UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________
FORM 10-Q
___________________
ý | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
or
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-33530
Green Brick Partners, Inc. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 20-5952523 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) | |
2805 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 400 Plano, Texas 75093 | (469) 573-6755 | |
(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code) | (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ý Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨ Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No ý
The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of May 2, 2017 was 49,069,522.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||
Item 1. | |||
Item 2. | |||
Item 3. | |||
Item 4. | |||
OTHER INFORMATION | |||
Item 1. | |||
Item1A. | |||
Item 2. | |||
Item 6. | |||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 32,332 | $ | 35,157 | |||
Restricted cash | 5,500 | 4,445 | |||||
Accounts receivable | 2,868 | 2,448 | |||||
Inventory | 406,199 | 410,297 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 805 | 892 | |||||
Earnest money deposits | 18,767 | 18,143 | |||||
Deferred income tax assets, net | 64,251 | 67,598 | |||||
Other assets, net | 2,743 | 2,004 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 533,465 | $ | 540,984 | |||
Liabilities and stockholders' equity | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 13,109 | $ | 15,113 | |||
Accrued expenses | 14,923 | 14,290 | |||||
Customer and builder deposits | 17,067 | 14,088 | |||||
Obligations related to land not owned under option agreements | 9,114 | 10,060 | |||||
Borrowings on lines of credit | 62,500 | 75,000 | |||||
Notes payable | 10,223 | 10,948 | |||||
Total liabilities | 126,936 | 139,499 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | — | — | |||||
Stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Green Brick Partners, Inc. stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Common shares, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 49,069,522 and 48,955,909 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively | 491 | 490 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 274,475 | 273,149 | |||||
Retained earnings | 117,130 | 110,933 | |||||
Total Green Brick Partners, Inc. stockholders’ equity | 392,096 | 384,572 | |||||
Noncontrolling interests | 14,433 | 16,913 | |||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 406,529 | 401,485 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 533,465 | $ | 540,984 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Sale of residential units | $ | 93,397 | $ | 66,628 | |||
Sale of land and lots | 5,940 | 3,330 | |||||
Total revenues | 99,337 | 69,958 | |||||
Cost of residential units | 73,761 | 53,204 | |||||
Cost of land and lots | 4,290 | 2,340 | |||||
Total cost of sales | 78,051 | 55,544 | |||||
Total gross profit | 21,286 | 14,414 | |||||
Salary expense | (5,435 | ) | (5,093 | ) | |||
Selling, general and administrative expense | (4,278 | ) | (3,894 | ) | |||
Operating profit | 11,573 | 5,427 | |||||
Other income, net | 542 | 516 | |||||
Income before provision for income taxes | 12,115 | 5,943 | |||||
Income tax provision | 3,889 | 1,453 | |||||
Net income | 8,226 | 4,490 | |||||
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,029 | 1,396 | |||||
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. | $ | 6,197 | $ | 3,094 | |||
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share: | |||||||
Basic | $0.13 | $0.06 | |||||
Diluted | $0.13 | $0.06 | |||||
Weighted average common shares used in the calculation of net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share: | |||||||
Basic | 48,958 | 48,814 | |||||
Diluted | 49,017 | 48,814 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 8,226 | $ | 4,490 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 88 | 56 | |||||
Share-based compensation | 1,912 | 245 | |||||
Deferred income taxes, net | 3,347 | 1,429 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | |||||||
Increase in accounts receivable | (420 | ) | (812 | ) | |||
Decrease (increase) in inventory | 3,152 | (32,499 | ) | ||||
(Increase) decrease in earnest money deposits | (624 | ) | 2,993 | ||||
(Increase) decrease in other assets | (739 | ) | 718 | ||||
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable | (2,004 | ) | 3,285 | ||||
Increase in accrued expenses | 633 | 1,522 | |||||
Increase in customer and builder deposits | 2,979 | 2,133 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 16,550 | (16,440 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||
Acquisition of property and equipment | — | (7 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | — | (7 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||
Borrowings from lines of credit | 5,000 | 30,000 | |||||
Repayments of lines of credit | (17,500 | ) | (10,000 | ) | |||
Repayments of notes payable | (725 | ) | (170 | ) | |||
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock awards | (586 | ) | — | ||||
Contributions from noncontrolling interests | 88 | 2,228 | |||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (4,597 | ) | (1,500 | ) | |||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (18,320 | ) | 20,558 | ||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (1,770 | ) | 4,111 | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 39,602 | 21,301 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 37,832 | $ | 25,412 | |||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||||
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Cash paid for taxes | $ | 36 | $ | 160 | |||
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities: | |||||||
Decrease in land not owned under option agreements | $ | 857 | $ | 1,032 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
When used in these notes, references to the “Company”, “Green Brick”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to the combined company, which has been renamed Green Brick Partners, Inc. and its subsidiaries, resulting from the acquisition by BioFuel Energy Corp. and its then consolidated subsidiaries (“BioFuel”) of JBGL Builder Finance LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies (collectively, “Builder Finance”), and JBGL Capital Companies (“Capital”), a combined group of commonly managed limited liability companies and partnerships (collectively with Builder Finance, “JBGL”) by means of a reverse recapitalization transaction on October 27, 2014.
We are a uniquely structured company that combines residential land development and homebuilding. We acquire and develop land, provide land and construction financing to our controlled builders and participate in the profits of our controlled builders. Our core markets are in the high growth U.S. metropolitan areas of Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. We are engaged in all aspects of the homebuilding process, including land acquisition and development, entitlements, design, construction, marketing and sales and the creation of brand images at our residential neighborhoods and master planned communities.
Condensed Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), but do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods presented reflect all adjustments, of a normal, recurring nature, necessary to fairly state our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 13, 2017. Our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future periods.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in which the Company directly or indirectly has an interest of more than 50 percent and/or is able to exercise control over the operations have been fully consolidated and noncontrolling interests are stated separately in the condensed consolidated financial statements as required under the provisions of ASC 810, Consolidations.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, including the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Noncontrolling Interests
We own 50% controlling interests in several builders. The financial statements of these builders are consolidated in our condensed consolidated financial statements. The noncontrolling interests attributable to the 50% minority interests not owned by us are included as part of noncontrolling interests on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Segment Information
Prior to the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company’s operations were organized into two reportable segments: builder operations and land development. Builder operations consisted of two operating segments: Texas and Georgia. In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, in determining the most appropriate reportable segments, we considered similar economic and other characteristics, geography, including product types, production processes, average selling prices, gross profits, suppliers, land acquisition results, and underlying demand and supply.
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In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, an operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. The Company identified its CODM as three key executives—the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Land Acquisition and Development. In determining the most appropriate reportable segments, the CODM considered similar economic and other characteristics, including geography, class of customers, product types and production processes.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company re-evaluated its reportable segments under ASC 280. As a result of the departure of the Chief Operating Officer in the fourth quarter of 2015, the management structure and CODM changed during 2016. The discrete financial information that is regularly reviewed by the current CODM group is different than in the past. As such, the builder operations reportable segment now consists of three operating segments. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s operations are organized into two reportable segments: builder operations and land development. Builder operations consist of three operating segments: Texas, Georgia, and corporate and other. The operations of the Company's controlled builders were aggregated into the builder operations reporting segment because they have similar (1) economic characteristics; (2) housing products; (3) class of homebuyer; (4) regulatory environments; and (5) methods used to construct and sell homes.
Corporate operations is a non-operating segment that develops and implements strategic initiatives and supports the Company’s builder operations and land development by centralizing certain administrative functions such as finance, treasury, information technology and human resources. The majority of corporate’s personnel and resources are primarily dedicated to activities relating to the builder operations segment. Therefore, any unallocated corporate expenses are included in the builder operations segment, within the “Corporate and other”, which accounts for 94.0% and 95.2% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. While Green Brick Title, LLC (“Green Brick Title”) operations are not economically similar to either the builder operations or land development, it did not meet the quantitative thresholds, as discussed in ASC 280, to be separately reported and disclosed. As such, Title’s results are included within the builder operations segment within the ��Corporate and other” operating segment.
All prior period segment information has been restated to conform with the 2017 presentation. The changes in the reportable segments have no effect on the consolidated balance sheets, statements of income or cash flows for the periods presented.
Change in Classification
During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016, management determined that certain indirect project costs related to field superintendents salaries and benefits, and field expenses, such as field truck, phone and travel expenses, previously classified as salary expense and selling, general and administrative expense should be classified as cost of residential units for periods prior to the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016, to properly present cost of residential units, salary expense, and selling, general and administrative expense. We determined that the change in classification is not material to any prior period financial statements. Accordingly, we changed the classification of salary expense of $1.1 million, and selling, general and administrative expense of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, to cost of residential units. There was no impact to net income during the prior period as a result of the change in classification.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which delayed the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year. Subsequent to the issuance of ASU 2014-09, the FASB issued several amendments in 2016 to the original standard including ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing and ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. These amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance stated in ASU 2014-09. Rather, they are intended to clarify and improve understanding of certain topics included in ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 and the related amendments are effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach. The Company is still in the process of evaluating its contracts to determine the impact this standard will have on its revenue streams. The Company expects to adopt the new standard under the modified retrospective approach and complete its assessment process prior to the adoption of the standard on January 1, 2018.
5
In November 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, as part of its simplification initiative. The standard amends the existing guidance to require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet, and eliminates the prior guidance which required an entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount in a classified balance sheet. The standard was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires an entity that leases assets to classify the leases as either finance or operating leases and to record assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases, regardless of the lease classification. The lease classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest rate method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. This standard is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification on the statement of cash flows. This standard was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which reduces the existing diversity in practice in financial reporting across all industries by clarifying certain existing principles in ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows, including providing additional guidance on how and what an entity should consider in determining the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. This standard is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force), which requires restricted cash to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending amounts on the statement of cash flows. This standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018, and is to be applied using a retrospective transition method. The Company elected to early adopt this standard for the reporting period ended March 31, 2017, and the standard was applied retrospectively for all periods presented. As a result of the adoption of this standard, the Company no longer presents the change within restricted cash in the operating activities section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
2. NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC. PER SHARE
The Company's restricted stock awards have the right to receive forfeitable dividends on an equal basis with common stock and therefore are not considered participating securities that must be included in the calculation of net income per share using the two-class method. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, adjusted for non-vested shares of restricted stock awards during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method and includes the effect of all dilutive securities, including stock options and restricted stock awards.
6
The computation of basic and diluted net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share using the treasury stock method is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Basic net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share | |||||||
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. —basic | $ | 6,197 | $ | 3,094 | |||
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding —basic | 48,958 | 48,814 | |||||
Basic net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.06 | |||
Diluted net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share | |||||||
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. —diluted | $ | 6,197 | $ | 3,094 | |||
Weighted-average number of shares used to compute basic net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. | 48,958 | 48,814 | |||||
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards | 59 | — | |||||
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding —diluted | 49,017 | 48,814 | |||||
Diluted net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.06 |
The following securities that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future are not included in the determination of diluted net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||
Antidilutive options to purchase common stock and restricted stock awards | — | 296 |
3. INVENTORY
Inventory consists of land in the process of development, undeveloped land, developed lots, completed homes, raw land scheduled for development, and land not owned under option agreements in Texas and Georgia. Inventory is valued at cost unless the carrying value is determined to not be recoverable in which case the affected inventory is written down to fair value. Cost includes any related pre-acquisition costs that are directly identifiable with a specific property so long as those pre-acquisition costs are recoverable at the sale of the property.
A summary of inventory is as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||
Completed home inventory and residential lots held for sale | $ | 125,551 | $ | 127,679 | |||
Work in process | 270,474 | 269,255 | |||||
Undeveloped land | 1,738 | 4,070 | |||||
Land not owned under option agreements | 8,436 | 9,293 | |||||
Total Inventory | $ | 406,199 | $ | 410,297 |
The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred to inventory during active development and other qualifying activities. Interest capitalized as cost of inventory is charged to cost of sales as related homes, land and/or lots are closed. Interest incurred on undeveloped land is directly expensed and included in interest expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income.
7
Interest costs incurred, capitalized and expensed were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Interest capitalized at beginning of period | $ | 9,417 | $ | 9,085 | |||
Interest incurred | 893 | 708 | |||||
Interest charged to cost of sales | (875 | ) | (1,002 | ) | |||
Interest charged to interest expense | — | — | |||||
Interest capitalized at end of period | $ | 9,435 | $ | 8,791 |
4. DEBT
Lines of Credit
Lines of credit outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands):
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||
Promissory note to Inwood National Bank (“Inwood”): | |||||||
Revolving credit facility(1) | $ | 12,500 | $ | 15,000 | |||
Unsecured revolving credit facility(2) | 50,000 | 60,000 | |||||
Total lines of credit | $ | 62,500 | $ | 75,000 |
(1) | On July 30, 2015, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) with Inwood, which provides for up to $50.0 million. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility are secured by mortgages on real property and security interests in certain personal property (to the extent that such personal property is connected with the use and enjoyment of the real property) that is owned by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest payable monthly at a floating rate per annum equal to the rate announced by Bank of America, N.A., from time to time, as its “Prime Rate” (the “Index”) with such adjustments to the interest rate being made on the effective date of any change in the Index. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest may not, at any time, be less than 4% per annum or more than the lesser amount of 18% and the highest maximum rate allowed by applicable law. The entire unpaid principal balance and any accrued but unpaid interest is due and payable on the maturity date. As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 4.0% per annum. |
On May 3, 2016, the Company amended the Credit Facility. The amended Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base limitation equal to the sum of 50% of the total value of land and 65% of the total value of lots owned by certain of the Company's subsidiaries, each as determined by an independent appraiser, with the value of land being restricted from being more than 65% of the borrowing base. Beginning on August 1, 2017, a non-usage fee equal to 0.25% of the average unfunded amount of the $50.0 million commitment amount over a trailing 12 month period is due on or before August 1st of each year during the term of the amended Credit Facility. The maturity date has been extended to May 1, 2019. The costs associated with the amendment of $0.1 million were deferred and are included in other assets, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company is amortizing these debt issuance costs to interest expense over the term of the Credit Facility using the straight line method.
Under the terms of the amended Credit Facility, the Company is required, among other things, to maintain minimum multiples of net worth in excess of the outstanding Credit Facility balance, minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage. The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants under the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2017.
(2) | On December 15, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, providing for a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility with aggregate lending commitments of up to $40.0 million (“Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility”). Before the First Amendment (as defined and discussed below) increased the maximum amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, the Company could, at its option and subject to certain terms and conditions, prior to the termination date, increase the amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility up to a maximum aggregate amount of $75.0 million. Before the Second Amendment (as defined and discussed below), commitments under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility are available until the period ending December 14, 2018. Citibank, N.A. and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch initially committed to provide $25.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively. |
8
The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility provides for interest rate options on advances at rates equal to either: (x) in the case of base rate advances, the highest of (i) Citibank’s base rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, in each case plus 1.5%; or (y) in the case of Eurodollar rate advances, the reserve adjusted LIBOR plus 2.5%. Interest on amounts borrowed under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility is payable in arrears quarterly on the last day of each March, June, September and December during such periods. As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 3.5% per annum.
The Company pays the lenders a commitment fee on the amount of the unused commitments on a quarterly basis at a rate per annum equal to 0.45%.
Outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility are subject to, among other things, a borrowing base. The borrowing base limitation is equal to the sum of: 100% of unrestricted cash (in excess of $15.0 million); 85% of the book value of model homes, construction in progress homes, sold completed homes, and speculative homes (subject to certain limitations on the age and number of speculative homes and model homes); 65% of the book value of finished lots and land under development; and 50% of the book value of entitled land (subject to certain limitations on the value of entitled land and land under development as a percentage of the borrowing base).
On August 31, 2016, the Company, entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”), with Flagstar Bank, FSB (“Flagstar Bank”), the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, which amended the Credit Agreement. The First Amendment added Flagstar Bank as a lender under the Credit Agreement, with an initial commitment of $20.0 million, which increases the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million. The First Amendment also increased the maximum amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum aggregate amount of $110.0 million, which further increases are available at the Company’s option, prior to the termination date, subject to certain terms and conditions.
On December 1, 2016, the Company, entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”), with the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, which amended the Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment, among other things, extended the termination date with respect to commitments under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from December 14, 2018 to December 14, 2019. The Second Amendment became effective upon the payment of an upfront fee of 0.15% of the aggregate amount of any extended commitments on December 15, 2016. Additionally, Citibank, N.A. increased its commitment under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $25.0 million to $35.0 million which increased the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $60.0 million to $70.0 million.
On March 6, 2017, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $20.0 million to $35.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitments available under the Revolving Credit Facility from $70.0 million to $85.0 million. The costs associated with this increase in commitment of $0.1 million were deferred and are included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company is amortizing these debt issuance costs to interest expense over the term of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility using the straight line method.
Additionally, under the terms of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is required, among other things, to maintain compliance with various covenants, including financial covenants relating to a maximum Leverage Ratio, a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, and a minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, each as defined therein. The Company's compliance with these financial covenants is measured by calculations and metrics that are specifically defined or described by the terms of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2017.
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Notes Payable
Notes payable outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands):
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||
Note payable to unrelated third party: | |||||||
Briar Ridge Investments, LTD(1) | $ | 9,000 | $ | 9,000 | |||
Wretched Land, LP(2) | — | 713 | |||||
Graham Mortgage Corporation(3) | 1,223 | 1,235 | |||||
Total notes payable | $ | 10,223 | $ | 10,948 |
(1) | On December 13, 2013, a subsidiary of JBGL signed a promissory note for $9.0 million maturing on December 13, 2017, bearing interest at 6.0% per annum and collateralized by land purchased in Allen, Texas. Accrued interest as of March 31, 2017 was $0. In December 2016, this note was extended through December 31, 2018. |
(2) | On August 19, 2016, a subsidiary of JBGL signed a promissory note for $1.4 million maturing on January 1, 2017, bearing interest at 2.0% per annum and collateralized by land located in Allen, Texas. $0.7 million of this note was repaid during September 2016. In December 2016, this note was extended through March 1, 2017. The note was paid off on March 1, 2017. |
(3) | On November 30, 2016, a subsidiary of JBGL signed a promissory note for $1.2 million maturing on December 1, 2018, bearing interest at 3.0% per annum and collateralized by land located in Sunnyvale, Texas. |
5. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
A summary of changes in stockholders’ equity is presented below (dollars in thousands):
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total Green Brick Partners, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2016 | 48,955,909 | $ | 490 | $ | 273,149 | $ | 110,933 | $ | 384,572 | $ | 16,913 | $ | 401,485 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | — | — | 71 | — | 71 | — | 71 | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under 2014 Equity Plan | 176,670 | 2 | 1,768 | — | 1,770 | — | 1,770 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred share-based compensation | — | — | 72 | — | 72 | — | 72 | |||||||||||||||||||
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock awards | (63,057 | ) | (1 | ) | (585 | ) | — | (586 | ) | — | (586 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Contributions | — | — | — | — | — | 88 | 88 | |||||||||||||||||||
Distributions | — | — | — | — | — | (4,597 | ) | (4,597 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 6,197 | 6,197 | 2,029 | 8,226 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2017 | 49,069,522 | $ | 491 | $ | 274,475 | $ | 117,130 | $ | 392,096 | $ | 14,433 | $ | 406,529 |
6. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
In March 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock through 2017. The timing, volume and nature of share repurchases will be at the discretion of management and dependent on market conditions, corporate and regulatory requirements and other factors, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The authorized repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market, through block trades or in privately negotiated transactions. No assurance can be given that any particular amount of common stock will be repurchased. All or part of the repurchases may be implemented under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which would allow repurchases under pre-set terms at times when we might otherwise be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed blackout periods. This repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated at the discretion of our Board of Directors at any time. We intend to finance the repurchases with available cash. No shares were repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.
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7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
We measure and account for share-based awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation”. Share-based compensation expense associated with stock options with vesting contingent upon the achievement of service conditions is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures of unvested stock options, over the requisite service period the awards are expected to vest. We estimate the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options with vesting contingent upon the achievement of service conditions as of the date the award was granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the use of certain input variables, such as expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected award life.
Share-Based Award Activity
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company granted restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) under the 2014 Equity Plan to Named Executive Officers. The RSAs were 100% vested and non-forfeitable on the grant date. The fair value of the RSAs were recorded as share-based compensation expense on the grant date. The Company withheld 63,057 shares of common stock, at a total cost of $0.6 million, from Named Executive Officers to satisfy statutory minimum tax requirements in respect of the RSAs.
A summary of restricted stock awards activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 is as follows:
Number of Shares (in thousands) | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share | |||||
Nonvested, December 31, 2016 | 38 | $ | 7.51 | |||
Granted | 177 | $ | 10.02 | |||
Vested | (177 | ) | $ | 10.02 | ||
Forfeited | — | $ | — | |||
Nonvested, March 31, 2017 | 38 | $ | 7.51 |
A summary of stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 is as follows:
Number of Shares (in thousands) | Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) | |||||||||
Options outstanding, December 31, 2016 | 500 | $ | 7.49 | |||||||||
Granted | — | — | ||||||||||
Exercised | — | — | ||||||||||
Forfeited | — | — | ||||||||||
Options outstanding, March 31, 2017 | 500 | $ | 7.49 | 7.57 | $ | 1,230 | ||||||
Options exercisable, March 31, 2017 | 200 | $ | 7.49 | 7.57 | $ | 492 |
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A summary of our unvested stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2017 is as follows:
Number of Shares (in thousands) | Weighted Average Per Share Grant Date Fair Value | |||||
Unvested, December 31, 2016 | 300 | $ | 2.88 | |||
Granted | — | $ | — | |||
Vested | — | $ | — | |||
Forfeited | — | $ | — | |||
Unvested, March 31, 2017 | 300 | $ | 2.88 |
Valuation of Share-Based Awards
We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating the grant date fair value of stock options. There were no stock options issued during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016.
Share-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense was $1.9 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. As of March 31, 2017, the estimated total remaining unamortized share-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards and stock options, net of forfeitures, was nil which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.2 years. As of March 31, 2017, the estimated total remaining unamortized share-based compensation expense related to stock options, net of forfeitures, was $0.7 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
8. INCOME TAXES
We recorded an income tax provision of $3.9 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 was 32.1% and 24.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 is driven by the statutory tax rate benefit related to non-controlled earnings and state income taxes. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is due to there being higher discrete tax benefit items and the change in the ratio of non-controlled earnings relative to pre-tax book income.
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had related party transactions through the normal course of business. These transactions include the following:
In 2012, we formed Centre Living Homes, LLC (“Centre Living”), a builder that focuses on a limited number of homes and luxury townhomes each year in the Dallas, Texas market. Trevor Brickman, the son of Green Brick's Chief Executive Officer, is the President of Centre Living. Effective as of January 1, 2015, Centre Living’s operating agreement was amended and restated to the same general terms as with our other builders, such that Green Brick's ownership interest in Centre Living is 50% and Trevor Brickman's ownership interest is 50% for future operations beginning January 1, 2015. Subsequent to this amendment, Green Brick has 51% voting control over the operations of Centre Living. As such, 100% of Centre Living’s operations are included within our condensed consolidated financial statements. The noncontrolling interest attributable to Centre Living was $0.2 million and $0.3 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. In June 2016, the Company sold one developed lot to Trevor Brickman for $0.4 million, of which $0.3 million was included in the cost of land and lots. In September 2016, Trevor Brickman entered into an agreement with Centre Living to construct a home on the developed lot. In accordance with the Company's employee discount policy, the contract price results in a 13% margin. As of March 31, 2017, the Company has incurred $0.4 million in costs to construct the home. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $40,569 in accounts receivables due from Trevor Brickman related to the construction of the home.
In September 2015, the Company purchased 11 lots from an entity affiliated with the president of The Providence Group of Georgia L.L.C. (“TPG”), one of its controlled builders. The lots are part of a 19-home community, The Parc at Cogburn in Atlanta. The total paid for the lots in 2015 was $1.8 million. Under the option agreement in place, the Company purchased $0.3 million in lots during 2016, $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, and has another $0.5 million in lots that it expects to purchase prior to September 2017. The Company has purchased 16 lots as of March 31, 2017.
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In November 2015, the Company purchased 12 lots from an entity affiliated with the president of TPG, one of its controlled builders. The lots are part of a 92-unit townhome community, Glens at Sugarloaf in Atlanta. No deposits were paid by the Company in contracting for the lots. The total paid for the lots in 2015 was $1.0 million. During March 2016, the Company purchased the remaining 80 townhome lots within the community at a price of $4.8 million from the affiliated entity.
During March 2016, the Company purchased undeveloped land for an eventual 83 lot community, Academy Street in Atlanta. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a partnership agreement with an entity affiliated with the president of TPG to develop the community for sale of the lots to TPG under GRBK Academy LLC. Contributions and profits will be 80% for the Company and 20% for the affiliated entity. Total capital contributions are estimated at $11.8 million, of which $9.4 million will be contributed by the Company. The total contributions paid in 2016 was $11.2 million, of which $9.0 million was paid by the Company. The total contributions paid during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.5 million, of which $0.4 million was paid by the Company. The Company has 80% ownership in GRBK Academy, LLC and has consolidated the entity.
During March 2016, the Company purchased undeveloped land for an eventual 73-unit townhome community, Suwanee Station in Atlanta. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a partnership agreement with an entity affiliated with the president of TPG to develop the community for sale of the lots to TPG under GRBK Suwanee Station LLC. Contributions and profits will be 50% for the Company and 50% for the affiliated entity. Total capital contributions are estimated at $2.0 million, of which $1.0 million will be contributed by the Company. The total contributions paid in 2016 was $1.8 million, of which $0.9 million was paid by the Company. There were no contributions paid during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Company holds two of the three board seats and is able to exercise control over the operations of GRBK Suwanee Station LLC, and therefore has consolidated the entity.
In June 2016, the Company purchased 14 lots from an entity affiliated with the president of TPG. The lots are part of a 40-unit townhome community, Dunwoody Towneship. No deposits were paid by the Company related to these lots. The total paid for the lots during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and in all of 2016 was $0.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The total that would be expected to be paid for the remaining lots would be $1.0 million during 2017 and $1.7 million during 2018.
In February 2017, Richard A. Costello paid a $110,000 deposit to Centre Living Homes, LLC on a townhome he expects to purchase for a value of approximately $525,000. In accordance with the Company's employee discount policy, the contract price results in a 13% margin.
In February 2017, Jed Dolson paid a $110,000 deposit to Centre Living Homes, LLC on a townhome he expects to purchase for a value of approximately $475,000. In accordance with the Company's employee discount policy, the contract price results in a 13% margin.
10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes, include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, earnest money deposits, other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, customer and builder deposits, obligations related to land not owned under option agreements, borrowings on lines of credit, and notes payable. Per the fair value hierarchy, level 1 financial instruments include: cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivables, earnest money deposits, other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and customer and builder deposits due to their short term nature. Level 2 financial instruments include: borrowings on lines of credit and notes payable. All other instruments are deemed to be level 3.
Due to the short-term nature, the carrying amounts of notes payable and borrowings on lines of credit approximates fair value. Furthermore, borrowings on lines of credit include floating interest rate terms. The fair value of obligations related to land not owned under option agreements is primarily determined by discounting the estimated future cash flow of each community using various unobservable inputs in our impairment analysis.
The Company estimates that due to the short term nature of the underlying financial instruments or the proximity of the underlying transaction to the applicable reporting date that the fair value of all financial instruments does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values recorded in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
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Fair Value of Nonfinancial Instruments
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities include items such as inventory and long lived assets that are measured at cost unless the carrying value is determined to be not recoverable in which case the affected instrument is written down to fair value. The fair value of inventory is primarily determined by discounting the estimated future cash flow of each community using various unobservable inputs in our impairment analysis. Per the fair value hierarchy, inventory and long lived assets are level 3 nonfinancial instruments. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not record any fair value adjustments to those nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Warranties
The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty claims based on both current and historical home sales data and warranty costs incurred. The Company offers homeowners a comprehensive third party warranty on each home. Homes are generally covered by a ten year warranty for qualified and defined structural defects, one year for defects and products used, and two years for electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. Warranty accruals are included within accrued expenses in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Warranty activity, included in accrued expenses in our condensed consolidated balance sheets consists of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 1,210 | $ | 474 | |||
Additions | 312 | 194 | |||||
Charges | (191 | ) | (154 | ) | |||
Ending balance | $ | 1,331 | $ | 514 |
Commitments
The Company has leases associated with office space in Georgia and Texas which are classified as operating leases. Rent expense under these leases are included in the selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Legal Matters
Lawsuits, claims and proceedings may be instituted or asserted against us in the normal course of business. The Company is also subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations related to land development activities, house construction standards, sales practices, employment practices and environmental protection. As a result, the Company may be subject to periodic examinations or inquiry by agencies administering these laws and regulations.
The Company records a reserve for potential legal claims and regulatory matters when they are probable of occurring and a potential loss is reasonably estimable. The Company accrues for these matters based on facts and circumstances specific to each matter and revises these estimates when necessary.
In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting outcomes of legal claims and related contingencies, the Company generally cannot predict their ultimate resolution, related timing or eventual loss. If evaluations indicate loss contingencies that could be material are not probable, but are reasonably possible, the Company will disclose their nature with an estimate of possible range of losses or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. We believe that the disposition of legal claims and related contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity or on our financial condition.
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12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is as follows. Operational results of each reportable segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been achieved had the reportable segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
(in thousands) | 2017 | 2016 | |||||
Revenues: | |||||||
Builder Operations | |||||||
Texas | $ | 50,670 | $ | 33,581 | |||
Georgia | 42,727 | 33,047 | |||||
Corporate and Other | — | — | |||||
Land Development | 5,940 | 3,330 | |||||
$ | 99,337 | $ | 69,958 | ||||
Gross profit: | |||||||
Builder Operations | |||||||
Texas | $ | 12,310 | $ | 8,588 | |||
Georgia | 9,348 | 7,152 | |||||
Corporate and Other | (2,200 | ) | (2,275 | ) | |||
Land Development | 1,828 | 949 | |||||
$ | 21,286 | $ | 14,414 | ||||
Income before taxes | |||||||
Builder Operations | |||||||
Texas | $ | 8,375 | $ | 5,279 | |||
Georgia | 6,102 | 4,340 | |||||
Corporate and Other | (3,867 | ) | (4,502 | ) | |||
Land Development | 1,505 | 826 | |||||
$ | 12,115 | $ | 5,943 | ||||
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||
Inventory: | |||||||
Builder Operations | |||||||
Texas | $ | 76,935 | $ | 76,878 | |||
Georgia | 102,293 | 90,859 | |||||
Corporate and Other | 11,088 | 9,834 | |||||
Land Development | 215,883 | 232,726 | |||||
$ | 406,199 | $ | 410,297 |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes statements and information that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the “Securities Act,” and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the “Exchange Act.” Statements that are “forward-looking statements,” include any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items, any statements of the plans, strategies or objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new projects or other developments, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, any statements of management’s beliefs, goals, strategies, intentions and objectives, any statements concerning potential acquisitions, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “outlook,” “strategy,” “positioned,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “projects,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in the future tense, identify forward-looking statements.
These statements are necessarily subjective and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements described in or implied by such statements. Actual results may differ materially from expected results described in our forward-looking statements, including with respect to correct measurement and identification of factors affecting our business or the extent of their likely impact, the accuracy and completeness of the publicly available information with respect to the factors upon which our business strategy is based or the success of our business. In addition, even if results are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, those results may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Furthermore, industry forecasts are likely to be inaccurate, especially over long periods of time and in industries particularly sensitive to market conditions such as homebuilding and builder finance.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times by which, our performance or results may be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and management’s belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
• | cyclicality in the homebuilding industry and adverse changes in general economic conditions; |
• | fluctuations and cycles in value of, and demand for, real estate investments; |
• | significant inflation or deflation; |
• | the unavailability of subcontractors; |
• | labor and raw material shortages and price fluctuations; |
• | the failure to recruit, retain and develop highly skilled and competent employees; |
• | an inability to acquire undeveloped land, partially-finished developed lots and finished lots suitable for residential homebuilding at reasonable prices; |
• | an inability to develop communities successfully or within expected timeframes; |
• | an inability to sell properties in response to changing economic, financial and investment conditions; |
• | risks related to participating in the homebuilding business through controlled homebuilding subsidiaries; |
• | risks relating to buy-sell provisions in the operating agreements governing two builder subsidiaries; |
• | risks related to geographic concentration; |
• | risks related to government regulation; |
• | the interpretation of or changes to tax, labor and environmental laws; |
• | the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals and of the opening of projects; |
• | fluctuations in the market value of land, building lots and housing inventories; |
• | volatility of mortgage interest rates; |
• | the unavailability of mortgage financing; |
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• | the number of foreclosures in our markets; |
• | interest rate increases or adverse changes in federal lending programs; |
• | increases in unemployment or underemployment; |
• | any limitation on, or reduction or elimination of, tax benefits associated with owning a home; |
• | the occurrence of severe weather or natural disasters; |
• | high cancellation rates; |
• | competition in the homebuilding, land development and financial services industries; |
• | risks related to future growth through strategic investments, joint ventures, partnerships and/or acquisitions; |
• | the inability to obtain suitable bonding for the development of housing projects; |
• | difficulty in obtaining sufficient capital; |
• | risks related to environmental laws and regulations; |
• | the occurrence of a major health and safety incident; |
• | poor relations with the residents of our communities; |
• | information technology failures and data security breaches; |
• | product liability claims, litigation and warranty claims; |
• | the seasonality of the homebuilding industry; |
• | utility and resource shortages or rate fluctuations; |
• | the failure of employees or other representatives to comply with applicable regulations and guidelines; |
• | future litigation, arbitration or other claims; |
• | uninsured losses or losses in excess of insurance limits; |
• | cost and availability of insurance and surety bonds; |
• | volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets and broader financial markets; |
• | availability, terms and deployment of capital including with respect to the timing and size of share repurchases, acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic actions; |
• | our debt and related service obligations; |
• | required accounting changes; |
• | an inability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; and |
• | other risks and uncertainties inherent in our business including those described Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. |
Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, we disclaim all responsibility to publicly update any information contained in a forward-looking statement.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf, including any such forward-looking statements made subsequent to the publication of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 13, 2017. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from the results discussed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those listed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above and “Risk Factors” below.
Overview of the Business
We are a uniquely structured company that combines residential land development and homebuilding. We acquire and develop land, provide land and construction financing to our controlled builders and participate in the profits of our controlled builders. Our core markets are in the high growth U.S. metropolitan areas of Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. We are engaged in all aspects of the homebuilding process, including land acquisition and the development, entitlements, design, construction, marketing and sales and the creation of brand images at our residential neighborhoods and master planned communities. We believe we offer higher quality homes with more distinctive designs and floor plans than those built by our competitors at comparable prices. Our communities are located in premium locations in our core markets and we seek to enhance homebuyer satisfaction by utilizing high-quality materials, offering a broad range of customization options and building well-crafted energy-efficient homes. We seek to maximize value over the long term and operate our business to mitigate risks in the event of a downturn by controlling costs and quickly reacting to regional and local market trends.
We are a leading lot developer in the Dallas and Atlanta markets and believe that our strict operating discipline provides us with a competitive advantage in seeking to maximize returns while minimizing risk. We currently own or control over 4,900 home sites in premium locations in the Dallas and Atlanta markets. We consider premium locations to be lot supply constrained with high housing demand and where much of the surrounding land has already been developed. We are strategically positioned to either build new homes on our lots through our controlled builders or to sell finished lots to large unaffiliated homebuilders.
We sell finished lots or option lots from third-party developers to our controlled builders for their homebuilding operations and provide them with construction financing and strategic planning. Our controlled builders provide us with their local knowledge and relationships. We support our controlled builders by financing their purchases of land from us at an unlevered internal rate of return (“IRR”) of at least 20% and by providing construction financing at approximately a 13.8% interest rate. Our income is further enhanced by our 50% equity interest in the profits of our controlled builders. In addition, the land we sell to third-party homebuilders also typically generates an unlevered IRR targeted at 20% or greater.
References to our “controlled builders” refer to our homebuilding subsidiaries in which we own at least a 50% controlling interest.
Our Controlled Builders | Year Formed | Market | Products Offered | Prices Ranges | ||||
The Providence Group of Georgia L.L.C. (“TPG”) | 2011 | Atlanta | Townhomes | $280,000 to $600,000 | ||||
Single family | $320,000 to $1.2 million | |||||||
CB JENI Homes DFW LLC (“CB JENI”) | 2012 | Dallas | Townhomes | $230,000 to $400,000 | ||||
Single family | $340,000 to $700,000 | |||||||
Centre Living Homes, LLC (“Centre Living”) | 2012 | Dallas | Townhomes | $350,000 to more than $1.5 million | ||||
Contractor on luxury homes | Up to $2.5 million | |||||||
Southgate Homes DFW LLC (“Southgate”) | 2013 | Dallas | Luxury homes | $560,000 to $1.3 million |
During the first quarter of 2015, we formed Green Brick Title, LLC (“Green Brick Title”), our wholly-owned title company. Green Brick Title's core business includes title insurance, and closing and settlement services for our homebuyers. Green Brick Title had insignificant operations during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
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Definitions
In the following discussion, “backlog” refers to homes under sales contracts that have not yet closed at the end of the relevant period, “cancellation rate” refers to sales contracts canceled divided by sales contracts executed during the relevant period, “net new home orders” refers to new home sales contracts reduced by the number of sales contracts canceled during the relevant period, and “overall absorption rate” refers to the rate at which net new home orders are contracted per selling community during the relevant period. Sales contracts relating to homes in backlog may be canceled by the prospective purchaser for a number of reasons, such as the prospective purchaser’s inability to obtain suitable mortgage financing. Upon a cancellation, the escrow deposit may be returned to the prospective purchaser (other than with respect to certain design-related deposits, which we retain). Accordingly, backlog may not be indicative of our future revenue.
Overview and Outlook
The following are our key operating metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016: home deliveries increased by 40.4%, home sales revenue increased by 40.2%, average selling prices decreased slightly, backlog units increased by 6.4%, backlog units value increased by 12.4%, average sales price of homes in backlog increased by 5.6%, and net new home orders increased by 19.6%.
The increase in the average sales price of homes in backlog is the result of changes in product mix of homes contracted for sale during the period and local market appreciation. From January 2016 to January 2017 homes in the Dallas and Atlanta markets appreciated by 8.2% and 5.9%, respectively (Source: S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index, March 2017). During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the housing market continued to show signs of improvement, which we believe is driven by rising consumer confidence, lower interest rates, high affordability metrics, and a reduction in home inventory levels.
Our two primary markets, Dallas and Atlanta, have shown significant housing market recovery. We believe the housing market recovery is sustainable, and that we operate in two of the most desirable housing markets in the nation. Among the 12 largest metropolitan areas in the country, the Dallas metropolitan area ranked second in both the rate of job growth and the number of jobs added from February 2016 to February 2017 (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 2017). The Atlanta metropolitan area has recorded employment gains of 75,000 or more since January 2016 (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 2017). We believe that increasing demand and supply constraints in our target markets create favorable conditions for our future growth.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and applicable regulations of the SEC. Our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future periods.
The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Results of Operations
Land Development
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, our land development segment revenue increased $2.6 million, or 78.4%, to $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was comprised of $2.3 million due to a 67.9% increase in finished inventory of lots delivered of 47 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from 28 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and an increase of $0.3 million related to an increase in the average sales price per lot of $126,386 per lot for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $118,944 per lot for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in finished inventory lots delivered is a result of an increase in third party lot sales driven by a decrease in intercompany lot sales to our controlled builders where revenue is not recognized until the home closes.
Builder Operations
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, our builder operations segment delivered 226 homes, with an average sales price of $413,261, compared to 161 homes, with an average sales price of $413,839, during the same period in 2016. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, our builder operations segment generated approximately $93.4 million in
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revenue compared to $66.6 million during the same period in 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net new home orders totaled 287, a 19.6% increase from the same period in 2016.
As of March 31, 2017, our builder operations segment had a backlog of 298 sold but unclosed homes, a 6.4% increase from the same period in 2016, with a total value of approximately $145.2 million, an increase of $16.0 million, or 12.4%, from March 31, 2016. The increase in value of backlog units reflects an increase in the number of homes in backlog and an increase in the average sales price of homes in backlog.
The increase in the average sales price of homes in backlog is the result of changes in product mix related to higher priced single family homes over lower priced townhomes closed during the period and local market appreciation. The average sales price of homes may increase or decrease depending on the mix of typical homes delivered and sold during such period and local market conditions. These changes in the average sales price of homes are part of our natural business cycle.
Revenues
We primarily generate revenue through (a) the sale of lots from our land development segment to public builders, large private builders and our controlled builders, (b) making first lien construction loans to our controlled builders, and (c) the closing and delivery of homes through our builder operations segment. We recognize revenue on homes and lots when completed and title to, and possession of, the property have been transferred to the purchaser.
All customer deposits are treated as liabilities. We also serve as the general contractor for certain custom homes where the customers, and not our company, own the underlying land and improvements. We recognize revenue for these contracts on the percentage of completion method.
Expenses
Lot acquisition, materials, other direct costs, interest and other indirect costs related to the acquisition, development, and construction of lots and homes are capitalized until the homes are complete, after which they are expensed. Direct and indirect costs of developing residential lots are allocated based on the relative sales price of the lots. Capitalized costs of residential lots are charged to earnings when the related revenue is recognized.
Salary Expense
Salary expense represents salaries, benefits and share-based compensation, and are recorded in the period incurred.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense represents property taxes, depreciation, amortization, advertising and marketing, rent and lease expenses, and other administrative items, and are recorded in the period incurred.
Interest Expense
Interest expense consists primarily of interest costs incurred on our debt that is not capitalized and amortization of related debt issuance costs. We capitalize interest costs incurred to inventory during active development and other qualifying activities. All interest costs were capitalized during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net consists of net revenue from contracts where we are the general contractor and where our customers own the land, and interest earned.
Income Tax Provision
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We regularly review historical and anticipated future pre-tax results of operations to determine whether we will be able to realize the benefit of deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax asset when it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized due to the lack of sufficient taxable income.
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We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions that reflect our best estimate of deductions and credits that may not be sustained on a more-likely-than-not basis. In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions have a more-likely-than-not chance of being sustained by the Company. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Condensed consolidated financial Data
The consolidated historical financial data presented below reflect our land development and builder operations segments, and are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||
Sale of residential units | $ | 93,397 | $ | 66,628 | |||
Sale of land and lots | 5,940 | 3,330 | |||||
Total revenues | 99,337 | 69,958 | |||||
Cost of residential units | 73,761 | 53,204 | |||||
Cost of land and lots | 4,290 | 2,340 | |||||
Total cost of sales | 78,051 | 55,544 | |||||
Total gross profit | 21,286 | 14,414 | |||||
Salary expense | (5,435 | ) | (5,093 | ) | |||
Selling, general and administrative expense | (4,278 | ) | (3,894 | ) | |||
Operating profit | 11,573 | 5,427 | |||||
Other income, net | 542 | 516 | |||||
Income before provision for income taxes | 12,115 | 5,943 | |||||
Income tax provision | 3,889 | 1,453 | |||||
Net income | 8,226 | 4,490 | |||||
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,029 | 1,396 | |||||
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. | $ | 6,197 | $ | 3,094 | |||
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share: | |||||||
Basic | $0.13 | $0.06 | |||||
Diluted | $0.13 | $0.06 | |||||
Weighted average common shares used in the calculation of net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share: | |||||||
Basic | 48,958 | 48,814 | |||||
Diluted | 49,017 | 48,814 |
Change in Classification
Certain indirect project costs previously classified as salary expense and selling, general and administrative expense have been classified as cost of residential units for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to properly present cost of residential units, salary expense, and selling, general and administrative expense. See Note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Net New Home Orders and Backlog
The table below represents new home orders and backlog related to our builder operations segment.
Three Months Ended March 31, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||
New Home Orders & Backlog | 2017 | 2016 | Change | % | ||||||||||
Net new home orders | 287 | 240 | 47 | 19.6% | ||||||||||
Number of cancellations | 53 | 27 | 26 | 96.3% | ||||||||||
Cancellation rate | 15.6 | % | 10.1 | % | 5.5 | % | 54.5% | |||||||
Average selling communities | 51 | 44 | 7 | 15.9% | ||||||||||
Selling communities at end of period | 52 | 44 | 8 | 18.2% | ||||||||||
Backlog ($ in thousands) | $ | 145,164 | $ | 129,190 | $ | 15,974 | 12.4% | |||||||
Backlog (units) | 298 | 280 | 18 | 6.4% | ||||||||||
Average sales price of backlog | $ | 487,128 | $ | 461,393 | $ | 25,735 | 5.6% |
Net new home orders for the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased by 47 homes, or 19.6%, to 287 from 240 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Overall absorption rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was an average of 5.6 per selling community (1.9 monthly), compared to an average of 5.5 per selling community (1.8 monthly) for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Our cancellation rate was approximately 15.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to 10.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Management believes a cancellation rate in the range of 15% to 20% is representative of an industry average cancellation rate. Nevertheless, on average, our cancellation rate is on the lower end of the industry average, which we believe is due to our target buyer demographics, which generally does not include first time homebuyers.
Backlog units increased by 18 homes, or 6.4%, to 298 as of March 31, 2017 from 280 as of March 31, 2016. The dollar value of backlog units increased $16.0 million, or 12.4%, to $145.2 million as of March 31, 2017 from $129.2 million as of March 31, 2016. The increase in value of backlog units reflects an increase in the number of homes in backlog and an increase in the average sales price of homes in backlog. Our average sales price of homes in backlog increased $25,735, or 5.6%, to $487,128 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $461,393 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in the average sales price of homes in backlog is the result of changes in product mix related to higher priced single family homes over lower priced townhomes contracted for sale during the period and local market appreciation. The average sales price of homes may fluctuate depending on the mix of typical homes delivered and sold during a period. The change in the average sales price of homes is part of our natural business cycle.
New Homes Delivered and Home Sales Revenue
The table below represents home sales revenue and new homes delivered related to our builder operations segment.
Three Months Ended March 31, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||
New Homes Delivered and Home Sales Revenue | 2017 | 2016 | Change | % | ||||||||||
New homes delivered | 226 | 161 | 65 | 40.4% | ||||||||||
Home sales revenue ($ in thousands) | $ | 93,397 | $ | 66,628 | $ | 26,769 | 40.2% | |||||||
Average sales price of home delivered | $ | 413,261 | $ | 413,839 | $ | (578 | ) | (0.1)% |
New home deliveries (excluding existing completed homes sold, but not yet closed) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for our builder operations segment was 226, compared to new home deliveries of 161 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, resulting in an increase of 65 homes, or 40.4%. The increase in new home deliveries was primarily attributable to a 15.9% increase in new communities to 51 from 44 and an increase in the number of homes delivered per community.
Home sales revenue increased $26.8 million, or 40.2%, to $93.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from $66.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in revenue was driven by a 40.4% increase in homes delivered to 226 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from 161 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
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Homebuilding
The table below represents cost of home sales and gross margin related to our builder operations segment.
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
Homebuilding ($ in thousands) | 2017 | % | 2016 | % | ||||||||||
Home sales revenue | $ | 93,397 | 100.0 | % | $ | 66,628 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
Cost of home sales | $ | 73,761 | 79.0 | % | $ | 53,204 | 79.9 | % | ||||||
Homebuilding gross margin | $ | 19,636 | 21.0 | % | $ | 13,424 | 20.1 | % |
Cost of home sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for builder operations was $73.8 million, compared to cost of home sales of $53.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, resulting in an increase of $20.6 million, or 38.6%, primarily due to the 40.4% increase in the number of homes delivered. Homebuilding gross margin percentage for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for builder operations was 21.0%, compared to a gross margin percentage of 20.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in homebuilding gross margin is largely due to the opening of new communities during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in gross margin percentage is due primarily to the consistent increase in profitability of lot sales to our controlled builders, where revenue is not recognized until the home closes, and lower
amortization of capitalized interest during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Salary Expense
The table below represents salary expense related to our land development and builder operations segments.
($ in thousands) | Three Months Ended March 31, | As Percentage of Related Revenue | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||
Land development | $ | 55 | $ | 55 | 0.9 | % | 1.7 | % | ||||||
Builder operations | $ | 5,380 | $ | 5,038 | 5.8 | % | 7.6 | % |
Land Development
Salary expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for land development remained flat at $0.1 million, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Builder Operations
Salary expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for builder operations was $5.4 million, compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of 6.8%. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in salaries driven by an increase in the average employee headcount and the associated costs of benefits to support the growth in our builder operations segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
The table below represents selling, general and administrative expenses related to our land development and builder operations segments.
($ in thousands) | Three Months Ended March 31, | As Percentage of Related Revenue | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||
Land development | $ | 195 | $ | 227 | 3.3 | % | 6.8 | % | ||||||
Builder operations | $ | 4,083 | $ | 3,667 | 4.4 | % | 5.5 | % |
Land Development
Selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for land development remained flat at $0.2 million, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Builder Operations
Selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for builder operations was $4.1 million, compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of 11.3%. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in expenditures to support the growth in our builder operations business. Builder operations
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expenditures include community costs, such as, non-capitalized property taxes, rent expenses, professional fees, and advertising and marketing expenses. The average selling community count was 51 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to 44 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net, remained flat at $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Income Tax Provision
Income tax expense increased $2.4 million, or 167.7%, to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in income tax expense is due primarily to an increase in pre-tax book income.
Lots Owned and Controlled
The table below represents lots owned and controlled (including land option agreements) as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Owned lots are those to which the Company holds title, while controlled lots are those that we have the contractual right to acquire title but does not currently own.
March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Lots Owned(1) | |||||
Texas | 2,901 | 2,998 | |||
Georgia | 1,138 | 1,237 | |||
Total | 4,039 | 4,235 | |||
Lots Controlled(1)(2) | |||||
Texas | 567 | 554 | |||
Georgia | 350 | 400 | |||
Total | 917 | 954 | |||
Total Lots Owned and Controlled(1) | 4,956 | 5,189 |
(1) | The land use assumptions used in the above table may change over time. |
(2) | Lots controlled excludes homes under construction. |
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Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $32.3 million and $35.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, respectively. Management believes that we have a prudent cash management strategy, including with respect to cash outlays for land and inventory acquisition and development. We intend to generate cash from the sale of inventory, and intend to redeploy the net cash generated from the sale of inventory to acquire and develop lots that represent opportunities to generate desired margins. We may also use cash to make share repurchases or additional investments in acquisitions, joint ventures, or other strategic activities.
Our principal uses of capital for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were operating expenses, land purchases, land development, home construction and the payment of routine liabilities. We used funds generated by operations and available borrowings to meet our short-term working capital requirements. We remain focused on generating positive margins in our builder operations segment and acquiring desirable land positions in order to maintain a strong balance sheet and remain poised for growth.
Cash flows for each of our communities depend on their stage in the development cycle, and can differ substantially from reported earnings. Early stages of development or expansion require significant cash outlays for land acquisitions, entitlements and other approvals, and construction of model homes, roads, utilities, general landscaping and other amenities. Because these costs are a component of our inventory and are not recognized in our statement of income until a home closes, we incur significant cash outlays prior to recognition of earnings. In the later stages of community development, cash inflows may significantly exceed earnings reported for financial statement purposes, as the cash outflow associated with home and land construction was previously incurred. We are actively acquiring and developing lots in our primary markets in order to maintain and grow our lot supply.
On August 31, 2016, we entered into a first amendment to our Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below), which added Flagstar Bank, FSB (“Flagstar Bank”) as a lender under the Credit Agreement (as defined below), with an initial commitment of $20.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million. The first amendment also increased the maximum amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum aggregate amount of $110.0 million. On December 1, 2016, we entered into a second amendment to our Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, which extended the termination date to December 14, 2019 and pursuant to which Citibank, N.A. increased its commitment from $25.0 million to $35.0 million which increased the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $60.0 million to $70.0 million. On March 6, 2017, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $20.0 million to $35.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $70.0 million to $85.0 million.
Our debt to total capitalization ratio was approximately 15.6% as of March 31, 2017. It is our intent to prudently employ leverage to continue to invest in our land acquisition, development and homebuilding businesses. We intend to target a debt to total capitalization ratio of approximately 35% to 40%, which we expect will provide us with significant additional growth capital.
Revolving Credit Facilities
As of March 31, 2017, we had the following lines of credit (“LOC”):
On July 30, 2015, we entered into a revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) with Inwood, which provides for up to $50.0 million. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility are secured by mortgages on real property and security interests in certain personal property (to the extent that such personal property is connected with the use and enjoyment of the real property) that is owned by certain of our subsidiaries. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest payable monthly at a floating rate per annum equal to the rate announced by Bank of America, N.A., from time to time, as its “Prime Rate” (the “Index”) with such adjustments to the interest rate being made on the effective date of any change in the Index. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest may not, at any time, be less than 4% per annum or more than the lesser amount of 18% and the highest maximum rate allowed by applicable law. The entire unpaid principal balance and any accrued but unpaid interest is due and payable on the maturity date. As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 4.0% per annum.
On May 3, 2016, we amended the Credit Facility. The amended Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base limitation equal to the sum of 50% of the total value of land and 65% of the total value of lots owned by certain of our subsidiaries, each as determined by an independent appraiser, with the value of land being restricted from being more than 65% of the borrowing base. Beginning on August 1, 2017, a non-usage fee equal to 0.25% of the average unfunded amount of the $50.0 million
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commitment amount over a trailing 12 month period is due on or before August 1st of each year during the term of the amended Credit Facility. The maturity date has been extended to May 1, 2019. The costs associated with the amendment of $0.1 million were deferred and are included in other assets, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We are amortizing these debt issuance costs to interest expense over the term of the Credit Facility using the straight line method.
Under the terms of the amended Credit Facility, we are required, among other things, to maintain minimum multiples of net worth in excess of the outstanding Credit Facility balance, minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage.
On December 15, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, providing for a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility with aggregate lending commitments of up to $40.0 million (“Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility”). Before the First Amendment (as defined and discussed below) increased the maximum amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, we could, at our option and subject to certain terms and conditions, prior to the termination date, increase the amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility up to a maximum aggregate amount of $75.0 million. Before the Second Amendment (as defined and discussed below), commitments under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility were available until the period ending December 14, 2018. Citibank, N.A. and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch initially committed to provide $25.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively.
The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility provides for interest rate options on advances at rates equal to either: (x) in the case of base rate advances, the highest of (i) Citibank’s base rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, in each case plus 1.5%; or (y) in the case of Eurodollar rate advances, the reserve adjusted LIBOR plus 2.5%. Interest on amounts borrowed under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility is payable in arrears quarterly on the last day of each March, June, September and December during such periods. As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 3.5% per annum.
We pay the lenders a commitment fee on the amount of the unused commitments on a quarterly basis at a rate per annum equal to 0.45%.
Outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility are subject to, among other things, a borrowing base. The borrowing base limitation is equal to the sum of: 100% of unrestricted cash (in excess of $15.0 million); 85% of the book value of model homes, construction in progress homes, sold completed homes, and speculative homes (subject to certain limitations on the age and number of speculative homes and model homes); 65% of the book value of finished lots and land under development; and 50% of the book value of entitled land (subject to certain limitations on the value of entitled land and land under development as a percentage of the borrowing base).
On August 31, 2016, we entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”), with Flagstar Bank, the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, which amended the Credit Agreement. The First Amendment added Flagstar Bank as a lender under the Credit Agreement, with an initial commitment of $20.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million. The First Amendment also increased the maximum amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum aggregate amount of $110.0 million, which further increases are available at our option, prior to the termination date, subject to certain terms and conditions.
On December 1, 2016, we entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”), with the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, which amends the Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment, among other things, extends the termination date with respect to commitments under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from December 14, 2018 to December 14, 2019. The Second Amendment became effective upon the payment of an upfront fee of 0.15% of the aggregate amount of any extended commitments on December 15, 2016. Additionally, Citibank, N.A. increased its commitment under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $25.0 million to $35.0 million which increases the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $60.0 million to $70.0 million.
On March 6, 2017, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $20.0 million to $35.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitments available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $70.0 million to $85.0 million. The costs associated with this increase in commitment of $0.1 million were deferred and are included in other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. We are amortizing these debt issuance costs to interest expense over the term of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility using the straight line method.
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Additionally, under the terms of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, we are required, among other things, to maintain compliance with various covenants, including financial covenants relating to a maximum Leverage Ratio, a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, and a minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, each as defined therein. Our compliance with these financial covenants is measured by calculations and metrics that are specifically defined or described by the terms of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility.
We were in compliance with the covenants under the LOC agreements described above as of March 31, 2017.
Notes Payable
On December 13, 2013, a subsidiary of JBGL signed a promissory note with Briar Ridge Investments, LTD for $9.0 million maturing on December 13, 2017, bearing interest at 6.0% per annum and collateralized by land purchased in Allen, Texas. In December 2016, this note was extended through December 31, 2018.
On November 30, 2016, a subsidiary of JBGL signed a promissory note for $1.2 million maturing on December 1, 2018, bearing interest at 3.0% per annum and collateralized by land located in Allen, Texas.
Cash Flows
The following summarizes our primary sources and uses of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016:
• | Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $16.6 million, compared to net cash used in of $16.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The change was primarily attributable to changes in working capital associated with (i) inventory, as inventory decreased by 1.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to a 9.3% increase in inventory for the three months ended March 31, 2016, (ii) accounts payable, as accounts payable decreased 13.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to an increase of 24.3% during the three months ended March 31, 2016, (iii) earnest money deposits, as earnest money deposits increased by 3.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to a decrease of 16.8% during the three months ended March 31, 2016, (iv) other assets, as other assets increased by 36.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to a decrease of 12.3% during the three months ended March 31, 2016, and (v) accrued expenses, as accrued expense increased by 4.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to an increase of 26.6% during the three months ended March 31, 2016. |
• | Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 remained flat at $0.0 million, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. |
• | Financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $18.3 million, compared to net cash provided of $20.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The change was primarily due to (i) a decrease in line of credit borrowings of $25.0 million, (ii) an increase in repayments of notes payable and line of credit of $8.1 million, and (iii) a net increase in distributions to noncontrolling interests and contributions from noncontrolling interests of $5.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land purchase contracts with third party developers in order to procure lots for the construction of our homes. We are subject to customary obligations associated with entering into contracts for the purchase of land and improved lots. These purchase contracts typically require a cash deposit, and the purchase of properties under these contracts is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements, including obtaining applicable property and development entitlement. We also utilize option contracts with land sellers as a method of acquiring land in staged takedowns, which are the schedules that dictate when lots must be purchased to help manage the financial and market risk associated with land holdings, and to reduce the use of funds from our corporate financing sources. Option contracts generally require us to pay a non-refundable deposit for the right to acquire lots over a specified period of time at pre-determined prices. We generally have the right at our discretion to terminate our obligations under both purchase contracts and option contracts by forfeiting the cash deposit with no further financial responsibility to the land seller.
Our utilization of land option contracts is dependent on, among other things, the availability of land sellers willing to enter into these arrangements, the availability of capital to finance the development of optioned lots, general housing market conditions, and local market dynamics. Options may be more difficult to procure from land sellers in strong housing markets and are more prevalent in certain geographic regions.
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Inflation
Homebuilding operations can be adversely impacted by inflation, primarily from higher land prices, and increased costs of financing, labor, materials and construction. In addition, inflation can lead to higher mortgage rates, which can significantly affect the affordability of mortgage financing to homebuyers. While we attempt to pass on cost increases to customers through increased prices, when weak housing market conditions exist, we may be unable to offset cost increases with higher selling prices.
Seasonality
Historically, the homebuilding industry experiences seasonal fluctuations in quarterly operating results and capital requirements. We typically experience the highest new home order activity in spring and summer, although this activity is also highly dependent on the number of active selling communities, timing of new community openings and other market factors. Since it typically takes five to eight months to construct a new home, we deliver more homes in the second half of the year as spring and summer home orders lead to home deliveries. Because of this seasonality, home starts, construction costs and related cash outflows have historically been highest in the second and third quarters, and the majority of cash receipts from home deliveries occurs during the second half of the year. We expect this seasonal pattern to continue over the long-term, although it may be affected by volatility in the homebuilding industry.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of costs and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates estimates and judgments, including those which impact our most critical accounting policies. Management bases estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Our significant accounting policies, which may be affected by our estimates and assumptions, are more fully described in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” each of which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2017. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for recent accounting pronouncements.
Related Party Transactions
See Note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of our transactions with related parties.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our operations are interest rate sensitive. Because overall housing demand is adversely affected by increases in interest rates, a significant increase in mortgage interest rates may negatively affect the ability of homebuyers to secure adequate financing. Higher interest rates could adversely affect our revenues, gross margins and net income.
Our lines of credit have variable interest rates. An increase in interest rates could cause the cost of those lines to increase. As of March 31, 2017, we had $62.5 million outstanding on these lines of credit. However, the lines of credit are subject to minimum interest rates which we are currently being charged.
Based upon the amount of lines of credit as of March 31, 2017, and holding the notes payables balance constant, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase the interest incurred by us by approximately $0.6 million per year, which may be capitalized pursuant to our interest capitalization policy.
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We do not enter into, or intend to enter into, swaps, forward or option contracts on interest rates or commodities or other types of derivative financial instruments for trading, hedging or speculative purposes.
Many of the statements contained in this section are forward looking and should be read in conjunction with the disclosures under the heading “Forward Looking Statements.”
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer ( “CEO”) and principal financial officer (“CFO”), we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2017 in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file, furnish, submit or otherwise provide the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed in reports filed by us under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, in such a manner as to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosures.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter ended March 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not involved in any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against the Company. For more information regarding how we account for legal proceedings, see Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risk factor in addition to other information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in evaluating the Company and its business.
Our ability to use net operating loss carry forwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes could be significantly reduced if corporate tax rates in the United States are lowered or if other changes in the U.S. corporate tax system occur.
President Trump and Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have recently outlined plans regarding comprehensive tax reform, including proposed reductions to U.S. corporate tax rates. Although a reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate could result in lower future tax expense and tax payments, it would reduce, perhaps significantly, our ability to use existing net operating loss carry forwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes and could result in a valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is required to reduce a deferred tax asset when it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. It is uncertain whether or when any such tax reform proposals will be enacted into law, and whether or how they will affect our net operating loss carry forwards.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1) | Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Plans or Programs(1) | ||||||||||
January 1 - January 31, 2017 | — | $ | — | — | 1,000 | ||||||||
February 1 - February 28, 2017 | — | $ | — | — | 1,000 | ||||||||
March 1 - March 31, 2017 | — | $ | — | — | 1,000 | ||||||||
Total | — | $ | — | — | 1,000 |
(1) | Our share repurchase program was approved by our Board of Directors in March 2016 and allows us to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock through 2017 or a determination by the Board to discontinue the repurchase program. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares. |
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS INDEX
Number | Description | |
31.1* | Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant To Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 7241). | |
31.2* | Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant To Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 7241). | |
32.1* | Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350). | |
32.2* | Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350). | |
101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document. | |
101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
101.CAL* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
* Filed with this Form 10-Q
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC. | |
/s/ James R. Brickman | |
By: James R. Brickman | |
Its: Chief Executive Officer | |
/s/ Richard A. Costello | |
By: Richard A. Costello | |
Its: Chief Financial Officer |
Date: May 8, 2017
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