Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 1-32375

 


Comstock Homebuilding Companies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   20-1164345

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

11465 Sunset Hills Road

5th Floor

Reston, Virginia 20190

(703) 883-1700

(Address including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of principal executive offices)

 


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  x    NO   ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

As of November 4, 2007, 13,852,077 shares of the Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 2,733,500 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01, of the Registrant were outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

COMSTOC K HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

     Page

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited):

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets—September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006

   3

Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

   4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

   5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  

20

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   33

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   33

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

   34

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   34

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

   34

ITEM 2. EXHIBITS

   35

SIGNATURES

   36

 

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Table of Contents

COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

    

September 30,

2007

   

December 31,

2006

 

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,814     $ 21,263  

Restricted cash

     6,527       12,326  

Receivables

     629       4,555  

Due from related parties

     162       4,053  

Real estate held for development and sale

     240,835       405,144  

Inventory not owned - variable interest entities

     19,496       43,234  

Property, plant and equipment

     2,096       2,723  

Investment in real estate partnership

     —         (171 )

Deferred income tax

     34,494       10,188  

Other assets

     18,443       14,114  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 331,496     $ 517,429  
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 29,462     $ 55,680  

Due to related parties

     —         1,140  

Obligations related to inventory not owned

     19,287       40,950  

Notes payable

     171,559       265,403  

Senior unsecured debt

     30,000       30,000  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     250,308       393,173  
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12 )

    

Minority interest

     360       371  
                

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 77,266,500 shares authorized, 15,081,777 and 14,129,081 issued and outstanding, respectively

     151       141  

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 2,733,500 shares authorized, 2,733,500 issued and outstanding

     27       27  

Additional paid-in capital

     151,602       147,528  

Treasury stock, at cost (391,400 Class A common stock)

     (2,439 )     (2,439 )

(Accumulated deficit)

     (68,513 )     (21,372 )
                

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     80,828       123,885  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 331,496     $ 517,429  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Revenues

        

Revenue - homebuilding

   $ 47,769     $ 30,367     $ 201,106     $ 117,083  

Revenue - other

     4,217       4,913       11,902       5,489  
                                

Total revenue

     51,986       35,280       213,008       122,572  

Expenses

        

Cost of sales - homebuilding

     41,748       28,290       181,491       96,746  

Cost of sales - other

     3,643       4,994       10,947       5,024  

Impairments and write-offs

     69,017       1,802       77,400       14,717  

Selling, general and administrative

     7,860       9,903       24,235       25,978  
                                

Operating loss

     (70,282 )     (9,709 )     (81,065 )     (19,893 )

Other income, net

     (715 )     (330 )     (1,361 )     (918 )
                                

Loss before minority interest and equity in losses of real estate partnership

     (69,567 )     (9,379 )     (79,704 )     (18,975 )

Minority interest

     (2 )     12       (7 )     17  
                                

Loss before equity in losses of real estate partnership

     (69,565 )     (9,391 )     (79,697 )     (18,992 )

Equity in losses of real estate partnership

        
     —         (13 )     —         (66 )
                                

Total pre tax loss

     (69,565 )     (9,404 )     (79,697 )     (19,058 )

Income taxes benefit

     (27,097 )     (3,650 )     (30,893 )     (7,421 )
                                

Net loss

   $ (42,468 )   $ (5,754 )   $ (48,804 )   $ (11,637 )
                                

Basic loss per share

   $ (2.63 )   $ (0.36 )   $ (3.04 )   $ (0.78 )

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     16,151       15,804       16,046       14,946  
                                

Diluted loss per share

   $ (2.63 )   $ (0.36 )   $ (3.04 )   $ (0.78 )

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     16,151       15,804       16,046       14,946  
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (48,804 )   $ (11,637 )

Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    

Amortization and depreciation

     666       551  

Impairments and write-offs

     77,400       14,716  

Loss on disposal of assets

     26       —    

Minority interest

     (7 )     17  

Equity in losses of real estate partnership

     —         66  

Board of Directors compensation

     149       —    

Amortization of stock compensation

     1,801       2,523  

Deferred income tax

     (23,837 )     (6,983 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Restricted cash

     5,799       (5,530 )

Receivables

     3,925       4,242  

Due from related parties

     3,397       (668 )

Real estate held for development and sale

     95,931       (133,869 )

Other assets

     (3,944 )     (1,571 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (24,131 )     (5,723 )

Due to related parties

     (1,140 )     —    
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     87,231       (143,866 )
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (64 )     (1,609 )

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     —         (15,491 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (64 )     (17,100 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from notes payable

     73,951       211,577  

Proceeds from senior unsecured debt

     30,000    

Payments on junior subordinated debt

     (30,000 )     —    

Proceeds from junior subordinated debt

     —         30,000  

Payments on notes payable

     (173,611 )     (128,172 )

Distributions paid to minority shareholders

     (3 )     (3 )

Proceeds from shares issued under employee stock purchase plan

     48       114  

Purchase of treasury stock

     —         (2,438 )

Proceeds from equity offerings

       18,561  
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (99,616 )     129,639  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (12,449 )     (31,327 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     21,263       42,167  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 8,814     $ 10,840  
                

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Interest paid (net of interest capitalized)

   $ —       $ —    

Income taxes paid

   $ —       $ 45  

Supplemental disclosure for non-cash activity:

    

Interest incurred but not paid in cash

   $ 5,815     $ 9,656  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Comstock Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on May 24, 2004 as a Delaware corporation. On June 30, 2004, the Company changed its name to Comstock Homebuilding Companies, Inc.

On December 17, 2004, as a result of completing its initial public offering (“IPO”) of its Class A common stock, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Comstock Holding Company, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Comstock Holdings”) by merger, which followed a consolidation that took place immediately prior to the closing of the IPO (the “Consolidation”). The Consolidation was effected through the mergers of Sunset Investment Corp., Inc. and subsidiaries and Comstock Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries and Comstock Service Corp., Inc. and subsidiaries (“Comstock Service”) with and into Comstock Holdings. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, shares of Comstock Holdings were canceled and replaced by 4,333 and 2,734 shares of Class A and B common stock of the Company, respectively. Both Class A and B common stock shares bear the same economic rights. However, for voting purposes, Class A stock holders are entitled to one vote for each share held while Class B stock holders are entitled to fifteen votes for each share held.

The mergers of Sunset Investment Corp., Inc. and subsidiaries and Comstock Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries with and into Comstock Holdings (collectively the “Comstock Companies” or “Predecessor”) and the Company’s acquisition of Comstock Holdings was accounted for using the Comstock Companies’ historical carrying values of accounting as these mergers were not deemed to be substantive exchanges. The merger of Comstock Service was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting as this was deemed to be a substantive exchange due to the disparity in ownership.

Our Class A common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National market under the symbol “CHCI.” We have no public trading history prior to December 17, 2004.

The Company develops, builds and markets single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums in the Washington D.C., Raleigh, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan markets. The Company also provides certain management and administrative support services to certain related parties.

The interim financial statements of the Company included herein have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. The statements include all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results of the Company for the periods presented. The statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for an entire year.

For further information, refer to the financial statements of the Company and footnotes thereto included in the annual report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2006.

2. REAL ESTATE HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT AND SALE

Real estate held for development and sale includes land, land development costs, interest and other construction costs and is stated at cost or, when circumstances or events indicate that the real estate held for development or sale is impaired, at estimated fair value. Land, land development and indirect land development costs are accumulated by specific project and allocated to various lots or housing units within that project using specific identification and allocation based upon the relative sales value, unit or area methods. Direct construction costs are assigned to housing units based on specific identification. Construction costs primarily include direct construction costs and capitalized field overhead. Other costs are comprised of prepaid local government fees and capitalized interest and real estate taxes. Selling costs are expensed as incurred.

Estimated fair value is based on comparable sales of real estate in the normal course of business under existing and anticipated market conditions. The evaluation takes into consideration the current status of the property, various restrictions, carrying costs, costs of disposition and any other circumstances, which may affect fair value including management’s plans for the property. Due to the large acreage of certain land holdings, disposition in the normal course of business is expected to extend over a number of years. A write-down to estimated fair value is recorded when the net carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated discounted fair value. These evaluations are made on a property-by-property basis as seen fit by management whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value may not be recoverable.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Deteriorating market conditions, turmoil in the credit markets and increased price competition have continued to negatively impact the Company in the third quarter of 2007 resulting in reduced sales prices, increased customer concessions, reduced gross margins and extended estimates for project completion dates. As a result, the Company evaluated all 41 of its projects to determine if recorded carrying amounts were recoverable. This evaluation resulted in an aggregate impairment charge of $61,438 at 26 projects, with $25,016 in the Washington D.C. region, $27,304 in the Atlanta, Georgia region and $9,118 in the Raleigh, N.C. region. Impairment charges are recorded as a reduction in our capitalized land and or house costs. The impairment charge was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis model, which is dependent upon several subjective factors, including the selection of an appropriate discount rate, estimated average sales prices and estimated sales rates. In performing its impairment modeling the Company must select what it believes is an appropriate discount rate based on current market cost of capital and returns expectations. The Company has used its best judgment in determining an appropriate discount rate based on anecdotal information it has received from marketing its deals for sale in recent months. The Company has elected to use a rate of 17% in its discounted cash flow model. While the selection of a 17% discount rate was subjective in nature, the Company feels it is an appropriate rate in the current market. The estimates used by the Company are based on the best information available at the time the estimates are made. If market conditions continue to deteriorate additional adverse changes to these estimates in future periods could result in further material impairment amounts to be recorded.

In addition, from time to time, the Company will write-off deposits it has made for options on land that it has decided not to purchase. These deposits and any related capitalized pre-acquisition feasibility or project costs are written off at the earlier of the option expiration or the decision to terminate the option. In the third quarter of 2007 option deposits and related pre-development costs of $7,579 were written off with $4,571 in the Washington D.C. region, $2,068 in the Atlanta, Georgia region and $940 in the Raleigh, N.C. region.

The following table summarizes impairment charges and write-offs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2007    2006    2007    2006

Impairments

   $ 61,438    $ 1,800    $ 68,788    $ 11,300

Write-offs

     7,579      2      8,612      3,417
                           

Total

   $ 69,017    $ 1,802    $ 77,400    $ 14,717
                           

After impairments and write-offs, real estate held for development and sale consists of the following:

 

     September 30,
2007
   December 31,
2006

Land and land development costs

   $ 99,575    $ 232,693

Cost of vertical construction (including capitalized interest and real estate taxes)

     141,260      172,451
             
   $ 240,835    $ 405,144
             

3. CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company typically acquires land for development at market prices from various entities under fixed price purchase agreements. The purchase agreements require deposits that may be forfeited if the Company fails to perform under the agreements. The deposits required under the purchase agreements are in the form of cash or letters of credit in varying amounts. The Company may, at its option, choose for any reason and at any time not to perform under these purchase agreements by delivering notice of its intent not to acquire the land under contract. The Company’s sole legal obligation and economic loss for failure to perform under these purchase agreements is typically limited to the amount of the deposit pursuant to the liquidated damages provision contained within the purchase agreement. As a result, none of the creditors of any of the entities with which the Company enters into forward fixed price purchase agreements have recourse to the general credit of the Company.

The Company also does not share in an allocation of either the profit earned or loss incurred by any of these entities with which the Company has fixed price purchase agreements. The Company has concluded that whenever it options land or lots from an entity and pays a significant non-refundable deposit as described above, a variable interest entity is created under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” or FIN 46-R. This is

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

because the Company has been deemed to have provided subordinated financial support, which creates a variable interest which limits the equity holder’s returns and may absorb some or all of an entity’s expected theoretical losses if they occur. The Company, therefore, examines the entities with which it has fixed price purchase agreements for possible consolidation by the Company under FIN 46-R. This requires the Company to compute expected losses and expected residual returns based on the probability of future cash flows as outlined in FIN 46-R. This calculation requires substantial management judgments and estimates. In addition, because the Company does not have any contractual or ownership interests in the entities with which it contracts to buy the land, the Company does not have the ability to compel these development entities to provide financial or other data to assist the Company in the performance of the primary beneficiary evaluation.

The Company has evaluated all of its fixed price purchase agreements and has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of some of those entities. As a result, at September 30, 2007, the Company consolidated two entities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The effect of the consolidation at September 30, 2007 was the inclusion of $19,496 in “Inventory not owned-variable interest entities” with a corresponding inclusion of $19,287 (net of land deposits paid of $209) to “Obligations related to inventory not owned.” At December 31, 2006 the Company had consolidated nine entities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The effect of the consolidation at December 31, 2006 was the inclusion of $43,234 in “Inventory not owned-variable interest entities” with a corresponding inclusion of $40,950 (net of land deposits paid of $2,284) to “Obligations related to inventory not owned.” Creditors, if any, of these variable interest entities have no recourse against the Company.

During December 2006 a Company senior vice president voluntarily resigned. As part of his voluntary resignation, the former senior vice president negotiated his purchase of the remaining 30 condominium units in the Company’s Countryside development for a purchase price of $4,200. Simultaneously with the purchase, the Company entered into a marketing and sale agreement with the special purpose entity (“SPE”) created by the former senior vice president that purchased the units, whereby the Company would bear the cost associated with marketing and selling the units and pay the SPE a monthly option payment that allows the Company to share in the revenue of the units as they settle. The monthly option payments have created a variable interest in the SPE, and as such the Company has performed an analysis under the provisions of FIN46-R and has determined that the entity is a variable interest entity and the Company is the primary beneficiary of this entity. As a result, the Company has consolidated the SPE. At December 31, 2006 the SPE had $3,600 of assets, which are included in “Inventory not owned-variable interest entities” and $3,600 of third party debt, which is included in “Obligations related to inventory not owned” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The SPE is not included in the September 30, 2007 accompanying consolidated balance sheet since all of its assets were sold and all of its debt had been extinguished.

4. WARRANTY RESERVE

Warranty reserves for houses sold are established to cover potential costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims expected to arise during the one-year warranty period provided by the Company or within the five-year statutorily mandated structural warranty period. Since the Company subcontracts its homebuilding work, subcontractors are required to provide the Company with an indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving payments for their work. Claims relating to workmanship and materials are generally the primary responsibility of the subcontractors and product manufacturers. The warranty reserve is established at the time of closing, and is calculated based upon historical warranty cost experience and current business factors. Variables used in the calculation of the reserve, as well as the adequacy of the reserve based on the number of homes still under warranty, are reviewed on a periodic basis. Warranty claims are charged directly to the reserve as they arise. The following table is a summary of warranty reserve activity, which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 1,709     $ 1,556     $ 1,669     $ 1,206  

Additions

     222       200       800       1,014  

Releases and/or charges incurred

     (201 )     (297 )     (739 )     (761 )
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ 1,730     $ 1,459     $ 1,730     $ 1,459  
                                

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

5. CAPITALIZED INTEREST AND REAL ESTATE TAXES

Interest and real estate taxes incurred relating to the development of lots and parcels are capitalized to real estate held for development and sale during the active development period, which generally commences when borrowings are used to acquire real estate assets and ends when the properties are substantially complete. Interest is capitalized based on the interest rate applicable to specific borrowings or the weighted average of the rates applicable to other borrowings during the period. Interest and real estate taxes capitalized to real estate held for development and sale are expensed as a component of cost of sales as related units are sold. The following table is a summary of interest incurred and capitalized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Total interest incurred

   $ 5,269     $ 7,541     $ 19,111     $ 19,161  
                                

Interest incurred on related party notes payable

     —         20       —         60  
                                

Interest expensed as a component of cost of sales

   $ (5,483 )   $ (1,569 )   $ (18,054 )   $ (3,932 )
                                

6. LOSS PER SHARE

The following weighted average shares and share equivalents, using the treasury stock method, are used to calculate basic and diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Basic loss per share

        

Net loss

   $ (42,468 )   $ (5,754 )   $ (48,804 )   $ (11,637 )
                                

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     16,151       15,804       16,046       14,946  
                                

Per share amounts

   $ (2.63 )   $ (0.36 )   $ (3.04 )   $ (0.78 )
                                

Dilutive loss per share

        

Net loss

   $ (42,468 )   $ (5,754 )   $ (48,804 )   $ (11,637 )
                                

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     16,151       15,804       16,046       14,946  

Stock options and restricted stock grants

     —         —         —         —    
                                

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

     16,151       15,804       16,046       14,946  
                                

Per share amounts

   $ (2.63 )   $ (0.36 )   $ (3.04 )   $ (0.78 )
                                

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, 18 and 159 shares were excluded from the diluted shares outstanding because inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, 109 and 200 shares were excluded from the diluted shares outstanding because inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Comprehensive income

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, comprehensive income equaled net income; therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

7. INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE PARTNERSHIP

In 2001, prior to the Company’s acquisition of Comstock Service in December of 2004, Comstock Service had invested $41 in North Shore Investors, LLC (“North Shore”) for a 50% ownership interest. North Shore was formed to acquire and develop residential lots and construct single family and townhouse units. In 2002, as a result of recognizing its share of net losses incurred by North Shore, Comstock Service reduced its investment in North Shore to $0. The Company, as part of the acquisition of Comstock Service, recorded this investment in North Shore at $0.

On June 28, 2005 the Company received a capital call from North Shore in the amount of $719 so that North Shore could comply with certain debt repayments. Because the Company may have been obligated to provide future financial support to cover certain debt repayments, the Company continued recording its share of losses incurred by North Shore through December 31, 2006 in the amount of $171.

During the third quarter of 2005, the Company, as manager of an affiliated entity, exercised its option rights to purchase the project acquisition, development and construction loan made for the benefit of North Shore. The Company finalized the purchase of the loans on or about September 8, 2005 and issued a notice of default under the acquisition and development loan at maturity on September 30, 2005. The Company then filed suit for collection of the loans against one of the individual guarantors under the loan on or about October 21, 2005 and initiated foreclosure proceedings on or about November 18, 2005. On or about December 22, 2005, the individual guarantor subject to the earlier suit filed a countersuit against two of the officers of the Company who were also individual guarantors under the acquisition and development loan. The Company has agreed to indemnify these officers.

The Company, as manager of an affiliated entity, set and held a foreclosure sale on March 24, 2006 in which it was the highest bidder. However, transfer of title to the property was delayed pending judicial resolution of a suit filed on March 24, 2006 by the non-affiliated 50% owner of North Shore. On June 30, 2006, the Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of affiliates, filed an additional lawsuit expanding the number of party defendants, demanding equitable relief and demanding $33,000 in damages.

On April 10, 2007, the parties executed a settlement agreement whereby a company associated with the non-affiliated 50% owner of the North Shore project purchased the Company’s development rights to North Shore for approximately $3,750 to settle all claims against the Company and its investors. All litigation has been dismissed with prejudice and the Company received the proceeds from the settlement in April 2007. As a result of the settlement, during the three months ended March 31, 2007 the Company recorded a charge of approximately $357 to write off its investment in North Shore and reduce amounts due from North Shore to the net realizable value. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, additional costs of $132 related to the North Shore settlement were incurred and written off. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, no additional costs related to the North Shore settlement were incurred. No additional costs related to the North Shore settlement are expected to be incurred.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

8. ACQUISITIONS

On January 19, 2006, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Parker Chandler Homes, Inc., a homebuilder in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan market, for a cash purchase price of $10,400 (including transaction costs) and the assumption of $63,800 in liabilities. The results of Parker Chandler Homes are included in the accompanying financial statements from the period January 19, 2006 to September 30, 2007. The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, Business Combinations or SFAS 141. Approximately $700 of the purchase price was allocated to intangibles with a weighted-average life of 4.6 years. The intangibles are related to the Parker Chandler trade name, employment and non-compete agreements entered into with certain selling shareholders. The remainder of the purchase price was allocated to real estate held for development and sale and land option agreements. There was no goodwill recorded.

On May 5, 2006, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Capitol Homes, Inc., a homebuilder in Raleigh, North Carolina, for a cash purchase price of $7,500 (including transaction costs) and the assumption of $20,600 in liabilities. The results of Capitol Homes are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the period May 5, 2006 to September 30, 2007. The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with SFAS 141. Approximately $251 of the purchase price was allocated to intangibles with a weighted-average life of 2.7 years. The intangibles are related to the Capitol Homes trade name, employment and non-compete agreements entered into with certain selling shareholders. The remainder of the purchase price was allocated to real estate held for development for sale and land option agreements. There was no goodwill associated with the transaction.

Subsequent to each acquisition, as a result of the Company releasing the restrictive terms under the employment and non-complete agreements and the decision to no longer to use the respective trade names, all amounts assigned to intangibles were written off during the fourth quarter of 2006. During the third quarter of 2007, the Company elected to terminate numerous land option agreements acquired in both acquisitions. As a result, purchase price allocated to land option agreements were substantially written off during the third quarter of 2007.

9. INCOME TAX

The Company’s income tax (benefit) expense consists of the following as of:

 

     Three months ended
September 30
    Nine months ended
September 30
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Current:

        

Federal

   $ (1,774 )   $ (1,213 )   $ (5,942 )   $ (373 )

State

     (337 )     (223 )     (1,114 )     (65 )

Deferred:

        

Federal

     (21,079 )     (1,849 )     (20,279 )     (5,875 )

State

     (3,994 )     (365 )     (3,843 )     (1,108 )

Other:

        

Tax shortfall related to the vesting of certain equity awards

     87       —         285       —    
                                

Total income tax benefit

   $ (27,097 )   $ (3,650 )   $ (30,893 )   $ (7,421 )
                                

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

     September 30, 2007     December 31,2006  

Deferred Tax Assets:

    

Inventory

   $ 32,750     $ 9,642  

Warranty

     637       612  

Investments in affiliates

     39       25  

Accrued expenses

     335       1,213  

Stock-based compensation

     1,555       762  
                
     35,316       12,254  

Less — valuation allowance

     —         (470 )
                

Net deferred tax assets

     35,316       11,784  
                

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

    

Inventory

     —         —    

Investments in affiliates

     —         —    
                

Depreciation and amortization

     (822 )     (1,596 )
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

     (822 )     (1,596 )
                

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 34,494     $ 10,188  
                

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, the Company provided for contingencies related to income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. At December 31, 2006, the Company recorded $1,194 in income tax reserves. This tax reserve relates to a potential dispute by taxing authorities over tax benefits resulting from additional income tax basis in certain residential housing development projects. The Company recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $470 as of December 31, 2006, related to a deferred tax asset resulting from additional tax basis in residential real estate development projects. In analyzing the need for the provision of tax contingency reserves and the valuation allowance, management reviewed applicable statutes, rules, regulations and interpretations and established these reserves based on past experiences and judgments about potential actions by taxing jurisdictions. In January 2007, upon the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recorded a benefit to the opening retained accumulated deficit in the amount of $1,663. The Company’s federal income tax returns for 2004 through 2006 are open tax years. The Company files in various state and local jurisdictions, with varying statutes of limitation.

In 2005 the Company reported $42.0 million of taxable income and paid approximately $17.4 million of federal, state and local income tax. In 2006 the Company filed for and received a refund of 2005 federal and state taxes in the amount of $2.9 million. The Company expects to carry back 2007 tax losses and recover against 2005 taxable income.

As discussed in Note 2, the Company recorded $61.4 million of impairment charges during the third quarter of 2007. The increase of the inventory deferred tax asset balance to $32.8 million at September 30, 2007 is a result of the tax effect of these impairment charges.

The Company periodically reviews its deferred income tax asset to determine if it is more likely than not to be realized. When it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established. Due to 2005 earnings and the ability to carryback and carryforward net operating losses, a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets was not deemed necessary at September 30, 2007. To the extent market conditions worsen and the Company is unable to generate sufficient taxable income or obtain meaningful concessions from its banks with respect to its existing debt facilities, the recoverability of this asset may be compromised. At December 31, 2007 the Company will again review the recoverability of the deferred income tax asset.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

     September 30, 2007    December 31, 2006

Trade payables

   $ 14,399    $ 32,990

Warranty

     1,730      1,669

Customer deposits

     9,616      14,932

Other

     3,717      6,089
             

Total

   $ 29,462    $ 55,680
             

11. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

In February 2006 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to one million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The authorization did not include a specified time period in which the share repurchase program would remain in effect. During the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 133 shares of Class A common stock for a total of $575 or $4.32 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 391 shares of Class A common stock for a total of $2,439 or $6.23 per share. There were no shares repurchased for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the Company is currently subject to certain restrictive debt covenants which limit its ability to purchase additional shares under the existing authorization.

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

On August 11, 2005, the Company was served with a motion to compel arbitration resulting from an allegation of a loan brokerage fee being owed for placement of a $147,000 project loan for the Eclipse at Potomac Yard project. The claim in the base amount of $2,000 plus interest and costs was based on breach of contract. In February 2007 the Company received a ruling by a panel of arbiters to pay $3,000 under this claim. The Company has posted a cash bond and filed an appeal which is pending in the amount of the judgment.

In accordance with the provisions of its sales agreements, the Company retained the earnest money purchase deposits from Eclipse project buyers who defaulted on their obligation to settle. Certain buyers are seeking to obtain a refund of their forfeited deposits and have filed a series of lawsuits and arbitration claims commencing on or around June 28, 2007. Disputed deposits in an aggregate amount of approximately $1.2 million remain in a segregated escrow account and are included in the accompanying financial statements as Restricted Cash as of September 30, 2007.

Other than the foregoing, we are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, however, we are named as a defendant in legal actions arising from our normal business activities. Although we cannot accurately predict the amount of our liability, if any, that could arise with respect to legal actions currently pending against us, we do not expect that any such liability will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows. We believe that we have obtained adequate insurance coverage or rights to indemnification, or where appropriate, have established reserves in connection with these legal proceedings.

Letters of credit and performance bonds

The Company has commitments as a result of contracts entered into with certain third parties to meet certain performance criteria as outlined in such contracts. The Company is required to issue letters of credit and performance bonds to these third parties as a way of ensuring that such commitments entered into are met by the Company. At September 30, 2007, the Company has outstanding $2,030 in letters of credit and $14,929 in performance and payment bonds to these third parties. To date, there are no outstanding calls on these letters of credit or bonds.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Operating leases

The Company leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases. Minimum annual lease payments under these leases at September 30, 2007 approximate:

 

Year Ended:

   Amount

2007

   $ 1,127

2008

     935

2009

     975

2010

     875

2011

     564

Thereafter

     —  

Operating lease rental expense aggregated $792 and $815, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In April 2002 and January 2004, the Predecessor entered into lease agreements for approximately 7.7 and 8.8 square feet, respectively, for its corporate headquarters at 11465 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Virginia from Comstock Partners, L.C. (now known as 11465 SH-I, LC), an affiliate of our Predecessor in which executive officers of the Company, Christopher Clemente, Gregory Benson, and others are principals. Christopher Clemente owns a 45% interest, Gregory Benson owns a 5% interest, an entity which is owned or controlled by Christopher Clemente’s father-in-law owns a 45% interest, and an unrelated third party owns a 5% interest in Comstock Partners. On September 30, 2004, the lease agreements were canceled and replaced with new leases for a total of 20.6 square feet with Comstock Asset Management, L.C., an entity wholly owned by Christopher Clemente. Total payments made under this lease agreement were $142 as of December 31, 2004. On August 1, 2005, the lease agreement was amended for an additional 8.4 square feet. On March 31, 2007 the lease agreement was amended decreasing the total square footage from 29.0 to 24.1 and extending the term for two additional years. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, total payments made under this lease agreement were $161 and $185, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 total payments were $540 and $558, respectively.

In May 2003, the Predecessor hired a construction company, in which Christopher Clemente’s brother serves as the President and is a significant shareholder, to provide construction services and act as a general contractor at the Company’s Belmont Bay developments. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, total payments made to the construction company were $708 and $6,358, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, total payments made to the construction company were $3,028 and $8,029, respectively.

During 2003, the Predecessor entered into agreements with I-Connect, L.C., a company in which Investors Management, LLC, an entity wholly owned by Gregory Benson, holds a 25% interest, for information technology consulting services and the right to use certain customized enterprise software developed with input from the Company. The intellectual property rights associated with the software solution developed by I-Connect, along with any improvements made thereto by the Company, remain the property of I-Connect. For three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company paid $98 and $112, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company paid $438 and $368, respectively, to I-Connect.

In October 2004, the Predecessor entered into an agreement with Comstock Asset Management, L.C. (CAM), where CAM assigned the Company first refusal rights to purchase a portion of their Loudoun Station properties. In partial consideration for this performance the Company agreed to provide management services for a fee of $20 per month. This agreement was terminated effective December 31, 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company recorded $0 and $60 in revenue, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company recorded $0 and $180 in revenue, respectively, from this entity.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

In addition, the Company, in November 2004, entered into an agreement with CAM to sell certain retail condominium units at the Eclipse at Potomac Yard project for a total purchase price of $14,500. In connection with this sale, the Company received a non-refundable deposit of $8,000 upon execution of the agreement. The agreement was modified in 2005, which reduced the deposit amount to $6,000. During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company incurred $579 in costs associated with the construction of the retail units and recorded a receivable of $377 which is reimbursable by CAM. The balance outstanding as of September 30, 2007 is $110.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company entered into sales contracts to sell homes to certain employees of the Company. The Company, in order to attract, retain, and motivate employees maintains a home ownership benefit program. Under the home ownership benefits, an employee receives certain cost benefits provided by us when purchasing a home or having one built by us. Sales of homes to employees for investment purposes do not qualify for any cost benefits.

In June 2007, in connection with the bulk sale of the Bellemeade condominiums the Company repurchased a single condominium in the community which was owned by an entity controlled by Christopher Clemente. The purchase price was $205.

In September 2005, Comstock Foundation, Inc., was created. Comstock Foundation is a not-for-profit organization organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is an affiliate of the Company. The affairs of Comstock Foundation are managed by a five-person board of directors with Christopher Clemente, Gregory Benson, Bruce Labovitz and Tracy Schar (employee of the Company and spouse of Christopher Clemente) being four of the five. The Company also provides bookkeeping services to Comstock Foundation at no charge. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company donated $0 and $50, respectively, to Comstock Foundation.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

14. SEGMENT REPORTING

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (“SFAS 131”) establishes standards for the manner in which companies report information about operating segments. The Company determined it provides one single type of business activity, homebuilding, which operates in multiple geographic or economic environments. In addition, as a result of the Company’s acquisitions in Georgia and North Carolina, which became fully integrated in the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company modified how it analyzes its business during the fourth quarter of 2006. As such, the Company has determined that its homebuilding operations now primarily involve three reportable geographic segments: Washington DC Metropolitan Area; Raleigh, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. The aggregation criteria are based on the similar economic characteristics of the projects located in each of these regions.

The table below summarizes revenue and income taxes for each of the Company’s geographic segments (amounts in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Revenues:

        

Washington DC Metropolitan Area

   $ 39,726     $ 8,497     $ 167,116     $ 77,696  

Raleigh, North Carolina

     8,543       10,868       28,575       21,273  

Atlanta, Georgia

     3,717       15,915       17,317       23,603  
                                

Total

   $ 51,986     $ 35,280     $ 213,008     $ 122,572  
                                

Operating income (loss)

        

Washington DC Metropolitan Area

   $ (26,086 )   $ (884 )   $ (22,310 )   $ 5,804  

Raleigh, North Carolina

     (10,057 )     (820 )     (10,892 )     (2,930 )

Atlanta, Georgia

     (30,436 )     (2,628 )     (35,811 )     (8,434 )
                                

Segment operating loss

     (66,579 )     (4,332 )     (69,013 )     (5,560 )
                                

Corporate expenses unallocated

     3,704       5,377       12,052       14,333  
                                

Total operating loss

     (70,283 )     (9,709 )     (81,065 )     (19,893 )
                                

Other income

     715       330       1,361       918  

Equity loss

     —         (13 )     —         (66 )

Minority interest (income) expense

     (2 )     12       (7 )     17  
                                

Loss before income taxes

   $ (69,565 )   $ (9,404 )   $ (79,697 )   $ (19,058 )
                                

The following table summarizes impairment and write-offs by segment. These expense amounts are included in the segment operating income (loss) as reflected in the table above.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,    Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2007    2006    2007    2006

Washington DC Metropolitan Area

   $ 29,588    $ —      $ 34,530    $ 6,845

Raleigh, North Carolina

     10,058      731      10,680      2,724

Atlanta, Georgia

     29,371      1,070      32,191      5,147
                           
   $ 69,017    $ 1,802    $ 77,400    $ 14,717
                           

Corporate expenses unallocated and other income is comprised principally of general corporate expenses such as the offices of the Chief Executive Officer and President, and the corporate finance, accounting, audit, tax, human resources, marketing and legal groups, offset in part by interest income.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

The table below summarizes total assets for each of the Company’s segments at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

 

Total Assets

   September 30, 2007    December 31 2006

Washington DC Metropolitan Area

   $ 179,804    $ 317,349

Raleigh, North Carolina

     33,288      61,617

Atlanta, Georgia

     56,377      94,133

Corporate

     62,027      44,330
             

Total Assets

   $ 331,496    $ 517,429
             

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

15. NOTES PAYABLE, DEBT AND COVENANTS

On May 26, 2006 the Company entered into a $40 million Secured Revolving Borrowing Base Credit Facility with Wachovia Bank for the financing of entitled land, land under development, construction and letters of credit. All letters of credit issued will also be secured by collateral in the facility. Funding availability is generally limited to compliance with a borrowing base and certain facility covenants. As of September 30, 2007, $31.2 million was outstanding with this facility. In February 2007 the Company entered into a Forbearance Agreement with the lender which reduced the covenants and eliminated the ability of the lender to claim an event of default as a result of non-compliance with certain financial covenants of the original loan. The Forbearance Agreement runs through March 2008.

On May 4, 2006 the Company closed on a $30 million Junior Subordinated Note offering. The term of the note was thirty years but it could be retired by the Company after five years with no penalty. The rate was fixed at 9.72% for the first five years and LIBOR plus 420 basis points for the remaining twenty-five years. In March 2007 the Company retired the Junior Subordinated Note with no penalty and entered into a new 10-year, $30 million Senior Unsecured Note offering with the same lender at the same interest rate. In connection with the new notes, the lender loosened the financial covenants through September 30, 2007 and permanently modified the underlying definitions used to calculate the covenants. The lender was also granted the right to require a $2.0 million principal reduction after September 30, 2007. During the third quarter of 2007, the lender’s rights were assumed by the note holder’s creditor. In October 2007 the Company received a waiver from the note holder’s creditor(s) regarding any defaults that may result from covenant compliance calculations for the quarter ending September 30, 2007. In addition, the waiver extended to November 29, 2007 the date after which the note holder could require a $2.0 million principal reduction.

As of September 30, 2007, the Company had $7.4 million outstanding to Key Bank in two secured facilities. Under the terms of the original loan agreements the Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants. In May 2007 the Company entered into loan modification agreements which extended the maturities and waived the interest coverage ratio through December 31, 2007. Key Bank has notified the Company that they believe that the Company is not in compliance with the net worth covenant as of September 30, 2007 and has issued waivers for both facilities until December 31, 2007.

As of September 30, 2007 the Company had $11.1 million outstanding to M&T Bank. Under the terms of the original loan agreements the Company was required to maintain certain financial covenants. In March 2007 the Company entered into loan modification agreements lowering the minimum interest coverage ratio and the minimum tangible net worth covenants. As of September 30, 2007 the Company is not in compliance with the tangible net worth covenant. On October 25, 2007 the Company entered into loan modification agreements which extended maturities and provided for a forbearance agreement with respect to all financial covenants. The forbearance runs until March 31, 2008.

In December 2005 the Company entered into a $147 million secured, limited recourse loan with Corus Bank related to the Eclipse project. Under the terms of the loan there is a single deed of trust covering two loan tranches. The two tranches have varying interest rates with Tranche A at LIBOR plus 375 basis points and Tranche B fixed at 16.0%. In April 2007 the loan maturity was extended to January 2008 and provided a mechanism for reallocation of Tranche B into Tranche A which reduces the interest cost to the Company. In September 2007 the Company exercised its reallocation right leaving approximately $1.0 million in the Tranche B. At September 30, 2007 the outstanding balance under this loan was $38.3 million. There are no financial covenants associated with this loan.

In February 2007 the Company entered into a $28 million secured, three-year limited recourse loan with Guggenheim Capital Partners related to the Penderbrook project. Under the terms of the loan the borrower (Comstock Penderbrook, LLC) distributed $11.0 million of the proceeds to the Company and established a $2.5 million cash interest escrow to provide for interest costs in excess of the net operating income being generated by the temporary rental operations at the project. The loan bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus 500 basis points. Under the terms of the loan there are two tranches, Tranche A at three month LIBOR plus 400 basis points and Tranche B at three month LIBOR plus 600 basis points. As of September 30, 2007, the outstanding balance under the loan was $16.3 million. There are no financial covenants associated with this loan.

On May 31, 2007 the Company entered into $4.5 million secured revolving credit facility with First Charter Bank. The loan matures on June 10, 2008 bearing an interest rate of Prime Rate plus 0.25% per annum. As of September 30, 2007, there was $1.4 million outstanding on the loan. There are no financial covenants associated with this loan.

At September 30, 2007 the Company had approximately $7.9 million outstanding with Regions Bank under five separate secured master loan agreements. The loans carried varying maturities starting December 2007 with the majority of the loans maturing in 2008. There are no financial covenants associated with these loans.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

On June 28, 2007 the Company entered into various loan modification agreements with Bank of America securing the remaining $4.6 million balance of the Company’s $15 million unsecured revolver, extending the curtailment schedule of the unsecured revolver and extending the maturities of the Company’s Atlanta debt facilities by adding a balancing requirement estimated to result in a $100 paydown in November 2007. There are no financial covenants associated with these loans.

At September 30, 2007 the Company had $1.7 million outstanding on a seller financing loan related to, but not secured by, the Beacon Park at Belmont Bay 8&9 project. The loan matured but remains unpaid. The Company is in discussions with the lender regarding loan modifications and extension.

From time to time, the Company employs subordinated and unsecured credit facilities to supplement its capital resources or a particular project or group of projects. The Company’s lenders under these credit facilities will typically charge interest rates that are substantially higher than those charged by the lenders under senior and secured credit facilities. These credit facilities will vary with respect to terms and costs. As of September 30, 2007, there were no outstanding variable rate unsecured loans. The Company intends to continue to use these types of facilities on a selected basis to supplement its capital resources.

Many of the Company’s loan facilities contain Material Adverse Effect clauses which if invoked could create an event of default under the loan. In the event all our loans were deemed to be in default as a result of a Material Adverse Effect, the Company’s ability to meet its capital and debt obligations would be compromised.

The Company’s senior management continues to work closely with its lenders on both temporary and permanent modifications to the Company’s lending facilities. These modifications are principally related to financial covenants and maturity dates. During the course of the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company will be seeking to standardize financial covenants among its lenders with whom it has existing covenants. The Company cannot at this time provide any assurances that it will be successful in this effort. The Company is also working with its lenders to extend the maturities and associated cash obligations of its facilities.

At December 31, 2006 the Company had approximately $205 million of debt related obligations that were scheduled to occur in 2007. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had reduced its notes payable by $93.8 million with approximately $16 million of remaining obligations in 2007 and approximately $110 million of cash obligations to its debt in 2008. The Company currently believes that it will be successful in meeting and/or extending its obligations but it can provide no assurances to that effect at this time.

16. RESTRICTED STOCK, STOCK OPTIONS AND OTHER STOCK PLANS

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) entitled “Share-Based Payment,” under which the Company recognizes compensation expense of a stock-based award over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. The fair value of stock options granted is calculated under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following information represents the Company’s grants of stock-based compensation to employees prior to recognition of estimated forfeitures.

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company issued 109 restricted stock awards with a fair value of $440 that vest over three years. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, the Company issued 351 restricted stock awards with a fair value of $1,474 that vest over three years. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company issued 99 restricted stock awards with a fair value of $197 that vest in one year.

At December 31, 2006, the Company accrued a liability for employee incentive compensation awards for 2006 performance intended to be settled in cash in 2007. Due to market conditions, the Company elected to issue restricted stock awards in lieu of cash in settlement of the incentive compensation obligations. As a result, the Company granted, and charged to the incentive compensation accrual, 142 restricted stock awards with a fair value of $698 during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and an additional 293 restricted stock awards with a fair value of $1,439 were granted and charged to the incentive compensation accrual during the three months ended June 30, 2007.

At the Company’s annual shareholder meeting on September 12, 2007 the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan which increased the number of shares available under the program by one million shares. No stock options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT RESULTS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in the this report and our audited consolidated and combined financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2006, appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the year then ended (the “2006 Form 10-K”).

This report includes forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “intend,” “expect,” “will,” “should,” “seeks” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. Some factors which may affect the accuracy of the forward-looking statements apply generally to the real estate industry, while other factors apply directly to us. Any number of important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: general economic and market conditions, including interest rate levels; our ability to service our substantial debt; inherent risks in investment in real estate; our ability to compete in the Washington, D.C., Raleigh, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia real estate and home building markets; regulatory actions; fluctuations in operating results; our anticipated growth strategies; shortages and increased costs of labor or building materials; the availability and cost of land in desirable areas; natural disasters; our ability to raise debt and equity capital and grow our operations on a profitable basis; and our continuing relationships with affiliates. Additional information concerning these and other important risk and uncertainties can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Our actual results could differ materially from these projected or suggested by the forward-looking statements.

Overview

We engage in the business of residential land development, production home building, high-rise condominium development, condominium conversion and land sales in the greater Washington, D.C., Raleigh, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia markets. Our business was founded in 1985 by Christopher Clemente, our Chief Executive Officer, as a residential land developer and home builder focused on the luxury home market in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. In 1992, we repositioned ourselves as a production home builder focused on moderately priced homes in areas where we could more readily purchase finished building lots through option contracts. In the late 1990s we diversified our product base to include multiple product types and home designs and we rebuilt our in-house land development department to include significant experience in both land development operations and land entitlement expertise. In 1997 we entered the Raleigh, North Carolina market. In 2005 we became involved in the business of converting existing rental apartment properties to for-sale condominium projects. In 2006, we entered the Charlotte, North Carolina, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia markets through the acquisition of Parker Chandler Homes, Inc. In late 2006 we exited the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina market and in early 2007 we exited the Charlotte, North Carolina market.

Our general business strategy is to focus on for-sale residential real estate development opportunities in the Southeastern United States that afford us the ability to produce products at price points where we believe there is significant and consistent long-term demand for new housing. We understand that the housing industry is cyclical in nature. We recognize that current market conditions are extremely challenging. Accordingly, we have adapted our business plan and strategy with the goal of protecting liquidity, enhancing our balance sheet and positioning the Company for future growth when market conditions improve. In order to protect our liquidity we have adopted a conservative approach to land acquisition and investment and have taken a patient approach with respect to market expansion. We believe that by doing so we are enhancing our ability to take advantage of attractive real estate investment opportunities in our core markets as market conditions improve. At September 30, 2007, we either owned or controlled under option agreements approximately 3,000 building lots.

The following tables summarize certain information related to new orders, settlements, and backlog for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Three months ended Sept 30, 2007  
     Washington
Metro Area
    North
Carolina
   Georgia    Total  

Gross new orders

     32       25      24      81  

Cancellations

     70       5      3      78  

Net new orders

     (38 )     20      21      3  

Gross new order revenue

   $ 10,481     $ 6,566    $ 7,462    $ 24,509  

Cancellation revenue

   $ 33,411     $ 1,411    $ 1,173    $ 35,995  

Net new order revenue

   $ (22,930 )   $ 5,155    $ 6,289    $ (11,486 )

Average gross new order price

   $ 328     $ 263    $ 311    $ 303  

Settlements

     95       34      12      141  

Settlement revenue - homebuilding

   $ 35,636     $ 8,416    $ 3,717    $ 47,769  

Average settlement price

   $ 375     $ 248    $ 310    $ 339  

Backlog units

     23       50      27      100  

Backlog revenue (1)

   $ 7,809     $ 15,843    $ 9,131    $ 32,783  

Average backlog price

   $ 340     $ 317    $ 338    $ 328  

 

(1) Does not include $14.5 million of backlog revenue from the Eclipse at Potomac Yard retail.

 

     Three months ended Sept 30, 2006
     Washington
Metro Area
   North
Carolina
   Georgia    Total

Gross new orders

     55      53      19      127

Cancellations

     20      3      11      34

Net new orders

     35      50      8      93

Gross new order revenue

   $ 18,531    $ 13,635    $ 4,771      36,937

Cancellation revenue

   $ 6,145    $ 1,857    $ 2,636      10,638

Net new order revenue

   $ 12,386    $ 11,778    $ 2,135      26,299

Average gross new order price

   $ 337    $ 257    $ 251    $ 291

Settlements

     28      43      39      110

Settlement revenue - homebuilding

   $ 8,407    $ 10,861    $ 11,099      30,367

Average settlement price

   $ 300    $ 253    $ 285    $ 276

Backlog units

     451      64      35      550

Backlog revenue

   $ 181,704    $ 19,099    $ 10,457    $ 211,261

Average backlog price

   $ 403    $ 298    $ 299    $ 384

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Nine months ended Sept 30, 2007
     Washington
Metro Area
   North
Carolina
   Georgia    Total

Gross new orders

     521      109      87      717

Cancellations

     150      17      18      185

Net new orders

     371      92      69      532

Gross new order revenue

   $ 111,828    $ 27,573    $ 27,287    $ 166,688

Cancellation revenue

   $ 66,248    $ 5,161    $ 5,600    $ 77,009

Net new order revenue

   $ 45,580    $ 22,412    $ 21,687    $ 89,679

Average gross new order price

   $ 215    $ 253    $ 314    $ 232

Settlements

     633      88      56      777

Settlement revenue - homebuilding

   $ 162,528    $ 21,286    $ 17,292    $ 201,106

Average settlement price

   $ 257    $ 242    $ 309    $ 259

Backlog units

     23      50      27      100

Backlog revenue (1)

   $ 7,809    $ 15,843    $ 9,131    $ 32,783

Average backlog price

   $ 340    $ 317    $ 338    $ 328

 

(1)    Does not include $14.5 million of backlog revenue from the Eclipse at Potomac Yard retail.

     Nine months ended Sept 30, 2006
     Washington
Metro Area
   North
Carolina
   Georgia    Total

Gross new orders

     300      146      140      586

Cancellations

     82      5      31      118

Net new orders

     218      141      109      468

Gross new order revenue

   $ 101,766    $ 39,251    $ 36,503    $ 177,519

Cancellation revenue

   $ 28,110    $ 2,416    $ 7,045    $ 37,570

Net new order revenue

   $ 73,655    $ 36,835    $ 29,458    $ 139,949

Average gross new order price

   $ 339    $ 269    $ 261    $ 303

Settlements

     228      86      73      387

Settlement revenue - homebuilding

   $ 77,084    $ 21,264    $ 18,735    $ 117,083

Average settlement price

   $ 338    $ 247    $ 257    $ 303

Backlog units

     451      64      35      550

Backlog revenue

   $ 181,704    $ 19,099    $ 10,457    $ 211,261

Average backlog price

   $ 403    $ 298    $ 299    $ 384

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

We currently have communities under development in multiple counties throughout the markets we serve. The following table summarizes certain information for our current and planned communities as of September 30, 2007:

 

     As of September 30, 2007

Project

   State    Product
Type (2)
   Estimated
Units at
Completion
   Units
Settled
   Backlog (3)    Lots
Owned
Unsold
  

Lots

under
Option
Agreement
Unsold

   Average New Order
Revenue to Date

Status: Active (1)

                       

Allen Creek

   GA    SF    26    22    —      4    —      $ 207,218

Arcanum

   GA    SF    34    19    3    12    —      $ 379,118

Brentwood Estates

   GA    SF    31    21    —      10    —      $ 138,311

Falling Water

   GA    SF    22    13    3    6    —      $ 423,600

Gates of Luberon

   GA    SF    31    1    —      30    —      $ 697,384

Glenn Ivey

   GA    SF    65    11    3    51    —      $ 237,138

Highland Station

   GA    SF    105    33    3    69    —      $ 286,788

James Road

   GA    SF    49    —      8    41    —      $ 325,555

Maristone

   GA    SF    40    13    5    22    —      $ 337,822

Senators Ridge

   GA    SF    61    21    —      40    —      $ 245,864

Traditions

   GA    SF    4    3    —      1    —      $ 475,000

Wyngate

   GA    SF    28    —      2    26    —      $ 428,235
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         496    157    27    312    —      $ 288,332

Emerald Farm

   MD    SF    84    78    —      6    —      $ 452,347
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         84    78    —      6    —      $ 452,347

Allyn’s Landing

   NC    TH    108    66    11    31    —      $ 236,820

Brookefield Station

   NC    SF    130    3    3    124    —      $ 244,943

Haddon Hall

   NC    Condo    90    4    1    85    —      $ 194,630

Holland Road

   NC    SF    81    —      21    60    —      $ 432,577

Kelton at Preston

   NC    TH    56    51    1    4    —      $ 312,370

North Farms

   NC    SF    47    41    3    3    —      $ 180,867

Providence-SF

   NC    SF    58    11    5    42    —      $ 193,125

Riverbrooke

   NC    SF    66    37    4    25    —      $ 168,465

Wakefield Plantation

   NC    TH    77    45    1    31    —      $ 485,513

Wheatleigh Preserve

   NC    SF    28    16    —      12    —      $ 282,227
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         741    274    50    417    —      $ 280,277

Barrington Park

   VA    Condo    148    —      —      148    —        n/a

Beacon Park at Belmont Bay 8&9

   VA    Condo    600    —      1    111    488    $ 389,000

Commons on Potomac Sq

   VA    Condo    191    61    3    127    —      $ 265,684

Commons on Williams Sq

   VA    Condo    180    128    3    49    —      $ 344,345

Penderbrook

   VA    Condo    424    294    2    128    —      $ 257,188

River Club at Belmont Bay 5

   VA    Condo    84    83    —      1    —      $ 447,895

The Eclipse on Center Park

   VA    Condo    465    320    14    131    —      $ 388,870

Woodlands at Round Hill

   VA    SF    46    27    —      19    —      $ 750,550
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         2,138    913    23    714    488    $ 348,240
                                     

Total Active

         3,459    1,422    100    1,449    488    $ 331,865
                                     

 

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Status: Development (1)

                       

East Capitol

   DC    Condo    133    —      —      133    —        n/a
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         133    —      —      133    —        n/a

Highland Avenue

   GA    SF    28    —      —      28    —        n/a

Post Road

   GA    SF    60    —      —      60    —        n/a

Post Road II

   GA    TH    62    —      —      62    —        n/a

Settingdown Circle

   GA    SF    182    —      —      174    8      n/a

Shiloh Road I

   GA    SF    60    —      —      60    —        n/a

Tribble Lakes

   GA    SF    167    —      —      167    —        n/a
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         559    —      —      551    8      n/a

Massey Preserve

   NC    SF    187    —      —      187    —        n/a

Providence-TH

   NC    TH    18    —      —      18    —        n/a
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         205    —      —      205    —        n/a

Station View

   VA    TH    47    —      —      47    —        n/a
                                     

Sub-Total / Weighted Average (4)

         47    —      —      47    —        n/a

Total Development

         944    —      —      936    8      n/a
                                     

Total Active & Development

         4,403    1,422    100    2,385    496    $ 331,865
                                     

(1) “Active” communities are open for sales. “Development” communities are in the development process and have not yet opened for sales.
(2) “SF” means single family home, “TH” means townhouse and “Condo” means condominium.
(3) “Backlog” means we have an executed order with a buyer but the settlement has not yet taken place.
(4) “Weighted Average” means the weighted average new order sale price.

Results of Operations

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three and nine months ended September 30, 2006

Orders, cancellations and backlog

Gross new order revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $12.4 million, or 33.6%, to $24.5 million on 81 homes, as compared to $36.9 million on 127 homes for the three months ended September 30, 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, gross new order revenue decreased $10.8 million, or 6.1% to $166.7 million on 717 homes, as compared to $177.5 million on 586 homes for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in new order revenue given the increase in new home orders for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is due to the sale and settlement of 316 units at the Bellemeade condominium project in June 2007 at prices lower than our normalized average. Net of the Bellemeade sale, an overall decrease in new orders is attributable to weaker industry conditions and increased price competition which are resulting in reduced demand and lowered pricing power across all of our markets.

Our average gross new order revenue per unit for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $12,000 to $303,000, as compared to $291,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The average gross new order revenue per unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $71,000 to $232,000, as compared to $303,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Excluding the zero margin Bellemeade sale, average gross new order revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by $6,000 to $297,000.

For the three months ended September 30, 2007 we experienced 78 unit cancellations totaling $36.0 million as compared to 34 units totaling $10.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Cancellations were most prevalent in the greater Washington DC market where we experienced 70 cancellations. At the Eclipse project, in the Washington DC market, the Company experienced 67 cancellations of contracts which were predominately contracts entered into in 2006 and earlier. Net of the Eclipse we experienced 8 cancellations on 81 new orders or 9.9%. At this time we have processed the vast majority of our backlog at the Eclipse and the contract holders have either settled or cancelled. Buyers who are entering into new contracts now are doing so with finished units and are therefore more deliberate with respect to their intent to close. As a result, we expect backlog periods to shorten and we expect to experience significantly lower cancellation rates at the Eclipse through the conclusion of the project.

 

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Our backlog at September 30, 2007 decreased $178.5 million, or 84.5%, to $32.8 million on 100 homes, as compared to our backlog at September 30, 2006 of $211.3 million on 550 homes. The decrease in backlog is primarily due to the commencement of deliveries at the Eclipse in November 2006, cancellations of sales and a softening market which has limited our ability to replace settlements with new orders. Our backlog at September 30, 2007 includes 14 units totaling $5.2 million at our Eclipse project. Our backlog does not include $14.5 million of other revenue to be generated from the retail complex at Potomac Yard.

Revenues

Homebuilding revenue increased by $17.4 million, or 57.2%, to $47.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $30.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The number of homes delivered for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by 28.2% to 141 from 110 homes for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase is primarily due to 56 settlements generating $25.2 million of revenue at the Eclipse project in the third quarter of 2007 versus zero settlements at the Eclipse in the third quarter of 2006.

Homebuilding revenues increased by $84.0 million, or 71.7%, to $201.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $117.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The number of homes delivered for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, increased by 100.8% to 777 from 387 homes for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in deliveries and revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is primarily attributable to 316 units representing $47.5 million in revenue related to the bulk sale of our Bellemeade condominium conversion project. In connection with the sale at Bellemeade, we purchased 58 units previously settled, dissolved the condominium and then delivered all 316 units to a rental operator during June 2007. Excluding the sale of Bellemeade, the net increase in the number of units delivered and revenue generated during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is attributable to the Eclipse project which delivered 186 units and generated $78.6 million in revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to no settlements at the Eclipse in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Average revenue per home delivered increased by approximately $63,000 to $339,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $276,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Average revenue per home delivered decreased by approximately $44,000 to $259,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $303,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Excluding the 316 unit bulk sale of the Bellemeade project, average revenue per home delivered increased by $30,000 to approximately $333,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $303,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase in average revenue per home is due primarily to the settlements at the Eclipse project.

Other Revenue

Other revenue for the three and nine month ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 consists of land sales made to third parties and revenue associated with our Settlement Title Services division. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 other revenue increased by $6.4 million to $11.9 million, as compared to $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The net increase is attributable to $7.1 million of revenue recognized on the sale of 110 finished lots at Massey Preserve in North Carolina in March and June of 2007 and $3.8 million recognized on the sale of land at Blake Crossing in Virginia in August 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded approximately $4.8 million of land sales at Carolina Waterway in South Carolina and at Traditions of Braselton in Georgia. We consider revenue to be from homebuilding when there is a structure which is either partially or completely built on the lot when it is delivered. Sales of lots occur and are included in other revenues when we sell raw land or finished home sites in advance of any substantial home construction.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Cost of sales

The following table summarizes our gross profit results prior to impairment and write-off charges.

 

     (Amounts in thousands)  
     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2007     2006  

Revenue - homebuilding

   $ 47,769     $ 30,367  

Cost of sales - homebuilding

     41,748       28,290  

Gross profit - homebuilding

     6,021       2,077  

Cost of sales - % of revenue

     87.4 %     93.2 %

Gross margin

     12.6 %     6.8 %
     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2007     2006  

Revenue - homebuilding

   $ 201,106     $ 117,083  

Cost of sales - homebuilding

     181,491       96,746  

Gross profit - homebuilding

     19,615       20,337  

Cost of sales - % of revenue

     90.2 %     82.6 %

Gross margin

     9.8 %     17.4 %

Cost of sales as a percentage of homebuilding revenue decreased to 87.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to 93.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease is due primarily to the settlement of 56 higher margin units at the Eclipse project in the third quarter of 2007 versus no Eclipse settlements in the third quarter of 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, cost of sales as a percentage of homebuilding revenue increased to 90.2% as compared to 82.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, is principally the result of the zero margin sale of the 316 condominium unit bulk sale at Bellemeade and continuing pricing concessions throughout our markets. Due to weakening market conditions, sales cycles are being extended at many projects, which has in turn increased the cost per unit by increasing the amount of real estate tax, interest and capitalized overhead. Impairment charges, which are calculated using a 17% discount rate to net cash flow are recorded as a reduction in our capitalized land and or house costs. As a result, these impairment charges will have the future effect of expanding gross margins to the extent our impairment assumptions are accurate. Excluding the impact of impairments, we would expect cost of sales as a percentage of revenue to continue to face upward pressure until general market conditions improve, new inventory is acquired or debt is further reduced.

Cost of sales other

Cost of sales other for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $3.6 million and $10.9 million as compared to $5.0 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of sales other includes the costs associated with lot and land sales at Massey Preserve and Blakes Crossing as discussed above in Other Revenue.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Impairments and write-offs

As discussed in Note 2 in the accompanying notes to the financial statements, we recorded impairment and write-off charges of $69.0 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 we recorded impairment and write-off charges of $77.4 million and $14.7 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, total impairment charges of $61.4 million were incurred by market as follows: $25.0 million in Washington DC, $9.1 million in Raleigh, North Carolina and $27.3 million in Atlanta, Georgia. Impairment charges were recorded on condominium, townhouse and single family home projects. Based on our assessment of current market conditions and estimates for the future, we believe there are no additional impairments warranted at this time. However, if market conditions deteriorate further or actual costs are higher than budgeted, we would be required to re-evaluate the recoverability of its real estate held for development and sale and may incur additional impairment charges. Impairment charges are recorded as a reduction in our capitalized land and or house costs. As discussed in Note 2 in the accompanying notes to the financial statements, we recorded write-off charges of $7.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007. These write-offs included option deposits and related pre-acquisition development costs of $4.6 million in the Washington D.C. region, $2.1 in the Atlanta, Georgia region and $0.9 million in the Raleigh, North Carolina region. As disclosed in the community development summary table above, we have two land option contracts remaining at September 30, 2007. Our total exposure to these two projects is limited to the option deposits of approximately $0.2 million.

During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded an $8.1 million impairment charge related to the retail complex at the Eclipse project. The charge was taken in connection with a reallocation of basis resulting from a separation of the retail and residential complexes based on a divergence of delivery timing which resulted from high cancellation rates and an extended sellout of the remaining residential units at the project. We expect to conclude the sale of the retail complex in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative cost as a percentage of total revenue was 15.1%, or $7.9 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to 28.0%, or $9.9 million, of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The $2.2 million decrease is primarily attributable to the elimination of redundant SG&A costs, reductions in marketing expenditures and an approximate 35% workforce reduction. Selling, general and administrative cost as a percentage of total revenue was 11.4%, or $24.2 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to 21.2%, or $26.0 million of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Adjusted for the $47.5 million June 2007 316 unit bulk sale of the Bellemeade condominium project, SG&A was 14.6% as a percentage of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease is due to an increased revenue base and management’s cost reduction initiatives including staff reductions, reduced rents on corporate office space, reductions in marketing and other general and administrative expenses.

Operating loss

Operating loss for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $60.6 million to an operating loss of $70.3 million, as compared to an operating loss of $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Operating margin for the three months ended September 30, 2007, was (135.2%), as compared to (27.5%) for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $61.2 million to an operating loss of $81.1 million, as compared to an operating loss of $19.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was (38.1%), as compared to (16.2%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increases in operating losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are primarily attributable to $69.0 million of impairments and write-offs recognized in the third quarter of 2007 and $7.5 million of impairments and write-offs recognized in the second quarter of 2007. These losses were offset in part by the profitability of deliveries at the Eclipse project and management’s cost reduction initiatives.

Other income, net

Other income, net increased by $0.4 million to $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Other income, net increased by $0.5 million to $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in other income for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2007 is primarily attributable to the forfeiture of buyer earnest money deposits at the Eclipse project.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Income tax benefit

The Company periodically reviews its deferred income tax asset to determine if it is more likely than not to be realized. When it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established. Due to 2005 earnings and the ability to carryback and carryforward net operating losses, a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets was not deemed necessary at September 30, 2007. To the extent market conditions worsen and the Company is unable to generate sufficient taxable income or obtain meaningful concessions from its banks with respect to its existing debt facilities, the recoverability of this asset may be compromised. At December 31, 2007 the Company will again review the recoverability of the deferred income tax asset.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, as a result of net losses, we recorded income tax benefits of $27.1 and $30.9 million as compared to income tax benefits of $3.7 and $7.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. As discussed in Note 9, in the accompanying notes to financial statements, the Company recorded a charge to income tax expense in the amount of $92,000 as a result of tax shortfalls related to the non realization of certain tax assets recorded in conjunction with employee stock grants.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require capital to post deposits on new deals, to purchase and develop land, to construct homes, to fund related carrying costs and overhead and to fund various advertising and marketing programs to facilitate sales. These expenditures include engineering, entitlement, architecture, site preparation, roads, water and sewer lines, impact fees and earthwork, as well as the construction costs of the homes and amenities. Our sources of capital include, and we anticipate will continue to include, funds derived from various secured and unsecured borrowings, operations which include the sale of constructed homes and finished lots, and the sale of equity and debt securities. Our currently owned and controlled inventory of home sites will require significant capital to develop and construct.

In production home building, it is common for builders such as us to employ revolving credit facilities whereby the maximum funding available under the facility exceeds the maximum outstanding balance allowed at any given time. This revolving debt will typically provide for funding of an amount up to a pre-determined percentage of the cost of each asset funded. The balance of the funding for that asset is provided for by us as equity. The efficiency of revolving debt in production home building allows us to operate with less overall debt capital than would be required if we built each project with long-term amortizing debt. At September 30, 2007 we had approximately $201.6 million of outstanding indebtedness and $8.8 million of unrestricted cash.

Our overall borrowing capacity may, from time to time, be constrained by loan covenants which require minimum ratios of interest to EBITDA, minimum tangible net worth, and maximum ratios of total liabilities to total equity. Our non-compliance with certain of these covenants have, for the period ending September 30, 2007 been waived in one form or another. There is no assurance that either we will return to compliance at December 31, 2007 or our banks will continue to provide us waivers of our covenants. In the event our banks discontinue funding and/or accelerate the maturities of their facilities we could experience an unrecoverable liquidity crisis in the future. While we can make no assurances to this effect, we currently believe that internally generated cash advances available under our credit facilities, refunds of income taxes paid in prior years, refinancing of existing underleveraged projects and access to public debt and equity markets will provide us with sufficient capital to meet our existing and expected capital needs for the remainder of 2007 and into 2008.

Our subsidiaries have secured debt which either matures or has curtailment obligations during 2008 and beyond. In our industry it is customary for lenders to renew and extend project facilities until the project is complete provided the loans are kept current. Since we are the guarantor of our subsidiaries’ debt, any significant failure to negotiate renewals and extensions to this debt would severely compromise our liquidity and could jeopardize our ability to satisfy our capital requirements. Our recently reported and cured loan covenant violations, may at some point negatively impact our ability to renew and extend our debt.

Credit Facilities

A majority of our debt is variable rate, based on LIBOR or the prime rate plus a specified number of basis points, typically ranging from 190 to 600 basis points over the LIBOR rate and from 25 to 100 basis points over the prime rate. As a result, we are exposed to market risk in the area of interest rate changes. At September 30, 2007, the one-month LIBOR and prime rates of interest were 5.12% and 8.25%, respectively, and the interest rates in effect under our existing secured revolving development and construction credit facilities ranged from 7.20% to 11.36%. For information regarding risks associated with our level of debt and changes in interest rates, see Item 3 “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

In the past we have generally financed our development and construction activities on a project basis so that, for each project we develop and build, we have a separate credit facility. Accordingly, we have numerous credit facilities.

On May 26, 2006 we entered into a $40 million Secured Revolving Borrowing Base Credit Facility with Wachovia Bank for the financing of entitled land, land under development, construction and letters of credit. All letters of credit issued will also be secured by collateral in the facility. Funding availability is generally limited to compliance with a borrowing base and certain facility covenants. As of September 30, 2007, $31.2 million was outstanding with this facility. In February 2007 we entered into a Forbearance Agreement with the lender which reduced the covenants and eliminated the ability of the lender to claim an event of default as a result of non-compliance with certain financial covenants of the original loan. The Forbearance Agreement runs through March 2008.

On May 4, 2006 we closed on a $30 million Junior Subordinated Note offering. The term of the note was thirty years but it could be retired by the Company after five years with no penalty. The rate was fixed at 9.72% for the first five years and LIBOR plus 420 basis points for the remaining twenty-five years. In March 2007 we retired the Junior Subordinated Note with no penalty and entered into a new 10-year, $30 million Senior Unsecured Note offering with the same lender at the same interest rate. In connection with the new notes, the lender loosened the financial covenants through September 30, 2007 and permanently modified the underlying definitions used to calculate the covenants. The lender was also granted the right to require a $2.0 million principal reduction after September 30, 2007. During the third quarter of 2007, the lender’s rights were assumed by the note holder’s creditor(s). In October 2007 we received a waiver from the note holder’s creditor(s) regarding any defaults that may result from covenant compliance calculations for the quarter ending September 30, 2007. In addition, the waiver extended to November 29, 2007 the date after which the note holder could require a $2.0 million principal reduction.

As of September 30, 2007, we had $7.4 million outstanding to Key Bank in two secured facilities. Under the terms of the original loan agreements we are required to maintain certain financial covenants. In May 2007 we entered into loan modification agreements which extended the maturities and waived the interest coverage ratio through December 31, 2007. Key Bank has notified us that they believe that we are not in compliance with the net worth covenant as of September 30, 2007 and has issued waivers for both facilities until December 31, 2007.

As of September 30, 2007 we had $11.1 million outstanding to M&T Bank. Under the terms of the original loan agreements we were required to maintain certain financial covenants. In March 2007 we entered into loan modification agreements lowering the minimum interest coverage ratio and the minimum tangible net worth covenants. As of September 30, 2007 we are not in compliance with the tangible net worth covenant. On October 25, 2007 the Company entered into loan modification agreements which extended maturities and provided for a forbearance agreement with respect to all financial covenants. The forbearance runs until March 31, 2008.

In December 2005 we entered into a $147 million secured, limited recourse loan with Corus Bank related to our Eclipse project. Under the terms of the loan there is a single deed of trust covering two loan tranches. The two tranches have varying interest rates with Tranche A at LIBOR plus 375 basis points and Tranche B fixed at 16.0%. In April 2007 the loan maturity was extended to January 2008 and provided a mechanism for reallocation of Tranche B into Tranche A which reduces the interest cost to the Company. In September 2007 the Company exercised its reallocation right leaving approximately $1.0 million in the Tranche B. At September 30, 2007 our outstanding balance under this loan was $38.3 million. There are no financial covenants associated with this loan.

In February 2007 we entered into a $28 million secured, three-year limited recourse loan with Guggenheim Capital Partners related to our Penderbrook project. Under the terms of the loan the borrower (Comstock Penderbrook, LLC) distributed $11.0 million of the proceeds to the Company and established a $2.5 million cash interest escrow to provide for interest costs in excess of the net operating income being generated by the temporary rental operations at the project. The loan bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus 500 basis points. Under the terms of the loan there are two tranches, Tranche A at three month LIBOR plus 400 basis points and Tranche B at three month LIBOR plus 600 basis points. As of September 30, 2007, our outstanding balance under the loan was $16.3 million. There are no financial covenants associated with this loan.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

On May 31, 2007 we entered into $4.5 million secured revolving credit facility with First Charter Bank. The loan matures on June 10, 2008 bearing an interest rate of Prime Rate plus 0.25% per annum. As of September 30, 2007, we had $1.4 million outstanding on the loan. There are no financial covenants associated with this loan.

At September 30, 2007 we had approximately $7.9 million outstanding with Regions Bank under five separate secured master loan agreements. The loans carried varying maturities starting December 2007 with the majority of the loans maturing in 2008. There are no financial covenants associated with these loans.

On June 28, 2007 we entered into various loan modification agreements with Bank of America securing the remaining $4.6 million balance of the Company’s $15 million unsecured revolver, extending the curtailment schedule of the unsecured revolver and extending the maturities of the Company’s Atlanta debt facilities by adding a balancing requirement estimated to result in a $100 paydown in November 2007. There are no financial covenants associated with these loans.

At September 30, 2007 we had $1.7 million outstanding on a seller financing loan related to, but not secured by, our Beacon Park at Belmont Bay 8&9 project. The loan matured but remains unpaid. We are in discussions with the lender regarding loan modifications and extension.

From time to time, we employ subordinated and unsecured credit facilities to supplement our capital resources or a particular project or group of projects. Our lenders under these credit facilities will typically charge interest rates that are substantially higher than those charged by the lenders under our senior and secured credit facilities. These credit facilities will vary with respect to terms and costs. As of September 30, 2007, there were no outstanding variable rate unsecured loans. We intend to continue to use these types of facilities on a selected basis to supplement our capital resources.

Many of our loan facilities contain Material Adverse Effect clauses which if invoked could create an event of default under the loan. In the event all our loans were deemed to be in default as a result of a Material Adverse Effect, our ability to meet our capital and debt obligations would be compromised.

The Company’s senior management continues to work closely with its lenders on both temporary and permanent modifications to the Company’s lending facilities. These modifications are principally related to financial covenants and maturity dates. During the course of the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company will be seeking to standardize financial covenants among the lenders with whom it has existing covenants. The Company will also continue to work with its lenders to extend the maturities and associated cash obligations of its facilities. The Company cannot at this time provide any assurances that it will be successful in these efforts.

At December 31, 2006 the Company had approximately $205 million of debt related obligations that were scheduled to occur in 2007. As of September 30, 2007 the Company had reduced its notes payable by $93.8 million with approximately $16 million of remaining obligations in 2007 and approximately $110 million of cash obligations to its debt currently scheduled to occur in 2008. The Company currently believes that it will be successful in meeting and/or extending its obligations but it can provide no assurances to that effect at this time.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities was $87.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to net cash used of $143.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The $231.1 million increase in cash flow from operations is primarily the result of two business acquisitions completed in the first half of 2006 (as compared to none in 2007), the commencement of settlement activity at the Eclipse, the sale of 316 condo units in bulk at Bellemeade and the sale of Massey Preserve lots and other land holdings.

Net cash used in investing activities was $65,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $17.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease is primarily due to no business acquisitions being made in 2007.

Net cash used in financing activities was $99.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $129.6 million provided in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was principally the result of $173.6 million of debt principal payments made during the period which were offset by $74.0 million of new secured and unsecured financing mostly related to the Eclipse project.

 

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COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Recent Acquisitions

In May 2006, we completed the acquisition of Capitol Homes, Inc., in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. The acquisition price was approximately $7.5 million plus the assumption of approximately $20.6 million in liabilities. The results of Capitol Homes, Inc. are included in the accompanying financial statements from the period May 5, 2006 to September 30, 2007.

In January 2006, we completed the acquisition of Parker Chandler Homes, Inc. in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The acquisition price was approximately $10.4 million plus the assumption of approximately $63.8 million in debt. The results of Parker Chandler Homes, Inc. are included in the accompanying financial statements from the period January 19, 2006 to September 30, 2007.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently reviewing the effect of SFAS 157 on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment to FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”), which permits entities to measure various financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. The election must be made at the initial recognition of the financial instrument, and any unrealized gains or losses must be reported at each reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently reviewing the effect of SFAS 159 on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, as required. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 will be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position. The adoption of FIN 48 may cause greater volatility in the effective tax rate going forward. The Company expects to record a benefit of approximately $1.2 million as a benefit to opening retained earnings as a result of the adoption of FIN 48.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with those disclosed in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, due to adverse changes in financial and commodity market prices and interest rates. We are exposed to market risk in the area of interest rate changes. A majority of our debt is variable rate based on LIBOR and prime rate, and, therefore, affected by changes in market interest rates. Based on current operations, as of September 30, 2007, an increase/decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points on our variable rate debt would have resulted in a corresponding increase/decrease in interest actually incurred by us of approximately $1.3 million in a fiscal year, a significant portion of which would be capitalized and included in cost of sales as homes are delivered. As a result, the effect on net income would be deferred until the underlying units settled and the interest was released to cost of goods sold. Changes in the prices of commodities that are a significant component of home construction costs, particularly lumber and concrete, may result in unexpected short-term increases in construction costs. Because the sales price of our homes is fixed at the time a buyer enters into a contract to acquire a home and we generally contract to sell our homes before construction begins, any increase in costs in excess of those anticipated at the time of each sale may result in lower consolidated operating income for the homes in our backlog. We attempt to mitigate the market risks of the price fluctuation of commodities by entering into fixed price contracts with our subcontractors and material suppliers for a specified period of time, generally commensurate with the building cycle. These contracts afford us the option to purchase materials at fixed prices but do not obligate us to any specified level of purchasing.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, which included inquiries made to certain other employees. Based on their evaluation, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective and sufficient to ensure that we record, process, summarize, and report information required to be disclosed by us in our periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and are also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company completed its implementation of the JD Edwards EnterpriseOne (E1) software package. The E1 system is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) suite of integrated operational and financial modules that supports the Company’s current and future operational needs and enhances its internal control over financial reporting. The implementation of the E1 system has affected the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting by, among other things, improving user access security and automating a number of accounting, back office, and reporting processes and activities. Other than the E1 software package implementation, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with this evaluation that occurred during the period covered by this report and that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

We do not expect that our disclosure controls and internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls.

The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On August 11, 2005, the Company was served with a motion to compel arbitration resulting from an allegation of a loan brokerage fee being owed for placement of a $147,000 project loan for the Eclipse at Potomac Yard project. The claim in the base amount of $2,000 plus interest and costs was based on breach of contract. In February 2007 the Company received a ruling by a panel of arbiters to pay $3,000 under this claim. The Company has posted a cash bond and filed an appeal which is pending in the amount of the judgment.

In accordance with the provisions of its sales agreements, the Company retained the deposits from Eclipse project buyers that defaulted on their obligation to settle. Certain buyers are seeking to obtain a refund of the forfeited deposits and have filed suit. All disputed deposits remain in a segregated escrow account and are included in the accompanying financials as Restricted Cash.

Other than the foregoing, we are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, however, we are named as a defendant in legal actions arising from our normal business activities. Although we cannot accurately predict the amount of our liability, if any, that could arise with respect to legal actions currently pending against us, we do not expect that any such liability will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows. We believe that we have obtained adequate insurance coverage or rights to indemnification, or where appropriate, have established reserves in connection with these legal proceedings. In the normal course of its business, the Company and/or its subsidiaries are names as defendants in certain legal actions arising from its normal business activities. Management believes that none of these litigation matters in which the Company or any subsidiary is involved would have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or operations of the Company.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in our risk factors as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 in response to Item 1A, except as follows:

Home prices and sales activities in the Washington, D.C., Raleigh, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia geographic markets have a large impact on our profitability because we conduct substantially all of our business in these markets. Recently these markets have begun to exhibit signs of decreasing consumer demand, and as a result we are experiencing reduced traffic, weakening demand, higher cancellation rates and an over-supply of inventory, similar to what other homebuilders are experiencing. As a result of these economic conditions, we have offered, and may continue to offer, certain sales incentives. These economic conditions being experienced throughout the industry will likely continue to impact housing demand for the remainder of 2007 and into 2008. As a result of these conditions, we currently believe there may be a reduction in the number of new contracts in most of our markets, and that gross margins on new contracts may be negatively impacted in all of our regions. This could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

During the summer of 2007 the global credit markets experienced severe turmoil as the default rates on sub prime mortgages increased dramatically and the secondary market for loan portfolios all but disappeared. The effect of the sub prime default rates on available liquidity in the credit markets has been extreme, and it has become more difficult for homebuilders and home buyers to obtain credit. This could adversely affect our ability to sell and build homes. These disruptions in the credit markets could also adversely affect our ability to service our debt, comply with our covenants, negotiate loan extensions and maintain sufficient cash flow to support operations.

Our current level of indebtedness creates extreme cash flow pressures on the Company. Recent market deterioration and increased price competition in our markets may create a cash flow shortage in future periods which would compromise our ability to service our debt and operate as a going concern.

 

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ITEM 2. EXHIBITS

 

31.1    Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended
32.1    Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    COMSTOCK HOMEBUILDING COMPANIES, INC.
Date: November 9, 2007     By:  

/s/ Christopher Clemente

      Christopher Clemente
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    By:  

/s/ Bruce J. Labovitz

      Bruce J. Labovitz
      Chief Financial Officer

 

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