest rates at November 30, 2008.

2010. Rialto Investments loans receivable are not included in the table below because income is recorded through accretable yield due to the loans acquired having deteriorated credit quality, thus we believe they are not sensitive to changes in interest rates. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 and Notes 1 and 1614 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a further discussion of these items and our strategy of mitigating our interest rate risk.

 

Information Regarding Interest Rate Sensitivity

Principal (Notional) Amount by

Expected Maturity and Average Interest Rate

November 30, 20082010

 

  Years Ending November 30, Thereafter  Total  Fair Value at
November 30,
2008
  Years Ending November 30, Thereafter  Total  Fair Value at
November 30,
2010
 
  2009 2010 2011 2012 2013   2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 
  (Dollars in millions)  (Dollars in millions) 

ASSETS

                  

Financial services:

         

Loans held-for-sale, net:

         

Rialto Investments:

         

Investments held-to-maturity:

         

Fixed rate

  $—      —      —      —      —      19.5    19.5    19.5  

Average interest rate

   —      —      —      —      —      4.0  4.0  —    

Lennar Financial Services:

         

Loans held-for-sale:

         

Fixed rate

  $—    —    —    —    —    189.8  189.8  189.8  $—      —      —      —      —      236.1    236.1    236.1  

Average interest rate

   —    —    —    —    —    5.6% 5.6% —     —      —      —      —      —      4.3  4.3  —    

Variable rate

  $—    —    —    —    —    0.3  0.3  0.3  $—      —      —      —      —      9.3    9.3    9.3  

Average interest rate

   —    —    —    —    —    8.8% 8.8% —     —      —      —      —      —      3.1  3.1  —    

Loans held-for-investment and investments held-to-maturity:

         

Loans held-for-investment, net and investments held-to-maturity:

         

Fixed rate

  $48.1  4.5  0.7  0.8  0.9  15.6  70.6  70.7  $2.8    1.4    0.5    0.6    0.6    13.1    19.0    20.3  

Average interest rate

   1.3% 6.8% 8.6% 8.7% 8.7% 8.6% 3.5% —     1.9  3.0  7.1  7.1  7.2  6.6  5.7  —    

Variable rate

  $0.1  0.1  0.1  0.1  —    6.5  6.9  6.9  $0.1    0.1    0.2    0.2    0.2    5.1    5.9    5.9  

Average interest rate

   7.2% 7.2% 7.2% 7.2% —    7.2% 7.2% —     3.6  3.6  3.7  3.7  3.7  4.0  4.0  —    

LIABILITIES

                  

Homebuilding:

         

Lennar Homebuilding:

         

Senior notes and other debts payable:

                  

Fixed rate

  $301.3  302.5  249.6  —    346.9  999.4  2,199.7  1,440.5  $131.5    6.4    267.3    270.1    504.6    1,544.5    2,724.4    2,749.3  

Average interest rate

   7.1% 5.1% 6.0% —    6.0% 5.8% 5.9% —     5.8  4.4  5.9  5.7  5.6  6.3  6.1  —    

Variable rate

  $126.2  155.8  22.6  —    40.6  —    345.2  345.2  $75.5    231.9    85.9    9.5    —      1.0    403.8    403.8  

Average interest rate

   5.0% 3.8% 2.7% —    5.2% —    4.3% —     2.9  3.3  4.8  5.5  —      3.5  3.6  —    

Financial services:

         

Rialto Investments:

         

Notes payable:

         

Fixed rate (1)

  $—      156.9    314.0    156.0    —      —      626.9    600.1  

Average interest rate

   —      0.0  0.0  0.0  —      —      —      —    

Variable rate

  $—      13.0    20.0    33.0    33.0    26.4    125.4    119.6  

Average interest rate

   —      4.5  4.5  4.5  4.5  4.5  4.5  —    

Lennar Financial Services:

         

Notes and other debts payable:

                  

Fixed rate

  $0.1  0.1  —    —    —    —    0.2  0.2  $0.1    —      —      —      —      —      0.1    0.1  

Average interest rate

   7.2% 7.8% —    —    —    —    7.7% —     8.0  —      —      —      —      —      8.0  —    

Variable rate

  $225.6  —    —    —    —    —    225.6  225.6  $271.6    —      —      —      —      —      271.6    271.6  

Average interest rate

   3.4% —    —    —    —    —    3.4% —     3.8  —      —      —      —      —      3.8  —    

(1)The notes payable have extension provisions which could extend the maturity of amounts due for up to seven years from origination.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework inInternal Control—Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework inInternal Control—Integrated Framework,our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of November 30, 2008.2010. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 20082010 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report which is included herein.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Lennar Corporation

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Lennar Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 30, 2008,2010, based on the criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2008,2010, based on the criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended November 30, 20082010 of the Company and our report dated January 26, 200931, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.statements and included an explanatory paragraph related to retrospective adjustments for the adoption of certain accounting standards related to the presentation of noncontrolling interests and the disclosure guidance applicable to variable interest entities and the adoption of other provisions of the amended consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities which resulted in the deconsolidation of certain option contracts.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Certified Public Accountants

 

Miami, Florida

January 26, 200931, 2011

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Lennar Corporation

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lennar Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2008.2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lennar Corporation and subsidiaries as of November 30, 20082010 and 20072009 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2008,2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption, on December 1, 2009, of certain accounting standards related to the presentation of noncontrolling interests and the disclosure guidance applicable to variable interest entities. The Company also adopted other provisions of the amended consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities which resulted in the deconsolidation of certain option contracts on December 1, 2009.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2008,2010, based on the criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated January 26, 200931, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Certified Public Accountants

 

Miami, Florida

January 26, 200931, 2011

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

November 30, 20082010 and 20072009

 

   2008  2007 
   (In thousands, except per
share amounts)
 
ASSETS   

Homebuilding:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,091,468  642,467 

Restricted cash

   8,828  35,429 

Receivables, net

   94,520  207,691 

Income tax receivables

   255,460  881,525 

Inventories:

   

Finished homes and construction in progress

   2,080,345  2,180,670 

Land under development

   1,741,407  1,500,075 

Consolidated inventory not owned

   678,338  819,658 
        

Total inventories

   4,500,090  4,500,403 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   766,752  934,271 

Other assets

   99,802  863,152 
        
   6,816,920  8,064,938 

Financial services

   607,978  1,037,809 
        

Total assets

  $7,424,898  9,102,747 
        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Homebuilding:

   

Accounts payable

  $246,727  376,134 

Liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned

   592,777  719,081 

Senior notes and other debts payable

   2,544,935  2,295,436 

Other liabilities

   834,873  1,129,791 
        
   4,219,312  4,520,442 

Financial services

   416,833  731,658 
        

Total liabilities

   4,636,145  5,252,100 

Minority interest

   165,746  28,528 

Stockholders’ equity:

   

Preferred stock

   —    —   

Class A common stock of $0.10 par value per share
Authorized: 2008 and 2007—300,000 shares Issued: 2008—140,503 shares; 2007—139,309 shares

   14,050  13,931 

Class B common stock of $0.10 par value per share
Authorized: 2008 and 2007—90,000 shares Issued: 2008—32,964 shares; 2007—32,962 shares

   3,296  3,296 

Additional paid-in capital

   1,944,626  1,920,386 

Retained earnings

   1,273,159  2,496,933 

Deferred compensation plan; 2007—36 Class A common shares and 4 Class B common shares

   —    (332)

Deferred compensation liability

   —    332 

Treasury stock, at cost; 2008—11,229 Class A common shares and 1,680 Class B common shares; 2007—10,705 Class A common shares and 1,679 Class B common shares

   (612,124) (610,366)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   —    (2,061)
        

Total stockholders’ equity

   2,623,007  3,822,119 
        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $7,424,898  9,102,747 
        
   2010 (1)     2009 (1) 
   (In thousands, except shares and
per share amounts)
 
ASSETS      

Lennar Homebuilding:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,207,247       1,330,603  

Restricted cash

   8,195       9,225  

Income tax receivables

   3,783       334,428  

Receivables, net

   78,419       122,053  

Inventories:

      

Finished homes and construction in progress

   1,491,292       1,503,346  

Land and land under development

   2,223,300       1,990,430  

Consolidated inventory not owned

   455,016       594,213  
            

Total inventories

   4,169,608       4,087,989  

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   626,185       599,266  

Other assets

   307,810       263,803  
            
   6,401,247       6,747,367  

Rialto Investments:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   76,412       —    

Defeasance cash to retire notes payable

   101,309       —    

Loans receivable

   1,219,314       —    

Real estate owned

   258,104       —    

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   84,526       9,874  

Other assets

   37,949       —    
            
   1,777,614       9,874  

Lennar Financial Services

   608,990       557,550  
            

Total assets

  $8,787,851       7,314,791  
            

(1)As a result of the adoption of certain provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810,Consolidations, (“ASC 810”) the Company is required to separately disclose on its consolidated balance sheets the assets of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that are owned by the consolidated VIEs and liabilities of consolidated VIEs as to which there is no recourse against the Company.

As of November 30, 2010, total assets include $2,300.2 million related to consolidated VIEs of which $34.1 million is included in Lennar Homebuilding cash and cash equivalents, $0.2 million in Lennar Homebuilding restricted cash, $6.6 million in Lennar Homebuilding receivables, net, $221.7 million in Lennar Homebuilding finished homes and construction in progress, $400.7 million in Lennar Homebuilding land and land under development, $87.4 million in Lennar Homebuilding consolidated inventory not owned, $38.8 million in Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities, $159.5 million in Lennar Homebuilding other assets, $72.4 million in Rialto Investments cash and cash equivalents, $101.3 million in Rialto Investments defeasance cash to retire notes payable, $974.4 million in Rialto Investments loans receivable, $188.5 million in Rialto Investments real estate owned and $14.6 million in Rialto Investments other assets.

As of November 30, 2009, total assets include $1,002.0 million related to consolidated VIEs of which $25.9 million is included in Lennar Homebuilding cash and cash equivalents, $1.5 million in Lennar Homebuilding restricted cash, $5.5 million in Lennar Homebuilding receivables, net, $253.2 million in Lennar Homebuilding finished homes and construction in progress, $341.0 million in Lennar Homebuilding land and land under development, $182.7 million in Lennar Homebuilding consolidated inventory not owned, $35.3 million in Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities and $156.9 million in Lennar Homebuilding other assets.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

November 30, 2010 and 2009

   2010 (2)  2009 (2) 
   (In thousands, except shares
and per share amounts)
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   

Lennar Homebuilding:

   

Accounts payable

  $168,006    169,596  

Liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned

   384,233    518,359  

Senior notes and other debts payable

   3,128,154    2,761,352  

Other liabilities

   694,142    862,584  
         
   4,374,535    4,311,891  

Rialto Investments:

   

Notes payable and other liabilities

   770,714    —    

Lennar Financial Services

   448,219    414,886  
         

Total liabilities

   5,593,468    4,726,777  

Stockholders’ equity:

   

Preferred stock

   —      —    

Class A common stock of $0.10 par value per share
Authorized: 2010 and 2009—300,000,000 shares
Issued: 2010—167,009,774 shares; 2009—165,154,591 shares

   16,701    16,515  

Class B common stock of $0.10 par value per share
Authorized: 2010 and 2009—90,000,000 shares
Issued: 2010—32,970,914 shares and 2009—32,963,579 shares

   3,297    3,296  

Additional paid-in capital

   2,310,339    2,208,934  

Retained earnings

   894,108    828,424  

Treasury stock, at cost; 2010—11,664,744 Class A common shares and 1,679,620 Class B common shares; 2009—11,542,970 Class A common shares and 1,679,620 Class B common shares

   (615,496  (613,690
         

Total stockholders’ equity

   2,608,949    2,443,479  
         

Noncontrolling interests

   585,434    144,535  
         

Total equity

   3,194,383    2,588,014  
         

Total liabilities and equity

  $8,787,851    7,314,791  
         

(2)As of November 30, 2010, total liabilities include $963.3 million related to consolidated VIEs as to which there was no recourse against the Company, of which $32.4 million is included in Lennar Homebuilding accounts payable, $60.6 million in Lennar Homebuilding liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned, $185.4 million in Lennar Homebuilding senior notes and other debts payable, $53.1 million in Lennar Homebuilding other liabilities and $631.8 million in Rialto Investments notes payable and other liabilities.

As of November 30, 2009, total liabilities include $429.9 million related to consolidated VIEs as to which there was no recourse against the Company, of which $27.2 million is included in Lennar Homebuilding accounts payable, $155.4 million in Lennar Homebuilding liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned, $187.2 million in Lennar Homebuilding senior notes and other debts payable and $60.1 million in Lennar Homebuilding other liabilities.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

 

   2008  2007  2006 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Revenues:

    

Homebuilding

  $4,263,038  9,730,252  15,623,040 

Financial services

   312,379  456,529  643,622 
           

Total revenues

   4,575,417  10,186,781  16,266,662 
           

Costs and expenses:

    

Homebuilding (1)

   4,541,881  12,189,077  14,677,565 

Financial services (2)

   343,369  450,409  493,819 

Corporate general and administrative

   129,752  173,202  193,307 
           

Total costs and expenses

   5,015,002  12,812,688  15,364,691 
           

Gain on recapitalization of unconsolidated entity

   133,097  175,879  —   

Goodwill impairments

   —    (190,198) —   

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities (3)

   (59,156) (362,899) (12,536)

Management fees and other income (expense), net (4)

   (199,981) (76,029) 66,629 

Minority interest income (expense), net

   4,097  (1,927) (13,415)
           

Earnings (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes

   (561,528) (3,081,081) 942,649 

(Provision) benefit for income taxes (5)

   (547,557) 1,140,000  (348,780)
           

Net earnings (loss)

  $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869 
           

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $(7.00) (12.31) 3.76 
           

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(7.00) (12.31) 3.69 
           
   2010  2009  2008 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Revenues:

    

Lennar Homebuilding

  $2,705,639    2,834,285    4,263,038  

Lennar Financial Services

   275,786    285,102    312,379  

Rialto Investments

   92,597    —      —    
             

Total revenues

   3,074,022    3,119,387    4,575,417  
             

Costs and expenses:

    

Lennar Homebuilding (1)

   2,543,323    3,210,386    4,541,881  

Lennar Financial Services (2)

   244,502    249,120    343,369  

Rialto Investments

   67,904    2,528    —    

Corporate general and administrative

   93,926    117,565    129,752  
             

Total costs and expenses

   2,949,655    3,579,599    5,015,002  
             

Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities (3)

   (10,966  (130,917  (59,156

Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net (4)

   19,135    (98,425  (172,387

Other interest expense

   (70,425  (70,850  (27,594

Gain on recapitalization of Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity

   —      —      133,097  

Rialto Investments equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

   15,363    —      —    

Rialto Investments other income, net

   17,251    —      —    
             

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   94,725    (760,404  (565,625

Benefit (provision) for income taxes (5)

   25,734    314,345    (547,557
             

Net earnings (loss) (including net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests)

   120,459    (446,059  (1,113,182

Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (6)

   25,198    (28,912  (4,097
             

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar

  $95,261    (417,147  (1,109,085
             

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $0.51    (2.45  (7.01
             

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $0.51    (2.45  (7.01
             

 

(1) Lennar Homebuilding costs and expenses include $340.5$51.3 million, $2,445.1$373.5 million and $501.8$340.5 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs for the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008.
(2) Lennar Financial Services costs and expenses for the year ended November 30, 2008 include a $27.2 million impairment of goodwill.
(3) EquityLennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities includes $32.2 million, $364.2 million and $126.4 million, respectively, of the Company’s share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments of $10.5 million, $101.9 million and $32.2 million, respectively, for the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008.
(4) Management fees andLennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net includes $172.8 million, $132.2 million and $14.5 million, respectively, of APB 18 valuation adjustments to the Company’s investments in Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities of $1.7 million, $89.0 million and $172.8 million, respectively, for the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008.
(5) (Provision) benefitBenefit (provision) for income taxes for the year ended November 30, 20082010 primarily related to settlements with various taxing authorities. For the year ended November 30, 2009, benefit (provision) for income taxes includes a reversal of the Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $351.8 million. For the year ended November 30, 2008, benefit (provision) for income taxes includes a $730.8 million valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s deferred tax assets.
(6)Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year ended November 30, 2010 includes $33.2 million related to the FDIC’s interest in the portfolio of real estate loans that the Company acquired in partnership with the FDIC. Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year ended November 30, 2009 includes ($13.6) million recorded against its deferred tax assets.as a result of $27.2 million of valuation adjustments to inventories of 50%-owned consolidated joint ventures.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

 

  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 
  (Dollars in thousands)   (Dollars in thousands) 

Class A common stock:

        

Beginning balance

  $13,931  13,689  13,025   $16,515    14,050    13,931  

Conversion of convertible senior subordinated notes to Class A common shares

   —    —    488 

Issuances of Class A common shares

   —      2,096    —    

Employee stock and director plans

   119  242  176    186    369    119  
                    

Balance at November 30,

   14,050  13,931  13,689    16,701    16,515    14,050  
                    

Class B common stock:

        

Beginning balance

   3,296  3,287  3,278    3,296    3,296    3,296  

Employee stock plans

   —    9  9    1    —      —    
                    

Balance at November 30,

   3,296  3,296  3,287    3,297    3,296    3,296  
                    

Additional paid-in capital:

        

Beginning balance

   1,920,386  1,753,695  1,486,988    2,208,934    1,944,626    1,920,386  

Conversion of convertible senior subordinated notes to Class A common shares, including tax benefit

   —    95,978  157,406 

Issuances of Class A common shares

   —      218,875    —    

Employee stock and director plans

   12,940  47,235  82,342    8,150    25,332    12,940  

Tax (provision) benefit from employee stock plans and vesting of restricted stock

   (6,139) 5,171  15,705 

Tax provision from employee stock plans and vesting of restricted stock

   —      —      (6,139

Amortization of restricted stock and performance-based stock options

   17,439  18,307  11,254    22,090    20,101    17,439  

Equity component of 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2020

   71,165    —      —    
                    

Balance at November 30,

   1,944,626  1,920,386  1,753,695    2,310,339    2,208,934    1,944,626  
                    

Retained earnings:

        

Beginning balance

   2,496,933  4,539,137  4,046,563    828,424    1,273,159    2,496,933  

Net earnings (loss)

   (1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar

   95,261    (417,147  (1,109,085

Cash dividends—Class A common stock

   (67,220) (80,984) (80,860)   (24,570  (22,448  (67,220

Cash dividends—Class B common stock

   (16,267) (20,139) (20,435)   (5,007  (5,140  (16,267

FIN 48 cumulative effect adjustment

   (24,681) —    —   

EITF 06-8 cumulative effect adjustment

   (6,521) —    —   

Cumulative effect adjustments

   —      —      (31,202
                    

Balance at November 30,

   1,273,159  2,496,933  4,539,137    894,108    828,424    1,273,159  
                    

Deferred compensation plan:

        

Beginning balance

   (332) (1,586) (4,047)   —      —      (332

Deferred compensation activity

   332  1,254  2,461    —      —      332  
                    

Balance at November 30,

  $—    (332) (1,586)  $—      —      —    
                    

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(Continued)

Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

 

  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 
  (Dollars in thousands)   (Dollars in thousands) 

Deferred compensation liability:

        

Beginning balance

  $332  1,586  4,047   $—     $—      332  

Deferred compensation activity

   (332) (1,254) (2,461)   —      —      (332
                    

Balance at November 30,

   —    332  1,586    —      —      —    
                    

Treasury stock, at cost:

        

Beginning balance

   (610,366) (606,395) (293,222)   (613,690  (612,124  (610,366

Employee stock plans

   (1,758) (3,971) (3,125)   (1,806  (1,566  (1,758

Purchases of treasury stock

   —    —    (320,104)

Reissuance of treasury stock

   —    —    10,056 
                    

Balance at November 30,

   (612,124) (610,366) (606,395)   (615,496  (613,690  (612,124
                    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss:

        

Beginning balance

   (2,061) (2,041) (5,221)   —      —      (2,061

Unrealized gains arising during period on interest rate swaps,
net of tax

   —    1,002  2,853 

Unrealized gain (loss) on Company’s portion of unconsolidated entity’s interest rate swap liability, net of tax

   2,061  (2,061) —   

Unrealized gains arising during period on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax

   —    —    7 

Reclassification adjustment for loss included in net loss for interest rate swaps, net of tax

   —    338  —   

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings for available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax

   —    —    (245)

Change to the Company’s portion of unconsolidated entity’s minimum pension liability, net of tax

   —    701  565 

Unrealized gain on Company’s portion of unconsolidated entity’s interest rate swap liability, net of tax

   —      —      2,061  
                    

Balance at November 30,

   —    (2,061) (2,041)   —      —      —    
                    

Total stockholders’ equity

  $2,623,007  3,822,119  5,701,372    2,608,949    2,443,479    2,623,007  
                    

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $(1,107,024) (1,941,101) 597,049 

Noncontrolling interests:

    

Beginning balance

   144,535    165,746    28,528  

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   25,198    (28,912  (4,097

Receipts related to noncontrolling interests

   14,088    5,620    154,275  

Payments related to noncontrolling interests

   (4,848  (7,744  (3,240

Rialto Investments non-cash consolidations

   397,588    —      —    

Non-cash activity related to noncontrolling interests

   8,873    9,825    (9,720
                    

Balance at November 30,

   585,434    144,535    165,746  
          

Total equity

   3,194,383    2,588,014    2,788,753  
          

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar

  $95,261    (417,147  (1,107,024
          

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

  $25,198    (28,912  (4,097
          

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

 

  2008  2007  2006 
  (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

   

Net earnings (loss)

 $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

  32,399  54,303  45,431 

Amortization of discount/premium on debt, net

  2,662  2,461  4,580 

Gain on recapitalization of unconsolidated entity

  (133,097) (175,879) —   

Gain on sale of personal lines insurance policies

  —    —    (17,714)

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities, including $32.2 million, $364.2 million and $126.4 million, respectively, of the Company’s share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities in 2008, 2007 and 2006

  59,156  362,899  12,536 

Distribution of earnings from unconsolidated entities

  21,069  106,883  174,979 

Minority interest (income) expense, net

  (4,097) 1,927  13,415 

Share-based compensation expense

  29,871  35,478  36,632 

Tax (provision) benefits from share-based awards

  (6,139) 5,171  15,705 

Excess tax benefits from share-based awards

  —    (4,590) (7,103)

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

  772,508  (438,817) (198,005)

Valuation adjustments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs, notes receivables and goodwill impairments

  565,465  2,767,522  501,786 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect from acquisitions:

   

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

  4,624  (10,633) (2,115)

(Increase) decrease in receivables

  828,646  (542,400) 47,843 

(Increase) decrease in inventories, excluding valuation adjustments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs

  292,264  666,228  (371,268)

Decrease in other assets

  7,166  48,509  9,253 

Decrease in financial services loans held-for-sale

  83,622  190,254  78,922 

Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities

  (346,200) (683,722) (386,211)
          

Net cash provided by operating activities

  1,100,834  444,513  552,535 
          

Cash flows from investing activities:

   

Net (additions) disposals of operating properties and equipment

  1,390  81  (26,783)

Contributions to unconsolidated entities

  (403,709) (607,957) (729,304)

Distributions of capital from unconsolidated entities

  87,802  542,346  321,610 

Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated entity

  —    354,644  —   

Decrease in financial services loans held-for-investment

  5,006  18,130  70,970 

Purchases of investment securities

  (176,514) (107,791) (108,626)

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities

  220,322  107,530  82,492 

Proceeds from sale of personal lines insurance policies

  —    —    18,500 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

  —    —    (33,213)
          

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  (265,703) 306,983  (404,354)
          

Cash flows from financing activities:

   

Net repayments under financial services debt

  (315,654) (607,794) (120,858)

Net proceeds from 5.95% senior notes

  —    —    248,665 

Net proceeds from 6.50% senior notes

  —    —    248,933 

Redemption of senior floating-rate notes due 2007

  —    —    (200,000)

Redemption of senior floating-rate notes due 2009

  —    (300,000) —   

Proceeds from other borrowings

  3,548  32,178  2,489 

Partial redemption of 7 5/8% senior notes due 2009

  (322) —    —   

Principal payments on other borrowings

  (132,055) (188,544) (150,793)

Net proceeds from sale of land to an unconsolidated land investment venture

  —    445,000  —   

Exercise of land options contracts from an unconsolidated land investment venture

  (48,434) —    —   
   2010  2009  2008 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings (loss) (including net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests)

  $120,459    (446,059  (1,113,182

Adjustments to reconcile net earning (loss) (including net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ) to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

   13,520    19,905    32,399  

Amortization of discount/premium on debt, net

   6,560    1,736    2,662  

Gain on recapitalization of Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity

   —      —      (133,097

Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities, including $10.5 million, $101.9 million and $32.2 million, respectively, of the Company’s share of valuation adjustments related to assets of Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in 2010, 2009 and 2008

   10,966    130,917    59,156  

Distribution of earnings from Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

   7,280    2,498    21,069  

Rialto Investments equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

   (15,363  —      —    

Distributions of earnings from Rialto Investments unconsolidated entities

   3,261    —      —    

Share-based compensation expense

   28,075    30,392    29,871  

Tax provision from share-based awards

   —      —      (6,139

Deferred income tax provision

   —      —      772,508  

Gain on retirement of Lennar Homebuilding other debt

   (19,384  —      —    

Loss (gain) on retirement of Lennar Homebuilding senior notes

   11,714    (1,183  —    

Gains on Rialto Investments real estate owned

   (20,982  —      —    

Valuation adjustments, write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs, write-offs of notes and other receivables and goodwill impairments

   54,511    472,137    565,465  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

   5,137    (4,066  4,624  

Decrease (increase) in receivables

   340,444    (117,874  828,646  

(Increase) decrease in inventories, excluding valuation adjustments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs

   (115,247  428,964    292,264  

Decrease (increase) in other assets

   28,269    (5,125  7,166  

(Increase) decrease in Lennar Financial Services loans held-for-sale

   (64,130  4,497    83,622  

Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities

   (120,862  (95,896  (346,200
             

Net cash provided by operating activities

   274,228    420,843    1,100,834  
             

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Net (additions) disposals of operating properties and equipment

   (5,062  329    1,390  

Investments in and contributions to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

   (209,274  (316,120  (403,709

Distributions of capital from Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

   29,401    24,119    87,802  

Investments in and contributions to Rialto Investments unconsolidated entities

   (64,310  (9,874  —    

Investments in and contributions to Rialto Investments consolidated entities (net of $93.7 million cash and cash equivalents consolidated)

   (171,399  —      —    

Acquisitions of Rialto Investments portfolios of distressed loans and real estate assets

   (184,699  —      —    

Increase in Rialto Investments defeasance cash to retire notes payable

   (101,309  —      —    

Receipts of principal payments on loans receivable

   33,923    —      —    

Proceeds from sales of real estate owned

   16,853    —      —    

Decrease in Lennar Financial Services loans held-for-investment, net

   2,276    9,655    5,006  

Investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities

   (19,447  —      —    

Purchases of investment securities

   (6,043  (1,747  (176,514

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities

   5,719    18,518    220,322  
             

Net cash used in investing activities

   (673,371  (275,120  (265,703
             

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)

Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

 

   2008  2007  2006 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Receipts related to minority interests

   154,275  9,008  1,449 

Payments related to minority interests

   (3,240) (45,553) (72,800)

Excess tax benefits from share-based awards

   —    4,590  7,103 

Common stock:

    

Issuances

   224  21,588  31,131 

Repurchases

   (1,758) (3,971) (323,229)

Dividends

   (83,487) (101,123) (101,295)
           

Net cash used in financing activities

   (426,903) (734,621) (429,205)
           

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $408,228  16,875  (281,024)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   795,194  778,319  1,059,343 
           

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $1,203,422  795,194  778,319 
           

Summary of cash and cash equivalents:

    

Homebuilding

  $1,091,468  642,467  661,662 

Financial services

   111,954  152,727  116,657 
           
  $1,203,422  795,194  778,319 
           

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

  $37,949  32,731  28,731 

Cash (received) paid for income taxes, net

  $(877,039) 214,848  915,743 

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Conversion of debt to equity, including tax benefit

  $—    95,978  157,894 

Purchases of inventories financed by sellers

  $2,384  10,253  36,810 

Non-cash contributions to unconsolidated entities

  $27,434  73,822  39,491 

Non-cash distributions from unconsolidated entities

  $56,913  14,036  25,329 

Issuance of common stock for employee compensation

  $—    7,391  38,150 

Consolidation/deconsolidation of previously unconsolidated/consolidated entities, net:

    

Receivables

  $34,346  4,093  (232)

Inventories

  $647,466  238,060  188,191 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

  $(183,647) (69,767) (38,354)

Other assets

  $620  1,625  6,563 

Other debts payable

  $(371,811) (173,239) (81,455)

Other liabilities

  $(88,774) 6,981  (40,588)

Minority interest

  $(38,200) (7,753) (34,125)

Acquisitions:

    

Fair value of assets acquired

  $—    —    23,843 

Goodwill recorded

   —    —    10,518 

Fair value of liabilities assumed

   —    —    (1,148)
           

Cash paid

  $—    —    33,213 
           
   2010  2009  2008 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net borrowings (repayments) of Lennar Financial Services debt

   54,121    (8,226  (315,654

Proceeds from senior notes

   247,323    392,392    —    

Proceeds from convertible senior notes

   722,500    —      —    

Debt issuance costs of senior notes and convertible senior notes

   (18,415  (5,500  —    

Redemption of senior notes

   (251,943  (281,477  (322

Partial redemption of senior notes

   (222,711  (53,916  —    

Proceeds from other borrowings

   5,676    19,912    3,548  

Principal payments on other borrowings

   (141,505  (111,395  (132,055

Exercise of land options contracts from an unconsolidated land investment venture

   (39,301  (33,656  (48,434

Receipts related to noncontrolling interests

   14,088    5,620    154,275  

Payments related to noncontrolling interests

   (4,848  (7,744  (3,240

Common stock:

    

Issuances

   2,238    221,437    224  

Repurchases

   (1,806  (1,566  (1,758

Dividends

   (29,577  (27,588  (83,487
             

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   335,840    108,293    (426,903
             

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

  $(63,303  254,016    408,228  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   1,457,438    1,203,422    795,194  
             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $1,394,135    1,457,438    1,203,422  
             

Summary of cash and cash equivalents:

    

Lennar Homebuilding

  $1,207,247    1,330,603    1,091,468  

Rialto Investments

   76,412    —      —    

Lennar Financial Services

   110,476    126,835    111,954  
             
  $1,394,135    1,457,438    1,203,422  
             

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

  $77,277    55,101    37,949  

Cash received for income taxes, net

  $341,801    241,805    877,039  

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Non-cash contributions to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

  $4,899    8,150    27,434  

Non-cash distributions from Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

  $59,283    125,307    56,913  

Purchases of inventories financed by sellers

  $22,758    22,106    2,384  

Purchase of portfolios of distressed loans and real estate assets financed by sellers

  $125,395    —      —    

Rialto Investments real estate owned acquired in satisfaction of loans receivable

  $185,960    —      —    

Consolidation/deconsolidation of unconsolidated/consolidated entities, net:

    

Receivables

  $2,077    14,466    34,346  

Loans receivable

  $1,177,636    —      —    

Inventories

  $83,973    360,640    647,466  

Investments in Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities

  $(50,953  (127,449  (183,647

Investments in Rialto Investments consolidated entities

  $(171,399  —      —    

Other assets

  $68,013    68,727    620  

Debts payable

  $(688,360  (223,942  (371,811

Other liabilities

  $(14,526  (79,599  (88,774

Noncontrolling interests

  $(406,461  (12,843  (38,200

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

statements

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lennar Corporation and all subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which Lennar Corporation has a controlling interest and variable interest entitiesVIEs (see Note 16)15) in which Lennar Corporation is deemed the primary beneficiary (the “Company”). The Company’s investments in both unconsolidated entities in which a significant, but less than controlling, interest is held and in variable interest entitiesVIEs in which the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary are accounted for by the equity method. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

On December 1, 2009, the Company adopted certain provisions of ASC 810. As required by these provisions, the presentation of noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries, previously referred to as minority interests, has been changed on the consolidated balance sheets to be reflected as a component of total equity and on the consolidated statements of operations to separately disclose the amount of net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar and to the noncontrolling interests. The Company has also presented the changes in equity attributable to both Lennar Corporation and the noncontrolling interests of its subsidiaries in its consolidated statements of equity.

In addition, on December 1, 2009, the Company also adopted other provisions of ASC 810 that amended the consolidation guidance applicable to VIEs and the definition of a VIE, and require enhanced disclosures to provide more information about an enterprise’s involvement in a VIE. ASC 810 also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The adoption of these provisions resulted in certain additional disclosures and in the deconsolidation of certain option contracts totaling $75.5 million, previously included in the Company’s consolidated inventory not owned in its consolidated balance sheets (see Note 15).

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Changes in Accounting Principles

On December 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, (“FIN 48”) which provides interpretative guidance for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As a result, the Company recognized the effect of the change in accounting principle through a cumulative–effect charge of $24.7 million to retained earnings as of December 1, 2007 (see Income Taxes and Note 9).

On December 1, 2007, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force 06-8,Applicability of the Assessment of a Buyer’s Continuing Investment under FASB Statement No. 66 for Sales of Condominiums, (“EITF 06-8”) the Company changed its method of recognizing revenues and expenses on its multi-level residential buildings under construction from percentage-of-completion accounting to recognizing revenues when sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowner, the new homeowner’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the home, the receivable from the new homeowner is not subject to future subordination and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the new home in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 66,Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, (“SFAS 66”). As a result, the Company recognized the effect of the change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect charge of $6.5 million to retained earnings as of December 1, 2007.

On March 1, 2008, the Company adopted Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 109,Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value through Earnings, (“SAB 109”). SAB 109 revises and rescinds portions of SAB No. 105,Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments, and expresses the current view of the SEC that, consistent with the guidance in SFAS No. 156,Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, and SFAS No.159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, (“SFAS 159”) the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of loans should be included in the measurement of the fair value of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure various financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis. Under SFAS 159, the Company elected the fair value option for residential mortgage loans held-for-sale originated subsequent to February 29, 2008. As a result of the adoption of these accounting pronouncements, the Company’s loss before benefit for income taxes was reduced by $5.3 million in 2008.

Share-Based Payments

The Company has share-based awards outstanding under four different plans which provide for the granting of stock options and stock appreciation rights and awards of restricted common stock (“nonvested shares”) to key officers, employees and directors. The exercise prices of stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be less than the market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. No options granted under the plans may

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

be exercisable until at least six months after the date of the grant. Thereafter, exercises are permitted in installments determined when options are granted. Each stock option and stock appreciation right will expire on a date determined at the time of the grant, but not more than ten years after the date of the grant.

The Company accounts for stock option awards granted under the plans in accordance with the recognition and measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS 123R”). Effective December 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense recognized during the year ended November 30, 2006 included: (a) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, December 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to December 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from sales of homes are recognized when the sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowner, the new homeowner’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the home, the new homeowner’s receivable is not subject to future subordination and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the new home in accordance with SFAS 66.home. Revenues from sales of land are recognized when a significant down payment is received, the earnings process is complete, title passes and collectability of the receivable is reasonably assured. See Lennar Financial Services and Rialto Investments within this Note for disclosure of revenue recognition policies related to those segments.

 

Advertising Costs

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were $65.7$40.2 million, $120.4$42.2 million and $155.5$65.7 million, respectively, for the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008.

Share-Based Payments

The Company has share-based awards outstanding under three different plans which provide for the granting of stock options and stock appreciation rights and awards of restricted common stock (“nonvested shares”) to key officers, associates and directors. The exercise prices of stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be less than the market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Exercises are permitted in installments determined when options are granted. Each stock option and stock appreciation right will expire on a date determined at the time of the grant, but not more than ten years after the date of the grant. The Company accounts for stock option awards granted under the plans based on the estimated grant date fair value.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Due to the short maturity period of the cash equivalents, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximate their fair values. Cash and cash equivalents as of November 30, 20082010 and 20072009 included $9.8$19.2 million and $23.3$5.8 million, respectively, of cash held in escrow for approximately three days.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of customer deposits on home sales held in restricted accounts until title transfers to the homebuyer, as required by the state and local governments in which the homes were sold.

 

Income Tax Receivables

 

Income tax receivables consist of tax refunds that the Company expects to receive within one year. As of November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, there were $255.5$3.8 million and $881.5$334.4 million, respectively, of income tax receivables. Subsequent to November 30, 2008, the Company has received $251.0 million of tax refunds.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at cost unless the inventory within a community is determined to be impaired, in which case the impaired inventory is written down to fair value. Inventory costs include land, land development and home construction costs, real estate taxes, deposits on land purchase contracts and interest related to development and construction. Construction overhead and selling expenses are expensed as incurred. Homes held-for-sale are classified as inventories until delivered. Land, land development, amenities and other costs are accumulated by specific area and allocated to homes within the respective areas. The Company reviews inventoriesits inventory for indicators of impairment by evaluating each community during each reporting periodperiod. The inventory within each community is categorized as finished homes and construction in progress or land under development based on a community by community basis. SFAS No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposaldevelopment state of Long-lived Assets,(“SFAS 144”) requires that ifthe community. There were 440 and 390 active communities as of November 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.If the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asseta community are less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge should beis recorded to write down the carrying amount of such assetcommunity to its estimated fair value.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In conducting its review for indicators of impairment on a community level, the Company evaluates, among other things, the margins on homes that have been delivered, margins on homes under sales contracts in backlog, projected margins with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, projected margins with regard to future land sales and the estimated fair value of the land itself. The Company pays particular attention to communities in which inventory is moving at a slower than anticipated absorption pace and communities whose average sales price and/or margins are trending downward and are anticipated to continue to trend downward. From this review, the Company identifies communities whose carrying values exceed their undiscounted cash flows.

 

The Company estimates the fair value of its communities using a discounted cash flow model. The projected cash flows for each community are significantly impacted by estimates related to market supply and demand, product type by community, homesite sizes, sales pace, sales prices, sales incentives, construction costs, sales and marketing expenses, the local economy, competitive conditions, labor costs, costs of materials and other factors for that particular community. Every division evaluates the historical performance of each of its communities as well as current trends in the market and economy impacting the community and its surrounding areas. These trends are analyzed for each of the estimates listed above. For example, since the start of the downturn in the housing market, the Company has found ways to reduce its construction costs in many communities, and this reduction in construction costs in addition to change in product type in many communities has impacted future estimated cash flows.

Each of the homebuilding markets in which the Company operates is unique, as homebuilding has historically been a local business driven by local market conditions and demographics. Each of the Company’s homebuilding markets has specific supply and demand relationships reflective of local economic conditions. The

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Company’s projected cash flows are impacted by many assumptions. Some of the most critical assumptions in the Company’s cash flow model are projected absorption pace for home sales, sales prices and costs to build and deliver homes on a community by community basis.

In order to arrive at the assumed absorption pace for home sales included in the Company’s cash flow model, the Company analyzes its historical absorption pace in the community as well as other communities in the geographical area. In addition, the Company analyzes internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of competing product in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing the Company’s historical absorption pace for home sales and corresponding internal and external market studies, the Company places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the absorption pace realized in its most recent quarters as well as forecasted population demographics, unemployment rates and availability of competing product. Generally, if the Company notices a variation from historical results over a span of two fiscal quarters, the Company considers such variation to be the establishment of a trend and adjusts its historical information accordingly in order to develop assumptions on the projected absorption pace in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to determine the assumed sales prices included in its cash flow models, the Company analyzes the historical sales prices realized on homes it delivered in the community and other communities in the geographical area as well as the sales prices included in its current backlog for such communities. In addition, the Company analyzes internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities and sales prices on similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing its historical sales prices and corresponding market studies, the Company also places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as future forecasted sales prices in neighboring communities as well as future forecasted sales prices for similar products in non-neighboring communities. Generally, if the Company notices a variation from historical results over a span of two fiscal quarters, the Company considers such variation to be the establishment of a trend and adjusts its historical information accordingly in order to develop assumptions on the projected sales prices in the cash flow model for a community.

In order to arrive at the Company’s assumed costs to build and deliver homes, the Company generally assumes a cost structure reflecting contracts currently in place with its vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure. Costs assumed in the cash flow model for the Company’s communities are generally based on the rates the Company is currently obligated to pay under existing contracts with its vendors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure.

Since the estimates and assumptions included in the Company’s cash flow models are based upon historical results and projected trends, they do not anticipate unexpected changes in market conditions or strategies that may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future.

Using all available trend information, the Company calculates its best estimate of projected cash flows for each community. While many of the estimates are calculated based on historical and projected trends, all estimates are subjective and change from market to market and community to community as market and economic conditions change. The determination of fair valuevale also requires discounting the estimated cash flows at a rate the Company believes a market participant would determine to be commensurate with the inherent risks associated with the assets and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life and development stage. The Company generally uses a 20% discount rate of approximately 20%, subject to the perceived risks associated with the community’s cash flow streams relative to its inventory. For example, construction in progress inventory, which is closer to completion, will generally require a lower discount rate than land under development in communities consisting of multiple phases spanning several years of development.

 

The Company estimates the fair valuesvalue of inventory evaluated for impairment under SFAS 144 based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the inventory is evaluated, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or assumptions change. For example, further market deterioration or changes in assumptions may lead to the Company incurring additional impairment charges on previously impaired inventory, as well as on inventory not currently impaired but for which indicators of impairment may arise if further market deterioration occurs.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company also has access to land inventory through option contracts, which generally enables the Company to controldefer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties and unconsolidated entities (including land funds) until it has determined whether to exercise its option. A majority of the Company’s option contracts require a non-refundable cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase price of the land. The Company’s option contracts are recorded at cost. In determining whether to walk-away from an option contract, the Company evaluates the option primarily based upon its expected cash flows from the property under option. If the Company intends to walk away from an option contract, it records a charge to earnings (loss) in the period such decision is made for the deposit amount and related pre-acquisition costs associated with the option contract.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded $340.5 million, $2,445.1 million and $501.8 million, respectively, of inventory adjustments, which included $195.5 million, $747.8 million and $280.5 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to finished homes, construction in progress and land on which the Company intends to build homes, $47.8 million, $1,167.3 million and $69.1 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to land the Company intends to sell or has sold to third parties and $97.2 million, $530.0 million and $152.2 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006 of write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs. The $1,167.3 million of valuation adjustments recorded in 2007 to land the Company intends to sell or has sold to third parties included $740.4 million of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to the portfolio of land the Company sold to its strategic land investment venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., which was formed in November 2007. The SFAS 144 valuation adjustments were calculated based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the valuation adjustments were recorded, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions or assumptions change. See Note 2 for details of inventory valuation adjustments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs by reportable segment and Homebuilding Other.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

 

The Company evaluates its investments in unconsolidated entities for indicators of impairment during each reporting period in accordance with APB Opinion No. 18,The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Stock(“APB 18”).period. A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the Company’s investment in the unconsolidated entity has occurred which is other-than-temporary. The amount of impairment recognized is the excess of the investment’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value.

Additionally, the Company considers various qualitative factors to determine if a decrease in the value of the investment is other-than-temporary. These factors include age of the venture, intent and ability for the Company to retain its investment in the entity, financial condition and long-term prospects of the entity and relationships with the other partners and banks. If the Company believes that the decline in the fair value of the investment is temporary, then no impairment is recorded.

 

The evaluation of the Company’s investment in unconsolidated entities includes twocertain critical assumptions made by management: (1) projected future distributions from the unconsolidated entities, and (2) discount rates applied to the future distributions.distributions and (3) various other factors.

 

The Company’s assumptions on the projected future distributions from the unconsolidated entities are dependent on market conditions. Specifically, distributions are dependent on cash to be generated from the sale of inventory by the unconsolidated entities. Such inventory is also reviewed for potential impairment by the unconsolidated entities in accordance with SFAS 144.entities. The unconsolidated entities generally use a 20% discount rate of approximately 20% in their SFAS 144 reviews for impairment, subject to the perceived risks associated with the community’s cash flow streams relative to its inventory. If a valuation adjustment is recorded by an unconsolidated entity in accordance with SFAS 144,related to its assets, the Company’s proportionate share is reflected in the Company’s homebuilding equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities with a corresponding decrease to its investment in unconsolidated entities. In certain instances, the Company may be required to record additional losses relating to its investment in unconsolidated entities, under APB 18, if the Company’s investment in the unconsolidated entity, or a portion thereof, is deemed to be unrecoverable through its disposition.other than temporarily impaired. These losses are included in management fees andLennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006,Additionally, the Company recorded $205.0 million, $496.4 million and $140.9 million, respectively, of valuation adjustmentsconsiders various qualitative factors to its investmentsdetermine if a decrease in unconsolidated entities, which included $32.2 million, $364.2 million and $126.4 million, respectively, in 2008, 2007 and 2006the value of the Company’s share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to the assetsinvestment is other-than-temporary. These factors include age of the Company’sventure, intent and ability for the Company to recover its investment in the entity, financial condition and long-term prospects of the entity, short-term liquidity needs of the unconsolidated entitiesentity, trends in the general economic environment of the land, entitlement status of the land held by the unconsolidated entity, overall projected returns on investment, defaults under contracts with third parties (including bank debt), recoverability of the investment through future cash flows and $172.8 million, $132.2 millionrelationships with the other partners and $14.5 million, respectively,banks. If the Company believes that the decline in 2008, 2007, and 2006the fair value of valuation adjustments to investments in unconsolidated entities in accordance with APB 18. These valuation adjustments were calculated based on market conditions and assumptions made by management at the time the valuation adjustments were recorded, which may differ materially from actual results if market conditions change. investment is temporary, then no impairment is recorded.

See Note 2 for details of valuation adjustments and write-offsrelated to the Company’s unconsolidated entities by reportable segment and Homebuilding Other.

 

The Company tracks its share of cumulative earnings and cumulative distributions of its joint ventures (“JVs”). For purposes of classifying distributions received from JVs in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows, cumulative distributions are treated as returnson capital to the extent of cumulative earnings and included in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows as operating activities. Cumulative distributions in excess of the Company’s share of cumulative earnings are treated as returnsof capital and included in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows as investing activities.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

GAAP requires the consolidation of VIEs in which an enterprise has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company’s variable interest in VIEs may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets, (3) management services and development agreements between the Company and a VIE, (4) loans provided by the Company to a VIE or other partner and/or (5) guarantees provided by members to banks and other third parties. The Company examines specific criteria and uses its judgment when determining if it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a VIE’s executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights or voting rights, level of economic disproportionality between the Company and the other partner(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs. The determination whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether the Company is primary beneficiary may require it to exercise significant judgment.

Generally, all major decision making in the Company’s joint ventures is shared between all partners. In particular, business plans and budgets are generally required to be unanimously approved by all partners. Usually, management and other fees earned by the Company are nominal and believed to be at market and there is no significant economic disproportionality between the Company and other partners. Generally, the Company purchases less than a majority of the JV’s assets and the purchase prices under its option contracts are believed to be at market.

Generally, Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities become VIEs and consolidate when the other partner(s) lack the intent and financial wherewithal to remain in the entity. As a result, the Company continues to fund operations and debt paydowns through partner loans or substituted capital contributions.

Operating Properties and Equipment

Operating properties and equipment are recorded at cost and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. At the time operating properties and equipment are disposed of, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to earnings. The estimated useful life for operating properties is thirty years, for furniture, fixtures and equipment is two to ten years and for leasehold improvements is five years or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Operating properties are reviewed for possible impairment if there are indicators that their carrying amounts are not recoverable. No impairments were recorded during the periods presented.

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified as available-for-sale unless they are classified as trading or held-to-maturity. Securities classified as trading are carried at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded in earnings. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Any unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost because they are purchased with the intent and ability to hold to maturity.

At November 30, 2010 and 2009, investment securities classified as held-to-maturity totaled $3.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and are included in the assets of the Lennar Financial Services segment. The Lennar Financial Services held-to-maturity securities consist mainly of certificates of deposit and U.S. treasury securities. In addition, at November 30, 2010, the Rialto Investments (“Rialto”) segment had investment

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

securities classified as held-to-maturity totaling $19.5 million. The Rialto segment held-to-maturity securities consist of commercial mortgage-backed securities. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had no investment securities classified as trading or available-for-sale.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Lennar Financial Services segment, in the normal course of business, uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in mortgage-related interest rates. The segment uses mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) forward commitments, option contracts and investor commitments to protect the value of fixed rate-locked loan commitments and loans held-for-sale from fluctuations in mortgage-related interest rates. These derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value with the changes in fair value included in Lennar Financial Services revenues.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. Evaluating goodwill for impairment involves the determination of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units in which the Company has recorded goodwill. A reporting unit is a component of an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and reviewed by the Company’s management on a regular basis. Inherent in the determination of fair value of the Company’s reporting units are certain estimates and judgments, including the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations as well as the Company’s strategic plans with regard to its operations. To the extent additional information arises or the Company’s strategies change, it is possible that the Company’s conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change, which could have an effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The Company reviews goodwill annually (or whenever indicators of impairment exist) for impairment. Due to operating losses in the title operations of the Lennar Financial Services segment through the nine months ended August 31, 2010 and other factors, the Company evaluated the carrying value of the Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill in both its third and fourth quarters of 2010. The evaluations concluded that an impairment was not required for the Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill during 2010. As of both November 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no material identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill.

During fiscal 2008, the Company impaired $27.2 million of the Lennar Financial Services segment’s goodwill. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, accumulated goodwill impairments totaled $217.4 million, which includes $27.2 million of Lennar Financial Services segment goodwill impairment during fiscal 2008 and $190.2 million of previous Lennar Homebuilding goodwill impairment. At both November 30, 2010 and 2009, goodwill was $34.0 million, all of which relates to the Lennar Financial Services segment and is included in the assets of that segment.

Interest and Real Estate Taxes

 

Interest and real estate taxes attributable to land and homes are capitalized as inventories while they are being actively developed. Interest related to homebuilding and land, including interest costs relieved from inventories, is included in cost of homes sold and cost of land sold. Interest expense related to the financial servicesLennar Financial Services operations is included in its costs and expenses.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, interest incurred by the Company’s homebuilding operations related to homebuilding debt was $148.3$181.5 million, $199.1$172.1 million and $232.1$148.3 million, respectively; interest capitalized into inventories was $111.1 million, $101.3 million and $120.7 million, $196.7 million and $226.3 million, respectively; and interest expense primarily included in cost of homes sold and cost of land sold was $130.4 million, $203.7 million and $241.1 million, respectively.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Operating Properties and Equipment

 

Operating properties and equipment are recorded at cost and areInterest expense was included in cost of homes sold, cost of land sold and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. At the time operating properties and equipment are disposed of, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to earnings. The estimated useful life for operating properties is thirty years, for furniture, fixtures and equipment is two to ten years and for leasehold improvements is five years or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Operating properties are reviewed for possible impairment if there are indicators that their carrying amounts are not recoverable. No impairments were recorded during the periods presented.interest expense as follows:

 

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified as available-for-sale unless they are classified as trading or held-to-maturity. Securities classified as trading are carried at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded in earnings. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost because they are purchased with the intent and ability to hold to maturity. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Any unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized.

At November 30, 2008 and 2007, investment securities classified as held-to-maturity totaled $19.1 million and $61.5 million, respectively, and were included in the assets of the Financial Services segment. The held-to-maturity securities consist mainly of certificates of deposit and U.S. treasury securities. At November 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company had no investment securities classified as trading or available-for-sale.

Derivative Financial Instruments

SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (“SFAS 133”), as amended and interpreted, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities by requiring that all derivatives be recognized in the balance sheet and measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in earnings or recorded in other comprehensive income or loss and recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings, depending on the purpose of the derivatives and whether they qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

The Company’s policy is to designate at a derivative’s inception the specific assets, liabilities, or future commitments being hedged and monitor the derivative to determine if it remains an effective hedge. The effectiveness of a derivative as a hedge is based on a high correlation between changes in its value and changes in the value of the underlying hedged item. The Company recognizes gains or losses for amounts received or paid when the underlying transaction settles. The Company does not enter into or hold derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

The Financial Services segment, in the normal course of business, uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in mortgage-related interest rates. The segment uses mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) forward commitments, option contracts and investor commitments to protect the value of fixed rate-locked loan commitments and loans held-for-sale from fluctuations in mortgage-related interest rates. These derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value with the changes in fair value included in Financial Services revenues.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. Evaluating goodwill for impairment involves the determination of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units in which the Company has recorded goodwill. A reporting unit is a component of an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and reviewed by the Company’s management on a regular basis. Inherent in the determination of fair value of the Company’s reporting units are certain estimates and judgments, including the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations as well as the Company’s strategic plans with regard to its operations. To the extent additional

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

information arises or the Company’s strategies change, it is possible that the Company’s conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change, which could have a significant effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

At November 30, 2008 and 2007, goodwill was $34.0 million and $61.2 million, respectively. The goodwill balance at November 30, 2008 and 2007 relates to the Financial Services segment and is included in the assets of that segment. During fiscal 2008, the Company impaired $27.2 million of the Financial Services segment’s goodwill. During fiscal 2007, the Company impaired all of its homebuilding goodwill. During fiscal 2006, the Company’s goodwill had a net increase of $4.7 million primarily due to an acquisition by the Financial Services segment and payment of contingent consideration related to prior period acquisitions.

The Company reviews goodwill annually (or whenever indicators of impairment exist) for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Due to continued deterioration in market conditions as a result of tightening mortgage credit standards and other factors, the Company evaluated the carrying amount of the Financial Services segment’s goodwill for impairment in both its third and fourth quarter of 2008. During the third quarter of 2008, the Company impaired $27.2 million of the Financial Services segment’s goodwill.

The Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2008, and no additional impairment charges for the Financial Services segment’s goodwill were necessary. As of both November 30, 2008 and 2007, there were no material identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill.

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Interest expense in cost of homes sold

  $71,473     67,414     99,319  

Interest expense in cost of land sold

   2,048     9,185     3,444  

Other interest expense

   70,425     70,850     27,594  
               

Total interest expense

  $143,946     147,449     130,357  
               

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes,(“SFAS 109”). The Company records income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the changes are enacted.

 

SFAS 109 requires aA reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance is required if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodicallyeach reporting period by the Company based on the SFAS 109 more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. 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, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, the Company’s experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards not expiring unused and tax planning alternatives.

Based on the Company’s assessment, the uncertain and volatile market conditions and the fact that the Company is now in a cumulative loss position over theupon an evaluation period,of all available evidence, the Company recorded a non-cashvaluation allowance against its deferred tax assets of $730.8 million during the year ended November 30, 2008, and increased it by $269.6 million during the year ended November 30, 2009. In addition, for the year ended November 30, 2009, the Company recorded a reversal of its deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $730.8$351.8 million, primarily due to a change in tax legislation, which allowed the Company to carry back its fiscal year 2009 tax loss to recover previously paid income taxes. During the year ended November 30, 2008.2010, the Company recorded a reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $37.9 million primarily due to the recording of a deferred tax liability from the issuance of 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2020 and the net earnings generated during the year. The reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to the issuance of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $609.5 million and $647.4 million, respectively. In future periods, the allowance could be reduced based on future sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion or all of theour deferred tax assets will be realized. At both November 30, 2008,2010 and 2009, the Company had no net deferred tax assets. At November 30, 2007, the Company’s net deferred tax assets were $746.9 million and were included in Other Assets.

Effective December 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, which provides interpretative guidance for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Effective with the Company’s adoption of FIN 48, interestInterest related to unrecognized tax benefits is now recognized in the financial statements as a component of benefit (provision) benefit for income taxes. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were previously recorded in management fees and other income (expense), net in the Company’s statements of operations.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Product Warranty

 

Warranty and similar reserves for homes are established at an amount estimated to be adequate to cover potential costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims expected to be incurred subsequent to the delivery of a home. Reserves are determined based on historical data and trends with respect to similar product types and geographical areas. The Company regularly monitors the warranty reserve and makes adjustments to its pre-existing warranties in order to reflect changes in trends and historical data as information becomes available. Warranty reserves are included in Lennar Homebuilding other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The activity in the Company’s warranty reserve was as follows:

 

  November 30,   November 30, 
  2008 2007   2010 2009 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Warranty reserve, beginning of year

  $164,841  172,571   $157,896    129,449  

Warranties issued during the period

   45,338  102,384    25,134    28,710  

Adjustments to pre-existing warranties from changes in estimates

   15,042  51,816    7,091    69,324  

Payments

   (95,772) (161,930)   (80,942  (69,587
              

Warranty reserve, end of year

  $129,449  164,841   $109,179    157,896  
              

As of November 30, 2010, the Company has identified approximately 920 homes delivered in Florida primarily during its 2006 and 2007 fiscal years that are confirmed to have defective Chinese drywall and resulting damage. This represents a small percentage of homes the Company delivered nationally (1.1%) during those fiscal years. Defective Chinese drywall appears to be an industry-wide issue as other homebuilders have publicly disclosed that they are experiencing similar issues with defective Chinese drywall.

Based on its efforts to date, the Company has not identified defective Chinese drywall in homes delivered by the Company outside of Florida. The Company is continuing its investigation of homes delivered during the relevant time period in order to determine whether there are additional homes, not yet inspected, with defective Chinese drywall and resulting damage. If the outcome of the Company’s inspections identifies more homes than the Company has estimated to have defective Chinese drywall, it might require an increase in the Company’s warranty reserve in the future. The Company has replaced defective Chinese drywall when it has been found in homes the Company has built.

Through November 30, 2010, the Company has accrued $82.2 million of warranty reserves related to homes confirmed as having defective Chinese drywall, as well as an estimate for homes not yet inspected that may contain Chinese drywall. As of November 30, 2010, the warranty reserve, net of payments was $23.3 million. During the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company received payments of $61.2 million under its insurance coverage and through third party recoveries relative to the costs it has incurred and expects to incur remedying the homes confirmed and estimated to have defective Chinese drywall and resulting damage. The Company continues to seek additional reimbursement from its subcontractors, insurers and others for costs the Company has incurred or expects to incur to investigate and repair defective Chinese drywall and resulting damage.

 

Self-Insurance

 

Certain insurable risks such as general liability, medical and workers’ compensation are self-insured by the Company up to certain limits. Undiscounted accruals for claims under the Company’s self-insurance program are based on claims filed and estimates for claims incurred but not yet reported.

 

Minority Interest

The Company has consolidated certain joint ventures because the Company either was determined to be the primary beneficiary pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R),Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, (“FIN 46R”), or has a controlling interest in these joint ventures. Therefore, the entities’ financial statements are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the other partners’ equity is recorded as minority interest. At November 30, 2008 and 2007, minority interest was $165.7 million and $28.5 million, respectively. Minority interest income (expense), net was $4.1 million, ($1.9) million and ($13.4) million, respectively, for the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Earnings (loss)(Loss) per Share

 

Earnings (loss) per share is accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 128,Earnings per Share, which requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the consolidated statements of operations. Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

Effective December 1, 2009, the Company adopted certain provisions under ASC Topic 260,Earnings per Share. Under these provisions, all outstanding nonvested shares that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents that participate in undistributed earnings with common stock are considered participating securities and, therefore, are included in computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s restricted common stock (“nonvested shares”) are considered participating securities. For the years ended November 30, 2009 and 2008, the nonvested shares were excluded from the calculation of the denominator for diluted loss per share because including them would be anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss during those periods. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact to the Company’s basic and diluted loss per share.

Lennar Financial Services

 

Premiums from title insurance policies are recognized as revenue on the effective date of the policies. Escrow fees and loan origination revenues are recognized at the time the related real estate transactions are completed, usually upon the close of escrow. GainsExpected gains and losses from the sale of loans and the expected net future cash flowstheir related to the associated servicing of a loanrights are included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings at the time of commitment. Interest income on loans held-for-sale and loans held-for-investment is recognized as earned over the terms of the mortgage loans based on the contractual interest rates.

 

Loans held-for-sale by the Lennar Financial Services segment are carried at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in earnings. Premiums and discounts recorded on these loans are presented as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the loans and are not amortized.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company elected the fair value option for its Management believes carrying loans held-for-sale for mortgage loans originated subsequent to February 29, 2008 in accordance with SFAS 159, which permits entities to measure various financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis. Management believes that the election of the fair value option for loans held-for-sale improves financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring the fair value of the loans and the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.

In addition, the Company adopted SAB 109 on March 1, 2008, requiring the recognition ofLennar Financial Services segment recognizes the fair value of its rights to service a mortgage loan as revenue upon entering into an interest rate lock loan commitment with a borrower.borrower in accordance with ASC Topic 815-10-S99,SEC Materials,(“ASC 815-10-S99”). The fair value of these servicing rights is included in the Company’s loans held-for-sale as of November 30, 2008. Prior to March 1, 2008, the fair value of the servicing rights was not recognized until the related loan was sold.2010 and 2009. Fair value of the servicing rights is determined based on values in the Company’s servicing sales contracts. At November 30, 2008,2010 and 2009, loans held-for-sale, all of which were accounted for at fair value, had an aggregate fair value of $190.1$245.4 million and $182.7 million, respectively and an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $185.2 million.$240.8 million and $175.5 million, respectively, at November 30, 2010 and 2009.

 

Substantially all of the loans originatedthe Lennar Financial Services segment originates are sold within a short period in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis; although,basis. After the loans are sold, the Company remains liableretains potential liability for possible claims by purchasers that it breached certain limited industry-standard representations and warranties relatedin the loan sale agreement. The Company’s mortgage operations has established liabilities for anticipated losses associated with mortgage loans previously originated and sold to investors. The Company establishes liabilities for such anticipated losses based upon, among other things, an analysis of repurchase requests received, an estimate of potential repurchase claims not yet received, its actual past repurchases, and losses through the disposition of affected loans. While the Company believes that it has adequately reserved for known losses and projected repurchase requests, given the volatility in the mortgage industry and the uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of these claims, if either actual repurchases or the losses incurred resolving those repurchases exceed the Company’s expectations, additional recourse expense may be incurred. Loan origination liabilities are included in Lennar Financial Services’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The activity in the Company’s loan sales.origination liabilities for the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

   November 30, 
   2010  2009 
   (In thousands) 

Loan origination liabilities, beginning of year

  $9,518   $5,271  

Provision for losses issued during the period

   416    303  

Adjustments to pre-existing provision for losses from changes in estimates

   2,901    14,109  

Payments/settlements

   (2,963  (10,165
         

Loan origination liabilities, end of year

  $9,872   $9,518  
         

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Adjustments to pre-existing provision for losses from changes in estimates for the year ended November 30, 2010 and 2009 include an adjustment for additional repurchase requests that were received beyond the estimated provision that was recorded due to an increase in potential issues identified by certain investors.

 

Loans for which the segmentCompany has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity consist of mortgage loans carried at lower of cost, net of unamortized discounts.discounts or fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Discounts are amortized over the estimated lives of the loans using the interest method.

 

The segmentCompany also provides an allowance for loan losses. The provision recorded and the adequacy of the related allowance is determined by the Company’s management’s continuing evaluation of the loan portfolio in light of past loan loss experience, credit worthiness and nature of underlying collateral, present economic conditions and other factors considered relevant by the Company’s management. Anticipated changes in economic factors, which may influence the level of the allowance, are considered in the evaluation by the Company’s management when the likelihood of the changes can be reasonably determined. While the Company’s management uses the best information available to make such evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary as a result of future economic and other conditions that may be beyond management’s control.

 

Rialto Investments

Loans Receivable—Revenue Recognition

All of the acquired loans for which (1) there was evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and (2) for which it was deemed probable that the Company would be unable to collect all contractually required principal and interest payments were accounted under ASC Topic 310-30,Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, (“ASC 310-30”). For loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, management determined upon acquisition the loan’s value based on extensive due diligence on each of the loans, the underlying properties and the borrowers. The Company determined fair value by discounting the cash flows expected to be collected adjusted for factors that a market participant would consider when determining fair value. Factors considered in the valuation were projected cash flows for the loans, type of loan and related collateral, classification status and current discount rates. Since the estimates are based on projections, all estimates are subjective and can change due to unexpected changes in economic conditions and loan performance.

Under ASC 310-30, loans were pooled together according to common risk characteristics. A pool is then accounted for as a single asset with a single component interest rate and as aggregate expectation of cash flows. The excess of the cash flows expected to be collected from the loans receivable at acquisition over the initial investment for those loans receivable is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the expected life of the pools primarily using the effective yield method. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. Changes in the expected cash flows of loans receivable from the date of acquisition will either impact the accretable yield or result in a charge to the provision for loan losses in the period in which the changes become probable. Prepayments are treated as a reduction of cash flows expected to be collected and a reduction of contractually required payments such that the nonaccretable difference is not affected. Subsequent significant decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a charge to the provision for loan losses, resulting in an increase to the allowance for loan losses, and a reclassification from accretable yield to nonaccretable difference. Subsequent probable and significant increases in cash flows will result in a recovery of any previously recorded allowance for loan losses, to the extent applicable, and a reclassification from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield. Amounts related to the ASC 310-30 loans are estimates and may change as the Company obtains additional information related to the respective loans and the inherent uncertainty associated with estimating the amount and timing of the expected cash flows associated with distressed residential and commercial real estate loans. The timing and amount of expected cash flows and related accretable yield can also be impacted by disposal of loans, loans payoffs or expected foreclosures, which result in removal of the loans from the pools.

Nonaccrual Loans—Revenue Recognition & Impairment

Management classifies certain loans as nonaccrual and discontinues accruing interest income when future collectability of the recorded loan balance is doubtful. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, unpaid

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

accrued interest income recognized is reversed and any subsequent cash receipt is accounted for using either the cost recovery or cash basis method. Loans are generally returned to accrual status when payments are made that bring the loan account current under the terms of the agreement or when the loan becomes well secured and is in the process of collection. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events; the carrying value of the receivable is in excess of its fair value. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loans obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral. If the Company determines that the value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Company recognizes impairment through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned (“REO”) represents real estate that the Rialto segment has taken control of in partial or full satisfaction of loans receivable. At the time of acquisition, REO is recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. The amount by which the recorded investment in the loan is greater or less than the REO’s fair value (net of estimated cost to sell), is recorded as a gain or loss on foreclosure within Rialto Investments other income, net, in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Subsequently, management periodically performs valuations such that REO is carried at the lower of its new cost basis or fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. Any subsequent valuation adjustments, operating expenses or income, and gains and losses on disposition of such properties are also recognized in Rialto Investments other income, net.

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006,January 2010, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06,Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS 157”ASU 2010-06”). SFAS 157 defines, which requires additional disclosures about transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value establishes a framework for measuring fair valuehierarchy and disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures aboutthe rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. SFAS 157 wasThe Company adopted ASU 2010-06 for its second quarter ending May 31, 2010, except for the Level 3 activity disclosures which will be effective for the Company’s financial assets and liabilities onfiscal year beginning December 1, 2007. The FASB deferred the provisions of SFAS 157 relating to nonfinancial assets and liabilities; implementation by the Company is now required on December 1, 2008. SFAS 1572011. ASU 2010-06 has not and is not expected to materially affect how the Company determines fair value, but has resulted and will result in certain additional disclosures (see Note 15).

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations, (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R broadens the guidance of SFAS 141, extending its applicability to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. It broadens the fair value measurement and recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and interests transferred as a result of business combinations. SFAS 141R expands on required disclosures to improve the statement users’ abilities to evaluate the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations that close on or after December 1, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 141R to have a material effect on itsthe Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007,April 2010, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,ASU 2010-18,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendmentEffect of ARB No. 51a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset, (“SFAS 160”ASU 2010-18”). SFAS 160 requiresUnder ASU 2010-18, modification of loans accounted for within a pool under ASC 310-30 does not result in removal of such loans from the pool even if the modification would otherwise be considered a troubled debt restructuring. An entity must continue to consider whether the pool of assets in which the modified loan is included is impaired if expected cash flows for the pool change. ASU 2010-18 does not affect the accounting for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are not accounted for within a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiarypool. Loans accounted for individually that were acquired with deteriorated credit quality continue to be reported as equity and the amount of consolidated net income specifically attributablesubject to the noncontrolling interestaccounting provisions for troubled debt restructuring by creditors. The amended guidance is to be identified inapplied prospectively, with early application permitted. ASU 2010-18 is effective for modifications of loans accounted for within a pool that occur on or after September 1, 2010. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. It also calls for consistency in the manner of reporting changes in the parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and requires fair value

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

measurementIn July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20,Disclosures About the Credit Quality of any noncontrolling equity investment retainedFinancing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses, (“ASU 2010-20”). ASU 2010-20 enhances current disclosure requirements to assist users of financial statements in a deconsolidation. SFAS 160assessing an entity’s credit risk exposure and evaluating the adequacy of an entity’s allowance for credit losses. ASU 2010-20 requires entities to disclose the nature of credit risk inherent in their finance receivables, the procedure for analyzing and assessing credit risk, and the changes in both the receivables and the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment and class. ASU 2010-20 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning December 1, 2009.2010. The Company is evaluating the impacteffect the adoption of SFAS 160ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008,in the FASB issued SFAS No. 161,Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 expands the disclosure requirementsdisclosures in SFAS 133 regarding an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning December 1, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8,Disclosure by Public Entities (Enterprises) About Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities. The purpose of the FSP is to promptly improve disclosures by public companies until the pending amendments to FASB Statement No. 140,Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities, (“SFAS 140”), and FIN 46R, are finalized and approved by the FASB. The FSP amends SFAS 140 to require public companies to provide additional disclosures about transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. It also amends FIN 46R by requiring public companies to provide additional disclosures regarding their involvement with variable interest entities. This FSP is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning December 1, 2008. The FSP will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 20082010 presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on the Company’s results of operations. As a result of the Company’s new reportable segment, Rialto Investments, the Company reclassified certain prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements to conform with the 2010 presentation.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

2.    Operating and Reporting Segments

 

The Company’s operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments, in accordance with SFAS No. 131,Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information(“SFAS 131”), based primarily upon similar economic characteristics, geography and product type. The Company’s reportable segments consist of:

 

(1) Homebuilding East

(2) Homebuilding Central

(3) Homebuilding West

(4) Homebuilding Houston

(5) Financial Services

Due to the consolidation of many of the Company’s operating divisions as well as the performance of its Houston Homebuilding division, Houston currently meets the reportable segment criteria set forth in SFAS 131. Therefore, the Company has changed its segment presentation to include Homebuilding Houston as a reportable segment. Currently, the Company’s homebuilding operating segments are aggregated into four reportable segments, which include Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding West and Homebuilding Houston. Previously, the Company presented only three homebuilding reportable segments, which included Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central and Homebuilding West. All prior year segment information has been restated to conform to the fiscal 2008 presentation. The change in reportable segments has no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the periods presented.(6) Rialto Investments

 

Information about homebuilding activities in which ourthe Company’s homebuilding activities are not economically similar to other states in the same geographic area is grouped under “Homebuilding Other,” which is not considered a reportable segment in accordance with SFAS 131.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESsegment.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)The Rialto segment is a new reportable segment that met the reportable segment criteria set forth in GAAP beginning in the first quarter of 2010. All prior year segment information has been restated to conform with the 2010 presentation. The change had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for certain reclassifications (see Note 1). Rialto focuses on commercial and residential real estate opportunities arising from dislocations in the United States real estate markets and the eventual restructure and recapitalization of those markets.

 

Evaluation of segment performance is based primarily on operating earnings (loss) before income taxes. Operations of the Company’s homebuilding segments primarily include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, and to a lesser extent, multi-level residential buildings, as well as the purchase, development and sale of residential land directly and through the Company’s unconsolidated entities. Operating earnings (loss) for the homebuilding segments consist of revenues generated from the sales of homes and land, equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities and other income (expense), net, less the cost of homes sold and land sold, selling, general and administrative expenses and other interest expense of the segment. The Company’s revised reportable homebuilding segments and all other homebuilding operations not required to be reported separately, have operations located in:

 

East:Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia

Central:Arizona, Colorado and Texas (1)

West:California and Nevada

Houston: Houston, Texas

Other: Georgia,Illinois, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina

     (1) Texas in the Central reportable segment excludes Houston, Texas, which is its own reportable segment.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Operations of the Lennar Financial Services segment include primarily mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services and other ancillary services (including high-speed Internet and cable television) for both buyers of the Company’s homes and others. Substantially all of the loans the Lennar Financial Services segment originates are sold within a short period in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis; although,basis. After the loans are sold, the Company remains liableretains potential liability for possible claims by purchasers that it breached certain limited industry-standard representations and warranties related toin the loan sales.sale agreements. Lennar Financial Services’ operating earnings consist of revenues generated primarily from mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services, less the cost of such services and certain selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by the segment. The Lennar Financial Services segment operates generally in the same states as the Company’s homebuilding operations, as well as in other states.

 

EvaluationOperations of the Rialto segment performance is based primarily oninclude sourcing, underwriting, pricing, managing and ultimately monetizing real estate assets, as well as providing similar services to others in markets across the country. Rialto operating earnings (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes. Operating earnings (loss) for the homebuilding segments consistconsists of revenues generated primarily from accretable interest income associated with the salesportfolios of homesreal estate loans acquired in partnership with the FDIC and land, gainother portfolios of real estate loans and assets acquired, fees for sub-advisory services, other income, net, consisting primarily of gains on recapitalizationsale of unconsolidated entity,REO and gains upon foreclosure of REO, and equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities, management fees and other income (expense), net and minority interest income (expense), net, less the cost of homes and land sold and selling, general and administrative expenses. Homebuilding operating loss for the year ended November 30, 2008 includes the following:

SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to finished homes, construction in progress (“CIP”) and land on which the Company intends to build homes,

SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to land the Company intends to sell or has sold to third parties,

Write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that the Company does not intend to purchase,

SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments, recorded in equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities, and

APB 18 valuation adjustments to the Company’s investments in unconsolidated entities and write-offs of certain notes receivable, recorded in management fees and other income (expense), net.

Financial Services operating earnings (loss) consist of revenues generated from mortgage financing, title insurance, closing services and other ancillary services (including high-speed Internet and cable television) less the cost of such services, certain selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by the Financial Services segment for managing the portfolios, providing advisory services, underwriting expenses related to both the completed and goodwill impairments. Financial Services operating earnings for the year ended November 30, 2008 includes a write-off of a portion of the Financial Services segment’s goodwill.abandoned transactions, and other general administrative expenses.

 

Each reportable segment follows the same accounting policies described in Note 1—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements. Operational results of each segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Financial information relating to the Company’s operations was as follows:

 

  November 30,   November 30, 
  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Assets:

        

Homebuilding East

  $1,588,299  1,630,086  3,326,371   $1,524,095    1,469,671    1,588,299  

Homebuilding Central

   774,412  809,128  1,320,320    716,595    703,669    774,412  

Homebuilding West

   2,022,787  2,477,661  3,972,562    2,051,888    1,986,558    2,022,787  

Homebuilding Houston

   267,628  267,893  331,528    226,749    214,706    267,628  

Homebuilding Other

   849,726  708,266  1,164,304    737,486    756,068    849,726  

Rialto Investments (1)

   1,777,614    9,874    —    

Financial Services

   607,978  1,037,809  1,613,376    608,990    557,550    607,978  

Corporate and unallocated

   1,314,068  2,171,904  679,805    1,144,434    1,616,695    1,314,068  
                    

Total assets

  $7,424,898  9,102,747  12,408,266   $8,787,851    7,314,791    7,424,898  
                    

Investments in unconsolidated entities:

    

Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities:

    

Homebuilding East

  $94,897  166,839  241,490   $47,731    54,242    94,897  

Homebuilding Central

   178,618  181,816  155,643    52,156    96,036    178,618  

Homebuilding West

   451,719  515,548  974,404    517,429    423,850    451,719  

Homebuilding Houston

   21,820  29,797  25,125    3,095    20,527    21,820  

Homebuilding Other

   19,698  40,271  50,516    5,774    4,611    19,698  
                    

Total investments in unconsolidated entities

  $766,752  934,271  1,447,178 

Total Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities

  $626,185    599,266    766,752  
                    

Goodwill:

    

Homebuilding East

  $—    —    49,135 

Homebuilding Central

   —    —    31,587 

Homebuilding West

   —    —    46,640 

Homebuilding Other

   —    —    69,276 

Financial Services

   34,046  61,222  61,205 

Rialto Investments’ investments in unconsolidated entities

  $84,526    9,874    —    
                    

Total goodwill

  $34,046  61,222  257,843 

Financial Services goodwill

  $34,046    34,046    34,046  
                    
  Years Ended November 30,   Years Ended November 30, 
  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Revenues:

        

Homebuilding East

  $1,275,758  2,754,650  4,771,879   $939,450    872,258    1,275,758  

Homebuilding Central

   533,110  1,605,839  2,629,306    357,732    367,183    533,110  

Homebuilding West

   1,440,163  3,543,712  5,969,512    683,490    826,237    1,440,163  

Homebuilding Houston

   550,853  838,250  1,019,915    365,938    434,818    550,853  

Homebuilding Other

   463,154  987,801  1,232,428    359,029    333,789    463,154  

Financial Services

   312,379  456,529  643,622    275,786    285,102    312,379  

Rialto Investments

   92,597    —      —    
                    

Total revenues (1)

  $4,575,417  10,186,781  16,266,662 

Total revenues (2)

  $3,074,022    3,119,387    4,575,417  
                    

Operating earnings (loss):

        

Homebuilding East

  $(170,207) (893,159) 236,654   $112,992    (206,253  (157,034

Homebuilding Central

   (91,177) (328,583) 127,999    (25,912  (70,640  (95,087

Homebuilding West (2)

   (134,917) (1,478,804) 639,917 

Homebuilding West (3)

   (5,861  (331,070  (143,696

Homebuilding Houston

   38,806  79,677  87,387    26,030    16,442    38,806  

Homebuilding Other

   (43,291) (293,130) (105,804)   (7,189  (84,772  (47,872

Financial Services (3)

   (30,990) 6,120  149,803 

Financial Services (4)

   31,284    35,982    (30,990

Rialto Investments

   57,307    (2,528  —    
                    

Total operating earnings (loss)

   (431,776) (2,907,879) 1,135,956    188,651    (642,839  (435,873

Corporate and unallocated

   (129,752) (173,202) (193,307)   (93,926  (117,565  (129,752
                    

Earnings (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes

  $(561,528) (3,081,081) 942,649 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  $94,725    (760,404  (565,625
                    

 

(1)Consists primarily of assets of consolidated VIEs (See Note 8).
(2) Total revenues are net of sales incentives of $356.5 million ($32,800 per home delivered) for the year ended November 30, 2010, $512.0 million ($44,800 per home delivered) for the year ended November 30, 2009 and $746.5 million ($48,700 per home delivered) for the year ended November 30, 2008, $1,515.8 million ($48,000 per home delivered) for the year ended November 30, 2007 and $1,502.8 million ($32,000 per home delivered) for the year ended November 30, 2006.2008.
(2)(3) Includes $133.1 million and $175.9 million, respectively, of a pretax financial statement gain on the recapitalization of an unconsolidated entity for the yearsyear ended November 30, 2008 and 2007.2008.
(3)(4) Includes a $17.7$27.2 million pretax gainimpairment of goodwill for the year ended November 30, 2006 from monetizing the Financial Services segment’s personal lines insurance policies.2008.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Valuation adjustments and write-offs relating to the Company’s operations were as follows:

 

 Years Ended November 30,  Years Ended November 30, 
 2008 2007 2006  2010   2009   2008 
 (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which the Company intends to build homes:

   

Valuation adjustments to finished homes, CIP and land on which the Company intends to build homes:

      

East

 $76,791 279,064 155,749  $10,410     73,670     76,791  

Central

  28,142 91,354 27,138   9,205     13,603     28,142  

West

  75,614 331,827 80,207   7,139     64,095     75,614  

Houston

  2,262 2,836 —     219     1,116     2,262  

Other

  12,709 42,762 17,375   17,744     27,755     12,709  
                  

Total

  195,518 747,843 280,469   44,717     180,239     195,518  
                  

SFAS 144 valuation adjustments to land the Company intends to sell or has sold to third parties:

   

Valuation adjustments to land the Company intends to sell or has sold to third parties:

      

East

  23,251 307,534 24,702   120     37,048     23,251  

Central

  12,369 79,101 16,327   2,056     1,309     12,369  

West

  11,094 648,628 —     1,166     38,679     11,094  

Houston

  137 1,762 991   32     674     137  

Other

  940 130,269 27,057

Other (1)

   62     17,604     940  
                  

Total

  47,791 1,167,294 69,077   3,436     95,314     47,791  
                  

Write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs:

         

East

  18,989 119,645 80,483   2,705     64,131     18,989  

Central

  6,024 56,304 2,470   —       82     6,024  

West

  62,447 310,795 44,000   400     13,902     62,447  

Houston

  745 813 481   —       2,471     745  

Other

  8,967 42,424 24,806   —       3,786     8,967  
                  

Total

  97,172 529,981 152,240   3,105     84,372     97,172  
                  

Company’s share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities:

   

Company’s share of valuation adjustments related to assets of unconsolidated entities:

      

East

   229     504     7,241  

Central

   4,734     6,184     1,732  

West (2)

   5,498     94,665     22,675  

Houston

   —       —       —    

Other

   —       540     597  
            

Total

   10,461     101,893     32,245  
            

Valuation adjustments to investments in unconsolidated entities:

      

East

  7,241 55,157 25,484   760     4,981     54,340  

Central

  1,732 29,585 —     —       13,179     11,197  

West

  22,675 273,679 92,776   975     65,607     90,193  

Houston

  —   —   —     —       1,317     —    

Other

  597 5,741 8,177   —       3,888     17,060  
                  

Total

  32,245 364,162 126,437   1,735     88,972     172,790  
                  

APB 18 valuation adjustments to investments in unconsolidated entities:

   

Write-offs of notes and other receivables:

      

East

  54,340 42,200 —     —       2,148     10,200  

Central

  11,197 14,552 —     —       105     —    

West

  90,193 68,883 12,165   —       7,387     10,222  

Houston

  —   —   —     —       —       —    

Other

  17,060 6,571 2,305   1,518    19     4,596  
                  

Total

  172,790 132,206 14,470   1,518    9,659     25,018  
                  

Write-offs of notes receivable:

   

East

  10,200 —   —  

Central

  —   —   —  

West

  10,222 —   —  

Houston

  —   —   —  

Other

  4,596 —   —  

Lennar Financial Services goodwill impairment

   —       —       27,176  
                  

Total

  25,018 —   —  

Total valuation adjustments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs, notes and other receivables and goodwill

  $64,972     560,449     597,710  
                  

Goodwill impairments:

   

East

  —   46,274 —  

Central

  —   31,293 —  

West

  —   43,955 —  

Houston

  —   —   —  

Other

  —   68,676 —  
      

Total

  —   190,198 —  
      

Financial Services write-offs of notes receivable

  —   28,426 2,713
      

Financial Services goodwill impairments

  27,176 —   —  
      

Total valuation adjustments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs, goodwill and notes receivable

 $597,710 3,160,110 645,406
      

(1)For the year ended November 30, 2009, valuation adjustments to land the Company intends to sell or has sold to third parties has been reduced by $13.6 million of noncontrolling interest income as a result of $27.2 million of valuation adjustments to inventories of 50%-owned consolidated joint ventures.
(2)For the year ended November 30, 2010, a $15.0 million valuation adjustment related to the assets of an unconsolidated entity was not included because it resulted from a linked transaction where there was also a pre-tax gain of $22.7 million related to a debt extinguishment. The net pre-tax gain of $7.7 million from the transaction was included in Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities for the year ended November 30, 2010.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

During 2008, market conditions continued to deteriorate in the homebuilding industry. The existing market conditions combined with a high number of foreclosures, weakened consumer confidence and reduced credit availability in the financial markets have resulted in an increase in the supply of new and existing homes for sale, as well as intensified competitive pressures to sell those homes. These market conditions, together with a deceleration in sales pace, have resulted in lower home sales prices, higher than historical sales incentives, and led to valuation adjustments and write-offs.

 

FurtherThe Company recorded significantly lower valuation adjustments during the year ended November 30, 2010. However, as expected, after the expiration of the Federal homebuyer tax credit at the end of April 2010, demand trends in many communities in which the Company is selling homes decreased despite the affordability from lower home prices and historically low interest rates. If these trends continue and there is further deterioration in the homebuildinghousing market, it may cause additional pricing pressures and slower absorption, whichabsorption. This may potentially lead to additional valuation adjustments and write-offs in the future. In addition, market conditions may cause the Company to re-evaluate its strategy regarding certain assets that could result in further valuation adjustments and/or additional write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs due to the abandonment of those optionoptions contracts.

 

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2008  2007  2006 
   (In thousands) 

Homebuilding interest expense:

    

Homebuilding East

  $39,215  62,150  62,326 

Homebuilding Central

   12,990  37,417  39,156 

Homebuilding West

   38,182  73,579  108,687 

Homebuilding Houston

   7,768  7,172  6,452 

Homebuilding Other

   10,944  23,382  24,445 

Corporate and unallocated

   21,258  —    —   
           

Total homebuilding interest expense

  $130,357  203,700  241,066 
           

Financial Services interest income, net

  $12,391  37,553  64,524 
           

Depreciation and amortization:

    

Homebuilding East

  $4,395  10,505  7,051 

Homebuilding Central

   2,428  3,614  3,770 

Homebuilding West

   14,644  24,211  19,373 

Homebuilding Houston

   1,104  1,006  1,051 

Homebuilding Other

   1,678  4,994  3,950 

Financial Services

   6,095  10,143  8,594 

Corporate and unallocated

   19,492  18,137  12,698 
           

Total depreciation and amortization

  $49,836  72,610  56,487 
           

Net additions (disposals) to operating properties and equipment:

    

Homebuilding East

  $40  (5,391) 5,073 

Homebuilding Central

   33  (127) 2,198 

Homebuilding West

   85  (2,182) 4,556 

Homebuilding Houston

   20  1,715  47 

Homebuilding Other

   (398) 348  2,704 

Financial Services

   1,657  4,206  6,244 

Corporate and unallocated

   (2,827) 1,350  5,961 
           

Total net additions (disposals) to operating properties and equipment

  $(1,390) (81) 26,783 
           

Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities:

    

Homebuilding East

  $(31,422) (58,069) (14,947)

Homebuilding Central

   (1,310) (25,378) 7,931 

Homebuilding West

   (25,113) (274,267) (6,449)

Homebuilding Houston

   (920) (752) (168)

Homebuilding Other

   (391) (4,433) 1,097 
           

Total equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities

  $(59,156) (362,899) (12,536)
           

During the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, interest included in the homebuilding segments’ and Homebuilding Other’s cost of homes sold was $99.3 million, $168.4 million and $207.5 million, respectively. During the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, interest included in the homebuilding segments’ and Homebuilding Other’s cost of land sold was $3.4 million, $9.4 million and $12.4 million, respectively. All other interest related to the homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other is included in management fees and other income (expense), net.

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010  2009  2008 
   (In thousands) 

Lennar Homebuilding interest expense:

    

Homebuilding East

  $50,050    48,713    43,376  

Homebuilding Central

   19,476    19,488    17,307  

Homebuilding West

   43,562    46,809    46,522  

Homebuilding Houston

   10,152    11,902    7,768  

Homebuilding Other

   20,706    20,537    15,384  
             

Total Lennar Homebuilding interest expense

  $143,946    147,449    130,357  
             

Lennar Financial Services interest income, net

  $1,710    2,839    12,391  
             

Depreciation and amortization:

    

Homebuilding East

  $4,658    3,676    4,395  

Homebuilding Central

   2,550    2,073    2,428  

Homebuilding West

   5,853    7,643    14,644  

Homebuilding Houston

   951    974    1,104  

Homebuilding Other

   1,397    1,718    1,678  

Lennar Financial Services

   3,507    4,269    6,095  

Rialto Investments

   134    —      —    

Corporate and unallocated

   16,560    19,653    19,492  
             

Total depreciation and amortization

  $35,610    40,006    49,836  
             

Net additions (disposals) to operating properties and equipment:

    

Homebuilding East

  $(909  230    40  

Homebuilding Central

   83    150    33  

Homebuilding West

   4,006    291    85  

Homebuilding Houston

   35    —      20  

Homebuilding Other

   (931  (2,009  (398

Lennar Financial Services

   1,774    1,711    1,657  

Rialto Investments

   428    —      —    

Corporate and unallocated

   576    (702  (2,827
             

Total net additions (disposals) to operating properties and equipment

  $5,062    (329  (1,390
             

Lennar Homebuilding equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities:

    

Homebuilding East

  $(871  (5,660  (31,422

Homebuilding Central

   (4,727  (8,143  (1,310

Homebuilding West

   (6,113  (114,373  (25,113

Homebuilding Houston

   766    (1,801  (920

Homebuilding Other

   (21  (940  (391
             

Total Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

  $(10,966  (130,917  (59,156
             

Rialto Investments equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

  $15,363    —      —    
             

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

3.    Lennar Homebuilding Receivables

 

  November 30,   November 30, 
  2008 2007   2010 2009 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Accounts receivable

  $51,491  166,017   $41,324    88,813  

Mortgages and notes receivable

   76,002  59,877    40,167    44,111  
              
   127,493  225,894    81,491    132,924  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (32,973) (18,203)   (3,072  (10,871
              
  $94,520  207,691   $78,419    122,053  
              

 

AccountsAt November 30, 2010, Lennar Homebuilding accounts receivable resultrelates primarily from the sale of land.to rebates and other receivables. At November 30, 2009, it also included receivables related to Chinese drywall, which were collected during 2010. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral for accounts receivable. Mortgages and notes receivable arising from the sale of land are generally collateralized by the property sold to the buyer. Allowances are maintained for potential credit losses based on historical experience, present economic conditions and other factors considered relevant by the Company.

 

4.    Lennar Homebuilding Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

 

Summarized condensed financial information on a combined 100% basis related to Lennar Homebuilding’s unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments that are accounted for by the equity method was as follows:

 

   November 30, 

Balance Sheets

  2008  2007 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $135,081  301,468 

Inventories

   7,115,360  7,941,835 

Other assets

   541,984  827,208 
        
  $7,792,425  9,070,511 
        

Liabilities and equity:

   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $1,042,002  1,214,374 

Debt

   4,062,058  5,116,670 

Equity of:

   

The Company

   766,752  934,271 

Others

   1,921,613  1,805,196 
        

Total equity of unconsolidated entities

   2,688,365  2,739,467 
        
  $7,792,425  9,070,511 
        

The Company’s equity in its unconsolidated entities

   29% 34%
        

  Years Ended November 30,   Years Ended November 30, 

Statements of Operations

  2008 2007 2006   2010 2009 2008 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Revenues

  $862,728  2,060,279  2,651,932   $236,752    339,993    862,728  

Costs and expenses

   1,394,601  3,075,696  2,588,196    378,997    1,212,866    1,394,601  
                    

Net earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities

  $(531,873) (1,015,417) 63,736 

Net loss of unconsolidated entities (1)

  $(142,245  (872,873  (531,873
                    

The Company’s share of net loss—recognized (1)(2)

  $(59,156) (362,899) (12,536)  $(10,966  (130,917  (59,156
                    

 

(1)The net loss of unconsolidated entities for the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009 was primarily related to valuation adjustments and operating losses recorded by the unconsolidated entities. The Company’s exposure to such losses was significantly lower as a result of its small ownership interest in the respective unconsolidated entities or its previous valuation adjustments recorded to its investments in unconsolidated entities. In addition, for the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company recorded a net pre-tax gain of $7.7 million from a transaction related to one of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities.
(2) For the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, the Company’s share of net loss recognized from Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities includes $32.2$10.5 million, $364.2$101.9 million and $126.4$32.2 million, respectively, of the Company’s share of SFAS 144 valuation adjustments related to assets of the unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Balance Sheets

  November 30, 
  2010   2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $82,573     171,946  

Inventories

   3,371,435     3,628,491  

Other assets

   307,244     403,383  
          
  $3,761,252     4,203,820  
          

Liabilities and equity:

    

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $327,824     366,141  

Debt

   1,284,818     1,588,390  

Equity

   2,148,610     2,249,289  
          
  $3,761,252     4,203,820  
          

 

The Company’s partners generally are unrelated homebuilders, land owners/developers and financial or other strategic partners. The unconsolidated entities follow accounting principles that are in all material respects the same as those used by the Company. The Company shares in the profits and losses of these unconsolidated entities generally in accordance with its ownership interests. In many instances, the Company is appointed as the day-to-day manager under the direction of a management committee that has shared powers amongst the partners of the unconsolidated entities and receives management fees and/or reimbursement of expenses for performing this function. During the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, the Company received management fees and reimbursement of expenses from the unconsolidated entities totaling $33.3$21.0 million, $52.1$15.3 million and $72.8$33.3 million, respectively.

 

The Company and/or its partners sometimes obtain options or enter into other arrangements under which the Company can purchase portions of the land held by the unconsolidated entities. Option prices are generally negotiated prices that approximate fair value when the Company receives the options. During the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, 2007 and 2006, $416.2$86.3 million, $977.5$117.8 million and $742.5$416.2 million, respectively, of the unconsolidated entities’ revenues were from land sales to the Company. The Company does not include in its Lennar Homebuilding equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities its pro rata share of unconsolidated entities’ earnings resulting from land sales to its homebuilding divisions. Instead, the Company accounts for those earnings as a reduction of the cost of purchasing the land from the unconsolidated entities. This in effect defers recognition of the Company’s share of the unconsolidated entities’ earnings related to these sales until the Company delivers a home and title passes to a third-party homebuyer.

 

In 2007, the Company sold a portfolio of land to a strategic land investment venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., in which the Company has a 20% ownership interest and 50% voting rights. Due to the Company’s continuing involvement, the transaction did not qualify as a sale by the Company under GAAP; thus, the inventory has remained on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in consolidated inventory not owned. As of November 30, 2010 and 2009, the portfolio of land (including land development costs) of $424.5 million and $477.9 million, respectively, is reflected as inventory in the summarized condensed financial information related to Lennar Homebuilding’s unconsolidated entities.

The Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments usually finance their activities with a combination of partner equity and debt financing. In some instances, the Company and its partners have guaranteed debt of certain unconsolidated entities.

In November 2007, the Company sold a portfolio of land consisting of approximately 11,000 homesites in 32 communities located throughout the country to a strategic land investment venture with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II, L.P., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., in which the Company has a 20% ownership interest and 50% voting rights. The Company also manages the land investment venture’s operations and receives fees for its services. As part of the transaction, the Company entered into option agreements and obtained rights of first offer providing the Company the opportunity to purchase certain finished homesites. The Company has no obligation to exercise the options and cannot acquire a majority of the entity’s assets. Due to the Company’s continuing involvement, the transaction did not qualify as a sale by the Company under GAAP; thus, the inventory has remained on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in consolidated inventory not owned. In 2007, the Company recorded a SFAS 144 valuation adjustment of $740.4 million on the inventory sold to the investment venture. As a result of the transaction, the land investment venture recorded the purchase of the portfolio of land as inventory. As of November 30, 2008, the portfolio of land (including land development costs) of $538.4 million is reflected as inventory in the summarized condensed financial information related to unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments.

The summary of the Company’s net recourse exposure related to the unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments was as follows:

   November 30, 
   2008  2007 
   (In thousands) 

Several recourse debt—repayment

  $78,547  123,022 

Several recourse debt—maintenance

   167,941  355,513 

Joint and several recourse debt—repayment

   138,169  263,364 

Joint and several recourse debt—maintenance

   123,051  291,727 

Land seller debt recourse exposure

   12,170  —   
        

The Company’s maximum recourse exposure

   519,878  1,033,626 

Less joint and several reimbursement agreements with the Company’s partners

   (127,428) (238,692)
        

The Company’s net recourse exposure

  $392,450  794,934 
        

The recourse debt exposure in the table above represent the Company’s maximum recourse exposure to loss from guarantees and do not take into account the underlying value of the collateral. During the year ended

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The summary of the Company’s net recourse exposure related to the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments was as follows:

   November 30, 
   2010  2009 
   (In thousands) 

Several recourse debt—repayment

  $33,399    42,691  

Several recourse debt—maintenance

   29,454    75,238  

Joint and several recourse debt—repayment

   48,406    85,799  

Joint and several recourse debt—maintenance

   61,591    81,592  

Land seller debt and other debt recourse exposure

   —      2,420  
         

The Company’s maximum recourse exposure

   172,850    287,740  

Less: joint and several reimbursement agreements with the Company’s partners

   (58,878  (93,185
         

The Company’s net recourse exposure

  $113,972    194,555  
         

During the year ended November 30, 2008,2010, the Company reduced its maximum recourse exposure related to indebtedness of Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated joint venturesentities by $513.7 million.

The Company’s Credit Facility requires$114.9 million, of which $82.5 million was paid by the Company primarily through capital contributions to effect quarterly reductions of its maximum recourse exposureunconsolidated entities and $32.4 million related to a reduction in the number of joint ventures in which it has investments by a total of $200 million by November 30, 2009 of which the Company has already made significant progress. Theinvestments, the reduction of joint and several recourse debt and the joint ventures selling inventory.

As of November 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company must also effect quarterly reductions during its 2010 fiscal year totaling $180had $10.2 million and during$14.1 million, respectively, of obligation guarantees recorded as a liability on its consolidated balance sheets. During the first six monthsyear ended November 30, 2010, the liability was reduced by $11.0 million as a result of its 2011 fiscal year totaling $80 million. By May 31, 2011, the Company’s maximum recourse exposuredebt extinguishment related to joint ventures in which it has investments cannot exceed $275 million (See Note 7).

Although the Company, in some instances, guarantees the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities in which it has an investment, the Company’s unconsolidated entities that have recourse debt have significant amount of assets and equity. The summarized balance sheetsone of the Company’s unconsolidated entities with recourse debt were as follows:

   November 30,
   2008  2007
   (In thousands)

Assets

  $2,846,819  3,220,695

Liabilities

   1,565,148  2,311,216

Equity

   1,281,671  909,479

In addition,and by $2.1 million due to cash paid related to an obligation guarantee previously recorded. This was partially offset by an accrual of $9.2 million established by the Company and/or its partners sometimes guarantee the obligations of an unconsolidated entity in order to help secure a loan to that entity. Whencover claims arising under obligation guarantees. The obligation guarantees are estimated based on current facts and circumstances and any unexpected changes may lead the Company and/orto incur additional liabilities under its partners provideobligation guarantees the unconsolidated entity generally receives more favorable terms from its lenders than would otherwise be available to it. In a repayment guarantee, the Company and its venture partners guarantee repayment of a portion or all of the debt in the event of a default before the lender would have to exercise its rights against the collateral. The maintenance guarantees only apply if the value or the collateral (generally land and improvements) is less than a specified percentage of the loan balance. If the Company is required to make a payment under a maintenance guarantee to bring the value of the collateral above the specified percentage of the loan balance, the payment would constitute a capital contribution or loan to the unconsolidated entity and increase the Company’s share of any funds the unconsolidated entity distributes. During the years ended November 30, 2008 and 2007, amounts paid under the Company’s maintenance guarantees were $74.0 million and $84.1 million, respectively. In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45,Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,as of November 30, 2008, the fair values of the maintenance guarantees and repayment guarantees were not material. The Company believes that as of November 30, 2008, in the event it becomes legally obligated to perform under a guarantee of the obligation of an unconsolidated entity due to a triggering event under a guarantee, most of the time the collateral should be sufficient to repay at least a significant portion of the obligation or the Company and its partners would contribute additional capital into the venture.

In many of the loans to unconsolidated entities, the Company and another entity or entities generally related to the Company’s subsidiary’s joint venture partner(s), have been required to give guarantees of completion to the lenders. Those completion guarantees may require that the guarantors complete the construction of the improvements for which the financing was obtained. If the construction was to be done in phases, very often the guarantee is to complete only the phases as to which construction has already commenced and for which loan proceeds were used. Under many of the completion guarantees, the guarantors are permitted, under certain circumstances, to use undisbursed loan proceeds to satisfy the completion obligations, and in many of those cases, the guarantors pay interest only on those funds, with no repayment of the principal of such funds required.future.

 

Indebtedness of ana Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity is secured by its own assets. Some Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities own multiple properties and other assets. There is no cross collateralization of debt to different unconsolidated entities; however, someentities. The Company also does not use its investment in one unconsolidated entities own multiple properties and other assets. entity as collateral for the debt in another unconsolidated entity or commingle funds among Lennar Homebuilding’s unconsolidated entities.

In connection with loans to a loan to anLennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity, the Company and its partners often guarantee to a lender either jointly and severally or on a several basis, any, or all of the following: (i)(I) the completion of the development, in whole or in part, (ii) indemnification of the lender from environmental issues, (iii) indemnification of the lender from “bad boy acts” of the unconsolidated entity (or full recourse liability in the event of unauthorized transfer or bankruptcy) and (iv) that the loan to value and/or loan to cost will not exceed a certain percentage (maintenance or remargining guarantee) or that a percentage of the outstanding loan will be repaid (repayment guarantee).

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In connection with loans to ana Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity where there is a joint and several guarantee, the Company generally has a reimbursement agreement with its partner. The reimbursement agreement provides that neither party is responsible for more than its proportionate share of the guarantee. However, if the Company’sLennar Homebuilding’s joint venture partner does not have adequate financial resources to meet its obligations under the reimbursement agreement, the Company may be liable for more than its proportionate share, up to its maximum recourse exposure, which is the full amount covered by the joint and several guarantee.

 

If the joint ventures are unable to reduce their debt, where there is recourse to the Company, through the sale of inventory or other means, then the Company and its partners may be required to contribute capital to the joint ventures.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The recourse debt exposure in the previous table represents the Company’s maximum recourse exposure to loss from guarantees and does not take into account the underlying value of the collateral or the other assets of the borrowers that are available to repay the debt or to reimburse the Company for any payments on its guarantees. The Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities that have recourse debt have significant amount of assets and equity. The summarized balance sheets of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities with recourse debt were as follows:

   November 30, 
   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 

Assets

  $990,028     1,324,993  

Liabilities

   487,606     777,836  

Equity

   502,422     547,157  

In addition, in most instances in which the Company has guaranteed debt of a Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity, the Company’s partners have also guaranteed that debt and are required to contribute their share of the guarantee payments. Some of the Company’s guarantees are repayment guarantees and some are maintenance guarantees. In a repayment guarantee, the Company and its venture partners guarantee repayment of a portion or all of the debt in the event of default before the lender would have to exercise its rights against the collateral. In the event of default, if the Company’s venture partner does not have adequate financial resources to meet its obligations under the reimbursement agreement, the Company may be liable for more than its proportionate share, up to its maximum recourse exposure, which is the full amount covered by the joint and several guarantee. The maintenance guarantees only apply if the value or the collateral (generally land and improvements) is less than a specified percentage of the loan balance. If the Company is required to make a payment under a maintenance guarantee to bring the value of the collateral above the specified percentage of the loan balance, the payment would constitute a capital contribution or loan to the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity and increase the Company’s investment in the unconsolidated entity and its share of any funds the unconsolidated entity distributes.

In connection with many of the loans to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities, the Company and its joint venture partners (or entities related to them) have been required to give guarantees of completion to the lenders. Those completion guarantees may require that the guarantors complete the construction of the improvements for which the financing was obtained. If the construction is to be done in phases, the guarantee generally is limited to completing only the phases as to which construction has already commenced and for which loan proceeds were used.

During the year ended November 30, 2010, there were: (1) payments of $10.0 million under the Company’s maintenance guarantees, (2) at the election of the Company, a loan paydown of $50.3 million, representing both the Company’s and its partner’s share, in return for a 4-year loan extension and the rights to obtain preferred returns and priority distributions at one of the Company’s unconsolidated entities, and (3) a $19.3 million payment to extinguish debt at a discount and buyout the partner of one of the Company’s unconsolidated entities resulting in a net pre-tax gain of $7.7 million. In addition, during the year ended November 30, 2010, there were other loan paydowns of $28.1 million, a portion of which related to amounts paid under the Company’s repayment guarantees. During the year ended November 30, 2009, there were payments of $31.6 million under the Company’s maintenance guarantees and there were other loan repayments of $72.4 million, a portion of which related to amounts paid under the Company’s repayment guarantees. During the year ended November 30, 2010, there were no payments under completion guarantees. During the year ended November 30, 2009, there was a payment of $5.6 million under a completion guarantee related to one joint venture. Payments made to, or on behalf of, the Company’s unconsolidated entities, including payment made under guarantees, are recorded primarily as capital contributions to the Company’s Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities.

As of November 30, 2010, the fair values of the maintenance guarantees, repayment guarantees and completion guarantees were not material. The Company believes that as of November 30, 2010, in the event it becomes legally obligated to perform under a guarantee of the obligation of a Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entity due to a triggering event under a guarantee, most of the time the collateral should be sufficient to repay at least a significant portion of the obligation or the Company and its partners would contribute additional capital into the venture. In certain instances, the Company has placed performance letters of credit and surety bonds with municipalities for its joint ventures.ventures (see Note 6).

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The total debt of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments was as follows:

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008  2007  2010 2009 
  (In thousands)  (Dollars in thousands) 

The Company’s net recourse exposure

  $392,450  794,934  $113,972    194,555  

Reimbursement agreements from partners

   127,428  238,692   58,878    93,185  

Partner several recourse

   285,519  465,641
       

The Company’s maximum recourse exposure

   172,850    287,740  
       

Non-recourse bank debt and other debt (partner’s share of several recourse)

   79,921    140,078  

Non-recourse land seller debt or other debt

   90,519  202,048   58,604    47,478  

Non-recourse debt with completion guarantee

   820,435  1,432,880

Non-recourse debt without completion guarantee

   2,345,707  1,982,475

Non-recourse debt with completion guarantees

   600,297    608,397  

Non-recourse debt without completion guarantees

   373,146    504,697  
       

Non-recourse debt to the Company

   1,111,968    1,300,650  
             

Total debt

  $4,062,058  5,116,670  $1,284,818    1,588,390  
             

The Company’s maximum recourse exposure as a % of total JV debt

   13  18
       

 

LandSource TransactionsSubsequent to November 30, 2010, one of Lennar Homebuilding’s unconsolidated entities extended the maturity of its $573.5 million debt without recourse to Lennar until 2018. In exchange for the extension, all the partners agreed to provide a limited several repayment guarantee on the outstanding debt, which will result in a $36.3 million increase to the Company’s maximum recourse exposure related to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities.

 

In January 2004, an unconsolidated entity of which the Company and LNR each owned 50% acquired The LandSource/Newhall Land and Farming Company (“Newhall”) for approximately $1 billion, including $200 million the Company contributed and $200 million that LNR contributed (the remainder came from borrowings and sales of properties to LNR). Subsequently, the Company and LNR each transferred their interests in most of their joint ventures to the jointly-owned company that had acquired Newhall, and that company was renamed LandSource Communities Development LLC (“LandSource”).Transactions

 

In February 2007, the Company’s LandSource Communities Development LLC (“LandSource”) joint venture admitted MW Housing Partners as a new strategic partner. As part ofa result, the transaction, the joint venture obtained $1.6 billion of non-recourse financing, which consisted ofCompany received a $200 million five-year Revolving Credit Facility, a $1.1 billion six-year Term Loan B Facility and a $244 million seven-year Second Lien Term Facility. The transaction resulted in a cash distribution from LandSource to the Company of $707.6 million. As a result, the Company’smillion and its ownership in LandSource was reduced to 16%. As a result of the recapitalization, the Company recognized a pretax financial statement gain of $175.9 million during the year ended November 30, 2007.

In June 2008, LandSource and a number of its subsidiaries commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. In November 2008, the Company’s land purchase options with LandSource were terminated, thus, in 2008, the Company recognized a deferred profit of $101.3 million (net of $31.8 million of write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs and other write-offs) related to the 2007 recapitalization of LandSource. The bankruptcy filing could result in LandSource losing some or all

In July 2009, the United States Bankruptcy Court of the properties it owns, terminationDistrict of Delaware confirmed the plan of reorganization for LandSource. As a result of the Company’s management agreement withbankruptcy proceedings, LandSource was reorganized into a new company called Newhall Land Development, LLC, (“Newhall”). The reorganized company emerged from Chapter 11 free of its previous bank debt. As part of the reorganization plan, in 2009 the Company invested $140 million in exchange for approximately a 15% equity interest in the reorganized Newhall, ownership in several communities that were formerly owned by LandSource, the settlement and release of any claims that might have been asserted against the Company and a substantial reduction (or total elimination) of the Company’s 16% ownership interest incertain other claims LandSource which had a carrying value of zero at November 30, 2008.against third parties.

5.    Operating Properties and Equipment

   November 30, 
   2010  2009 
   (In thousands) 

Operating properties (1)

  $196,214    145,015  

Leasehold improvements

   29,107    27,916  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   27,604    32,055  
         
   252,925    204,986  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (57,860  (52,954
         
  $195,065    152,032  
         

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following is summarized financial information related to the LandSource unconsolidated entity. The amounts presented below represent carrying amounts and have not been adjusted for the previously disclosed LandSource bankruptcy. These amounts are included in the summarized condensed financial information presented previously for the unconsolidated entities in which the Company has investments that are accounted for by the equity method.

Balance Sheets

  November 30, 
  2008  2007 
   (In thousands) 

Assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $35,589  106,535 

Inventories

   1,418,971  1,502,254 

Other assets

   326,951  354,295 
        
  $1,781,511  1,963,084 
        

Liabilities and equity:

   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $439,752  425,126 

Debt

   1,371,041  1,255,779 

Equity of:

   

The Company

   —    15,172 

Others

   (29,282) 267,007 
        

Total equity of unconsolidated entities

   (29,282) 282,179 
        
  $1,781,511  1,963,084 
        

The Company’s interest in LandSource

   16% 16%
        

   Years Ended November 30,

Statements of Operations

  2008  2007  2006
   (In thousands)

Revenues

  $125,086  647,088  296,175

Costs and expenses

   456,237  590,482  254,993
          

Net earnings (loss) of LandSource

  $(331,151) 56,606  41,182
          

5.    Operating Properties and Equipment

   November 30, 
   2008  2007 
   (In thousands) 

Operating properties

  $1,300  6,683 

Leasehold improvements

   30,825  33,544 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   31,911  36,682 
        
   64,036  76,909 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (51,473) (52,991)
        
  $12,563  23,918 
        
(1)As of November 30, 2010, operating properties includes $44.8 million of operating properties associated with the buy out of a Lennar Homebuilding joint venture during the year ended November 30, 2010, $85.1 million as a result of converting a multi-level residential building to a rental operation and $62.7 million of operating properties associated with the consolidation of joint ventures during the year ended November 30, 2009.

 

Operating properties and equipment are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

6.    Other Assets

   November 30,
   2008  2007
   (In thousands)

Deferred tax assets, net (See Note 9)

   —    741,598

Other

   99,802  121,554
       
  $99,802  863,152
       

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

7.Lennar Homebuilding Senior Notes and Other Debts Payable

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008  2007  2010   2009 
  (Dollars in thousands)  (Dollars in thousands) 

7 5/8% senior notes due 2009

  $280,976  279,491

5.125% senior notes due 2010

   299,877  299,825

5.95% senior notes due 2011

   249,615  249,516  $113,189     244,727  

5.95% senior notes due 2013

   346,851  346,268   266,319     347,471  

5.50% senior notes due 2014

   248,088  247,806   248,657     248,365  

5.60% senior notes due 2015

   501,618  501,804   501,216     501,424  

6.50% senior notes due 2016

   249,733  249,708   249,788     249,760  

12.25% senior notes due 2017

   393,031     392,392  

6.95% senior notes due 2018

   247,323     —    

2.00% convertible senior notes due 2020

   276,500     —    

2.75% convertible senior notes due 2020

   375,875     —    

5.125% senior notes due 2010

   —       249,955  

Mortgage notes on land and other debt

   368,177  121,018   456,256     527,258  
              
  $2,544,935  2,295,436  $3,128,154     2,761,352  
              

 

The Company’sIn February 2010, the Company terminated its $1.1 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) consists of a $1.1 billion revolving credit facility that matures in July 2011.. The Company’sCompany had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited byas it was only being used to issue letters of credit. The Company entered into cash-collateralized letter of credit agreements with two banks with a borrowing base calculation, consisting of specified percentages of various types of its assets. Under the Credit Facility,capacity totaling $225 million. In November 2010, the Company is requiredterminated its cash-collateralized letter of credit agreements and simultaneously entered into a $150 million Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (“LC Agreement”) with certain financial institutions. The LC Agreement may be increased to maintain a leverage ratio of 55%$200 million, although there are currently no commitments for the fourth quarter of 2008 and the Company’s 2009 fiscal year and a leverage ratio of 52.5% for its 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. If the Company’s minimum tangible net worth, as defined by the Credit Facility, goes below $1.6 billion, the Company’s Credit Facility would be reduced from $1.1 billion to $0.9 billion. In no event can the Company’s minimum tangible net worth, as defined by the Credit Facility, be less than $1.3 billion. At November 30, 2008, theadditional $50 million. The Company believes it was in compliance with its financial debt covenants.

In addition to other requirements, the Credit Facility limits the Company’s investments in joint ventures and requires the Company to effect quarterly reductions of its maximum recourse exposure related to joint ventures in which the Company’s has investments by a total of $200 million by November 30, 2009 of which the Company has already made significant progress. The Company must also effect quarterly reductions during its 2010 fiscal year totaling $180 million and during the first six months of its 2011 fiscal year totaling $80 million. By May 31, 2011, the Company’s maximum recourse exposure related to joint ventures in which it has investments cannot exceed $275 million.

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries. Interest rates on outstanding borrowings are LIBOR-based, with margins determined based on changes in the Company’s credit ratings, or an alternate base rate, as described in the credit agreement. At both November 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company had no outstanding balance under the Credit Facility. However,covenants at November 30, 2008 and 2007, $275.2 million and $443.5 million, respectively, of the Company’s total letters of credit outstanding discussed below, were collateralized against certain borrowings available under the Credit Facility.2010.

 

The Company’s performance letters of credit outstanding were $167.5$78.9 million and $390.2$97.7 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009. The Company’s financial letters of credit outstanding were $278.5$195.0 million and $424.2$205.4 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009. Performance letters of credit are generally posted with regulatory bodies to guarantee the Company’s performance of certain development and construction activities, and financial letters of credit are generally posted in lieu of cash deposits on option contracts.contracts, for insurance risks, credit enhancements and as other collateral. Additionally, at November 30, 2008,2010, the Company had outstanding performance and surety bonds related to site improvements at various projects (including certain projects in the Company’s joint ventures) of $1.1 billion.$684.7 million. Although significant development and construction activities have been completed related to these site improvements, these bonds are generally not released until all development and construction activities are completed. As of November 30, 2008,2010, there were approximately $444.2$314.7 million, or 42%46%, of costs to complete related to these site improvements. The Company does not presently anticipate any draws upon these bonds, but if any such draws occur, the Company does not believe they would have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In June 2007,November 2010, the Company redeemed its $300issued $446.0 million of 2.75% convertible senior floating-rate notes due 2009.2020 (the “2.75% Convertible Senior Notes”) at a price of 100% in a private placement. Proceeds from the offering, after payment of expenses, were $436.4 million. The redemption price was $300.0 million,net proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including repayments or 100%repurchases of existing senior notes or other indebtedness. The 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes are convertible into cash, shares of Class A common stock or a combination of both, at the Company’s election. However, it is the Company’s intent to settle the face value of the principal amount of the outstanding senior floating-rate notes due 2009, plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date.

2.75% Convertible Senior

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

InNotes in cash. Holders may convert the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes at the initial conversion rate of 45.1794 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount or 20,150,012 Class A common shares if all the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes are converted, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $22.13 per share of Class A common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The shares are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share primarily because it is the Company’s intent to settle the face value of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes in cash and the Company’s stock price does not exceed the conversion price.

Holders of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes will have the right to convert them, if during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ended November 2006,30, 2010 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day. Holders of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes will have the right to require the Company redeemedto repurchase them for cash equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest, on December 15, 2015. The Company will have the right to redeem the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes at any time on or after December 20, 2015 for 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest. Interest on the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes is due semi-annually beginning June 15, 2011. Beginning with the period commencing December 20, 2015, under certain circumstances based on the average trading price of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes, the Company may be required to pay contingent interest. The 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, but are currently guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Certain provisions under ASC Topic 470,Debt, require the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash on conversion to separately account for the liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. The Company has applied these provisions related to its $200 million senior floating-rate notes due 2007.2.75% Convertible Senior Notes. The redemption price was $200.0 million, or 100%Company estimated the fair value of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes using similar debt instruments at issuance that did not have a conversion feature and allocated the residual fair value to an equity component that represents the estimated fair value of the conversion feature at issuance. The debt discount of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes is being amortized over five years and the annual effective interest is 7.1% after giving effect to the amortization of the discount and deferred financing costs. At November 30, 2010, the principal amount of outstandingthe 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was $446.0 million, the unamortized discount included in stockholders’ equity was $70.1 million and the net carrying amount of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was $375.9 million. The carrying amount of the equity component of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was $71.2 million at November 30, 2010. During the year ended November 30, 2010, the amount of interest recognized relating to both the contractual interest and amortization of the discount was $1.7 million.

In May 2010, the Company repurchased $289.4 million aggregate principal amount of its senior floating-rate notes due 2007,2010, 2011 and 2013 through a tender offer, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $10.8 million. Through the tender offer, the Company repurchased $76.4 million principal amount of its 5.125% senior notes due October 2010, $130.8 million principal amount of its 5.95% senior notes due 2011 and $82.3 million principal amount of its 5.95% senior notes due 2013.

In May 2010, the Company issued $250 million of 6.95% senior notes due 2018 (the “6.95% Senior Notes”) at a price of 98.929% in a private placement. Proceeds from the offering, after payment of initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $243.9 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the sale of the 6.95% Senior Notes to fund purchases pursuant to its tender offer for its 5.125% senior notes due October 2010, its 5.95% senior notes due 2011 and its 5.95% senior notes due 2013. Interest on the 6.95% Senior Notes is due semi-annually beginning December 1, 2010. The 6.95% Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, but are currently guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsequently, most of the privately placed 6.95% Senior Notes were exchanged for substantially identical 6.95% senior notes that had been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At November 30, 2010, the carrying amount of the 6.95% Senior Notes was $247.3 million.

In May 2010, the Company also issued $276.5 million of 2.00% convertible senior notes due 2020 (the “2.00% Convertible Senior Notes”) at a price of 100% in a private placement. Proceeds from the offering, after payment of expenses, were $271.2 million. The net proceeds were or will be used for general corporate purposes,

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

including repayments or repurchases of existing senior notes or other indebtedness. The 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes are convertible into shares of Class A common stock at the initial conversion rate of 36.1827 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes or 10,004,517 Class A common shares if all the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes are converted, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $27.64 per share of Class A common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The shares are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Holders of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase them for cash equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest, on each of December 1, 2013 and December 1, 2015. The Company will have the right to redeem the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes at any time on or after December 1, 2013 for 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest. Interest on the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes is due semi-annually beginning December 1, 2010. Beginning with the six-month interest period commencing December 1, 2013, under certain circumstances based on the average trading price of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes, the Company may be required to pay contingent interest. The 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, but are currently guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. At November 30, 2010, the carrying amount of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes was $276.5 million.

In April 2009, the Company sold $400 million of 12.25% senior notes due 2017 (the “12.25% Senior Notes”) at a price of 98.098% in a private placement and were subsequently exchanged for identical 12.25% Senior Notes that had been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Proceeds from the offering, after payment of initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $386.7 million. The Company added the proceeds to its working capital to be used for general corporate purposes, which included the repayment or repurchase of its near-term maturities or of debt of its joint ventures that it has guaranteed. Interest on the 12.25% Senior Notes is due semi-annually. The 12.25% Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, but are currently guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, the carrying amount of the 12.25% Senior Notes was $393.0 million and $392.4 million, respectively.

In March 2009, the Company retired its $281 million of 7 5/8% senior notes due March 2009 for 100% of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemptionmaturity date.

 

In April 2006, the Company issuedsold $250 million of 5.95% senior notes due 2011 and $250 million of 6.50% senior notes due 2016 (collectively, the “New“2006 Senior Notes”) at prices of 99.766% and 99.873%, respectively, in a private placement and were subsequently exchanged for identical 2006 Senior Notes that had been registered under SEC Rule 144A.the Securities Act of 1933. Proceeds from the offering of the New2006 Senior Notes, after initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $248.7 million and $248.9 million, respectively. The Company added the proceeds to its working capital to be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the New2006 Senior Notes is due semi-annually. The New2006 Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, andbut are currently guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries guaranteewholly-owned subsidiaries. During the New Senior Notes. In October 2006,years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company completed an exchangeredeemed $131.8 million (including amount redeemed through the tender offer) and $5.0 million, respectively, of the New Senior Notes for substantially identical5.95% senior notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Exchange Notes”), with substantially all of the New Senior Notes being exchanged for Exchange Notes.due 2011. At November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, the carrying amount of the Exchange2006 Senior Notes was $499.3$363.0 million and $499.2$494.5 million, respectively.

 

In September 2005, the Company sold $300 million of 5.125% senior notes due October 2010 (the “5.125% Senior Notes”) at a price of 99.905% in a private placement. Proceeds from. During the offering, after initial purchaser’s discountyears ended November 30, 2010 and expenses, were $298.2 million. The2009, the Company addedredeemed $150.8 million (including amount redeemed through the proceeds to the Company’s working capital to be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 5.125% Senior Notes is due semi-annually. The 5.125% Senior Notes are unsecuredtender offer) and unsubordinated. Substantially all$50.0 million, respectively, of the Company’s subsidiaries guaranteed the 5.125% Senior Notes. In 2006,October 2010, the Company exchangedretired the remaining $99.2 million of its 5.125% Senior Notes for registered notes. The registered notes have substantially identical terms as the 5.125% Senior Notes, except that the registered notes do not include transfer restrictions that are applicable to the 5.125% Senior Notes. At November 30, 2008 and 2007, the carrying amount100% of the 5.125% Senior Notes was $299.9 millionoutstanding principal amount plus accrued and $299.8 million, respectively.unpaid interest as of the maturity date.

 

In April 2005, the Company sold $300 million of 5.60% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “Senior“5.60% Senior Notes”) at a price of 99.771%. Proceeds from the offering, after initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $297.5 million. In July 2005, the Company sold $200 million of 5.60% Senior Notes due 2015 at a price of 101.407%. The 5.60% Senior Notes were the same issue as the 5.60% Senior Notes the Company sold in April 2005. Proceeds from the offering, after initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $203.9 million. The Company added the proceeds of both offerings to its working capital to be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 5.60% Senior Notes is due semi-annually. The 5.60% Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated. Substantially

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Currently, substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries guaranteedare guaranteeing the 5.60% Senior Notes. The 5.60% Senior Notes were subsequently exchanged for identical 5.60% Senior Notes that had been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, the carrying amount of the 5.60% Senior Notes sold in April and July 2005 was $501.6$501.2 million and $501.8$501.4 million, respectively.

 

In August 2004, the Company sold $250 million of 5.50% senior notes due 2014 (the “5.50% Senior Notes”) at a price of 98.842% in a private placement. Proceeds from the offering, after initial purchaser’s discount and expenses, were $245.5 million. The Company used the proceeds to repay borrowings under its Credit Facility. Interest on the 5.50% Senior Notes is due semi-annually. The 5.50% Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated. SubstantiallyCurrently, substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries guaranteedare guaranteeing the 5.50% Senior Notes. At November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, the carrying value of the 5.50% Senior Notes was $248.1$248.7 million and $247.8$248.4 million, respectively.

 

In February 2003, the Company issued $350 million of 5.95% senior notes due 2013 (the “5.95% Senior Notes”) at a price of 98.287%. SubstantiallyCurrently, substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries guaranteedare guaranteeing the 5.95% senior notes.Senior Notes. During the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company redeemed $82.3 million (including amount redeemed through the tender offer) of the 5.95% Senior Notes due 2013. At November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, the carrying amount of the 5.95% senior notesSenior Notes was $346.9$266.3 million and $346.3$347.5 million, respectively.

In February 1999, the Company issued $282 million of 7 5/8% senior notes due 2009. Substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries guaranteed the 7 5/8% senior notes. At November 30, 2008 and 2007, the carrying amount of the 7 5/8% senior notes was $281.0 million and $279.5 million, respectively. During the year ended November 30, 2008, the Company redeemed $0.3 million of the 7 5/8% senior notes.

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, the Company had mortgage notes on land and other debt due at various dates through 2013 bearing interest at rates up to 10.0% with an average interest rate of 2.6% and due at various dates through 2013.3.7%. At November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, the carrying amount of the mortgage notes on land and other debt was $368.2$456.3 million and $121.0$527.3 million, respectively.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) During the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company retired $160.9 million of mortgage notes on land and other debt, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $19.4 million recorded in Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net.

 

The minimum aggregate principal maturities of senior notes and other debts payable during the five years subsequent to November 30, 20082010 and thereafter are as follows:

 

  Debt
Maturities
  Debt
Maturities
 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

2009

  $427,542

2010

   458,267

2011

   272,249  $206,985  

2012

   —     238,346  

2013

   387,438   353,184  

2014

   279,589  

2015

   504,599  

Thereafter

   999,439   1,545,451  

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

8.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

7.    Lennar Financial Services Segment

 

The assets and liabilities related to the Lennar Financial Services segment were as follows:

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008  2007  2010   2009 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $111,954  152,727  $110,476     126,835  

Restricted cash

   21,977  —     21,210     25,646  

Receivables, net (1)

   133,641  280,526   136,672     123,967  

Loans held-for-sale (2)

   190,056  293,499   245,404     182,706  

Loans held-for-investment, net

   58,339  137,544   21,768     25,131  

Investments held-to-maturity

   19,139  61,518   3,165     2,512  

Goodwill

   34,046  61,222   34,046     34,046  

Other (3)

   38,826  50,773   36,249     36,707  
              
  $607,978  1,037,809  $608,990     557,550  
              

Liabilities:

        

Notes and other debts payable

  $225,783  541,437  $271,678     217,557  

Other (4)

   191,050  190,221   176,541     197,329  
              
  $416,833  731,658  $448,219     414,886  
              

 

(1) Receivables, net, primarily relate to loans shippedsold to investors thatfor which the Company had not yet been fundedpaid as of November 30, 2008.2010 and 2009, respectively.
(2) Loans held-for-sale relate to unshippedunsold loans as of November 30, 2008 carried at fair value.
(3) IncludesOther assets include mortgage loan commitments of $4.4 million carried at fair value of $1.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, as of November 30, 2008.2010 and 2009. Other assets also include forward contracts carried at fair value of $2.9 million as of November 30, 2010.
(4) IncludesOther liabilities include forward contracts of $6.5 million carried at fair value of $3.6 million as of November 30, 2008.2009.

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, the Lennar Financial Services segment had a syndicated warehouse repurchase facility, which matures in April 2009 ($125 million, plus a $50 million temporary accordion feature that expired in December 2008) andhas a warehouse repurchase facility whichwith a maximum aggregate commitment of $150 million and an additional uncommitted amount of $50 million that matures in June 2009 ($150 million).April 2011, and another warehouse repurchase facility with a maximum aggregate commitment of $175 million that matures in July 2011. The maximum aggregate commitment under these facilities totaled $325 million.

The Lennar Financial Services segment uses these facilities to finance its lending activities until the mortgage loans are sold to investors and expects boththe facilities to be renewed or replaced with other facilities when they mature. Borrowings under the lines of creditfacilities were $209.5$271.6 million and $505.4$217.5 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 20072009, and were collateralized by mortgage loans and receivables on loans sold to investors but not yet funded by investorspaid for with outstanding principal balances of $286.7$286.0 million and $540.9$266.9 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009. The combined effective interest rate on the facilities at November 30, 20082010 was 3.5%3.9%.

At November 30, 2008 If the facilities are not renewed, the borrowings under the lines of credit will be paid off by selling the mortgage loans held-for-sale to investors and 2007,by collecting on receivables on loans sold but not yet paid. Without the facilities, the Lennar Financial Services segment had advances under a different conduitwould have to use cash from operations and other funding agreement totaling $10.8 million and $11.8 million, respectively. Borrowings under this agreement are collateralized by mortgage loans and had an effective interest rate of 2.9% and 5.8%, respectively, at November 30, 2008 and 2007. During 2008, the Financial Services segment entered into a new on going 60-day committed repurchase facility for $75 million. As of November 30, 2008, it had advances under this facility totaling $5.2 million, which had an effective interest rate of 3.7%.

sources to finance its lending activities.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

8.    Rialto Investment Segment

The assets and liabilities related to the Rialto segment were as follows:

   November 30, 
   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 

Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $76,412     —    

Defeasance cash to retire notes payable

   101,309     —    

Loans receivable

   1,219,314     —    

Real estate owned

   258,104     —    

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   84,526     9,874  

Investments held-to-maturity

   19,537     —    

Other

   18,412     —    
          
  $1,777,614     9,874  
          

Liabilities:

    

Notes payable

  $752,302     —    

Other

   18,412     —    
          
  $770,714     —    
          

Rialto’s operating earnings (loss) for the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

   Years Ended November 30, 
       2010           2009     
   (In thousands) 

Revenues

  $92,597     —    

Costs and expenses

   67,904     2,528  

Rialto Investments equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

   15,363     —    

Rialto Investments other income, net

   17,251     —    
          

Operating earnings (loss) (1)

  $57,307     (2,528
          

(1)Operating earnings (loss) for the year ended November 30, 2010 includes $33.2 million of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Loans Receivable

In February 2010, the Rialto segment acquired indirectly 40% managing member equity interests in two limited liability companies (“LLCs”), in partnership with the FDIC, for approximately $243 million (net of transaction costs and a $22 million working capital reserve). The LLCs hold performing and non-performing loans formerly owned by 22 failed financial institutions. The two portfolios originally consisted of more than 5,500 distressed residential and commercial real estate loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $3 billion and an initial fair value of approximately $1.2 billion. The FDIC retained a 60% equity interest in the LLCs and provided $626.9 million of notes with 0% interest, which are non-recourse to the Company. In accordance with GAAP, interest has not been imputed because the notes are with, and guaranteed by, a governmental agency. The notes are secured by the loans held by the LLCs. Additionally, if the LLCs exceed expectations and meet certain internal rate of return and distribution thresholds, the Company’s equity interest in the LLCs could be reduced from 40% down to 30%, with a corresponding increase to the FDIC’s equity interest from 60% up to 70%. As of November 30, 2010, the notes payable balance was $626.9 million; however, during the year ended November 30, 2010, $101.3 million of cash collections on loans in excess of expenses were deposited in a defeasance account, established for the repayment of the notes payable, under the agreement with the FDIC. The funds in the defeasance account will be used to retire the notes payable upon their maturity.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The LLCs met the accounting definition of VIEs and since the Company was determined to be the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidated the LLCs. The Company was determined to be the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities of the LLCs that most significantly impact the LLCs’ performance through its management and servicer contracts. At November 30, 2010, these consolidated LLCs had total combined assets and liabilities of $1.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively.

In September 2010, the Rialto segment completed the acquisitions of over $700 million of distressed real estate assets, in separate transactions, from three financial institutions. The combined portfolio includes approximately 400 loans with a total aggregate unpaid principal balance of over $500 million and over 300 real estate owned (“REO”) properties with an original appraised value of approximately $200 million. The Company paid $310 million for the distressed real estate assets of which, $125 million was financed through a 5-year senior unsecured note provided by one of the selling institutions.

At acquisition, the Rialto segment estimated the cash flows it expected to collect on these loans. In accordance with GAAP, the difference between the contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. This difference is neither accreted into income nor recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the pool of loans, using the effective yield method. The following tables display the contractually required principal and interest, cash flows expected to be collected and fair value at acquisition related to the loan portfolios the Rialto segment acquired. The tables also display the nonaccretable difference and the accretable yield at acquisition.

   February 9,
2010
 
   (In thousands) 

FDIC Portfolios

  

Loans receivable contractually required payments at acquisition

  $3,668,498  

Nonaccretable difference

   2,088,203  
     

Cash flows expected to be collected

   1,580,295  

Accretable difference

   402,659  
     

Loans receivable carrying amount

  $1,177,636  
     

   September 30,
2010
 
   (In thousands) 

Bank Portfolios

  

Loans receivable contractually required payments at acquisition

  $523,688  

Nonaccretable difference

   202,762  
     

Cash flows expected to be collected

   320,926  

Accretable difference

   84,114  
     

Loans receivable carrying amount

  $236,812  
     

The following table displays the outstanding balance and the carrying value of the loans receivable as of:

   November 30,
2010
 
   (In thousands) 

Outstanding balance

  $4,056,625  

Carrying value

  $1,219,314  

Subsequent to acquisition, the Rialto segment is required to evaluate periodically its estimate of cash flows expected to be collected. These evaluations require the continued use of key assumptions and estimates, similar to the initial estimate of fair value. Subsequent changes in the estimated cash flows expected to be collected may result in changes in the accretable yield and nonaccretable difference or reclassifications from nonaccretable yield to accretable. Increases in the cash flows expected to be collected will generally result in an increase in

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

interest income over the remaining life of the pool of loans. Decreases in expected cash flows due to further credit deterioration will generally result in an impairment charge recognized in the Rialto segment provision for loan and losses, resulting in an increase to the allowance for loan losses.

In accordance with ASC 310-30, the Rialto segment’s reassessment of forecasted cash flows did not warrant the recording of a valuation allowance on these loans during the year ended November 30, 2010. At November 30, 2010, there were loans receivable with a carrying value of approximately $253 million for which interest income was not being recognized as they were classified as nonaccrual. No allowance for loan losses was recorded at November 30, 2010 against these loans as the fair value of the underlying collateral was at least equal to the loans’ carrying value.

Disposal of loans which may include sales of loans, receipts of payments in full by the borrower, or foreclosure, result in removal of the loan from accretable yield portfolios.

The activity in the accretable yield for the FDIC portfolios for the year ended November 30, 2010 was as follows:

   Accretable
Yield
 
   (In thousands) 

Balance at November 30, 2009

  $—    

Additions

   402,659  

Accretions

   (85,754
     

Balance at November 30, 2010

  $316,905  
     

The activity in the accretable yield for the bank portfolios for the year ended November 30, 2010 was as follows:

   Accretable
Yield (1)
 
   (In thousands) 

Balance at November 30, 2009

  $—    

Additions

   84,114  

Accretions

   (4,708
     

Balance at November 30, 2010

  $79,406  
     

(1)The additions to accretable yield and the accretion of interest income is based on various estimates regarding loan performance. As the Company continues to obtain additional information related to recently acquired loans, the accretable yield may change. Therefore, the amounts of accretable income recorded for the year ended November 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Real Estate Owned

Based on the nature of Rialto’s operations, real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of loan foreclosure, are commonly classified as held-for-sale. The Rialto segment classifies properties as held-for-sale when certain criteria set forth in ASC Topic 360 are met. When a real estate asset is classified as held-for-sale, the property is carried at the lower of its cost basis or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The Rialto segment had no valuation allowances on real estate held-for-sale as of November 30, 2010. Valuation allowances on real estate held-for-sale are based on updated appraisals of the underlying properties or management’s best estimate of fair value. The following table presents the changes in real estate held-for-sale for the year ended November 30, 2010:

Real Estate
Owned
(In thousands)

Balance at November 30, 2009

$—  

Additions

270,859

Improvements

1,257

Sales

(14,012

Balance at November 30, 2010

$258,104

For the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company recorded approximately $2.9 million and $18.1 million, respectively, of gains from real estate sales and gains from acquisitions of real estate through foreclosure. The gains associated with real estate operations are recorded in Rialto Investments other income, net.

Investments

In November 2010, the Rialto segment invested in approximately $43 million of non-investment grade commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) for $19.4 million, representing a 55% discount to par value. These securities bear interest at a coupon rate of 4% and have a stated and assumed final distribution date of November 2020 and a stated maturity date of October 2057. The Rialto segment has classified these securities as held-to-maturity based on its intent and ability to hold the securities until maturity.

In a CMBS transaction, monthly interest received from all of the pooled loans is paid to the investors, starting with those investors holding the highest rated bonds and progressing in an order of seniority based on the class of security. Based on the aforementioned, the principal and interest repayments of a particular class are dependent upon collections on the underlying mortgages, which are affected by prepayments, extensions and defaults.

In accordance with ASC Topic 320-10,Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, the Rialto segment reviews changes in estimated cash flows periodically, to determine if other-than-temporary impairment has occurred on its investment securities. Based on the Rialto segment’s assessment, no impairment charges were recorded during 2010. Additionally, the carrying value of the investment securities was $19.5 million and approximates their fair value due to the close proximity of the transaction date and the ending balance sheet date.

In addition to the acquisition and management of the FDIC and bank portfolios, an affiliate in the Rialto segment is a sub-advisor to the AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AB”) fund formed under the Federal government’s Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”) to purchase real estate related securities from banks and other financial institutions. The sub-advisor receives management fees for sub-advisory services. The Company committed to invest $75 million of the total equity commitments of approximately $1.2 billion made by private investors in this fund, and the U.S. Treasury has committed to a matching amount of approximately $1.2 billion of equity in the fund, as well as agreed to extend up to approximately $2.3 billion of debt financing. During the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company invested $63.8 million in the AB PPIP fund. As of November 30, 2010, the carrying value of the Company’s investment in the AB PPIP fund was $77.3 million.

In November 2010, the Rialto segment completed its first closing of a real estate investment fund (the “Fund”) with initial equity commitments of approximately $300 million (including $75 million committed by the Company). The Fund’s objective during its three-year investment period is to invest in distressed real estate assets and other related investments that fit within the Fund’s investment parameters.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Additionally, another subsidiary in the Rialto segment also has a $7.3 million, or approximately 5%, investment in a service and infrastructure provider to the residential home loan market (the “Service Provider”), which provides services to the consolidated LLCs.

Summarized condensed financial information on a combined 100% basis related to Rialto’s investments in unconsolidated entities that are accounted for by the equity method as of November 30, 2010 was as follows:

   November 30, 

Balance Sheets

  2010   2009 (1) 
   (In thousands) 

Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $42,793     2,229  

Investments

   4,341,226     —    

Other assets

   181,600     179,985  
          
  $4,565,619     182,214  
          

Liabilities and equity:

    

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $110,921     58,209  

Partner loans

   137,820     135,570  

Debt due to the U.S. Treasury

   1,955,000     —    

Equity

   2,361,878     (11,565
          
  $4,565,619     182,214  
          

   Years Ended
November 30,
 

Statements of Operations

  2010   2009 (1) 
   (In thousands) 

Revenues

  $357,330     58,464  

Costs and expenses

   209,103     89,570  

Other gains

   311,468     —    
          

Net earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities

  $459,695     (31,106
          

Rialto Investments’ share of net earnings recognized

  $15,363     —    
          

(1)Amounts included as of and for the year ended November 30, 2009 relate only to the Service Provider because the Company did not invest in the AB PPIP fund until December 2009.

 

9.    Income Taxes

 

The benefit (provision) benefit for income taxes consisted of the following:

 

  Years Ended November 30,   Years Ended November 30, 
  2008 2007 2006   2010   2009 2008 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Current:

         

Federal

  $249,157  715,311  (484,731)  $13,286     327,131    249,157  

State

   (24,206) (14,128) (62,054)   12,448     (12,786  (24,206
                     
   224,951  701,183  (546,785)   25,734     314,345    224,951  
                     

Deferred:

         

Federal

   (646,261) 282,263  173,616    —       —      (646,261

State

   (126,247) 156,554  24,389    —       —      (126,247
                     
   (772,508) 438,817  198,005    —       —      (772,508
                     
  $(547,557) 1,140,000  (348,780)  $25,734     314,345    (547,557
                     

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of significant temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax asset are as follows:

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008 2007  2010 2009 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

Deferred tax assets:

      

Inventory valuation adjustments

  $239,854  380,491  $131,508    175,166  

Reserves and accruals

   83,911  160,071   109,357    114,002  

Net operating loss carryforward

   217,040  126,649   401,529    330,160  

Capitalized expenses

   44,436  84,261   42,388    41,598  

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   36,614  33,699   5,819    29,685  

Goodwill

   26,383  30,011

Alternative minimum tax credits

   65,307  —  

Other

   68,681  19,594   32,519    38,765  
             

Total deferred tax assets

   782,226  834,776   723,120    729,376  

Valuation allowance

   (730,836) —     (609,463  (647,385
             

Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

   51,390  834,776   113,657    81,991  

Deferred tax liabilities:

      

Capitalized expenses

   12,556  —     45,425    35,531  

Completed contract reporting differences

   —    54,732

Convertible debt basis difference

   26,331    —    

Rialto investments

   12,815    —    

Prepaid expenses

   6,214    15,977  

Other

   38,834  33,186   22,872    30,483  
             

Total deferred tax liabilities

   51,390  87,918   113,657    81,991  
             

Net deferred tax asset

  $—    746,858

Net deferred tax assets

  $—     $—    
             

 

As a result of the valuation allowance against the Company’s net deferred tax assets, at November 30, 2008,2010 and 2009, the Company’sLennar Homebuilding operations, and the Lennar Financial Services segment and Rialto segment did not have net deferred tax assets. At November 30, 2007, Homebuilding operations had net deferred tax assets totaling $741.6 million, which were included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. At November 30, 2007, the Financial Services segment had net deferred tax assets of $5.3 million, which were included in the other assets of the Financial Services segment.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

SFAS 109 requires aA reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance is required if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on the SFAS 109 more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. 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, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, the Company’s experience with loss carryforwards not expiring unused and tax planning alternatives.

 

Based upon an evaluation of all available evidence, the Company establishedrecorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets totalingof $730.8 million during the fourth quarteryear ended November 30, 2008, and increased it by $269.6 million during the year ended November 30, 2009. In addition, for the year ended November 30, 2009, the Company recorded a reversal of 2008. The Company’s cumulativeits deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $351.8 million, primarily due to a change in tax legislation, which allowed the Company to carry back its fiscal year 2009 tax loss position overto recover previously paid income taxes. During the evaluation periodyear ended November 30, 2010, the Company recorded a reversal of its deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $37.9 million primarily due to the recording of a deferred tax liability from the issuance of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes and the current uncertainnet earnings generated during the year. The reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to the issuance of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. At November 30, 2010 and volatile market conditions were significant negative evidence in assessing2009, the need for aCompany’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance.allowance was $609.5 million and $647.4 million, respectively. In future periods, the allowance could be reduced based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the Company’sour deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 provides a tax deduction on qualified domestic production activities under Internal Revenue Code Section 199. The tax benefit resulting from this deduction is reflected in the effective tax rate for the year endedAt November 30, 2006. However,2010, the Company did not recognize any benefit forhad tax effected federal and state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $401.5 million. Federal net operating loss carryforwards may be carried forward up to 20 years to offset future taxable income and begin to expire in 2025. State net operating losses may be carried forward from 5 to 20 years, depending on the years ended November 30, 2007tax jurisdiction, with losses expiring between 2012 and 2008 as a result of its pretax loss. In addition, a substantial portion of the November 30, 2006 tax benefit was reduced due to the carry back of the Company’s current and prior year pretax losses.2031.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A reconciliation of the statutory rate and the effective tax rate follows:

 

   Percentage of Pretax Income (Loss) 
   2008  2007  2006 

Statutory rate

  35.00% 35.00% 35.00%

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

  3.09  3.00  2.75 

Internal Revenue Code Section 199 impact

  (0.29) (0.30) (0.75)

Goodwill impairments and other

  (1.60) (0.70) —   

FIN 48 tax reserves and interest expense

  (3.56) —    —   

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

  (130.15) —    —   
          

Effective rate

  (97.51)% 37.00% 37.00%
          

Effective December 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, which provides interpretative guidance for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recorded a $24.7 million cumulative-effect charge to its retained earnings on December 1, 2007. At the date of the adoption, the Company had $88.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits.

   Percentage of Pretax Income (Loss) 
       2010          2009          2008     

Statutory rate

   35.00  35.00  35.00

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

   2.43    2.32    3.09  

Internal Revenue Code Section 199 impact

   —      —      (0.29

Other

   0.18    (0.33  (1.25

Nondeductible compensation

   4.79    (0.30  (0.35

Tax reserves and interest expense

   (50.91  (4.97  (3.56

Deferred tax asset valuation reversal (allowance)

   (28.50  11.25    (130.15
             

Effective rate

   (37.01)%   42.97  (97.51)% 
             

 

The following table summarizes the changes in gross unrecognized tax benefits from December 1, 2007 throughfor the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008:

 

  Years Ended November 30, 
  November 30,
2008
   2010 2009 2008 
  (In thousands)   (In thousands) 

Gross unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year

  $88,560   $77,211    100,168    88,560  

Decreases of prior year items

   (2,605)

Increases of prior year items due to changes in tax law

   14,213 

Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities

   (31,167  (57,022  (2,605

Increases of prior year items

   —      36,061    14,213  

Decreases due to statute expirations

   —      (1,996  —    
              

Gross unrecognized tax benefits, end of year

  $100,168   $46,044    77,211    100,168  
              

 

At November 30, 2008, the Company had $100.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. If the Company were to recognize thesethe $46.0 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $25.4$25.0 million would affect the Company’s effective tax rate.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company expects the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to decrease by $62.0$26.5 million within twelve months as a result of settlements with various taxing authorities and the settlementexpiration of certain tax accounting items with the IRS with respect to the prior examination cycle that carried over to the current years under examination, and as a resultstatutes of the conclusion of examinations with a number of state taxing authorities. The majority of these items were previously recorded as deferred tax liabilities and the settlement will not affect the Company’s tax rate.limitations.

 

Effective with the Company’s adoption of FIN 48, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are now recognized in the financial statements as a component of (provision) benefit for income taxes. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were previously recorded in management fees and other income (expense), net in the Company’s statements of operations. At November 30, 2008,2010 and 2009, the Company had $33.5$28.2 million and $33.6 million, respectively, accrued for interest and penalties, of which $16.1$2.7 million wasand $3.9 million, respectively, were recorded during the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009. During the year ended November 30, 2008 in accordance2010, the accrual for interest was reduced by $8.1 million as a result of settlements with FIN 48.various taxing authorities.

 

The IRS is currently examining the Company’s federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2005 2006, 2007 and 2008through 2009, and certain state taxing authorities are examining various fiscal years. The final outcome of these examinations is not yet determinable. The statute of limitations for the Company’s major tax jurisdictions remains open for examination for fiscal years 2002 through 2007. For the 2008 tax year the Company has been invited by the IRS to participate in a new examination program, Compliance Assurance Process “CAP”. This program operates as a contemporaneous exam throughout the year in order to keep exam cycles current2003 and achieve a higher level of compliance.

At November 30, 2007, the Company had $6.8 million of reserves recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 5,Accounting for Contingencies, for income tax filing positions and related interest. This reserve was included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.subsequent years.

 

10.    Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

Effective December 1, 2009, the Company adopted certain provisions under ASC 260. Under these provisions, all outstanding nonvested shares that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents that participate in undistributed earnings with common stock are considered participating securities and, therefore, are included in computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s restricted common stock (“nonvested shares”) are considered participating securities.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

For the years ended November 30, 2009 and 2008, the nonvested shares were excluded from the calculation of the denominator for diluted loss per share because including them would be anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss during those periods. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact to the Company’s basic and diluted loss per share.

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were calculated as follows:

 

   2008  2007  2006
   (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share—net earnings (loss)

  $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869
          

Numerator—Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

    

Net earnings (loss)

  $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869

Interest on 5.125% zero-coupon convertible senior subordinated notes due 2021, net of tax

   —    —    1,565
          

Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share—net earnings (loss)

  $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 595,434
          

Denominator:

    

Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share—weighted average shares

   158,395  157,718  158,040

Effect of dilutive securities:

    

Employee stock options and nonvested shares

   —    —    1,865

5.125% zero-coupon convertible senior subordinated notes due 2021

   —    —    1,466
          

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share—adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions

   158,395  157,718  161,371
          

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $(7.00) (12.31) 3.76
          

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(7.00) (12.31) 3.69
          
   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009  2008 
   (In thousands, except per share amounts) 

Numerator:

     

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar

  $95,261     (417,147  (1,109,085

Less: distributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares

   310     197    1,124  

Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares

   735     —      —    
              

Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share

   94,216     (417,344  (1,110,209
              

Plus: interest on 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes, net of tax

   1,994     —      —    

Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to convertible shares

   735     —      —    

Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to convertible shares

   734     —      —    
              

Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $96,211     (417,344  (1,110,209
              

Denominator:

     

Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share – weighted average common shares outstanding

   182,960     170,537    158,395  

Effect of dilutive securities:

     

Shared based payments

   161     —      —    

2.00% Convertible Senior Notes

   5,736     —      —    
              

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share – weighted average common shares outstanding

   188,857     170,537    158,395  
              

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $0.51     (2.45  (7.01
              

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $0.51     (2.45  (7.01
              

 

Options to purchase 7.44.0 million shares, 4.97.5 million shares and 3.17.4 million shares, respectively, in total of Class A and Class B common stock were outstanding and anti-dilutive for the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

In 2001, the Company issued 5.125% zero-coupon convertible senior subordinated notes due 2021, (“Convertible Notes”). The indenture relating to the Convertible Notes provided that the Convertible Notes were convertible into the Company’s Class A common stock during limited periods after the market price of the Company’s Class A common stock exceeds 110% of the accreted conversion price at the rate of 14.2 Class A common shares per $1,000 face amount of notes at maturity, which would total 9.0 million shares. For this purpose, the “market price” is the average closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock over the last twenty trading days of a fiscal quarter.

In April 2006, substantially all of the Company’s outstanding Convertible Notes were converted by the noteholders into 4.9 million Class A common shares. Convertible Notes not converted by the noteholders were not material and were redeemed by the Company on April 4, 2006. The weighted average amount of shares issued upon conversion is included in the calculation of basic earnings per share from the date of conversion. The calculation of diluted earnings per share included 1.5 million shares for the year ended November 30, 2006 related to the dilutive effect of the Convertible Notes prior to conversion.2008.

 

11.    Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lennar represents changes in stockholders’ equity from non-owner sources. The components of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lennar were as follows:

 

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2008  2007  2006 
   (In thousands) 

Net earnings (loss)

  $(1,109,085) (1,941,081) 593,869 

Unrealized gains arising during period on interest rate swaps, net of tax (37%)

   —    1,002  2,853 

Unrealized gain (loss) on Company’s portion of unconsolidated entity’s interest rate swap liability, net of tax (37%)

   2,061  (2,061) —   

Unrealized gains arising during period on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax (37%)

   —    —    7 

Reclassification adjustment for loss included in net loss for interest rate swaps, net of tax (37%)

   —    338  —   

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings for available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax (37%)

   —    —    (245)

Change to the Company’s portion of unconsolidated entity’s minimum pension liability, net of tax (37%)

   —    701  565 
           

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $(1,107,024) (1,941,101) 597,049 
           
   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009  2008 
   (In thousands) 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar

  $95,261     (417,147  (1,109,085

Unrealized gain on Company’s portion of unconsolidated entity’s interest rate swap liability, net of tax (37%)

   —       —      2,061  
              

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lennar

  $95,261     (417,147  (1,107,024
              

 

AccumulatedThere was no accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the followingincome (loss) at November 30, 20082010 and 2007:

       November 30,     
   2008  2007 
   (In thousands) 

Unrealized gain (loss) on Company’s portion of unconsolidated entity’s interest rate swap liability, net of tax

  

$

  —  

  (2,061)
        

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $  —    (2,061)
        

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)2009.

 

12.    Capital Stock

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 500,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $10 per share and 100 million shares of participating preferred stock with a par value of $0.10 per share. No shares of preferred stock or participating preferred stock have been issued as of November 30, 2008.2010.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Common Stock

 

During both the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s Class A and Class B common stockholders received a per share annual dividend of $0.16. In October 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors voted to decrease the annual dividend rate with regard to the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock to $0.16 per share per year (payable quarterly) from $0.64 per share per year (payable quarterly). During the yearsyear ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, Class A and Class B common stockholders received per share annual dividends of $0.52, $0.64 and $0.64, respectively.$0.52.

 

The only significant difference between the Class A common stock and Class B common stock is that Class A common stock entitles holders to one vote per share and the Class B common stock entitles holders to ten votes per share.

 

As of November 30, 2008,2010, Stuart A. Miller, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director, directly owned, or controlled through family-owned entities, shares of Class A and Class B common stock, which represented approximately 49%46% voting power of the Company’s stock.

 

In June 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors authorizedThe Company has a stock repurchase program to permitwhich permits the purchase of up to 20 million shares of its outstanding common stock. During the years ended November 30, 20082010, 2009 and 2007,2008, there were no material share repurchases of common stock under the stock repurchase program. During the year ended November 30, 2006, the Company repurchased a total of 6.2 million shares of its outstanding common stock for an aggregate purchase price including commissions of $320.1 million, or $51.59 per share. As of November 30, 2008,2010, 6.2 million shares of common stock can be repurchased in the future under the program.

 

TreasuryDuring the years ended November 30, 2010 and November 30, 2009, treasury stock increased by 0.50.1 million Class A common shares and 0.80.3 million Class A common shares, duringrespectively, due to activity related to the years ended November 30, 2008Company’s equity compensation plan and November 30, 2007, primarily related to forfeitures of restricted stock.

In addition to the common shares purchased under the Company’s stock repurchase program, during the year ended November 30, 2006,April 2009, the Company repurchased approximately 0.1 millionentered into distribution agreements with J.P Morgan Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merril Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., relating to an offering of its Class A common stock into the market from time to time for an aggregate of up to $275 million. As of November 30, 2009, the Company had sold a total of 21.0 million shares of its Class A common stock under the equity offering for gross proceeds of $225.5 million, or an average of $10.76 per share. After compensation to the distributors of $4.5 million, the Company received net proceeds of $221.0 million. The Company used the proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes. There was no activity related to the vesting of restricted stock and distributions of common stock from the Company’s deferred compensation plan.these distribution agreements during 2010.

 

Restrictions on Payment of Dividends

 

Other than to maintain compliance with certain covenants contained in the Credit Facility, thereThere are no restrictions on the payment of dividends on common stock by the Company. There are no agreements which restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries of the Company other than to maintain the financial ratios and net worth requirements under the Lennar Financial Services segment’s warehouse lines of credit.credit, which restrict the payment of dividends from the Company’s mortgage subsidiaries following the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default thereunder and limit dividends to 50% of net income in the absence of an event of default.

 

401(k) Plan

 

Under the Company’s 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”), contributions made by employeesassociates can be invested in a variety of mutual funds or proprietary funds provided by the Plan trustee. The Company may also make contributions for the benefit of employees.associates. The Company records as compensation expense its contribution to the Plan. This amount was $4.5 million in 2010, $5.2 million in 2009 and $7.6 million in 2008, $15.2 million in 2007 and $19.0 million in 2006.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)2008.

 

13.    Share-Based Payments

 

The Company has share-based awards outstanding under fourthree different plans which provide for the granting of stock options and stock appreciation rights and awards of restricted common stock (“nonvested shares”) to key officers, employeesassociates and directors. These awards are primarily issued in the form of new shares. The exercise prices of stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be less than the market value of the

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

common stock on the date of the grant. No options granted under the plans may be exercisable until at least six months after the date of the grant. Thereafter, exercisesExercises are permitted in installments determined when options are granted. Each stock option and stock appreciation right will expire on a date determined at the time of the grant, but not more than ten years after the date of the grant.

 

The Company accounts for stock option awards granted under the plans in accordance with the recognition and measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS 123R”). Effective December 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense recognized during the year ended November 30, 2006 included: (a) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to December 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R.

SFAS 123R requires that cashCash flows resulting from tax benefits related to tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) beare classified as financing cash flows. For the year ended November 30, 2010, there was an immaterial amount of excess tax benefits from share-based awards. For the years ended November 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company did not have any excess tax benefits from shared-based awards. For the years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company classified $4.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits as financing cash inflows.

 

Compensation expense related to the Company’s share-based awards for the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $29.9 million, $35.5 million and $36.6 million, respectively, of which $12.4 million, $17.2 million and $25.6 million, respectively, related to stock options and $17.4 million, $18.3 million and $11.0 million, respectively, related to nonvested shares. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for share-based awards during the years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $9.4 million, $11.3 million and $11.2 million, respectively, of which $2.9 million, $4.5 million and $7.1 million, respectively, related to stock options and $6.5 million, $6.8 million and $4.1 million, respectively, related to nonvested shares.as follows:

   Years Ended November 30, 
   2010   2009   2008 
   (In thousands) 

Stock options

  $5,985     10,291     12,432  

Nonvested shares

   22,090     20,101     17,439  
               

Total compensation expense for share-based awards

  $28,075     30,392     29,871  
               

 

Cash received from stock options exercised during the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 2007was $2.0 million, $0.3 million, and 2006 was $0.2 million, $21.6 million, and $31.1 million, respectively. The tax deductions related to stock options exercised during the year ended November 30, 2010 were $0.2 million. There were no material tax deductions related to stock options exercised during the year ended November 30, 2008. The tax deductions related to stock options exercised during the years ended November 30, 20072009 and 2006 were $8.3 million and $12.1 million, respectively.2008.

 

The fair value of each of the Company’s stock option awards is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. The fair value of the Company’s stock option awards, which are subject to graded vesting, is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting life of the stock options. Expected volatility is based on an average of (1) historical volatility of the Company’s stock and (2) implied volatility from traded options onover the Company’s stock.most recent period equal to the expected life of the award. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option award is based on the yield curve of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond on the date the stock option award is granted with a maturity equal to the expected term of the stock option award granted. The Company uses historical data to estimate stock option exercises and forfeitures within its valuation model. The expected life of stock option awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under the Company’s share-based payment plans and represents the period of time that stock option awards granted are expected to be outstanding.

 

The fair value of these options was determined at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The significant weighted average assumptions for the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008 were as follows:

 

   2008  2007  2006

Dividend yield

  3.2% - 4.7%  1.3% - 2.7%  1.1%

Volatility rate

  43% - 60%  30% - 34%  31% - 34%

Risk-free interest rate

  1.9% - 3.5%  4.1% - 5.0%  4.1% - 5.0%

Expected option life (years)

  2.0 - 5.0  2.0 - 5.0  2.0 - 5.0

   2010  2009  2008

Dividend yield

  0.9% - 1.1%  1.7% - 1.8%  3.2% - 4.7%

Volatility rate

  80% - 112%  73% - 121%  43% - 60%

Risk-free interest rate

  0.2% - 0.6%  0.7% - 2.8%  1.9% - 3.5%

Expected option life (years)

  1.5  2.0 - 5.0  2.0 - 5.0

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the year ended November November��30, 20082010 was as follows:

 

   Stock
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)

Outstanding at November 30, 2007

  6,338,165  $46.35    

Grants

  4,513,500  $13.57    

Forfeited or expired

  (2,070,661) $39.30    

Exercises

  (19,800) $11.34    
           

Outstanding at November 30, 2008

  8,761,204  $31.50  3.1 years  $180
              

Vested and expected to vest in the future at November 30, 2008

  8,173,972  $32.51  3.0 years  $244
              

Exercisable at November 30, 2008

  2,738,041  $47.35  1.0 years  $162
              

Available for grant at November 30, 2008

  4,215,063      
         
   Stock
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
 

Outstanding at November 30, 2009

   6,395,105   $29.37      

Grants

   20,000   $17.83      

Forfeited or expired

   (974,139 $52.15      

Exercises

   (174,756 $11.26      
             

Outstanding at November 30, 2010

   5,266,210   $25.72     2.0 years    $6,272  
                   

Vested and expected to vest in the future at November 30, 2010

   4,095,639   $23.87     2.0 years    $5,170  
                   

Exercisable at November 30, 2010

   3,298,410   $31.35     1.6 years    $3,236  
                   

Available for grant at November 30, 2010

   1,733,876       
          

 

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 2007was $8.66, $4.74 and 2006 was $3.85, $12.89 and $17.27, respectively. For the year ended November 30, 2008, theThe total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended November 30, 2010 was not material.$0.6 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended November 30, 20072009 and 20062008 was $22.3 million and $36.1 million, respectively.not material.

 

The fair value of nonvested shares is determined based on the trading price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The weighted average fair value of nonvested shares granted during the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 2007was $15.21, $12.63 and 2006 was $15.11, $49.52 and $57.09, respectively. A summary of the Company’s nonvested shares activity for the year ended November 30, 20082010 was as follows:

 

  Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
  Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested restricted shares at November 30, 2007

  1,700,591  $52.83

Nonvested restricted shares at November 30, 2009

   2,349,485   $13.27  

Grants

  1,172,978  $15.11   1,688,058   $15.21  

Vested

  (423,642) $54.02   (1,317,896 $14.64  

Forfeited

  (427,004) $45.16   (10,750 $19.38  
             

Nonvested restricted shares at November 30, 2008

  2,022,923  $32.33

Nonvested restricted shares at November 30, 2010

   2,708,897   $13.79  
             

 

At November 30, 2008,2010, there was $61.8$40.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards granted under the Company’s share-based payment plans, of which $25.6$6.3 million relates to stock options and $36.2$34.6 million relates to nonvested shares. The unrecognized expense related to nonvested shares is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.33.2 years. During the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, 2007 and 2006, 0.41.3 million nonvested shares, 0.31.2 million nonvested shares and 0.10.4 million nonvested shares, respectively, vested. For the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, there was no tax provision related to nonvested share activity because the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. The tax (provision) benefitprovision related to nonvested share activity during the yearsyear ended November 30, 2008 2007 and 2006 was ($6.1) million, ($3.1) million and $3.7 million, respectively.

14.    Deferred Compensation Plan

In June 2002, the Company adopted the Lennar Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) that allowed a selected group of members of management to defer a portion of their salaries and bonuses and up to 100% of their restricted stock. All participant contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan are vested. Salaries and bonuses that are deferred under the Deferred Compensation Plan are credited with earnings or losses based on investment decisions made by the participants. The cash contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan are invested by the Company in various investment securities that were classified as trading.

Restricted stock is deferred under the Deferred Compensation Plan by surrendering the restricted stock in exchange for the right to receive in the future a number of shares equal to the number of restricted shares that are

$6.1 million.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

surrendered. The surrender is reflected as a reduction in stockholders’ equity equal to the fair value of the restricted stock when it was issued, with an offsetting increase in stockholders’ equity to reflect a deferral of the compensation expense related to the surrendered restricted stock. Changes in the fair value of the shares that will be issued in the future are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

As of November 30, 2007, approximately 36,000 Class A common shares and 3,600 Class B common shares of restricted stock had been surrendered in exchange for rights under the Deferred Compensation Plan, resulting in a reduction in stockholders’ equity of $0.3 million fully offset by an increase in stockholders’ equity to reflect the deferral of compensation in that amount. Shares that the Company is obligated to issue in the future under the Deferred Compensation Plan are treated as outstanding shares in both the Company’s basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations for the years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006. In 2008, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the termination of the Deferred Compensation Plan and $1.8 million in total in cash and shares of common stock was distributed to its participants.

 

15.14.    Financial Instruments

 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments held by the Company at November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, using available market information and what the Company believes to be appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies might have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The table excludes cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, defeasance cash to retire notes payable, receivables, net, income tax receivables and accounts payable, which had fair values approximating their carrying amounts due to the short maturities and liquidity of these instruments.

 

  November 30,  November 30, 
  2008  2007  2010   2009 
  Carrying
Amount
  Fair Value  Carrying
Amount
  Fair Value  Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value   Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

ASSETS

                

Financial services:

        

Rialto Investments:

        

Loans receivable

  $1,219,314     1,411,731     —       —    

Investments—held-to-maturity

  $19,537     19,537     —       —    

Lennar Financial Services:

        

Loans held-for-investment, net

  $58,339  58,339  137,544  137,564  $21,768     23,083     25,131     26,818  

Investments—held-to-maturity

  $19,139  19,266  61,518  61,572  $3,165     3,177     2,512     2,529  

LIABILITIES

                

Homebuilding:

        

Lennar Homebuilding:

        

Senior notes and other debts payable

  $2,544,935  1,785,692  2,295,436  1,905,502  $3,128,154     3,153,106     2,761,352     2,754,737  

Financial services:

        

Rialto Investments:

        

Notes payable

  $752,302     719,703     —       —    

Lennar Financial Services:

        

Notes and other debts payable

  $225,783  225,783  541,437  541,437  $271,678     271,678     217,557     217,557  

 

The following methods and assumptions are used by the Company in estimating fair values:

 

Homebuilding—Lennar HomebuildingFor senior notes and other debts payable, the fair value of fixed-rate borrowings is based on quoted market prices. The Company’s variable-rate borrowings are tied to market indices and approximate fair value due to the short maturities associated with the majority of the instruments.

 

Rialto Investments—The fair value for loans receivable is based on discounted cash flows as of November 30, 2010 or the fair value of the collateral. The fair value for investments held-to-maturity approximated the carrying value because the investments were acquired right before November 30, 2010. For notes payable, the fair value of zero percent notes provided by the FDIC was calculated based on a 5-year treasury yield as of November 30, 2010 and the fair value of other notes payable was calculated based on discounted cash flows using the Company’s weighted average borrowing rate.

Lennar Financial servicesServices—The fair values above are based on quoted market prices, if available. The fair values for instruments that do not have quoted market prices are estimated by the Company on the basis of discounted cash flows or other financial information.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Fair Value OptionMeasurements

 

SFAS 157GAAP provides a framework for measuring fair value, expands disclosures about fair value measurements and establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value summarized as follows:

 

Level 1

  Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2

  Fair value determined using significant other observable inputs.

Level 3

  Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value at November 30, 2010 on a recurring basis are all within the Lennar Financial Services segment and are summarized below:

 

Financial Instruments

  Fair Value Hierarchy  Fair Value at
November 30,
2008
 
    Fair Value Hierarchy   Fair Value at
November 30,
2010
 
     (In thousands)   (Dollars in thousands) 

Loans held-for-sale (1)

  Level 2  $190,056    Level 2    $245,404  

Mortgage loan commitments

  Level 2   4,382    Level 2    $1,449  

Forward contracts

  Level 2   (6,461)   Level 2    $2,905  
      
    $187,977 
      

 

(1) The difference between the aggregate fair value of $190.1loans held-for-sale of $245.4 million and theexceeds its aggregate unpaid principal balance of $185.2$240.8 million is $4.9by $4.6 million.

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments have been determined by using available market information and what the Company electedbelieves to be appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies might have a material effect on the estimated fair value optionamounts. The following methods and assumptions are used by the Company in estimating fair values:

Loans held-for-sale—Fair value is based on independent quoted market prices, where available, or the prices for itsother mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. Management believes carrying loans held-for-sale for mortgage loans originated subsequent to February 29, 2008 in accordance with SFAS 159, which permits entities to measure various financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis. Management believes that the election of the fair value option for loans held-for-sale improves financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring the fair value of the loans and the derivativederivatives instruments used to economically hedge them without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. In addition, the Company adopted SAB 109 on March 1, 2008, requiring the recognition ofrecognizes the fair value of its rights to service a mortgage loan as revenue upon entering into an interest rate lock loan commitment with a borrower.borrower, in accordance with ASC Topic 815-10-S99. The fair value of these servicing rights is included in the Company’sLennar Financial Services’ loans held-for-sale as of November 30, 2008. Prior to March 1, 2008, the fair value of the servicing rights was not recognized until the related loan was sold.2010 and 2009. Fair value of the servicing rights is determined based on valuesvalue in the Company’s servicing sales contracts.

Mortgage loan commitmentsFair value of commitments to originate loans heldis based upon the difference between the current value of similar loans and the price at which the Lennar Financial Services segment has committed to originate the loans. The fair value of commitments to sell loan contracts is the estimated amount that the Lennar Financial Services segment would receive or pay to terminate the commitments at the reporting date based on market prices for salesimilar financial instruments.

Forward contracts—Fair value is based on independent quoted market prices where available, or the prices for other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics.financial instruments.

 

The assets accounted for under SFAS 159 are initiallyGains and losses of financial instruments measured at fair value. Gains and lossesvalue from initial measurement and subsequent changes in fair value are recognized in the Lennar Financial Services segment’s earnings (loss). The changes in fair values that are included in earnings (loss) are shown, by financial instrument and financial statement line item, below:

 

   Years Ended November 30, 2008 
   Loans
held-for-sale
  Mortgage loan
commitments
  Forward
contracts
 
   (In thousands) 

Changes in fair value included in net earnings (loss):

      

Financial Services revenues

  $4,923  4,382  (6,461)
   Years Ended November 30, 
       2010          2009     
   (In thousands)  

Changes in fair value included in Lennar Financial Services revenues:

   

Loans held-for-sale

  $(2,607  2,264  

Mortgage loan commitments

  $(3,251  318  

Forward contracts

  $6,463    2,903  

 

Interest income on loans held-for-sale measured at fair value is calculated based on the interest rate of the loan and recorded in interest income in the Lennar Financial Services’ statement of operations.

 

The Financial Services segment had a pipeline of loan applications in process of $710.8 million at November 30, 2008. Loans in process for which interest rates were committed to the borrowers totaled approximately $248.8 million as of November 30, 2008. Substantially all of these commitments were for periods of 60 days or less. Since a portion of these commitments is expected to expire without being exercised by the borrowers, the total commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

TheLennar Financial Services segment uses mandatory mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) forward commitments, option contracts and investor commitments to hedge its mortgage-related interest rate exposure. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk. Credit risk is managed by entering intoassociated with MBS forward commitments, option contracts withand loan sales transactions is managed by limiting the Company’s counterparties to investment banks, federally regulated bank affiliates and loan sales transactions with permanentother investors meeting

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

the segment’sCompany’s credit standards. The segment’s risk, in the event of default by the purchaser, is the difference between the contract price and fair value of the MBS forward commitments and option contracts. At November 30, 2008,2010, the segment had open commitments amounting to $332.0$270.8 million to sell MBS with varying settlement dates through February 2009.2011.

The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are those assets for which the Company has recorded valuation adjustments and write-offs during the year ended November 30, 2010 and Rialto Investments real estate owned assets acquired through foreclosure. The assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:

Non-financial Assets

  Fair Value Hierarchy   Fair Value  Total Gains
(Losses) (1)
 
       (Dollars in thousands) 

Lennar Homebuilding:

     

Finished homes and construction in progress (2)

   Level 3    $88,049    (41,057

Land and land under development (3)

   Level 3    $10,807    (5,369

Investments in unconsolidated entities (4)

   Level 3    $(1,383  (1,735

Rialto Investments:

     

Real estate owned (5)

   Level 3    $204,049    18,089  

(1)Represents total losses due to valuation adjustments and write-offs, and total gains from acquisitions of real estate through foreclosure recorded during the year ended November 30, 2010.
(2)Finished homes and construction in progress with an aggregate carrying value of $129.1 million were written down to their fair value of $88.0 million, resulting in valuation adjustments of $41.1 million, which were included in Lennar Homebuilding costs and expenses in the Company’s statement of operations for the year ended November 30, 2010.
(3)Land under development with an aggregate carrying value of $16.2 million were written down to their fair value of $10.8 million, resulting in valuation adjustments of $5.4 million, which were included in Lennar Homebuilding costs and expenses in the Company’s statement of operations for the year ended November 30, 2010.
(4)Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities with an aggregate carrying value of $0.4 million were written down to their fair value of ($1.4) million, which represents the Company’s obligation for guarantees related to debt of certain unconsolidated entities recorded as a liability during the year ended November 30, 2010. The valuation charges were included in other income (expense), net in the Company’s statement of operations for the year ended November 30, 2010.
(5)Real estate owned assets are initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the time of acquisition. Upon acquisition of the real estate through foreclosure, the underlying loans had a carrying value of $186.0 million. The fair value of the real estate owned assets is based upon the appraised value at the time of foreclosure or management’s best estimate of fair value. The gains upon acquisition of REO were $18.1 million and are included within the Rialto Investments other income, net in the Company’s statement of operations for the year ended November 30, 2010.

See Note 1 for a detailed description of the Company’s process for identifying and recording valuation adjustments related to Lennar Homebuilding inventory and Lennar Homebuilding investments in unconsolidated entities.

 

16.15.    Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

 

The Company follows FIN 46R, whichGAAP requires the consolidation of certain entitiesVIEs in which an enterprise absorbshas a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company’s variable interest in VIEs may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets, (3) management and development agreements between the Company and a VIE, (4) loans provided by the Company to a VIE or other partner and/or (5) guarantees provided by members to banks and

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

other third parties. The Company examines specific criteria and uses its judgment when determining if the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a VIE’s executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights or voting rights, level of economic disproportionality between the Company and the other partner(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs.

Generally, all major decision making in the Company’s joint ventures is shared between all partners. In particular, business plans and budgets are generally required to be unanimously approved by all partners. Usually, management and other fees earned by the Company are nominal and believed to be at market and there is no significant economic disproportionality between the Company and other partners. Generally, the Company purchases less than a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority ofjoint venture’s assets and the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, aspurchase prices under the Company’s option contracts are believed to be at market.

Generally, Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities become VIEs and consolidate when the other partner(s) lack the intent and financial wherewithal to remain in the entity. As a result, of ownership, contractualthe Company continues to fund operations and debt paydowns through partner loans or other financial interests in the entity.substituted capital contributions.

 

Unconsolidated Entities

At November 30, 2008, the Company had investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities established to acquire and develop land for sale to the Company in connection with its homebuilding operations, for sale to third parties or for the construction of homes for sale to third-party homebuyers. The Company evaluated all joint venture agreements under FIN 46R during 2008 that were entered into or had reconsideration events andas of November 30, 2010. Based on the Company’s evaluation, it consolidated entities within its Lennar Homebuilding segment that at November 30, 20082010 had total combined assets and liabilities of $560.1$49.9 million and $274.6$9.4 million, respectively. Additionally, during 2008,In addition, the Company consolidated certain joint ventures and then bought out the respective partners at a later date, resultingLLCs in partnership with the FDIC in the consolidated joint ventures becoming wholly-owned. AtCompany’s Rialto segment that at November 30, 2008, the2010 had total combined assets and liabilities of these entities amounted$1.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively. The Company was determined to $150.8be the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities of the LLCs that most significantly impact the LLCs’ economic performance through its management and servicer contracts. During the year ended November 30, 2010, there were no VIEs that deconsolidated other than the $75.5 million and $62.1 million, respectively.of option contracts that deconsolidated as a result of the adoption of ASC 810.

 

At November 30, 20082010 and 2007,November 30, 2009, the Company’s recorded investmentinvestments in Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities were $626.2 million and $599.3 million, respectively, and the Rialto Investments segment’s investments in unconsolidated entities was $766.8as of November 30, 2010 and November 30, 2009 were $84.5 million and $934.3$9.9 million, respectively.

Consolidated VIEs

As of November 30, 2010, the carrying amount of the VIEs’ assets and non-recourse liabilities that consolidated were $2,300.2 million and $963.3 million, respectively. Those assets are owned by, and those liabilities are obligations of, the VIEs, not the Company.

A VIE’s assets can only be used to settle obligations of that VIE. The VIEs are not guarantors of Company’s senior notes and other debts payable. In addition, the assets held by a VIE usually are collateral for that VIE’s debt. The Company and other partners do not generally have an obligation to make capital contributions to a VIE unless the Company and/or the other partner(s) have entered into debt guarantees with a VIE’s banks. Other than debt guarantee agreements with a VIE’s banks, there are no liquidity arrangements or agreements to fund capital or purchase assets that could require the Company to provide financial support to a VIE. While the Company has option contracts to purchase land from certain of its VIEs, the Company is not required to purchase the assets and could walk away from the contracts.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Unconsolidated VIEs

At November 30, 2010 and November 30, 2009, the Company’s recorded investments in VIEs that are unconsolidated and its estimated maximum exposure to loss with regard to unconsolidated entities was primarily its recordedwere as follows:

November 30, 2010

  Investments in
Unconsolidated
VIEs
   Lennar’s
Maximum
Exposure to Loss
 
   (In thousands) 

Lennar Homebuilding (1)

  $144,809     174,967  

Rialto Investments (2)

��  104,063     117,631  
          

Total

  $248,872     292,598  
          

November 30, 2009

  Investments in
Unconsolidated
VIEs
   Lennar’s
Maximum
Exposure to Loss
 
   (In thousands) 

Lennar Homebuilding (1)

  $84,352     84,352  

Rialto Investments (2)

   9,874     9,874  
          

Total

  $94,226     94,226  
          

(1)At November 30, 2010, the maximum exposure to loss of Lennar Homebuilding’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs is limited to its investments in the unconsolidated VIEs in addition to $30.0 million of recourse debt of one of the unconsolidated VIEs. At November 30, 2009, the maximum exposure to loss of Lennar Homebuilding’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs is limited to its investments in the unconsolidated VIEs.
(2)For Rialto’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs, the Company made a $75 million commitment to fund capital in the AB PPIP fund. As of November 30, 2010, the Company had contributed $63.8 million of the $75 million commitment and it cannot walk away from its remaining commitment to fund capital. Therefore, as of November 30, 2010, the maximum exposure to loss for Rialto’s unconsolidated VIEs was higher than the carrying amount of its investments. In addition, investments in unconsolidated VIEs and Lennar’s maximum exposure to loss include $19.5 million related to Rialto’s investments held-to-maturity. At November 30, 2009, the maximum recourse exposure to loss of Rialto’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs was limited to its investments in the unconsolidated entities.

While these entities are VIEs, the Company has determined that the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance is generally shared. While the Company generally manages the day-to-day operations of the VIEs, the VIEs have an executive committee made up of representatives from each partner. The members of the executive committee have equal vote and major decisions require unanimous consent and approval from all members. The Company does not have the exposure underunilateral ability to exercise participating voting rights without partner consent. Furthermore, the guarantees discussed in Note 4.Company’s economic interest is not significantly disproportionate to the point where it would indicate that the Company has the power to direct these activities.

The Company and other partners do not generally have an obligation to make capital contributions to the VIEs, except for the Company’s $11.2 million remaining commitment to the AB PPIP fund and $30.0 million of recourse debt of one of the Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated VIEs. There are no liquidity arrangements or agreements to fund capital or purchase assets that could require the Company to provide financial support to the VIEs. While the Company has option contracts to purchase land from certain of its unconsolidated VIEs, the Company is not required to purchase the assets and could walk away from the contracts.

 

Option Contracts

 

In the Company’s homebuilding operations, theThe Company obtainshas access to land through option contracts, which generally enables it to control portions of properties owned by third parties (including land funds) and unconsolidated entities until the Company has determined whether to exercise the option.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A majority of the Company’s option contracts require a non-refundable cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit based on a percentage of the purchase price of the land. The Company’s option contracts sometimes include price adjustment provisions, which adjust the purchase price of the land to its approximate fair value at the time of acquisition, or are based on the fair value of the land at the time of takedown.

 

The Company’s investments in option contracts are recorded at cost unless those investments are determined to be impaired, in which case the Company’s investments are written down to fair value. The Company reviews option contracts for indicators of impairment during each reporting period.The most significant indicator of impairment is a decline in the fair value of the optioned property such that the purchase and development of the optioned property would no longer meet the Company’s targeted return on investment.investment with appropriate consideration given to the length of time available to exercise the option. Such declines could be caused by a variety of factors including increased competition, decreases in demand or changes in local regulations that adversely impact the cost of development. Changes in any of these factors would cause the Company to re-evaluate the likelihood of exercising its land options.

 

Some option contracts contain a predetermined take-down schedule for the optioned land parcels. However, in almost all instances, the Company is not required to purchase land in accordance with those take-down schedules. In substantially all instances, the Company has the right and ability to not exercise its option and forfeit its deposit without further penalty, other than termination of the option and loss of any unapplied portion of its deposit and pre-acquisition costs. Therefore, in substantially all instances, the Company does not consider the take-down price to be a firm contractual obligation.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

When the Company does not intend to exercise an option, it writes off any unapplied deposit and pre-acquisition costs associated with the option contract. For the years ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, the Company wrote-off $97.2$3.1 million, $530.0$84.4 million and $152.2$97.2 million, respectively, of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land under option that it does not intend to purchase.

 

The table below indicates the number of homesites owned and homesites to which the Company had access through option contracts with third parties (“optioned”) or unconsolidated joint ventures in which the Company has investments (“JVs”) (i.e., controlled homesites) for each of its homebuilding segments and Homebuilding Other at November 30, 2008 and 2007:

   Controlled Homesites      

November 30, 2008

  Optioned  JVs  Total  Owned
Homesites
  Total
Homesites

East

  8,705  4,444  13,149  25,688  38,837

Central

  1,820  5,991  7,811  14,501  22,312

West

  203  12,078  12,281  18,776  31,057

Houston

  1,461  2,654  4,115  7,389  11,504

Other

  529  704  1,233  8,327  9,560
               

Total homesites

  12,718  25,871  38,589  74,681  113,270
               
   Controlled Homesites      

November 30, 2007

  Optioned  JVs  Total  Owned
Homesites
  Total
Homesites

East

  14,888  14,091  28,979  24,014  52,993

Central

  3,470  12,679  16,149  7,848  23,997

West

  1,243  30,800  32,043  15,300  47,343

Houston

  2,313  3,694  6,007  7,071  13,078

Other

  963  1,729  2,692  8,568  11,260
               

Total homesites

  22,877  62,993  85,870  62,801  148,671
               

The Company evaluatedevaluates all option contracts for land when entered into or upon a reconsideration eventto determine whether they are VIEs and, determined it wasif so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of certain of these option contracts. Although the Company does not have legal title to the optioned land, under FIN 46R,if the Company if it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, it is required to consolidate the land under option at the purchase price of the optioned land. During the year ended November 30, 2008,2010, the effect of consolidation of these option contracts was ana net increase of $32.4$19.8 million to consolidated inventory not owned with a corresponding increase to liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned in the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet as of November 30, 2008 and 2007. This increase in 2008 was offset primarily by the Company exercising its options to acquire land under certain contracts previously consolidated, resulting in a net decrease in consolidated inventory not owned of $141.3 million for the year ended November 30, 2008.2010. To reflect the purchase price of the inventory consolidated, under FIN 46R, the Company reclassified $2.5 million ofthe related option deposits from land under development to consolidated inventory not owned in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2008.2010. The liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned primarily represent the difference between the option exercise prices for the optioned land and the Company’s cash deposits. However, consolidated inventory not owned decreased due to (1) the Company exercising its options to acquire land under certain contracts previously consolidated and (2) the deconsolidation of certain option contracts totaling $75.5 million related to the adoption of certain new provisions under ASC 810, resulting in a net decrease in consolidated inventory not owned of $139.2 million for the year ended November 30, 2010.

 

The Company’s exposure to loss related to its option contracts with third parties and unconsolidated entities consisted of its non-refundable option deposits and pre-acquisition costs totaling $191.2$157.4 million and $317.1$127.4 million, respectively, at November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009. Additionally, the Company had posted $89.5$48.9 million and $193.3$58.2 million, respectively, of letters of credit in lieu of cash deposits under certain option contracts as of November 30, 20082010 and 2007.2009.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

17.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

16.    Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

The Company is party to various claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company is subject to the usual obligations associated with entering into contracts (including option contracts) for the purchase, development and sale of real estate, which it does in the routine conduct of its business. Option contracts generally enable the Company to control portions of properties owned by third parties (including land funds) and unconsolidated entities until the Company determines whether to exercise the option. The use of option contracts allows the Company to reduce the financial risks associated with long-term land holdings. At November 30, 2008,2010, the Company had access to acquire 38,589 homesites through option contracts with third parties and agreements with unconsolidated entities in which the Company had investments. At November 30, 2008, the Company had $191.2$157.4 million of non-refundable option deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to certain of these homesites, which were included in inventories in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

The Company has entered into agreements to lease certain office facilities and equipment under operating leases. Future minimum payments under the non-cancelable leases in effect at November 30, 20082010 are as follows:

 

  Lease
Payments
  Lease
Payments
 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 

2009

  $48,411

2010

   39,827

2011

   28,889  $35,031  

2012

   17,809   24,133  

2013

   10,420   16,597  

2014

   13,392  

2015

   10,620  

Thereafter

   23,760   15,481  

 

Rental expense for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 2007was $40.9 million, $67.9 million and 2006 was $108.9 million, $150.1 million and $140.6 million, respectively.

Rental expense forincludes the years ended November 30, 2008 and 2007 includes $27.7 million and $17.1 million, respectively, of SFAS No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, (“SFAS 146”), contractfollowing termination costs related to the abandonment of leases as a result of the Company’s efforts to consolidate its operations and reduce costs. In 2008, $18.8 million, $2.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of the SFAS 146 contract termination costs were included in selling, general and administrative expenses, corporate, general and administrative expenses and Financial Services’ costs and expenses. In 2007, $12.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively, of the SFAS 146 contract termination costs were included in selling, general and administrative expenses and Financial Services’ costs and expenses. There were no material SFAS 146 contract termination costs in 2006.the following financial statement line items:

   Years Ended November 30, 
     2010       2009       2008   
   (In thousands) 

Selling general and administrative expenses

  $  —       6,170     18,830  

Corporate, general and administrative expenses

   —       1,786     2,401  

Lennar Financial Services costs and expenses

   —       850     6,498  
               

Total termination costs related to abandonment of leases

  $—       8,806     27,729  
               

 

The Company is committed, under various letters of credit, to perform certain development and construction activities and provide certain guarantees in the normal course of business. Outstanding letters of credit under these arrangements totaled $446.0$273.9 million at November 30, 2008.2010. The Company also had outstanding performance and surety bonds related to site improvements at various projects (including certain projects in the Company’s joint ventures) of $1.1 billion.$684.7 million. Although significant development and construction activities have been completed related to these site improvements, these bonds are generally not released until all development and construction activities are completed. As of November 30, 2008,2010, there were approximately $444.2$314.7 million, or 42%46%, of costs to complete related to these site improvements. The Company does not presently anticipate any draws upon these bonds that would have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

18.17.    Supplemental Financial Information

 

The Company’s obligations to payindentures governing the principal premium, if any, and interest under its Credit Facility, 7 5/8% senior notes due 2009, 5.125% senior notes due 2010,amounts of the Company’s 5.95% senior notes due 2011, 5.95% senior notes due 2013, 5.50% senior notes due 2014, 5.60% senior notes due 2015, and 6.50% senior notes due 2016, are guaranteed by12.25% senior notes due 2017, 6.95% senior notes due 2018, 2.00% convertible senior notes due 2020 and 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2020 require that, if any of the Company’s subsidiaries directly or indirectly guarantee at least $75 million principal amount of debt of Lennar Corporation, those subsidiaries must also guarantee Lennar Corporation’s obligations with regard to its senior notes. Until February 2010, the Company had a Credit Facility that required substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries. The guarantees are fullsubsidiaries guarantee Lennar Corporation’s obligations under the Credit Facility, and unconditional andtherefore, those subsidiaries also guaranteed the guarantor subsidiaries are 100% directly or indirectly owned by Lennar Corporation. The guarantees are joint and several, subjectCompany’s obligations with regard to limitations as to each guarantor designed to eliminate fraudulent conveyance concerns.its senior notes. The Company has determinedterminated the Credit Facility and therefore at November 30, 2010, there were no guarantors of Lennar Corporation’s obligations with regard to its senior notes. The entities referred to as “guarantors” in the following tables are subsidiaries that separate, full financial statements ofwould have been guarantors if the guarantors would not be material to investors and, accordingly, supplemental financialCredit Facility were still in effect. Supplemental information for the guarantors is presented as follows:

 

Consolidating Balance Sheet

November 30, 20082010

 

  Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Total  Lennar
Corporation
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Total 
  (In thousands)  (In thousands) 
ASSETS              

Homebuilding:

       

Lennar Homebuilding:

       

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, net and income tax receivables

  $1,263,623  165,060  21,593  —    1,450,276  $1,079,107    177,674     40,863    —      1,297,644  

Inventories

   —    3,975,084  525,006  —    4,500,090   —      3,547,152     622,456    —      4,169,608  

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   —    751,613  15,139  —    766,752   —      587,385     38,800    —      626,185  

Other assets

   30,420  64,515  4,867  —    99,802   48,776    99,486     159,548    —      307,810  

Investments in subsidiaries

   4,314,255  635,413  —    (4,949,668) —     3,333,769    811,317     —      (4,145,086  —    
                                
   5,608,298  5,591,685  566,605  (4,949,668) 6,816,920   4,461,652    5,223,014     861,667    (4,145,086  6,401,247  

Financial services

   —    8,332  599,646  —    607,978

Rialto Investments

   91,270    335,148     1,351,196    —      1,777,614  

Lennar Financial Services

   —      149,413     459,577    —      608,990  
                                

Total assets

  $5,608,298  5,600,017  1,166,251  (4,949,668) 7,424,898  $4,552,922    5,707,575     2,672,440    (4,145,086  8,787,851  
                                

LIABILITIES AND

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

       

Homebuilding:

       
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY       

Lennar Homebuilding:

       

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $269,457  700,411  111,732  —    1,081,600  $298,985    479,617     83,546    —      862,148  

Liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned

   —    592,777  —    —    592,777   —      384,233     —      —      384,233  

Senior notes and other debts payable

   2,176,758  130,126  238,051  —    2,544,935   2,671,898    201,248     255,008    —      3,128,154  

Intercompany

   539,076  (140,463) (398,613) —    —     (1,037,694  1,128,731     (91,037  —      —    
                                
   2,985,291  1,282,851  (48,830) —    4,219,312   1,933,189    2,193,829     247,517    —      4,374,535  

Financial services

   —    2,911  413,922  —    416,833

Rialto Investments

   10,784    128,136     631,794    —      770,714  

Lennar Financial Services

   —      51,841     396,378    —      448,219  
                                

Total liabilities

   2,985,291  1,285,762  365,092  —    4,636,145   1,943,973    2,373,806     1,275,689    —      5,593,468  

Minority interest

   —    —    165,746  —    165,746

Stockholders’ equity

   2,623,007  4,314,255  635,413  (4,949,668) 2,623,007   2,608,949    3,333,769     811,317    (4,145,086  2,608,949  

Noncontrolling interests

   —      —       585,434    —      585,434  
                                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $5,608,298  5,600,017  1,166,251  (4,949,668) 7,424,898

Total equity

   2,608,949    3,333,769     1,396,751    (4,145,086  3,194,383  
                                

Total liabilities and equity

  $4,552,922    5,707,575     2,672,440    (4,145,086  8,787,851  
                 

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Consolidating Balance Sheet

November 30, 20072009

 

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total
   (In thousands)
ASSETS       

Homebuilding:

       

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, net and income tax receivables

  $1,380,797  380,226  6,089  —    1,767,112

Inventories

   —    4,359,217  141,186  —    4,500,403

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   —    920,105  14,166  —    934,271

Other assets

   778,901  83,252  999  —    863,152

Investments in subsidiaries

   4,835,490  448,755  —    (5,284,245) —  
                
   6,995,188  6,191,555  162,440  (5,284,245) 8,064,938

Financial services

   —    14,899  1,022,910  —    1,037,809
                

Total assets

  $6,995,188  6,206,454  1,185,350  (5,284,245) 9,102,747
                

LIABILITIES AND

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

       

Homebuilding:

       

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $206,725  1,255,810  43,390  —    1,505,925

Liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned

   —    719,081  —    —    719,081

Senior notes and other debts payable

   2,174,418  24,903  96,115  —    2,295,436

Intercompany

   791,926  (629,134) (162,792) —    —  
                
   3,173,069  1,370,660  (23,287) —    4,520,442

Financial services

   —    304  731,354  —    731,658
                

Total liabilities

   3,173,069  1,370,964  708,067  —    5,252,100

Minority interest

   —    —    28,528  —    28,528

Stockholders’ equity

   3,822,119  4,835,490  448,755  (5,284,245) 3,822,119
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $6,995,188  6,206,454  1,185,350  (5,284,245) 9,102,747
                

   Lennar
Corporation
   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (In thousands) 
ASSETS        

Lennar Homebuilding:

        

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, net and income tax receivables

  $1,564,529     198,524     33,256    —      1,796,309  

Inventories

   —       3,493,784     594,205    —      4,087,989  

Investments in unconsolidated entities

   —       563,984     35,282    —      599,266  

Other assets

   44,232     63,040     156,531    —      263,803  

Investments in subsidiaries

   3,389,625     522,148     —      (3,911,773  —    
                       
   4,998,386     4,841,480     819,274    (3,911,773  6,747,367  

Rialto Investments

   9,874     —       —      —      9,874  

Lennar Financial Services

   —       153,545     404,005    —      557,550  
                       

Total assets

  $5,008,260     4,995,025     1,223,279    (3,911,773  7,314,791  
                       
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY        

Lennar Homebuilding:

        

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  $246,501     702,091     83,588    —      1,032,180  

Liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned

   —       518,359     —      —      518,359  

Senior notes and other debts payable

   2,234,093     223,545     303,714    —      2,761,352  

Intercompany

   84,187     102,454     (186,641  —      —    
                       
   2,564,781     1,546,449     200,661    —      4,311,891  

Rialto Investments

   —       —       —      —      —    

Lennar Financial Services

   —       58,951     355,935    —      414,886  
                       

Total liabilities

   2,564,781     1,605,400     556,596    —      4,726,777  

Stockholders’ equity

   2,443,479     3,389,625     522,148    (3,911,773  2,443,479  

Noncontrolling interests

   —       —       144,535    —      144,535  
                       

Total equity

   2,443,479     3,389,625     666,683    (3,911,773  2,588,014  
                       

Total liabilities and equity

  $5,008,260     4,995,025     1,223,279    (3,911,773  7,314,791  
                       

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Consolidating Statement of Operations

Year Ended November 30, 2010

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (In thousands) 

Revenues:

      

Lennar Homebuilding

  $—      2,657,189    48,450    —      2,705,639  

Lennar Financial Services

   —      154,607    180,283    (59,104  275,786  

Rialto Investments

   1,901    4,942    85,754    —      92,597  
                     

Total revenues

   1,901    2,816,738    314,487    (59,104  3,074,022  
                     

Costs and expenses:

      

Lennar Homebuilding

   —      2,467,117    75,247    959    2,543,323  

Lennar Financial Services

   —      151,812    148,325    (55,635  244,502  

Rialto Investments

   24,717    1,839    41,348    —      67,904  

Corporate general and administrative

   88,795    —      —      5,131    93,926  
                     

Total costs and expenses

   113,512    2,620,768    264,920    (49,545  2,949,655  
                     

Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   —      (10,724  (242  —      (10,966

Lennar Homebuilding other income, net

   38,194    19,096    —      (38,155  19,135  

Other interest expense

   (47,714  (70,425  —      47,714    (70,425

Rialto Investments equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

   15,363    —      —      —      15,363  

Rialto Investments other income (expense), net

   —      (22  17,273    —      17,251  
                     

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   (105,768  133,895    66,598    —      94,725  

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

   67,368    (34,838  (6,796  —      25,734  

Equity in earnings from subsidiaries

   133,661    34,604    —      (168,265  —    
                     

Net earnings (including net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests)

   95,261    133,661    59,802    (168,265  120,459  

Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      25,198    —      25,198  
                     

Net earnings attributable to Lennar

  $95,261    133,661    34,604    (168,265  95,261  
                     

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Consolidating Statement of Operations

Year Ended November 30, 2009

  Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
  (In thousands) 

Revenues:

     

Lennar Homebuilding

 $—      2,792,314    41,971    —      2,834,285  

Lennar Financial Services

  —      162,768    179,941    (57,607  285,102  

Rialto Investments

  —      —      —      —      —    
                    

Total revenues

  —      2,955,082    221,912    (57,607  3,119,387  
                    

Costs and expenses:

     

Lennar Homebuilding

  —      3,132,257    96,921    (18,792  3,210,386  

Lennar Financial Services

  —      150,704    129,729    (31,313  249,120  

Rialto Investments

  2,528    —      —      —      2,528  

Corporate general and administrative

  111,032    —      —      6,533    117,565  
                    

Total costs and expenses

  113,560    3,282,961    226,650    (43,572  3,579,599  
                    

Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

  —      (130,674  (243  —      (130,917

Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net

  33,732    (98,478  —      (33,679  (98,425

Other interest expense

  (47,714  (70,850  —      47,714    (70,850
                    

Loss before income taxes

  (127,542  (627,881  (4,981  —      (760,404

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

  52,138    269,800    (7,593  —      314,345  

Equity in earnings (loss) from subsidiaries

  (341,743  16,338    —      325,405    —    
                    

Net loss (including net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests)

  (417,147  (341,743  (12,574  325,405    (446,059

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

  —      —      (28,912  —      (28,912
                    

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar

 $(417,147  (341,743  16,338    325,405    (417,147
                    

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Operations

Year Ended November 30, 2008

 

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (In thousands) 

Revenues:

      

Homebuilding

  $—    4,262,154  288  596  4,263,038 

Financial services

   —    6,426  379,624  (73,671) 312,379 
                 

Total revenues

   —    4,268,580  379,912  (73,075) 4,575,417 
                 

Costs and expenses:

      

Homebuilding

   —    4,549,804  2,458  (10,381) 4,541,881 

Financial services

   —    3,359  391,854  (51,844) 343,369 

Corporate general and administrative

   129,752  —    —    —    129,752 
                 

Total costs and expenses

   129,752  4,553,163  394,312  (62,225) 5,015,002 
                 

Gain on recapitalization of unconsolidated entity

   —    133,097  —    —    133,097 

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   —    (59,156) —    —    (59,156)

Management fees and other expense, net

   (10,850) (199,981) —    10,850  (199,981)

Minority interest income, net

   —    —    4,097  —    4,097 
                 

Loss before (provision) benefit for income taxes

   (140,602) (410,623) (10,303) —    (561,528)

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

   (150,494) (400,398) 3,335  —    (547,557)

Equity in loss from subsidiaries

   (817,989) (6,968) —    824,957  —   
                 

Net loss

  $(1,109,085) (817,989) (6,968) 824,957  (1,109,085)
                 
  Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
  (In thousands) 

Revenues:

     

Lennar Homebuilding

 $—      4,262,154    288    596    4,263,038  

Lennar Financial Services

  —      6,426    379,624    (73,671  312,379  

Rialto Investments

  —      —      —      —      —    
                    

Total revenues

  —      4,268,580    379,912    (73,075  4,575,417  
                    

Costs and expenses:

     

Lennar Homebuilding

  —      4,549,804    2,458    (10,381  4,541,881  

Lennar Financial Services

  —      3,359    391,854    (51,844  343,369  

Rialto Investments

  —      —      —      —      —    

Corporate general and administrative

  129,752    —      —      —      129,752  
                    

Total costs and expenses

  129,752    4,553,163    394,312    (62,225  5,015,002  
                    

Lennar Homebuilding equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

  —      (59,156  —      —      (59,156

Lennar Homebuilding other income (expense), net

  35,341    (172,387  —      (35,341  (172,387

Other interest expense

  (46,191  (27,594  —      46,191    (27,594

Gain on recapitalization of unconsolidated entity

  —      133,097    —      —      133,097  
                    

Loss before income taxes

  (140,602  (410,623  (14,400  —      (565,625

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

  (150,494  (400,398  3,335    —      (547,557

Equity in loss from subsidiaries

  (817,989  (6,968  —      824,957    —    
                    

Net loss (including net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests)

  (1,109,085  (817,989  (11,065  824,957    (1,113,182

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

  —      —      (4,097  —      (4,097
                    

Net loss attributable to Lennar

 $(1,109,085  (817,989  (6,968  824,957    (1,109,085
                    

 

Consolidating Statement of Operations

Year Ended November 30, 2007

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (In thousands) 

Revenues:

      

Homebuilding

  $—    9,710,626  19,626  —    9,730,252 

Financial services

   —    9,125  503,266  (55,862) 456,529 
                 

Total revenues

   —    9,719,751  522,892  (55,862) 10,186,781 
                 

Costs and expenses:

      

Homebuilding

   —    12,165,338  64,943  (41,204) 12,189,077 

Financial services

   —    22,063  451,804  (23,458) 450,409 

Corporate general and administrative

   173,202  —    —    —    173,202 
                 

Total costs and expenses

   173,202  12,187,401  516,747  (64,662) 12,812,688 
                 

Gain on recapitalization of unconsolidated entity

   —    175,879  —    —    175,879 

Goodwill impairments

   —    (190,198) —    —    (190,198)

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   —    (362,899) —    —    (362,899)

Management fees and other income (expense), net

   8,800  (76,029) —    (8,800) (76,029)

Minority interest expense, net

   —    —    (1,927) —    (1,927)
                 

Earnings (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes

   (164,402) (2,920,897) 4,218  —    (3,081,081)

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

   60,829  1,080,732  (1,561) —    1,140,000 

Equity in earnings (loss) from subsidiaries

   (1,837,508) 2,657  —    1,834,851  —   
                 

Net earnings (loss)

  $(1,941,081) (1,837,508) 2,657  1,834,851  (1,941,081)
                 

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of OperationsCash Flows

Year Ended November 30, 20062010

 

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (In thousands) 

Revenues:

      

Homebuilding

  $—    15,314,843  308,197  —    15,623,040 

Financial services

   —    9,497  687,091  (52,966) 643,622 
                 

Total revenues

   —    15,324,340  995,288  (52,966) 16,266,662 
                 

Costs and expenses:

      

Homebuilding

   —    14,431,385  255,720  (9,540) 14,677,565 

Financial services

   —    28,310  523,959  (58,450) 493,819 

Corporate general and administrative

   193,307  —    —    —    193,307 
                 

Total costs and expenses

   193,307  14,459,695  779,679  (67,990) 15,364,691 
                 

Equity in loss from unconsolidated entities

   —    (12,536) —    —    (12,536)

Management fees and other income, net

   15,024  62,387  4,242  (15,024) 66,629 

Minority interest expense, net

   —    —    (13,415) —    (13,415)
                 

Earnings (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes

   (178,283) 914,496  206,436  —    942,649 

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

   65,965  (338,364) (76,381) —    (348,780)

Equity in earnings from subsidiaries

   706,187  130,055  —    (836,242) —   
                 

Net earnings

  $593,869  706,187  130,055  (836,242) 593,869 
                 
   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net earnings (including net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests)

  $95,261    133,661    59,802    (168,265  120,459  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (including net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   424,475    (338,204  (100,767  168,265    153,769  
                     

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   519,736    (204,543  (40,965  —      274,228  
                     

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Investments in and contributions to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities, net

   —      (176,493  (3,380  —      (179,873

Investments in and contributions to Rialto Investments consolidated and unconsolidated entities, net

   (329,369  —      93,660    —      (235,709

Acquisitions of Rialto Investments portfolios of distressed real estate assets

   —      (184,699  —      —      (184,699

Increase in Rialto Investments defeasance cash to retire notes payable

   —      —      (101,309  —      (101,309

Other

   (1,003  (16,861  46,083    —      28,219  
                     

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   (330,372  (378,053  35,054    —      (673,371
                     

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net repayments (borrowings) of Lennar Financial Services debt

   —      (26  54,147    —      54,121  

Net proceeds from convertible and senior notes

   951,408    —      —      —      951,408  

Redemption and partial redemption of senior notes

   (474,654  —      —      —      (474,654

Net repayments on other borrowings

   —      (80,076  (55,753  —      (135,829

Exercise of land option contracts from an unconsolidated land investment venture

   —      (39,301  —      —      (39,301

Net receipts related to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      9,240    —      9,240  

Common stock:

      

Issuances

   2,238    —      —      —      2,238  

Repurchases

   (1,806  —      —      —      (1,806

Dividends

   (29,577  —      —      —      (29,577

Intercompany

   (788,601  726,901    61,700    —      —    
                     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (340,992  607,498    69,334    —      335,840  
                     

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (151,628  24,902    63,423    —      (63,303

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   1,223,169    154,313    79,956    —      1,457,438  
                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $1,071,541    179,215    143,379    —      1,394,135  
                     

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended November 30, 2009

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net loss (including net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests)

  $(417,147  (341,743  (12,574  325,405    (446,059

Adjustments to reconcile net loss (including net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (203,812  1,449,961    (53,842  (325,405  866,902  
                     

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (620,959  1,108,218    (66,416  —      420,843  
                     

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Investments in and contributions to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities, net

   —      (234,169  (57,832  —      (292,001

Investments in and contributions to Rialto Investments unconsolidated entities

   (9,874  —      —      —      (9,874

Other

   726    20,048    5,981    —      26,755  
                     

Net cash used in investing activities

   (9,148  (214,121  (51,851  —      (275,120
                     

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net repayments of Lennar Financial Services debt

   —      (84  (8,142  —      (8,226

Net proceeds from senior notes

   386,892    —      —      —      386,892  

Redemption and partial redemption of senior notes

   (335,393  —      —      —      (335,393

Net repayments on other borrowings

   —      (16,715  (74,768  —      (91,483

Exercise of land option contracts from an unconsolidated land investment venture

   —      (33,656  —      —      (33,656

Net payments related to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      (2,124  —      (2,124

Common stock:

      

Issuances

   221,437    —      —      —      221,437  

Repurchases

   (1,566  —      —      —      (1,566

Dividends

   (27,588  —      —      —      (27,588

Intercompany

   601,900    (814,766  212,866    —      —    
                     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   845,682    (865,221  127,832    —      108,293  
                     

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   215,575    28,876    9,565    —      254,016  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   1,007,594    125,437    70,391    —      1,203,422  
                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $1,223,169    154,313    79,956    —      1,457,438  
                     

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended November 30, 2008

 

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net loss

  $(1,109,085) (817,989) (6,968) 824,957  (1,109,085)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities

   1,291,030  1,459,469  284,377  (824,957) 2,209,919 
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   181,945  641,480  277,409  —    1,100,834 
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Increase in investments in unconsolidated entities, net

   —    (315,907) —    —    (315,907)

Other

   (423) 1,857  48,770  —    50,204 
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   (423) (314,050) 48,770  —    (265,703)
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net repayments under financial services debt

   —    —    (315,654) —    (315,654)

Net repayments under other borrowings

   —    (61,981) (66,526) —    (128,507)

Partial redemption of 7 5/8% senior notes due 2009

   (322) —    —    —    (322)

Exercise of land option contracts from an unconsolidated land investment venture

   —    (48,434) —    —    (48,434)

Net payments related to minority interests

   —    —    151,035  —    151,035 

Common stock:

      

Issuances

   224  —    —    —    224 

Repurchases

   (1,758) —    —    —    (1,758)

Dividends

   (83,487) —    —    —    (83,487)

Intercompany

   414,031  (292,787) (121,244) —    —   
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   328,688  (403,202) (352,389) —    (426,903)
                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   510,210  (75,772) (26,210) —    408,228 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   497,384  139,733  158,077  —    795,194 
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $1,007,594  63,961  131,867  —    1,203,422 
                 

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net loss (including net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests)

  $(1,109,085  (817,989  (11,065  824,957    (1,113,182

Adjustments to reconcile net loss (including net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests) to net cash provided by operating activities

   1,291,030    1,459,469    288,474    (824,957  2,214,016  
                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

   181,945    641,480    277,409    —      1,100,834  
                     

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Investments in and contributions to Lennar Homebuilding unconsolidated entities, net

   —      (315,907  —      —      (315,907

Other

   (423  1,857    48,770    —      50,204  
                     

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   (423  (314,050  48,770    —      (265,703
                     

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net repayments of Lennar Financial Services debt

   —      —      (315,654  —      (315,654

Partial redemption of senior notes

   (322  —      —      —      (322

Net repayments on other borrowings

   —      (61,981  (66,526  —      (128,507

Exercise of land option contracts from an unconsolidated land investment venture

   —      (48,434  —      —      (48,434

Net receipts related to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      151,035    —      151,035  

Common stock:

      

Issuances

   224    —      —      —      224  

Repurchases

   (1,758  —      —      —      (1,758

Dividends

   (83,487  —      —      —      (83,487

Intercompany

   414,031    (292,787  (121,244  —      —    
                     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   328,688    (403,202  (352,389  —      (426,903
                     

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   510,210    (75,772  (26,210  —      408,228  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   497,384    139,733    158,077    —      795,194  
                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $1,007,594    63,961    131,867    —      1,203,422  
                     

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended November 30, 2007

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net earnings (loss)

  $(1,941,081) (1,837,508) 2,657  1,834,851  (1,941,081)

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (1,915,832) 5,305,931  830,346  (1,834,851) 2,385,594 
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (3,856,913) 3,468,423  833,003  —    444,513 
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Increase in investments in unconsolidated entities, net

   —    (65,611) —    —    (65,611)

Distributions in excess on investment in unconsolidated entity

   —    354,644  —    —    354,644 

Other

   (1,355) (16,353) 35,658  —    17,950 
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   (1,355) 272,680  35,658  —    306,983 
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net repayments under financial services debt

   —    —    (607,794) —    (607,794)

Net proceeds from sale of land to an unconsolidated land investment venture

   —    445,000  —    —    445,000 

Redemption of senior floating-rate notes due 2009

   (300,000) —    —    —    (300,000)

Net repayments under other borrowings

   —    (66,209) (90,157) —    (156,366)

Net payments related to minority interests

   —    —    (36,545) —    (36,545)

Excess tax benefits from share-based awards

   4,590  —    —    —    4,590 

Common stock:

      

Issuances

   21,588  —    —    —    21,588 

Repurchases

   (3,971) —    —    —    (3,971)

Dividends

   (101,123) —    —    —    (101,123)

Intercompany

   4,313,723  (4,198,614) (115,109) —    —   
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   3,934,807  (3,819,823) (849,605) —    (734,621)
                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   76,539  (78,720) 19,056  —    16,875 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   420,845  218,453  139,021  —    778,319 
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $497,384  139,733  158,077  —    795,194 
                 

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended November 30, 2006

   Lennar
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net earnings

  $593,869  706,187  130,055  (836,242) 593,869 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (623,428) (766,872) 512,724  836,242  (41,334)
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (29,559) (60,685) 642,779  —    552,535 
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Increase in investments in unconsolidated entities, net

   —    (407,694) —    —    (407,694)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   —    (30,329) (2,884) —    (33,213)

Other

   (5,927) (4,651) 47,131  —    36,553 
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   (5,927) (442,674) 44,247  —    (404,354)
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net repayments under financial services debt

   —    —    (120,858) —    (120,858)

Net proceeds from 5.95% senior notes

   248,665  —    —    —    248,665 

Net proceeds from 6.50% senior notes

   248,933  —    —    —    248,933 

Redemption of senior floating-rate notes due 2007

   (200,000) —    —    —    (200,000)

Net repayments under other borrowings

   (2,336) (138,161) (7,807) —    (148,304)

Net payments related to minority interests

   —    —    (71,351) —    (71,351)

Excess tax benefits from share-based awards

   7,103  —    —    —    7,103 

Common stock:

      

Issuances

   31,131  —    —    —    31,131 

Repurchases

   (323,229) —    —    —    (323,229)

Dividends

   (101,295) —    —    —    (101,295)

Intercompany

   145,892  364,892  (510,784) —    —   
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   54,864  226,731  (710,800) —    (429,205)
                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   19,378  (276,628) (23,774) —    (281,024)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   401,467  495,081  162,795  —    1,059,343 
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $420,845  218,453  139,021  —    778,319 
                 

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

19.18.    Quarterly Data (unaudited)

 

   First  Second  Third  Fourth 
   (In thousands, except per share amounts) 

2008

     

Revenues

  $1,062,913  1,127,916  1,106,540  1,278,048 

Gross profit from sales of homes

  $136,695  88,366  147,122  137,444 

Loss before benefit for income taxes

  $(154,294) (173,182) (139,102) (94,950)

Net loss (1)

  $(88,216) (120,916) (88,964) (810,989)

Loss per share:

     

Basic and diluted

  $(0.56) (0.76) (0.56) (5.12)

2007

     

Revenues

  $2,792,080  2,875,943  2,341,853  2,176,905 

Gross profit from sales of homes

  $360,896  193,205  997  15,574 

Earnings (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes

  $108,925  (383,272) (837,643) (1,969,091)

Net earnings (loss)

  $68,623  (244,205) (513,852) (1,251,647)

Earnings (loss) per share:

     

Basic

  $0.44  (1.55) (3.25) (7.92)

Diluted

  $0.43  (1.55) (3.25) (7.92)
   First  Second  Third  Fourth 
   (In thousands, except per share amounts) 

2010

     

Revenues

  $574,442    814,481    824,975    860,124  

Gross profit from sales of homes

  $98,376    143,411    147,419    128,715  

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  $(19,045  35,554    39,435    38,781  

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar

  $(6,523  39,719    30,035    32,030  

Earnings (loss) per share:

     

Basic

  $(0.04  0.21    0.16    0.17  

Diluted

  $(0.04  0.21    0.16    0.17  

2009

     

Revenues

  $593,063    891,853    720,730    913,741  

Gross profit from sales of homes

  $34,182    76,092    49,496    92,230  

Loss before income taxes

  $(155,815  (130,158  (171,644  (302,787

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Lennar (1)

  $(155,929  (125,185  (171,605  35,572  

Earnings (loss) per share:

     

Basic

  $(0.98  (0.76  (0.97  0.19  

Diluted

  $(0.98  (0.76  (0.97  0.19  

 

(1) Net lossearnings attributable to Lennar during the three months ended November 30, 2008 includesfourth quarter of 2009 include a $730.8 million valuation allowance recorded againstreversal of the Company’s deferred tax assets.asset valuation allowance of $351.8 million.

 

Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently. Therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not agree with per share amounts for the year.

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer participated in an evaluation by our management of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of our fiscal quarter that ended on November 30, 2008.2010. Based on their participation in that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of November 30, 20082010 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submittedfurnished under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Our CEO and CFO also participated in an evaluation by our management of any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended November 30, 2008.2010. That evaluation did not identify any changes that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.reporting except for new internal controls over financial reporting that were designed and implemented related to the Company’s Rialto Investments segment during the quarter ended November 30, 2010

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm obtained from Deloitte & Touche LLP relating to the effectiveness of Lennar Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting are included elsewhere in this document.

 

Item 9B.    Other Information.

 

Not applicable.

PART III

 

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

 

The information required by this item for executive officers is set forth under the heading “Executive Officers of Lennar Corporation” in Part I. The other information called for by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than March 30, 20092011 (120 days after the end of our fiscal year).

 

Item 11.    Executive Compensation.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than March 30, 20092011 (120 days after the end of our fiscal year).

 

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than March 30, 20092011 (120 days after the end of our fiscal year), except for the information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, which is provided below.

 

The following table summarizes our equity compensation plans as of November 30, 2008:2010:

 

Plan category

  Number of shares to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)(1)
  Weighted- average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
  Number of shares
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding shares
reflected in column (a))
(c)(2)
  Number of shares to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)(1)
   Weighted- average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
   Number of shares
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding shares
reflected in column (a))
(c)(2)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders

  8,761,204  $31.50  4,215,063   5,266,210    $25.72     1,733,876  

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders

  —     —    —     —       —       —    
                     

Total

  8,761,204  $31.50  4,215,063   5,266,210    $25.72     1,733,876  
                     

 

(1) This amount includes approximately 34,30022,700 shares of Class B common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans.
(2) Both Class A and Class B common stock may be issued.

 

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than March 30, 20092011 (120 days after the end of our fiscal year).

 

Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than March 30, 20092011 (120 days after the end of our fiscal year).

PART IV

 

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a)    Documents filed as part of this Report.

(a)Documents filed as part of this Report.

 

 1. The following financial statements are contained in Item 8:

 

Financial Statements

  Page in
this Report

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  5769

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 20082010 and 20072009

  5870

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

  5972

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

  6073

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

  6275

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  6477

 

 2. The following financial statement schedule is included in this Report:

 

Financial Statement Schedule

  Page in
this Report

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  112136

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  113137

 

Information required by other schedules has either been incorporated in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes or is not applicable to us.

 

 3. The following exhibits are filed with this Report or incorporated by reference:

 

 2.1  3.1Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated June 10, 1997, between Lennar and LNR Property Corporation—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registration Statement on Form 10 of LNR Property Corporation filed with the Commission on July 31, 1997.
  3.1  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 28, 1998—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004.
 3.2  Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 9, 1999—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1999.
 3.3  Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 8, 2003—Incorporated by reference to Annex IV of the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated March 10, 2003.
 3.4  Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 8, 2008—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 8, 2008.
 3.5  Bylaws of the Company, as amended through June 28, 2005—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2005.
  3.6  Amendment to Section 3.3 of the Bylaws of the Company, dated April 8, 2008—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 8, 2008.
 4.1  Indenture, dated as of December 31, 1997, between Lennar and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-45527, filed with the Commission on February 3, 1998.
 4.2  Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 19, 1999, between Lennar and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 19, 1999.

  4.3Third Supplemental Indenture, dated May 3, 2000, between Lennar and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (relating to Lennar’s 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009) —Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2000.
  4.44.2    Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated February 5, 2003, between Lennar and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (relating to 5.950% Senior Notes due 2013)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 31, 2003.
 4.5  4.3    Indenture, dated August 12, 2004, between Lennar and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 5.50% Senior Notes due 2014)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-121130, filed with the Commission on December 10, 2004.

  4.64.4  Indenture, dated April 28, 2005, between Lennar and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 5.60% Senior Notes due 2015)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-127839, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005.
  4.74.5  Indenture, dated September 15, 2005, between Lennar and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 5.125% Senior Notes due 2010)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-130923, filed with the Commission on January 9, 2006.
  4.84.6  Indenture, dated April 26, 2006, between Lennar and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 5.95% Senior Notes due 2011)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 26, 2006.
  4.94.7  Indenture, dated April 26, 2006, between Lennar and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 6.50% Senior Notes due 2016)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 26, 2006.
10.1*  4.8  AmendedIndenture, dated May 4, 2010, between Lennar and Restated Lennar Corporation 1997 Stock Option Plan—The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 6.95% Senior Notes due 2018)— Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a)4.1 of the Company’s Annual ReportRegistration Statement on Form 10-K forS-4, Registration No. 333-167622, filed with the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.Commission on June 18, 2010.
10.2  4.9*Indenture, dated May 4, 2010, between Lennar and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020)
  4.10Indenture, dated November 10, 2010, between Lennar and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020)
  10.1*  Lennar Corporation 2000 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2001.
10.3*  10.2*  Lennar Corporation 2003 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan—Incorporated by reference to Annex VI of the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated March 10, 2003.
10.4*  10.3*  Lennar Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated February 28, 2007.
10.5*  10.4*  Lennar Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated February 28, 2007.
10.6*  10.5*  Lennar Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust—Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 2-89104.
10.7*  10.6*  Amendment dated December 13, 1989 to Lennar Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan—Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1990.
10.8*  10.7*  Lennar Corporation Employee Stock Ownership/401(k) Trust Agreement dated December 13, 1989—Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1990.
10.9*  10.8*  Amendment dated April 18, 1990 to Lennar Corporation Employee Stock Ownership/401(k) Plan—Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1990.

10.10*  10.9*  Lennar Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2002.
10.11  10.10  Credit Agreement dated July 21, 2006 among Lennar, the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 21, 2006.
10.12  10.11  First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated August 21, 2007 among Lennar, the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 21, 2007.

10.13  10.12  Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated January 23, 2008 among Lennar, the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 23, 2008.
10.14Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated September 25, 2006 between UAMC Capital, LLC, the lenders named therein and Calyon New York Branch, as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.
10.15First Omnibus Amendment dated as of June 29, 2007 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated September 25, 2006 between UAMC Capital, LLC, the lenders named therein and Calyon New York Branch, as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2007.
10.16Second Omnibus Amendment dated as of August 20, 2007 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated September 25, 2006 between UAMC Capital, LLC, the lenders named therein and Calyon New York Branch, as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2007.
10.17Third Omnibus Amendment and Waiver dated as of January 23, 2008 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated September 25, 2006 between UAMC Capital, LLC, the lenders named therein and Calyon New York Branch, as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.
10.18*  10.13*  Aircraft Time-Sharing Agreement, dated August 17, 2005, between U.S. Home Corporation and Stuart Miller—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 17, 2005.
10.19*  10.14*  Amendment No. 1 to Aircraft Time-Sharing Agreement, dated September 1, 2005, between U.S. Home Corporation and Stuart Miller—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2005.
10.20Third Amended and Restated Warehousing Credit and Security Agreement dated April 30, 2006, by and among, Universal American Mortgage Company, LLC, the other Borrowers named in the agreement, the Lender Parties named in the agreement and Residential Funding Corporation—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.
10.21  10.15  Master Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement, dated March 29, 2006, between Lennar Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 29, 2006.
10.22Contribution and Formation Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2006, by and among LandSource Communities Development, LLC, the Existing Members named in the agreement and MW Housing Partners III, L.P.—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2007.

10.23�� 10.16  Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2007, by and among Lennar, Lennar Homes of California, Inc., the Sellers named in the agreement and MS Rialto Residential Holdings, LLC.—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.
10.24Fourth Omnibus Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2008 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated September 25, 2006 between UAMC Capital, LLC, the lenders names therein and Calyon New York Branch, as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2008.
10.25  10.17  Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2008 among Lennar, the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 13, 2008.
  10.18Indenture, dated April 30, 2009, between Lennar and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (relating to Lennar’s 12.25% Senior Notes due 2017)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 30, 2009.
  10.19Distribution Agreement, dated April 20, 2009, between Lennar and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as agent (relating to sales by the Company of its Class A common stock)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 20, 2009.
  10.20Distribution Agreement, dated April 20, 2009, between Lennar and Citigroup Capital Markets Inc., as agent (relating to sales by the Company of its Class A common stock)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 20, 2009.
  10.21Distribution Agreement, dated April 20, 2009, between Lennar and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated., as agent (relating to sales by the Company of its Class A common stock)—Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 20, 2009.
  10.22*Aircraft Time-Sharing Agreement, dated January 26, 2010, between U.S. Home Corporation and Richard Beckwitt.
21  List of subsidiaries.Subsidiaries.
23  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1  Rule 13a-14a/15d-14(a) Certification of Stuart A. Miller.
31.2  Rule 13a-14a/15d-14(a) Certification of Bruce E. Gross.
32  Section 1350 Certifications of Stuart A. Miller and Bruce E. Gross.
  101The following financial statements from Lennar Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2010, filed on January 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text (1).

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1)In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related to information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

LENNAR CORPORATION

/s/                     STUART A. MILLER

Stuart A. Miller
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: January 26, 200928, 2011

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

    Principal Executive Officer:

    

Stuart A. Miller

 /s/ 

STUART A. MILLER

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

    Principal Financial Officer:

  

Bruce E. Gross

 /s/ 

BRUCE E. GROSS

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

    Principal Accounting Officer:

  

David M. Collins

 /s/ 

DAVID M. COLLINS

Controller

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

    Directors:

  

Irving Bolotin

 /s/ 

IRVING BOLOTIN

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

Steven L. Gerard

 /s/ 

STEVEN L. GERARD

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

Theron I. (“Tig”) Gilliam, Jr.

/s/

THERON I. (“TIG”) GILLIAM, JR.

Date:

  January 28, 2011

Sherrill W. Hudson

 /s/ 

SHERRILL W. HUDSON

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

R. Kirk Landon

 /s/ 

R. KIRK LANDON

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

Sidney Lapidus

 /s/ 

SIDNEY LAPIDUS

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

Donna Shalala

 /s/ 

DONNA SHALALA

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld

 /s/ 

JEFFREY SONNENFELD

 Date: 

  January 26, 200928, 2011

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Lennar Corporation

 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Lennar Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, and for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2008,2010, and have issued our report thereon dated January 31, 2011 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph related to retrospective adjustments for the adoption of certain accounting standards related to the presentation of noncontrolling interests and the disclosure guidance applicable to variable interest entities and the adoption of other provisions of the amended consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities which resulted in the deconsolidation of certain option contracts) and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2008,2010, and have issued our reportsreport thereon dated January 26, 2009;31, 2011; such consolidated financial statements and reports are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company listed in Item 15. This consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Certified Public Accountants

 

Miami, Florida

January 26, 200931, 2011

LENNAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years Ended November 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008

 

Description

  Beginning
balance
  Additions  Deductions  Ending
balance
    Charged to
costs and
expenses
  Charged
to other
accounts
   
   (In thousands)

Year ended November 30, 2008

         

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:

         

Allowances for doubtful accounts and notes receivable

  $18,750  17,584  —    (2,382) 33,952
                

Allowance for loan losses

  $11,145  14,696  —    (5,457) 20,384
                

Allowance against net deferred tax assets

  $—    730,836  —    —    730,836
                

Year ended November 30, 2007

         

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:

         

Allowances for doubtful accounts and notes receivable

  $3,782  18,260  —    (3,292) 18,750
                

Allowance for loan losses

  $1,810  31,596  4,310  (26,571) 11,145
                

Year ended November 30, 2006

         

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:

         

Allowances for doubtful accounts and notes receivable

  $2,782  2,190  154  (1,344) 3,782
                

Allowance for loan losses

  $1,180  2,390  158  (1,918) 1,810
                

Exhibit Index

Description

  Beginning
balance
   Additions  Deductions  Ending
balance
 
    Charged to
costs and
expenses
   Charged
(credited)
to other
accounts
   
   (In thousands) 

Year ended November 30, 2010

        

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:

        

Allowances for doubtful accounts and notes and other receivables

  $11,710     1,525     (85  (9,454  3,696  
                       

Allowance for loan losses

  $7,444     1,328     170    (1,365  7,577  
                       

Allowance against net deferred tax assets

  $647,385     4,806     (26,331  (16,397  609,463  
                       

Year ended November 30, 2009

        

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:

        

Allowances for doubtful accounts and notes and other receivables

  $33,952     28,105     (14  (50,333  11,710  
                       

Allowance for loan losses

  $20,384     4,107     (5,384  (11,663  7,444  
                       

Allowance against net deferred tax assets

  $730,836     269,568     —      (353,019  647,385  
                       

Year ended November 30, 2008

        

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:

        

Allowances for doubtful accounts and notes and other receivables

  $18,750     17,584     —      (2,382  33,952  
                       

Allowance for loan losses

  $11,145     14,696     —      (5,457  20,384  
                       

Allowance against net deferred tax assets

  $—       730,836     —      —      730,836  
                       

 

Exhibit
Number

137

Description

21

List of subsidiaries.

23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

31.1

Rule 13a-14a/15d-14(a) Certification of Stuart A. Miller.

31.2

Rule 13a-14a/15d-14(a) Certification of Bruce E. Gross.

32

Section 1350 Certifications of Stuart A. Miller and Bruce E. Gross.