UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005
Commission File Number 0-17189
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMUNITIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
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02-0426634 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization.) |
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Identification No.) |
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6 Executive Circle, Suite 250 |
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Irvine, California |
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92614 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (949) 250-7700
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 o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No ý
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at October 31, 2005 was 10,160,212.
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMUNITIES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
I N D E X
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Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited) |
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Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
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2
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMUNITIES, INC.
(unaudited)
(in millions)
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
5.8 |
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$ |
9.0 |
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Restricted cash |
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.6 |
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1.1 |
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Real estate held for current development or sale |
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116.0 |
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49.9 |
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Consolidated real estate to be held for current development - not owned |
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24.7 |
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Land held for future development or sale |
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158.3 |
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156.4 |
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Deferred tax assets |
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46.2 |
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3.6 |
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Other assets |
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1.7 |
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6.1 |
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$ |
328.6 |
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$ |
250.8 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Liabilities: |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
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$ |
14.1 |
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$ |
15.0 |
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Project debt |
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81.4 |
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22.6 |
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Consolidated obligations related to real estate - not owned |
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24.7 |
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Other liabilities |
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7.8 |
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9.3 |
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Total liabilities |
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103.3 |
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71.6 |
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Minority interest |
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.3 |
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.3 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Stockholders equity: |
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Common Stock$.05 par value; 11,000,000 shares authorized; 10,160,212 and 10,130,212 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
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.5 |
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.5 |
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Excess Stock$.05 par value; 11,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding |
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Capital in excess of par value |
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191.6 |
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152.8 |
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Retained earnings |
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34.6 |
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28.2 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(1.7 |
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(2.6 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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225.0 |
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178.9 |
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$ |
328.6 |
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$ |
250.8 |
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See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
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Three Months Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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Revenues |
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$ |
24.4 |
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$ |
28.4 |
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$ |
34.0 |
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$ |
37.2 |
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Costs of sales |
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19.5 |
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22.4 |
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26.5 |
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28.8 |
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Gross operating profit |
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4.9 |
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6.0 |
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7.5 |
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8.4 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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1.5 |
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1.7 |
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3.4 |
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3.4 |
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Interest expense |
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.1 |
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.1 |
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.1 |
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.2 |
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Income from unconsolidated joint ventures |
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(.1 |
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(.1 |
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(.1 |
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(.3 |
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Other expense, net |
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.2 |
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.6 |
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.5 |
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.7 |
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Income before income taxes |
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3.2 |
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3.7 |
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3.6 |
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4.4 |
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Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
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1.4 |
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1.1 |
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(3.0 |
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1.3 |
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Minority interest in income of consolidated joint venture, net of tax |
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.1 |
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1.3 |
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.2 |
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1.3 |
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Net income |
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1.7 |
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1.3 |
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6.4 |
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1.8 |
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Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes: |
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Minimum pension liability income tax benefit |
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.9 |
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Comprehensive income |
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$ |
1.7 |
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$ |
1.3 |
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$ |
7.3 |
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$ |
1.8 |
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Earnings per common share: |
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Basic |
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$ |
.17 |
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$ |
.13 |
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$ |
.63 |
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$ |
.18 |
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Diluted |
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$ |
.16 |
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$ |
.12 |
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$ |
.61 |
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$ |
.17 |
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Common equivalent shares: |
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Basic |
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10.2 |
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10.1 |
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10.2 |
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10.1 |
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Diluted |
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10.5 |
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10.9 |
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10.5 |
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10.8 |
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See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30, |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
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$ |
6.4 |
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$ |
1.8 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities: |
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Non-cash interest expense |
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.1 |
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.2 |
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Non-cash compensation expense |
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.3 |
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Non-cash benefit from reversal of deferred tax asset allowance |
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(4.7 |
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Deferred taxes |
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1.5 |
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Gains on sales of real estate held for current development or sale |
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(7.6 |
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(8.4 |
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Minority interest in income of consolidated joint venture |
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.4 |
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1.3 |
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Proceeds from asset sales, net |
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34.0 |
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37.0 |
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Investments in real estate held for current development or sale |
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(92.5 |
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(62.3 |
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Investments in land held for future development or sale |
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(1.9 |
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(2.0 |
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Changes in assets and liabilities: |
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Increase (decrease) in deferred tax and other assets |
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4.4 |
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(1.7 |
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(Decrease) increase in accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities |
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(2.5 |
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3.6 |
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Cash used in operating activities |
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(62.4 |
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(30.2 |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Release of restricted cash |
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.5 |
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Cash provided by investing activities: |
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.5 |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Borrowings of project debt |
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82.4 |
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45.4 |
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Repayments of project debt |
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(23.6 |
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(17.9 |
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Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
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.3 |
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.2 |
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Minority interest distributions |
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(.4 |
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(5.7 |
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Cash provided by financing activities |
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58.7 |
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22.0 |
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Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
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(3.2 |
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(8.2 |
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Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period |
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9.0 |
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14.7 |
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Cash and cash equivalents - end of period |
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$ |
5.8 |
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$ |
6.5 |
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Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
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Cash paid during the period for income taxes |
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$ |
.9 |
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$ |
.4 |
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Cash paid during the period for interest |
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$ |
.8 |
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$ |
.6 |
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See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMUNITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared by California Coastal Communities, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (the Company), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The Company believes that these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all material adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) and disclosures necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations and statements of financial position when read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and the current years previously issued Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All inter company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. This report contains forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that actual events or results may differ materially from those described herein as a result of various factors, including without limitation, the factors discussed generally in this report.
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies
Earnings Per Common Share
The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding was 10.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 10.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004. Earnings per share, assuming dilution, are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the average market price of the Companys common stock exceeded the exercise price of outstanding stock options. Therefore, diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of the weighted average number of common shares from potential exercise of approximately 700,000 options. The weighted average number of common shares, assuming dilution, was 10.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, and 10.9 million and 10.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 respectively.
Real Estate
Real estate held for current development or sale is carried at the lower of cost, or fair value, less costs to sell. Land held for future development is carried at cost, with write-downs to fair value only in the event that costs cannot be recovered from estimated undiscounted future cash flows, as described under Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The estimation process involved in the determination of fair value is inherently uncertain since it requires estimates as to future events and market conditions. Such estimation process assumes the Companys ability to complete development and dispose of its real estate properties in the ordinary course of business based on managements present plans and intentions. Economic, market, environmental and political conditions may affect managements development and marketing plans. In addition, the implementation of such development and marketing plans could be affected by the availability of future financing for development and construction activities. Accordingly, the ultimate values of the Companys real estate properties are dependent upon future economic and market conditions, the availability of financing, and the resolution of political, environmental and other related issues.
The cost of sales of multi-unit projects is generally computed using the relative sales value method. Interest cost is capitalized to real estate projects during their development and construction period.
6
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company assesses the impairment of land held for future development and other long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which requires that an impaired asset, for which costs cannot be recovered from estimated undiscounted future cash flows, be written down to fair value. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. As provided by SFAS No. 144, impairment is evaluated by comparing an assets carrying value to the undiscounted estimated cash flows expected from the assets operations and eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted estimated future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset. If impairment occurs, the fair value of an asset for purposes of SFAS No. 144 is deemed to be the amount a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for such asset in a current transaction. On September 2, 1997, the Company completed its Recapitalization pursuant to court confirmation of a Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization, and the Company applied the principles required by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP) 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code (Fresh-Start Reporting), and the carrying value of real estate properties was adjusted to fair value. The Company has updated its analysis at each year-end since 1997, and has noted no indications of impairment since that date. Since the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from the upper bench of the Bolsa Chica Mesa (the Upper Mesa) and the Companys pending sale of its 103-acre Lower Bench at Bolsa Chica exceed its carrying value, there has been no impairment.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, in developing estimated future cash flows for impairment testing, the Company has incorporated its own assumptions regarding the entitlement prospects of land held for future development and its own market assumptions including those regarding home prices, infrastructure and home-building costs regarding both land held for future development (see Managements Discussion and Analysis) and real estate held for current development or sale. Additionally, as appropriate, the Company identifies alternative courses of action to recover the carrying value of its long-lived assets and evaluates all likely alternatives under a probability-weighted approach as described in SFAS No. 144.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
A Variable Interest Entity (VIE) is created when (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity from financing its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or (ii) equity holders either (a) lack direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity, (b) are not obligated to absorb expected losses of the entity or (c) do not have the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. If an entity is deemed to be a VIE, pursuant to Financial Interpretation FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities an interpretation of ARB No. 51. (FIN 46), an enterprise that has the majority of the variability in gains and losses of the VIE is considered to be the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. FIN 46 was effective immediately for VIEs created after January 31, 2003.
Based on the provisions of FIN 46, the Company has concluded that whenever it options land or lots from an entity and pays a non-refundable deposit, a VIE may be created under condition (ii)(b) and (c) of the previous paragraph. The Company may be deemed to have provided subordinated financial support, which refers to variable interests that will absorb some or all of an entitys expected theoretical losses if they occur. For each VIE created with a significant nonrefundable option fee, the Company will compute expected losses and residual returns based on the probability of future cash flows as outlined in FIN 46. If the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the VIE will be consolidated on the Companys balance sheet. The fair value of the VIEs real estate will be reported as consolidated real estate to be held for current development - not owned and the related theoretical liability will be reported as consolidated obligations related to real estate - not owned.
The Companys exposure to loss as the result of a purchase contract with a VIE is limited to the amount of the non-refundable option deposit, which is generally 5% to 15% of the purchase price, not total assets on the balance sheet of the VIE. Therefore, the Company believes that consolidating the VIE does not reflect the economic realities or risks of owning and developing land. The Company has no material third party guarantees related to these contracts. Creditors of these VIEs, if any, have no recourse against the Company.
During November 2004, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase land from a third party entity deemed to be a VIE, with the Company as the primary beneficiary of the entity. Because the Company does not have access to the financial information of the VIE, the fair value of the optioned property less the cash deposit and
7
consolidated obligations related to consolidated real estate - not owned of $24.7 million is reflected on the Companys balance sheet as of December 31, 2004. During April 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of land which was the subject of the agreement, and as such the land is included in Real estate held for current development or sale as of September 30, 2005. Not all of the Companys deposits are with VIEs. See Note 8 Real Estate Matters.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. This Statement replaces SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB 25. SFAS No. 123R addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprises equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. SFAS No. 123R eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method under APB 25, and generally would require instead that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. The Company is currently evaluating SFAS No. 123R to determine which fair-value-based model and transitional provision it will follow upon adoption. SFAS No. 123R will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2006. The Company is evaluating the impact application of SFAS No. 123R will have on the Companys results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets An amendment of APB 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions. This statement amends APB 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The Company will evaluate the effect, if any, of adopting SFAS 153.
In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a final consensus on Issue No. 04-5, Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights. EITF No. 04-5 affects the consolidation of entities in which a general partner or managing member is presumed to control a partnership or limited liability company. EITF No. 04-5 will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2006. The Company is evaluating the impact that the application of EITF No. 04-5 will have on the Companys financial statements.
Note 3 - Land Held for Future Development or Sale
The Company owns approximately 351 acres located in Orange County, California overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Bolsa Chica wetlands (which were sold by the Company to the State of California in 1997), surrounded by the City of Huntington Beach and approximately 35 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The Companys holdings include 208 acres on a mesa north of the Bolsa Chica wetlands (Bolsa Chica Mesa), approximately 100 acres on, or adjacent to, the Huntington Beach mesa (Huntington Mesa) and 43 acres of lowlands which were acquired by the Company in September 1997.
On April 14, 2005, the Company obtained approval from the California Coastal Commission for a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to build 349 homes on 68 acres of its approximately 105-acre upper bench of the Bolsa Chica Mesa (Upper Mesa), subject to satisfying the Coastal Commissions permit conditions. On October 5, 2005, the County of Orange approved modifications to the Companys site plan and on October 18, 2005 approved the tentative tract map for 349 homes. This approval was necessary to comply with the California Coastal Commissions conditions of approval for a CDP. The Company is working diligently to satisfy the various conditions necessary for the Coastal Commission to issue the CDP. The Company is striving to: (i) satisfy the conditions for issuance of the CDP by the end of 2005, (ii) begin grading during the second quarter of 2006, (iii) begin building model homes during the third quarter of 2006, and (iv) start selling homes during the first quarter of 2007. However, there can be no assurance in that regard, or as to the absence of further administrative delay.
The planned community on the Upper Mesa, known as Brightwater, will offer a broad mix of home choices, averaging 2,800 square feet and ranging in size from 1,600 square feet to 4,000 square feet. The plan also includes 37 acres of open space and conservation area. With only 349 homes on 68 acres of the Upper Mesa, the resulting low-density plan equates to approximately 5 homes per acre, consistent and compatible with the neighboring Huntington
8
Beach communities. In addition, the Company will offer to dedicate 51 acres of land on the Huntington Mesa to the County of Orange to complete the Harriett M. Wieder Linear Park. The 1,200-acre state-owned Bolsa Chica Wetlands are fully preserved and protected in accordance with previous agreements with the State of California and are not included in the Brightwater plan.
On August 12, 2004, an agreement to sell a 103-acre parcel of the Bolsa Chica Mesa known as the Lower Bench to the States Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) for $65 million was approved by the WCB. The sale was approved by the Companys stockholders at the August 11, 2005 Annual Meeting, subject to the issuance of the CDP prior to the outside closing date of December 31, 2005. If the proposed sale is completed, WCBs purchase of the property will be funded with bond proceeds authorized by voter-approved Proposition 50, which was passed in November 2002. The Company is striving to satisfy the conditions for issuance of the CDP by the end of 2005; however, there can be no assurances that the CDP will be issued before December 31, 2005 or that the sale will be completed.
On September 2, 1997, the Company completed a recapitalization pursuant to court confirmation of a Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization (the Recapitalization), and the Company applied the principles required by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP) 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code (Fresh-Start Reporting), and the carrying value of land held for development (Bolsa Chica) was adjusted to fair value. The fair value was determined in 1997 using discounted estimated cash flows expected from the assets operations and eventual disposition. The Company has updated its analysis at each year-end since 1997, and has noted no indicators of impairment since that date. Future costs incurred for capitalizable development activities for the Bolsa Chica project will increase the basis of the land. An estimate for these costs has been included in the Companys estimated undiscounted cash flow forecast used in its impairment analyses. In accordance with the Companys policy described in Note 2 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, since the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from the Upper Mesa development plan for 349 single-family homes and the pending sale of the Lower Bench to WCB are expected to exceed its carrying value, the Company believes there has been no impairment.
The estimation process involved in the determination of value is inherently uncertain since it requires estimates as to future events and market conditions. Such estimation process assumes the Companys ability to complete development and disposition of its real estate properties in the ordinary course of business based on managements present plans and intentions. Economic, market, environmental and political conditions may affect managements development and marketing plans. In addition, the implementation of such development and marketing plans could be affected by the availability of future financing for development and construction activities. The development of the Companys Upper Mesa project is dependent upon satisfying the Coastal Commissions conditions of approval, market conditions and economic factors. Accordingly, the amount ultimately realized from such project may differ materially from current estimates and the projects carrying value.
Note 4 Project Debt
In conjunction with the acquisition of single-family residential lots, the Companys homebuilding subsidiary, Hearthside Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries, enter into construction loan agreements with commercial banks. These loan facilities finance a portion of the land acquisition and the majority of the construction of infrastructure and homes. The loans are secured by deeds of trust on individual projects and require principal repayments upon the delivery of homes. Each loan facility requires a guaranty of project completion and an environmental indemnity. The loans secured by first trust deeds bear an interest rate of prime plus three-fourths percent (7.5 % at September 30, 2005). During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, subsidiaries of Hearthside Homes, Inc. entered into seven new first trust deed loan facilities aggregating $108.1 million in conjunction with the acquisitions and development of a total of 312 single family residential lots, including 27 acquired during 2004. In addition, a subsidiary of Hearthside Homes, Inc. entered into one loan facility secured by a second trust deed which bears interest at 17%. The following
9
amounts were available and outstanding under these loan facilities as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 ($ in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at |
|
|||||
|
|
Amount |
|
Number |
|
Maturity |
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
|
|||
|
|
of Facility |
|
of Lots |
|
Date |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
First Trust Deeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Riverside |
|
$ |
2.3 |
|
|
|
Repaid |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
2.3 |
|
Chino |
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
Repaid |
|
|
|
.5 |
|
|||
Chino II |
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
Repaid |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|||
Rancho Santa Fe |
|
5.2 |
|
6 |
|
11/19/05 |
|
3.5 |
|
1.6 |
|
|||
Lancaster |
|
10.7 |
|
60 |
|
11/23/05 |
|
3.9 |
|
4.0 |
|
|||
Corona |
|
21.1 |
|
83 |
|
11/24/05 |
|
17.2 |
|
11.4 |
|
|||
Rancho Santa Fe |
|
3.9 |
|
6 |
|
12/13/05 |
|
1.9 |
|
1.1 |
|
|||
Riverside |
|
7.9 |
|
15 |
|
3/27/06 |
|
.7 |
|
|
|
|||
Rancho Santa Fe |
|
15.4 |
|
18 |
|
3/27/06 |
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
|||
Ontario |
|
11.7 |
|
26 |
|
4/19/06 |
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
|||
Lancaster |
|
9.5 |
|
44 |
|
5/10/06 |
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
|||
Rancho Santa Fe |
|
1.8 |
|
2 |
|
9/13/06 |
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
|||
Corona |
|
41.1 |
|
151 |
|
1/7/07 |
|
18.4 |
|
|
|
|||
Beaumont |
|
20.7 |
|
102 |
|
2/17/07 |
|
7.4 |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72.8 |
|
22.6 |
|
|||
Second Trust Deed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Corona |
|
10.5 |
|
151 |
|
1/7/07 |
|
8.6 |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
81.4 |
|
$ |
22.6 |
|
|
For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, approximately $1.5 million and $500,000, respectively, of construction period interest incurred was capitalized, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, approximately $3.1 million and $900,000, respectively, of construction period interest was capitalized.
Note 5 - Other Liabilities
Other liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
||
Accrued pensions and benefits |
|
$ |
4.8 |
|
$ |
4.9 |
|
Home warranty reserves |
|
1.5 |
|
1.6 |
|
||
Contingent indemnity and environmental obligations |
|
2.1 |
|
3.5 |
|
||
Unamortized discount |
|
(.6 |
) |
(.7 |
) |
||
|
|
$ |
7.8 |
|
$ |
9.3 |
|
Contingent indemnity and environmental obligations primarily reflect (i) reserves before related discount (recorded pursuant to Fresh-Start Reporting) for contingent indemnity obligations for businesses disposed of by former affiliates and unrelated to the Companys current operations, and (ii) the liability of a subsidiary of the Company for PCB contamination on its 43-acre Bolsa Chica lowlands property as further described below.
Dresser Litigation
In May 2002, Dresser Industries, Inc. (Dresser) filed litigation, captioned Dresser Industries, Inc. vs. California Coastal Communities, Inc. and RESCO Holdings, Inc. (RESCO, a former affiliate), in the 58th Judicial District Court of Jefferson County, Texas. Dresser sought a declaratory judgment regarding the rights and obligations of the parties under a January 1988 purchase agreement. Dressers indemnity claims related to several hundred lawsuits encompassing approximately 5,900 contested asbestos claims made by third parties in connection with work in facilities in which the Dresser-acquired engineering and construction business was allegedly connected. The Company denied Dressers allegations and vigorously defended itself in this case and related matters. On April 6, 2005, RESCO and the
10
Company settled this litigation with Dresser and the Company paid $1.33 million, its share of the settlement, which is the amount of the Companys litigation accrual as of December 31, 2004. The Company and RESCO did not admit fault or liability with respect to Dressers claims, but settled the matter in order to avoid the continued cost and uncertainty of litigation.
Lowland Remediation
In September 1997, the Company acquired 43 acres in the Bolsa Chica lowlands with the intent of selling it to the State of California in connection with its planned restoration of 1,000 acres of adjacent wetlands. In anticipation of entering into a purchase agreement, the State performed limited soils sampling on this property and notified the Company in 1999 that it had discovered contamination from a group of chemicals called PCBs. The source of the contamination is presently unknown; however, the Company has never conducted any development, business or operations on this property. In January 2002, the States Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) became the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the Companys efforts to remediate the contamination on this property. In July 2002, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a consent order with DTSC regarding remediation. The Companys subsidiary prepared a Remedial Investigation (RI) Workplan, which was approved by DTSC in August 2003. During 2003, the subsidiary performed soil sampling at the site according to the RI Workplan to determine the nature and extent of contamination, and submitted an RI Report to DTSC in February 2004. A Remedial Action Workplan (RAW) was approved by DTSC in December 2004. The removal of contaminated soil was completed during September 2005 and the DTSC has acknowledged completion of the remedial activities. As of September 30, 2005 the subsidiary has accrued approximately $900,000 for environmental testing and remediation of this property. The accrual reflects the estimate of charges for the recently completed remediation, including approximately $800,000 to be paid out of the escrow described below.
In July 2005, the Companys subsidiary entered into an agreement with the State Lands Commission (SLC) to sell this property to the SLC for $1.7 million. SLC deposited the $1.7 million into escrow, with up to $1 million of such funds to be utilized to fund the Companys subsidiarys obligation to remediate the property as required by the RAW. The DTSCs final acceptance of the remediation work is expected by the end of 2005. After the final acceptance by the DTSC, SLC is expected to complete their acquisition of this property from the Companys subsidiary and the Companys subsidiary is expected to receive the remaining balance of the escrowed funds which are estimated to be approximately $900,000.
In May 2004, the Companys subsidiary received an invoice from DTSC seeking reimbursement for $793,000 of oversight and remediation costs incurred by DTSC with respect to PCBs found on neighboring residential properties. Since receiving the original invoice, the Companys subsidiary has received five additional invoices for an aggregate additional $108,000 including accrued interest. However, the Companys subsidiary contends, based upon advice of counsel, that it is not responsible for such costs because the Company did not develop or build the neighboring residential properties, the Company did not generate the contamination, the contamination did not emanate from the Companys property and the 43-acre site should not be part of the same site as the residential properties. Furthermore, the Companys subsidiary has also disputed such charges due to the fact that DTSC did not bill the Companys subsidiary in accordance with the requirements of the applicable law. The Companys subsidiary intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter, and the Company has not accrued for any of DTSCs $901,000 of claims related to these residential properties.
Home Warranty Reserve
The Company provides a home warranty reserve to reflect its contingent obligation for product liability. The Company generally records a provision as homes are delivered, based upon historical and industry experience, subject to certain minimums. The home warranty reserve activity is presented below (in millions):
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
||||
|
|
September 30, |
|
||||
|
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
||
Balance at beginning of period |
|
$ |
1.6 |
|
$ |
1.2 |
|
Provision |
|
.2 |
|
.3 |
|
||
Payments |
|
(.3 |
) |
(.1 |
) |
||
Balance at end of period |
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
11
Note 6 - Income Taxes
The following is a summary of the tax provision (benefit):
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
||||||||
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
||||||||
|
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
||||
Current tax |
|
$ |
(.1 |
) |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Deferred tax |
|
1.5 |
|
1.1 |
|
1.7 |
|
1.4 |
|
||||
Reversal of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
(4.7 |
) |
|
|
||||
Reduction in contingent tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(.1 |
) |
||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
$ |
(3.0 |
) |
$ |
1.3 |
|
As a result of the California Coastal Commissions approval of the Companys development plan for the Upper Mesa on April 14, 2005, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that it will utilize all of its deferred tax assets, including NOLs, to offset future taxable income. Therefore, during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company recorded a reversal of valuation allowances on post-reorganization NOLs and other deferred tax assets of approximately $4.7 million, which is reflected in the tax benefit. Pursuant to Fresh Start Reporting, also during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, a reversal of valuation allowance on federal Pre-reorganization NOLs of approximately $38.5 million was reflected by increasing the Companys capital in excess of par value.
The Internal Revenue Code (the Code) generally limits the availability of NOLs if an ownership change occurs within any three-year period under Section 382. If the Company were to experience an ownership change of more than 50%, the use of all remaining NOLs would generally be subject to an annual limitation equal to the value of the Companys equity before the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate. The Company estimates that after giving effect to various transactions by stockholders who hold a 5% or greater interest in the Company, it has experienced a three-year cumulative ownership shift of approximately 40% as of October 21, 2005.
The federal NOLs available as of September 30, 2005 were approximately $168 million. The amount of federal NOLs which expire if not utilized is zero, $12 million, $8 million, $21 million, $11 million and $116 million for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and thereafter, respectively.
In October 1999 the Companys certificate of incorporation was amended in order to protect the ability of the Company to utilize its NOLs. Since the Companys use of its NOLs would be severely restricted if it experiences an ownership change of more than 50%, the amendment prohibits future purchases of the Companys common stock by persons who would become new 5% holders, and also prohibits current holders of over 5% from increasing their positions, except in certain permissible circumstances which would not jeopardize the Companys ability to use its NOLs. While these amendments reduced the Companys risk of an ownership change occurring due to the acquisition of shares by 5% stockholders, the risk remains that an ownership change could result from the sale of shares by existing 5% stockholders.
Note 7 Minority Interest
In April 2003, the Company entered into a Limited Liability Company (Chino LLC) joint venture agreement for the purpose of designing, constructing and selling 77 homes in Chino, California. The Chino LLC acquired the 77 lots in May 2003 and began construction during the fourth quarter of 2003. The Company delivered 65 homes during 2004, eight homes during the first nine months of 2005, and the remaining four homes during the fourth quarter of 2005. Hearthside Homes, Inc. (one of the Companys principal subsidiaries) is the managing member of the Chino LLC, manages its operations and contributed capital of approximately $400,000 (approximately 10%) to the venture. Minority interest represents the non-managing members equity interest in the venture including a capital contribution of approximately $4.0 million (approximately 90%), net of distributions and as adjusted for the members allocation of profits and losses. Profits and losses are generally allocated 50% to each member, after a 10% preferred return on invested capital. During the year ended December 31, 2004, capital distributions of approximately $7.6 million were made to the non-managing member, repaying all of its initial capital contribution, plus all $600,000 of accumulated
12
preferred return and $3.1 million in profit distributions, in conjunction with the delivery of the first 65 homes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, additional distributions of $425,000 were made to the non-managing member and the Company recorded minority interest in income of consolidated joint venture of $200,000, net of income tax benefit.
Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies
Real Estate Matters
The Company is subject to the usual obligations associated with entering into contracts for the purchase of land and improved home sites. The purchase of properties under these contracts is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by the sellers, including obtaining applicable property entitlements. The Company also utilizes option contracts with third-party land sellers and financial entities as a method of acquiring land in staged takedowns and minimizing the use of funds from other corporate financing sources. These option contracts also help to manage the financial and market risk associated with land holdings. Option contracts generally require the payment of a non-refundable cash deposit of 5% to 15% of the purchase price for the right to acquire lots over a specified period of time (usually one to two years) at predetermined prices. The Company has the right at its discretion to terminate its obligations under these land purchase and option agreements by forfeiting the cash deposit with no further financial responsibility. Summary information regarding the Companys land option deposits is as follows as of September 30, 2005:
Total number of projects |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total number of lots |
|
77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total forfeited deposits if lots are not purchased (included in other assets) |
|
$ |
.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total remaining purchase price |
|
$ |
8.5 |
|
The Company currently expects to complete the purchase of 77 lots in Lancaster, California during the fourth quarter of 2005.
The Company has outstanding performance and surety bonds, for the benefit of city and county jurisdictions, related principally to its obligations for site improvements at various projects. The Company does not believe that draws upon these bonds, if any, will have a material effect on the Companys financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 5 for a discussion of settled litigation filed against the Company by Dresser.
There are various other lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and certain subsidiaries. In the opinion of the Companys management, ultimate liability, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial condition or results of operations.
See Note 5 for a discussion of other contingencies.
Corporate Indemnification Matters
The Company and its former affiliates have, through a variety of transactions effected since 1986, disposed of several assets and businesses, many of which are unrelated to the Companys current operations. By operation of law or contractual indemnity provisions, the Company may have retained liabilities relating to certain of these assets and businesses. There is generally no maximum obligation or amount of indemnity provided for such liabilities. A portion of such liabilities is supported by insurance or by indemnities from certain of the Companys previously affiliated companies. The Company believes its consolidated balance sheet reflects adequate reserves for these matters.
13
ITEM 2
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The Company is a residential land development and homebuilding company with properties owned or controlled in six Southern California counties (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego). The principal activities of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries include: (i) obtaining zoning and other entitlements for land it owns or controls through purchase options and improving the land for residential development; and (ii) designing, constructing and selling single-family homes in Southern California. Once the residential land owned by the Company is entitled, the Company may build homes, sell unimproved land to other developers or homebuilders, sell improved land to homebuilders, or participate in joint ventures with other developers, investors or homebuilders to finance and construct infrastructure and homes. During the remainder of 2005, the Company will focus its immediate efforts to (i) satisfy the conditions required to complete the process of obtaining a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from the California Coastal Commission (Coastal Commission) to build 349 homes on 68 acres of its approximately 105-acre upper bench of the Bolsa Chica Mesa (Upper Mesa), as further described in Note 3 to the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements; and (ii) continue to expand its profitable homebuilding operations. However, the Company may also consider other strategic and joint venture opportunities; and there can be no assurance that the Company will accomplish, in whole or in part, all or any of these strategic goals.
The Company currently has on-going Southern California projects in Riverside County near the cities of North Corona and Riverside, in the cities of Chino and Ontario in San Bernardino County, in the city of Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County, and in the Rancho Santa Fe area in San Diego County. These homebuilding projects are currently expected to generate cash flows and gross operating margins through mid-2008. With the April 14, 2005 Coastal Commission approval of 349 homes on the Upper Mesa, the Companys inventory of entitled land available for homebuilding projects represents approximately a three-year (2006-2008) supply at levels at or above recent years. The Company is continuing to pursue residential lot acquisition opportunities throughout Southern California, including increasing lot inventory in existing successful submarkets and expansion into additional submarkets. In addition, if the Company obtains entitlements for its project in Oxnard, California, up to approximately 550 additional single-family lots would be available for homebuilding operations, however, these numbers are subject to change during the course of the entitlement process.
Bolsa Chica is the Companys principal asset, representing 48% of total assets at September 30, 2005. On April 14, 2005, the Company obtained approval from the Coastal Commission for a CDP to build 349 homes on the Upper Mesa, subject to satisfying the Coastal Commissions permit conditions. On October 5, 2005, the County of Orange approved modifications to the Companys site plan and on October 18, 2005 approved the tentative tract map for 349 homes. This approval was necessary to comply with the California Coastal Commissions conditions of approval for a CDP. The Company is working diligently to satisfy the various conditions necessary for the Coastal Commission to issue the permit. The Company is striving to: (i) satisfy the conditions for issuance of the CDP by the end of 2005, (ii) begin grading during the second quarter of 2006, (iii) begin building model homes during the third quarter of 2006, and (iv) start selling homes during the first quarter of 2007. However, there can be no assurance in that regard, or as to the absence of further administrative delay.
The planned community on the Upper Mesa, known as Brightwater, will offer a broad mix of home choices averaging 2,800 square feet and ranging in size from 1,600 square feet to 4,000 square feet. The plan also includes 37 acres of open space and conservation area. With only 349 homes on 68 acres of the Upper Mesa, the resulting low-density plan equates to approximately 5 homes per acre, consistent and compatible with the neighboring Huntington Beach communities. In addition, the Company will offer to dedicate 51 acres of land on the Huntington Mesa to the County of Orange to complete the Harriett M. Wieder Linear Park. The 1,200-acre state-owned Bolsa Chica Wetlands are fully preserved and protected in accordance with previous agreements with the State of California and are not included in the Brightwater plan.
On August 12, 2004, an agreement to sell a 103-acre parcel of the Bolsa Chica Mesa known as the Lower Bench to the States Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) for $65 million was approved by the WCB. The sale was approved by the Companys stockholders at the August 11, 2005 Annual Meeting, subject to the issuance of the CDP prior to the outside closing date of December 31, 2005. If the proposed sale is completed, WCBs purchase of the property will be funded with bond proceeds authorized by voter-approved Proposition 50, which was passed in
14
November 2002. The Company is striving to satisfy the conditions for issuance of the CDP by the end of 2005; however, there can be no assurances that the CDP will be issued before December 31, 2005 or that the sale will be completed.
The following facts and assumptions were utilized by the Company in evaluating the potential value which is expected to be derived from development of the Upper Mesa:
The Upper Mesa development plan encompasses 349 homes aggregating approximately 980,000 square feet.
Following the Coastal Commissions approval on April 14, 2005, the Company currently expects it may take until the end of 2005 to satisfy the Commissions permit conditions, which are a pre-requisite to issuance of a CDP.
Following receipt of a CDP, the Upper Mesa development is projected to take approximately six months for infrastructure and two to three years for home construction.
The Company is striving to begin grading during the second quarter of 2006, begin building model homes during the third quarter of 2006, and start selling homes during the first quarter of 2007.
As of June 2005, new home prices approximated $580 per square foot, including view and other premiums, in the local residential market (coastal Huntington Beach). Approximately 60 homes are expected to have unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and/or the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.
The finished lot component of home prices ranges from 60% to 65%.
Costs to improve the lots from their raw condition to finished lots approximate $120,000 per lot.
Home prices in the coastal Huntington Beach area (as well as other Orange County coastal areas) appreciated approximately 20% during 2004 and approximately 14% during the first nine months of 2005. While demand continues to exceed the supply of housing, pressure for continued appreciation of home prices may be reduced by any significant increases in interest rates and/or reduced affordability.
Generally, homebuilders expect to earn a gross profit of at least 8% of the sales price of homes at the time the land is purchased.
Real estate held for current development or sale and land held for future development (real estate properties) are carried at fair value as of September 2, 1997, following adoption of Fresh-Start Reporting as discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as adjusted by subsequent activity. The Companys real estate properties are subject to a number of uncertainties which can affect the values of those assets. These uncertainties include litigation or appeals of regulatory approvals (as discussed above) and availability of adequate capital, financing and cash flow. In addition, future values may be adversely affected by increases in property taxes, increases in the costs of labor and materials and other development risks, changes in general economic conditions, including higher mortgage interest rates, and other real estate risks such as the general demand for housing and the supply of competitive products. Real estate properties do not constitute liquid assets and, at any given time, it may be difficult to sell a particular property for an appropriate price.
Impact of Inflation; Changing Prices and Economic Conditions
Real estate and residential housing prices are affected by inflation, which can cause increases in the price of land, raw materials and subcontracted labor. Unless these increased costs are recovered through higher sales prices, gross margin from home sales would decrease. If interest rates increase, construction and financing costs would also increase, which can also result in lower gross margin from home sales. The volatility of interest rates could have an adverse effect on the Companys future operations and liquidity. Among other things, these conditions may affect adversely the demand for housing and the availability of mortgage financing and may reduce the credit facilities offered to the Company.
There can be no assurance regarding the continued health of the Southern California residential real estate market. In particular, (i) the significant increases in home prices over the last six years and the related decline in the affordability of new homes in Southern California, (ii) the state of the national economy, continued increases in interest rates by the Federal Reserve Board and the possibility of a recession in the future, (iii) the State of Californias budget deficit, and (iv) the volatility in the stock market, collectively may exert recessionary pressures on the California economy and may have a negative impact on the Southern California housing market.
While low mortgage rates have sustained housing demand to date, interest rates have been rising and any significant future increase in mortgage rates or significant loss of jobs in Southern California would most likely slow demand for new homes. Increases in home mortgage interest rates could make it more difficult for the Companys customers to qualify for home mortgage loans, potentially decreasing home sales volume and prices. The tight supply of available homes in Southern California has resulted in significant home price increases over the last six years. As a result,
15
the affordability of new homes has been declining and could jeopardize future demand. The percentage of home buyers utilizing variable-rate and/or interest only mortgages to afford Southern California new home prices has been increasing. These buyers may be more sensitive to increases in interest rates and may encounter difficulty in making increased mortgage payments on their homes in the future. This could have negative consequences on the demand for new homes if it results in reduced buyer confidence and an increase in secondary market homes available for sale, competing with sales of new homes.
Most of the Companys active homebuilding projects are located in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, which includes Riverside and San Bernardino counties. None of the Companys projects experienced any direct impact from the Southern California landslides in early 2005. The Inland Empire has experienced significant population and job growth in the past decade. While continued population growth and demand for new homes are expected to continue, partially due to the limited supply of affordably priced housing in coastal areas such as Orange County, there can be no assurance that economic, demographic or other factors will not slow, diminish or cause such growth to diminish or cease. The Company is continuing to pursue land development and lot acquisition opportunities throughout Southern California.
Critical Accounting Policies
In the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company applies accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The application of generally accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying results. Listed below are those policies that the Company believes are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application. In particular, the Companys critical accounting policies include the evaluation of the impairment of long-lived assets and the evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by its significant federal tax net operating losses, as discussed further in Notes 2 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company assesses the impairment of land held for future development (the Bolsa Chica project) and real estate held for current development or sale including long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. These assets are carried at cost, unless the carrying amount of the parcel or subdivision is determined not to be fully recoverable, in which case the impaired real estate is written down to fair value. Given the significance of the carrying value of land held for future development, the application of SFAS No. 144 in evaluating any potential impairment is critical to the Companys consolidated financial statements, as discussed further in Notes 2 and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, in developing estimated future cash flows for impairment testing, the Company has incorporated its own assumptions regarding the entitlement prospects of land held for future development and its own market assumptions including those regarding home prices, infrastructure and home-building costs regarding both land held for future development and real estate held for current development or sale. Additionally, as appropriate, the Company identifies alternative courses of action to recover the carrying value of its long-lived assets and evaluates all likely alternatives under a probability-weighted approach as described in SFAS No. 144.
Basis of Consolidation
Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company are members in joint ventures involved in the development and sale of residential projects and residential loan production. The consolidated statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and joint ventures. The financial statements of joint ventures in which the Company generally has a controlling or majority economic interest (and thus are controlled by the Company) are consolidated with the Companys financial statements. Minority interest represents the equity interest of the Companys joint venture partner for one consolidated venture and is further described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Companys investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method when the Company does not have voting or economic control of the venture operations, as further discussed in Land Development - Unconsolidated Joint Venture below.
16
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes on the liability method. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The liability method requires an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by deferred tax assets, such as tax net operating losses (NOLs). A valuation allowance related to the deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Given the significance of the Companys historical federal tax NOLs, as discussed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the application of the Companys policy in evaluating the expected future benefit of NOLs is critical. In applying those policies, estimates and judgments affect the amounts at which certain assets and liabilities are recorded. The Company applies its accounting policies on a consistent basis. As circumstances change, they are considered in the Companys estimates and judgments, and future changes in circumstances could result in changes in amounts at which assets and liabilities are recorded.
Homebuilding Revenues and Cost of Sales
The Companys homebuilding operation generates revenues from the sale of homes to homebuyers. The majority of these homes are designed to appeal to move-up homebuyers and the homes are generally offered for sale in advance of their construction. Sales contracts are usually subject to certain contingencies such as the buyers ability to qualify for financing. Revenue from the sale of homes is recognized at closing when title passes to the buyer, and the earnings process is complete. As a result, the Companys revenue recognition process does not involve significant judgments or estimates. However, the Company does rely on certain projections and estimates to determine the related construction costs and resulting gross margins associated with revenues recognized. The cost of sales is recorded based upon total estimated costs within a subdivision and allocated using the relative sales value method. The Companys construction costs are comprised of direct and allocated costs, including estimated costs for future warranties and indemnities. The Companys estimates are based on historical results, adjusted for current factors.
Litigation Reserves
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various cases arising in the normal course of business and regarding disposed assets and businesses of the Company or former affiliates (see Notes 5 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company has reserved for costs expected to be incurred with respect to these cases based upon information provided by its legal counsel. There can be no assurance that total litigation costs actually incurred will not exceed the amount of such reserve.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See discussion regarding recent accounting pronouncements in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The principal assets in the Companys portfolio are residential land which must be held over an extended period of time in order to be developed to a condition that, in managements opinion, will ultimately maximize the return to the Company. Consequently, the Company requires significant capital to finance its real estate development and homebuilding operations. Historically, sources of capital have included loan facilities secured by specific projects, asset sales and available internal funds. The Company is utilizing internally generated cash to fund its Bolsa Chica land development project and joint venture contributions to fund the Oxnard land development project. The Company is utilizing internally generated cash and project debt to fund construction of its homebuilding projects. The Companys current and pending homebuilding projects, (excluding Bolsa Chica) which are primarily in the Inland Empire area of Southern California (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) and Lancaster in northeastern Los Angeles County, are currently expected to generate approximately $59.0 million of positive cash flows during the next three years, after net investments in new projects to acquire 77 lots, based on present economic conditions and market assumptions. However, any adverse change in such conditions or assumptions would adversely impact the amount of the Companys cash flows. The Companys unrestricted cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2005 were approximately $5.8 million. The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents, future real estate sales proceeds, and funds available under its credit agreements will be sufficient to meet anticipated operating and capital investment requirements, primarily project development costs for homebuilding projects, and the Oxnard and Bolsa Chica land development projects, along with general and administrative expenses, for the next 12 months.
17
The Company is subject to the usual obligations associated with entering into contracts for the purchase of land and improved home sites. The purchase of properties under these contracts is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by the sellers, including obtaining applicable property entitlements. The Company also utilizes option contracts with third-party land sellers and financial entities as a method of acquiring land in staged takedowns and minimizing the use of funds from other corporate financing sources. These option contracts also help to manage the financial and market risk associated with land holdings. Purchase and option contracts generally require the payment of a non-refundable cash deposit of 5% to 15% of the purchase price for the right to acquire lots over a specified period of time (usually one to two years) at predetermined prices. The Company has the right at its discretion to terminate its obligations under these land purchase and option agreements by forfeiting the cash deposit with no further financial responsibility.
Summary information regarding the Companys land option deposits is as follows as of September 30, 2005:
Total number of projects |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total number of lots |
|
77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total forfeited deposits if lots are not purchased (included in other assets) |
|
$ |
.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total remaining purchase price |
|
$ |
8.5 |
|
The Company currently expects to complete the purchase of 77 lots in Lancaster, California during the fourth quarter of 2005.
The Company may enter into land development and homebuilding joint ventures from time to time as a means of expanding its market opportunities, establishing strategic alliances, managing its risk profile and leveraging the Companys capital base. These joint ventures may obtain secured acquisition, development and construction financing, which minimize the use of funds from other corporate financing sources.
Land Development - Unconsolidated Joint Venture
Oxnard. In February 2003, the Company entered into two option contracts to acquire land adjacent to the City of Oxnard in Ventura County, California aggregating approximately 168 acres. The Company is in the process of developing a land plan for the area, which also includes an additional 149 acres owned by other landowners, with the intention of entitling the property for residential development and annexing it to the City of Oxnard. The Company currently expects that the residential development plan will include approximately 700 single-family detached lots and approximately 800 attached family residential units; however, these numbers are subject to change during the course of the entitlement process. Approximately 550 of the single-family lots and 339 of the attached units would be developed on the 168 acres of optioned land expected to be purchased by the Company. The option contracts allow for two years, plus up to three additional years through the exercise of extensions, for the Company to complete these entitlement activities in advance of consummating the purchase transactions. The entitlement process is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2006; however, delays could be encountered. During January and July 2005, the first and second six-month option extensions were exercised. The option-holder has the right in its sole discretion to terminate the obligations under these option agreements by forfeiting the cash deposits with no further financial responsibility.
During October 2003, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with a major financial partner to form a limited liability company (Oxnard LLC) to pursue the Oxnard development opportunity. The Company assigned the land purchase option contracts to the Oxnard LLC. Hearthside Homes, Inc. (the Companys homebuilding subsidiary) is the managing member of the Oxnard LLC, and has contributed $500,000 to the venture. The non-managing member also made an initial contribution of $500,000 to the venture. Capital contributions of up to an additional $4 million are to be made by the non-managing member. As of September 30, 2005, the non-managing member had made an aggregate of approximately $3.9 million of additional contributions. Under the Oxnard LLC operating agreement, if contributions in excess of $5 million are required and approved by the members, the next $1 million would be contributed equally by the members. Total contributions of the non-managing member are generally limited to $5 million. After payment of a 10% preferred return on invested capital to each member, first tier profits are generally allocated 75% to the non-managing member and 25% to the managing member and second tier profits and losses over $5 million are generally allocated 50% to each member. The first $5 million of losses are generally allocated 80% to the non-managing member and 20% to the managing member. While the Company exerts a large degree of influence over
18
the venture, the non-managing member does have various participating rights such as approval rights with regard to major business decisions. In addition, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the entity; therefore, the venture is not consolidated.
Homebuilding
The Company acquired 265 single-family residential lots during 2004, increasing lot inventory in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and expanding into northern Los Angeles County and returning to the San Diego County market. The Company also acquired an additional 357 lots during the first nine months of 2005, which increased inventory in existing markets, and entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 77 lots in Lancaster. Although home prices in Southern California have increased 20% to 30% annually over the last few years, the Company does not expect appreciation to continue at that rate, but rather expects modest increases of less than 20% over the next year. While the 59 home deliveries for the first nine months of 2005 are less than the 73 homes delivered in the first nine months of 2004, per unit homebuilding revenues and margins for 2005 exceeded the nine-month 2004 results. The record rainfall during the last quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005 negatively impacted the Companys construction schedule and contributed to the Companys lower number of home deliveries during the first nine months of 2005. The Company expects a robust fourth quarter, as in recent prior years. The Companys active homebuilding projects are described below.
Riverside. During 2003 and 2004, the Company acquired 67 lots for a project known as Jasper Ranch near the city of Riverside, in Riverside County, in the master-planned community known as Victoria Grove. The Company began construction of homes averaging 3,673 square feet during the third quarter of 2003 and opened for sales on these homes during June 2003. The Company delivered the first phase of five homes during the fourth quarter of 2003 at an average price of approximately $468,000, and an additional 38 homes during 2004, at an average price of approximately $612,000. The Company delivered 21 additional homes (some with views) during the first nine months of 2005 at an average price of $695,000 and delivered an additional two homes during October 2005. As of November 1, 2005, the remaining home is held for sale.
Chino. In May 2003, through a consolidated joint venture, the Company acquired 77 finished lots in Chino, California in San Bernardino County. This infill site is part of a new community known as The Reserve, encompassing 244 homes. Construction of homes averaging approximately 3,320 square feet began during the fourth quarter of 2003. The Company opened for home sales in February 2004, delivered 65 homes at an average price of $593,000 during 2004, delivered eight homes during the first nine months of 2005 at an average price of $600,000 and as of November 1, 2005, the final four homes were delivered.
During January 2004, the Company acquired 17 additional finished lots in the City of Chino which are near, but not a part of The Reserve, and are not a part of the joint venture described above. The Company began construction of homes averaging 2,990 square feet during the fourth quarter of 2004. The Company opened for sales at this project during January 2005 and delivered all 17 homes during the third quarter of 2005 at an average price of $568,000.
Corona. The Company acquired 83 lots in North Corona in May 2004. Following construction of infrastructure, during April 2005, the Company began construction of homes averaging 3,160 square feet. The Company opened for sales during the third quarter of 2005 and as of November 1, 2005, 43 homes have been released for sale and 39 are in escrow at an average price of $593,000.
Rancho Santa Fe. In October 2003, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 32 lots in a luxury golf community known as Crosby Estates in the Rancho Santa Fe area of California in San Diego County. The Company acquired eight of the lots during the fourth quarter of 2003, 18 additional lots during 2004 and the final six lots during March 2005. Two model homes were recently completed averaging approximately 3,370 square feet. Of the 24 homes released for sale as of November 1, 2005, 16 homes are in escrow at an average price of $1,290,000.
Lancaster. The Company acquired 104 lots in the city of Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County during May 2004. The Company began construction of model homes averaging approximately 2,800 square feet during the third quarter of 2004. The Company opened for sales of the first phase in January 2005, and has released a total of 78 homes. The Company delivered the first 13 homes of this project during the third quarter of 2005, five homes in October and as of November 1, 2005, 59 of these homes are in escrow at an average price of $410,000. During April 2005, the Company acquired an additional 72 lots in Lancaster, which will be marketed through the existing model homes.
19
Ontario. During April 2005, the Company acquired 26 lots in the City of Ontario in Riverside County, California. This small community of homes, planned to average 3,380 square feet, is an infill site situated very close to the Companys projects in the City of Chino. The project is currently scheduled for construction to start during the fourth quarter of 2005.
Financial Condition
September 30, 2005 Compared with December 31, 2004
Cash flows from homebuilding operations for the first nine months of 2005 primarily reflect a use of cash for investments in real estate and construction costs of $92.5 million, including acquisitions of an aggregate of 357 lots. Additional significant uses of cash include approximately $1.9 million for investment in the Bolsa Chica Mesa project, primarily for consultants engaged in the entitlement process, and selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $3.4 million. The primary sources of cash during the period were real estate sales proceeds of $34.0 million from deliveries of 59 homes, and net borrowing under project debt financing of $58.8 million. These items, as well as other activity presented in the Statements of Cash Flows, resulted in a $3.2 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents.
The $66.1 million increase in real estate held for current development or sale reflects the purchase of the 357 lots described above, including six lots in the Rancho Santa Fe area of San Diego County, 26 in Ontario, 151 in Corona, 72 in Lancaster and 102 in Beaumont, along with project construction costs, partially offset by reductions to real estate recorded upon the deliveries of 59 homes.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased by $900,000, to a balance of $14.1 million as of September 30, 2005, primarily reflecting payment of accrued liabilities for profit-based incentive compensation in the first quarter of 2005.
The $38.8 million increase in capital in excess of par value primarily reflects the reversal of $38.5 million of valuation reserves on pre-Reorganization federal NOLs expected to be utilized in the future as a result of the development of the Upper Mesa (see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). An increase of approximately $300,000 for issuance of common stock pursuant to option exercises, and the related state tax effect, is also reflected in capital in excess of par value.
Results of Operations
The nature of the Companys business, including its limited inventory of buildable lots, is such that the number, location and specific market conditions of active selling communities over any given time period may cause significant fluctuations in operating results from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-year.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
The Company reported revenues of $24.4 million and gross operating profit of $4.9 million for the third quarter of 2005, compared with $28.4 million in revenues and gross operating profit of $6.0 million for the same period of 2004. Revenues in the current period reflect an aggregate of 45 homes delivered, including deliveries of 11 homes at the Jasper Ranch project in Riverside, 21 homes at the Chino projects and 13 homes at the Lancaster project. The comparable period of the prior year reflects an aggregate of 53 deliveries, including 18 homes at a North Corona project and 35 homes at the Chino project.
The average price of homes delivered increased to $542,000 in the third quarter of 2005 from $536,000 during the third quarter of 2004, while the current quarter gross margin of 20.1% is slightly less than the prior period homebuilding gross margin of 21.1%. The changes primarily reflect varying levels of price appreciation related to variations in the holding periods for the land underlying the homes delivered. The Company generated $1.1 million less in gross operating profit from home sales during the third quarter of 2005 compared with the same period of 2004, while delivering eight fewer homes (45 vs. 53).
Selling, general and administrative expenses during the third quarter of 2005 are $200,000 less than the third quarter of 2004, primarily reflecting the absence in 2005 of non-cash compensation expense recorded in 2004 pursuant to the vesting of certain stock options.
20
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
The Company reported revenues of $34.0 million and gross operating profit of $7.5 million for the first nine months of 2005 compared with $37.2 million in revenues and gross operating profit of $8.4 million for the first nine months of 2004. Although the Companys revenues during the current nine-month period were lower than the prior nine-month period, the average revenue per home increased by $68,000 to $576,000. Revenues in the first nine months of 2005 reflect deliveries of 59 homes, including 25 homes at the Companys Chino projects, 21 homes at the Companys Riverside (Jasper Ranch) project, and 13 homes at the Lancaster project. The comparable period of the prior year reflects an aggregate of 73 homes including six homes at the Jasper Ranch project, 32 homes at the North Corona project, 35 homes at the Chino project and a $100,000 land sale. The homebuilding gross margin for the first nine months of 2005 of 22.1% is comparable to the prior period gross margin of 22.4%, while the per unit average gross margin increased by $13,000 to $127,000.
The $100,000 of income from unconsolidated joint ventures for the first nine months of 2005 compared with $300,000 for the first nine months of 2004 primarily reflects fewer home loans made through the Companys joint venture during the first nine months of 2005 as compared with the first nine months of 2004. This reduced volume correlates to fewer home deliveries during the current year period and a significantly reduced number of refinance loans generated.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Company recorded reversals of valuation allowances on post-Reorganization NOLs of $4.7 million following the Coastal Commissions approval of the development plan for 349 homes on the Upper Mesa (see Note 6), which is reflected for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a tax benefit of approximately $100,000 in connection with the reduction in reserves for contingent tax liabilities to zero, due to the resolution of outstanding tax matters in two states.
Payments Under Contractual Obligations
The Company has entered into certain contractual obligations to make future payments for items such as project debt and lease agreements. A summary of the payments due under specified contractual obligations, aggregated by category of contractual obligation, for specified time periods is presented below as of September 30, 2005 (in millions):
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Less |
|
|
|
|
|
More |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
than 1 |
|
1-3 |
|
3-5 |
|
than 5 |
|
|||
|
|
Total |
|
year |
|
years |
|
years |
|
years |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Project debt |
|
$ |
81.4 |
|
$ |
65.4 |
|
$ |
16.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases |
|
.3 |
|
.2 |
|
.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total |
|
$ |
81.7 |
|
$ |
65.6 |
|
$ |
16.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys purchase contracts which are made in the normal course of its homebuilding business for land acquisition and construction subcontracts are generally cancelable at will. Other contractual obligations including the Companys other tax liabilities, accrued benefit liability for a frozen retirement plan and other accrued pensions, home warranty reserves and contingent indemnity and environmental obligations are estimated based on various factors. Payments are not due as of a given date, but rather are dependent upon the incurrence of professional services, the lives of annuitants and other factors. The estimation process involved in the determination of carrying values of these obligations is inherently uncertain since it requires estimates as to future events and contingencies. The Company has provided additional disclosure in its Consolidated Financial Statements in Notes 5 and 6 Other Liabilities.
Forward Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that relate to future events or the Companys future financial performance. In addition, other statements the Company may make from time to time, such as press releases, oral statements made by Company officials and other reports the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may also contain such forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Companys
21
actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, will, should, expects, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential, continue, or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) statements about the Companys strategies, plans, objectives, goals, expectations and intentions; (2) the impact of demographic trends and supply constraints on the demand for and supply of housing; (3) housing market conditions in the geographic markets in which we operate; (4) the number and types of homes and number of acres of land that the Company may develop and sell; (5) the timing and outcomes of regulatory approval processes or administrative proceedings, which may result in delays in the land entitlement, development, construction, or the opening of new communities (including, but not limited to ongoing administrative proceedings related to the Companys principal asset, the Bolsa Chica Mesa); (6) the Companys ability to realize the value of its net operating loss carry forwards; (7) the completion of the pending $65 million sale of the lower bench of the Bolsa Chica Mesa to the State of Californias Wildlife Conservation Board; (8) the Companys ability to continue relationships with current or future partners; (9) the effectiveness and adequacy of the Companys disclosure and internal controls; and (10) the impact of recent accounting pronouncements.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or circumstances, and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, many of which are out of our control and difficult to forecast, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that may be described or implied. Such factors include but are not limited to: (1) the future condition of the real estate market in Southern California affecting local and general economic and market conditions, including consumer confidence, employment rates, interest rates, the cost and availability of mortgage financing, and stock market, home and land valuations; (2) the ability to react to increases or decreases in demand for housing and to rapidly take advantage of local market opportunities as they arise; (3) the sufficiency of our capital resources and ability to access additional capital; (4) the Companys ability to expend resources to comply with environmental regulations and local permitting requirements; (5) the effect of certain costs, contractual obligations and tax liabilities, both known and unknown, on the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition; (6) the condition and adequacy of the Companys properties; (7) the Companys ability to estimate cash flow projections due to uncertainties in valuing real property; (8) the Companys ability to acquire residential lots in order to continue homebuilding operations; (9) delays in the land entitlement and other approval processes, development, construction, or the opening of new home communities; (10) the adequacy of capital, financing and cash flow required to continue the Companys operations and land development activities; (11) the cyclical and competitive nature of the homebuilding business; (12) the availability and cost of raw materials used by the Company in its homebuilding operations; (13) homebuilding litigation and warranty claims; (14) shortages and the cost of labor; (15) adverse weather conditions and natural disasters; (16) governmental regulation, including slow growth, no growth or similar initiatives or moratoria, the interpretation of tax, labor and environmental laws; (17) the impact on economic conditions of terrorist attacks or the outbreak or escalation of armed conflict involving the United States; (18) other risks discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K; and (19) other factors over which the Company has little or no control.
The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update any of the foregoing or any other forward-looking statements. The Company nonetheless reserves the right to make such updates from time to time by press release, periodic report or other method of public disclosure without the need for specific reference to this report. No such update shall be deemed to indicate that other statements not addressed by such update remain correct or create an obligation to provide any other updates.
Prohibition Against Becoming a 5% Stockholder and No Further Acquisitions by Current 5% or Greater Stockholders
Unless the Company has previously consented in writing (i) no stockholder holding less than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Companys Common Stock may acquire additional shares of Common Stock in an amount that would take such shareholder to 5% or more; and (ii) no current 5% or greater stockholder may acquire any additional shares. The foregoing prohibition is contained in the Companys charter documents, in order to preserve the tax benefits of the Companys $168 million of NOLs. All acquisitions of the Companys Common Stock in violation of its charter prohibitions are null and void, and the Company is empowered to effectively rescind such acquisitions. The Company may entertain requests for permission to exceed the limitations on stock acquisitions in the future, if the Companys board of directors determines that such acquisitions would not jeopardize the Companys ability to preserve and use its NOLs.
22
ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company utilizes project debt financing for acquisition, development and construction of homes. The interest rates on the Companys project debt approximate the current rates available for secured real estate financing with similar terms and maturities, and as a result, their carrying amounts approximate fair value. While changes in interest rates generally do not impact the fair market value of the debt instrument, they do affect the Companys earnings and cash flows. Holding the Companys variable rate debt balance constant as of September 30, 2005, each one point percentage increase in interest rates would result in an increase in variable rate interest incurred for 2005 of approximately $700,000.
ITEM 4 - EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
General
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in the Companys periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2005, the end of the quarter covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. Although the Companys disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, there can be no assurance that such disclosure controls and procedures will always achieve their stated goals under all circumstances.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no significant changes that occurred during the quarter covered by this report in the Companys internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation referenced above that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Changes to certain financial processes, information technology systems and other components of internal control over financial reporting may occur in the future and will be evaluated by management.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements above, and Item 1 - Business - Corporate Indemnification Matters and Item 3 - Legal Proceedings in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2004.
23
ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Annual Meeting of the Companys stockholders was held on August 11, 2005. A quorum of common stock was present in person or by proxy. The following proposals were approved by the requisite vote of the Companys stockholders entitled to vote, as follows:
Proposal No. 1: The Director Proposal. The Companys director proposal recommended election of four directors to a one-year term. Set forth below is a table of how the votes were cast for each nominee, which constituted the affirmative votes for all nominees, by the holders of at least 98.6% of the outstanding Common Stock represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
Name |
|
Votes Cast For Nominee |
|
Votes Withheld |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geoffrey W. Arens |
|
9,563,423 |
|
115,176 |
|
Phillip R. Burnaman II |
|
9,560,279 |
|
118,320 |
|
Raymond J. Pacini |
|
9,564,879 |
|
113,720 |
|
Thomas W. Sabin, Jr. |
|
9,542,344 |
|
136,255 |
|
Proposal No. 2: The Bolsa Chica Lower Bench Sale Proposal. The holders of Common Stock cast 8,608,145 votes for and 4,927 votes against the Companys proposal to sell the 103-acre Lower Bench of the Bolsa Chica Mesa for $65 million, subject to receipt of a Coastal Development Permit from the Coastal Commission for Upper Bench development. Such votes constituted the affirmative vote for the Bolsa Chica Lower Bench Sale Proposal by the holders of approximately 88.9% of the outstanding Common Stock represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. There were 456 abstentions and 1,065,071 broker non-votes by the holders of shares of Common Stock with respect to the Bolsa Chica Lower Bench Sale Proposal.
Proposal No. 3: The Auditor Proposal. The holders of Common Stock cast 9,674,727 votes for and 2,111 votes against the Companys proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005. Such votes constituted the affirmative vote for the Auditor Proposal by the holders of approximately 99.9% of the outstanding Common Stock represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. There were 1,408 abstentions and 353 broker non-votes by the holders of shares of Common Stock with respect to the Auditor Proposal.
|
31.1 |
Certification of the CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
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31.2 |
Certification of the CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1 |
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. * |
* This certification is being furnished solely to accompany this report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 8, 2005 |
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMUNITIES, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Sandra G. Sciutto |
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SANDRA G. SCIUTTO |
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Senior Vice President and |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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