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| BXG > SEC Filings for BXG > Form 10-Q on 10-Nov-2008 | All Recent SEC Filings |
10-Nov-2008
Quarterly Report
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
We desire to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are making the following statements to do so. Certain statements in this Quarterly Report and our other filings with the SEC constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. You may identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe", "will," "should," "project," "estimate," "plan" or other comparable terminology or by other statements that do not relate to historical facts. All statements, trend analyses and other information relative to the market for our products, remaining life-of-project sales, our expected future sales, financial position, operating results, liquidity and capital resources, our business strategy, financial plan and expected capital requirements as well as trends in our operations, receivables performance or results are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including changes in economic conditions, generally, in areas where we operate, or in the travel and tourism industry, availability of financing, increases in interest rates, changes in regulations and other factors discussed throughout our SEC filings, including the Risk Factor section of our Annual Report, all of which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry trends, to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements or trends expressed or implied herein. Given these uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and no assurance can be given that the plans, estimates and expectations reflected herein will be achieved. Factors that could adversely affect our future results can also be considered general risk factors with respect to our business, whether or not they relate to a forward-looking statement. We wish to caution you that the important factors set forth below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, our actual results and could cause our actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.
• The state of the economy, generally, interest rates and the availability of financing and increased fuel prices could affect our ability to market VOIs and residential homesites.
• We would incur substantial losses if the customers we finance default on their obligations.
• There has been a material deterioration in the sub-prime lending markets which has had and could continue to adversely impact our liquidity and earnings, including the valuation of our retained interests in notes receivable sold.
• Our business plans historically have depended on our ability to sell or borrow against our notes receivable to support our liquidity and profitability.
• Historically we have depended on additional funding to finance our operations.
• Given the deterioration of the credit markets, we are adopting strategic initiatives that will reduce sales and will focus on activities that generate cash and profits without requiring material support from the credit markets; however, these initiatives may not be successful.
• Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted if our estimates concerning our notes receivable are incorrect.
• Our success depends on our ability to market our products successfully and efficiently.
• We are subject to the risks of the real estate market and the risks associated with real estate development, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the cost and availability of desirable land, labor and construction materials.
• Claims for development-related defects could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
• The resale market for VOIs could adversely affect our business.
• We may be adversely affected by extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations and changes in applicable laws and regulations, including with respect to the imposition of additional taxes on operations.
• Environmental liabilities, including claims with respect to mold or hazardous or toxic substances, could have a material adverse impact on our business.
In addition to the foregoing, reference is also made to other risks and factors detailed in our reports filed with the SEC including our Annual Report.
Executive Overview
We operate through two business segments - Bluegreen Resorts and Bluegreen Communities. Bluegreen Resorts develops markets and sells VOIs for inclusion in the Bluegreen Vacation Club, and provides resort management services to resort property owners associations. Bluegreen Communities acquires large tracts of real estate, which it subdivides, improves (in some cases to include a golf course on the property and other related amenities) and sells, typically on a retail basis, as homesites.
Our Resorts business consists of sales operations, resort management operations and finance operations. To date, our focus has been on the growth of our sales operations. As we discuss further under "Liquidity and Capital Resources", our Resorts sales operations are heavily reliant on the availability of liquidity in the credit markets. Historically, we have provided financing to our customers in 95% of Bluegreen Resorts' sales. Such financing typically involves the consumer making a 10% cash downpayment, with the balance being financed over a ten-year period. As Bluegreen Resorts' selling, general and administrative expenses typically exceed the cash downpayment, we have to maintain credit facilities to pledge or sell our consumer note receivables. Historically, we have also engaged in private placement term securitization transactions to periodically pay down all or a portion of our note receivable credit facilities.
In recent months, there has been unprecedented disruption in the credit markets. The term securitization market has had minimal activity, banks and other financial institutions have reduced lending activity and other lenders have advised us that they are exiting the finance business altogether.
In contrast to our sales operations, our resort management operations and finance operations represent recurring, cash-generating sources of income which do not require material liquidity support from the credit markets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our resorts management operations and finance operations earned $6.8 million and $38.6 million of pre-tax profits, respectively.
While, as evidenced by Bluegreen Resorts' results of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we believe that the market for our Resorts product remains relatively strong, the uncertainties in the credit markets are requiring us, for the time being, to deemphasize our sales operations to conserve cash, while continuing to emphasize our cash generating income streams from our resorts management and finance operations. To this end, we have made the decision to implement strategic initiatives that are expected to materially reduce sales, and conserve availability under our receivables credit facilities. Such initiatives include closing certain sales offices; greatly eliminating what we have identified as lower-efficiency marketing programs; reducing overhead including eliminating a significant number of staff positions across a variety of areas at various locations; limiting sales to borrowers who meet newly applied underwriting standards, and increasing interest rates on new sales transactions. Our goal is to reduce the number of sales, while increasing the ultimate profitability of those sales we do make. In addition, based on the opening or acquisition of new resorts during 2008 and the expected completion of certain projects currently under development, we have made a decision to reduce our inventory spending from $215.0 million over the twelve months ended September 30, 2008 to a projected $45.0 million during 2009. We believe that we have adequate timeshare inventory to satisfy our 2009 projected sales and, based on our reduced sales levels, a number of years thereafter. We intend to continue to provide high quality vacation experiences to our Bluegreen Vacation Club owners and believe that these initiatives will not have any material impact on owner satisfaction with our products and services. We estimate that these actions will result in pre-tax charges ranging from $10.0 million, or $0.20 per share, to $15.0 million, or $0.30 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2008, but we believe that the successful implementation of these initiatives will allow us to preserve the majority of our unrestricted cash position at least through 2009, while satisfying our obligations, with no need for additional receivable financing facilities or term securitization transactions during that same period.
We believe that these actions are appropriate in the current challenging environment, yet will position us to once again grow once the credit markets improve. We continue to actively pursue additional credit facility capacity, capital markets transaction, and alternative financing solutions and we hope that the steps we are taking will best position us to maintain existing, strong credit relationships, as well as attract new sources of capital. Regardless of the state of the credit markets, however, we believe that our resorts management and finance operations will continue to generate cash and profits.
We have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience seasonal fluctuations in our gross revenues and net earnings. This seasonality may cause significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, with the majority of our gross revenues and net earnings historically expected to occur in the quarters ending in September and December each year. Although we expect to see more potential customers at our sales offices during the quarters ending in June and September, ultimate recognition of the resulting sales during these periods may be delayed due to complex down payment requirements for real estate sales under GAAP or due to the timing of development and the requirement that we use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.
We believe that inflation and changing prices have materially impacted our revenues and results of operations, specifically due to periodic increases in the sales prices of our VOIs and homesites and increases in construction and development costs from time to time. We expect the increased construction and development costs over the past few years to result in an increase in our cost of sales for the foreseeable future. There is no assurance that we will be able to increase or maintain the current level of our sales prices or that increased construction costs will not have a material adverse impact on our gross margin. In addition, to the extent that inflation in general or increased prices for our VOIs and homesites would adversely impact consumer sentiment, our results of operations could be adversely impacted. Also, to the extent inflationary trends, tightened credit markets or other factors affect interest rates, our debt service costs may increase.
Our Bluegreen Communities business has been adversely impacted by deterioration in the real estate markets. Although to date we have not experienced a significant reduction in sale prices, we have experienced a material decrease in demand, particularly for higher priced premium homesites, and a decrease in sales volume.
We recognize revenue on homesite and VOI sales when a minimum of 10% of the sales price has been received in cash, the refund or rescission period has expired, collectibility of the receivable representing the remainder of the sales price is reasonably assured and we have completed substantially all of our obligations with respect to any development of the real estate sold. Refund or rescission periods include those required by law and those provided for in our sales contracts. With respect to VOI sales, the revenue recognition rules require that incentives and other similarly treated items, such as customer down payment equity earned through our Sampler Program, be considered in calculating the required down payment for our VOI sales. If, after considering the value of sales incentives provided, the required 10% of sales price down payment threshold is not met, the VOI sale and the related cost of sale and direct selling costs are deferred and not recognized until the buyer's commitment test is satisfied, generally through the receipt of required mortgage note payments from the buyer. Further, in cases where all development has not been completed, recognition of income is subject to the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.
Costs associated with the acquisition and development of vacation ownership resorts and residential communities, including carrying costs such as interest and taxes, are capitalized as inventory and are allocated to cost of real estate sold as the respective revenues are recognized.
We finance approximately 95% of Bluegreen Resorts sales of VOIs, and accordingly, are subject to the risk of defaults by customers. We reduce sales of VOIs by our estimate of future uncollectible note balances on originated VOI receivables, excluding any benefit for the value of future recoveries. During the first nine months of 2008, we reduced sales of VOIs by $59.3 million for such provision.
The allowance for loan losses by segment as of December 31, 2007 and September 30, 2008 was as follows (in thousands):
Bluegreen Bluegreen
Resorts Communities Total
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December 31, 2007:
Notes receivable $ 172,787 $ 5,336 $ 178,123
Allowance for loan losses (17,196 ) (262 ) (17,458 )
-- ------- -- ---------- - -------
Notes receivable, net $ 155,591 $ 5,074 $ 160,665
-- ------- -- ---------- - -------
Allowance as a % of gross notes receivable 10 % 5 % 10 %
-- ------- -- ---------- - -------
September 30, 2008:
Notes receivable $ 354,215 $ 4,892 $ 359,107
Allowance for loan losses (45,105 ) (265 ) (45,370 )
-- ------- -- ---------- - -------
Notes receivable, net $ 309,110 $ 4,627 $ 313,737
-- ------- -- ---------- - -------
Allowance as a % of gross notes receivable 13 % 5 % 13 %
-- ------- -- ---------- - -------
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As we have been solely accounting for our receivable financing activities on-balance sheet since April 2008, a greater portion of our on-balance sheet receivables were originated less than one year ago as of September 30, 2008 than at December 31, 2007. As the expected cumulative default rate decreases during the term of a receivable, we reserve a higher percentage of our receivable balance for loan losses on newer receivables as opposed to more mature receivables, hence the increase in our allowance as a percentage of gross notes receivable at September 30, 2008 than at December 31, 2007.
The table below sets forth the activity in our allowance for uncollectible notes receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands):
Balance, December 31, 2007 $ 17,458
Provision for loan losses(1) 59,509
Less: Allowance on sold receivables (10,964 )
Less: Write-offs of uncollectible receivables (20,633 )
-- -------
Balance, September 30, 2008 $ 45,370
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(1) Includes provision for loan losses on homesite notes receivable
We determine the adequacy of our reserve for loan losses and review it on a regular basis considering, among other factors, historical frequency of default, loss experience, static pool analyses, estimated value of the underlying collateral (communities notes receivable, only), present and expected economic conditions, as well as other factors. For VOI notes receivable, we estimate uncollectibles based on historic uncollectibles for similar VOI notes receivable. The average annual default rates and delinquency rates (31 or more days past due) on Bluegreen Resorts' and Bluegreen Communities' receivables owned or serviced by us were as follows:
Twelve months ended
Average Annual Default Rates September 30,
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Division 2007 2008
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Bluegreen Resorts 7.0% 8.7%
Bluegreen Communities 4.4% 6.3%
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Delinquency Rates* As of
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December 31, September 30,
Division 2007 2008
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Bluegreen Resorts 4.5% 4.4%
Bluegreen Communities 13.2% 9.9%
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* The percentage of our serviced VOI notes receivable portfolio that was over 30 days past due as of the dates indicated.
We believe that the increases in our average annual default rates in 2008 as compared to 2007 are a result of the current economic environment. It should be noted that default rates in 2007 represented historical lows, and our 2008 rates approximate rates realized prior to 2007.
We believe that the decrease in delinquencies as of September 30, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007 is consistent with historical seasonal patterns and may not be indicative of delinquency rates at December 31, 2008. Substantially all defaulted VOI notes receivable result in the holder of the note receivable acquiring the related VOI that secured the note receivable. In cases where we have retained or reacquired ownership of the VOI notes receivable, the VOI is acquired and resold in the normal course of business.
A significant portion of our revenues historically has been comprised of gains on sales of notes receivable. The gains are recorded on our consolidated statement of income as a component of sales of real estate and the related retained interests in the notes receivable sold are recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at the time of sale.
The amount of gains recognized and the fair value of the retained interests recorded are based in part on management's best estimates of future prepayment rates, default rates, loss severity rates, discount rates and other considerations in light of then-current conditions. If actual prepayments with respect to loans occur more quickly than we projected at the time such loans were sold, as can occur when interest rates decline, interest income would be less than expected and may cause a decline in the fair value of the retained interests and a charge to operations. If actual defaults or other factors discussed above with respect to loans sold are greater than estimated, charge-offs would exceed previously estimated amounts and the cash flow from the retained interests in notes receivable sold would decrease. Also, to the extent the portfolio of receivables sold fails to satisfy specified performance criteria (as may occur due to, for example, an increase in default rates or loan loss severity) or certain other events occur, the funds received from obligors must be distributed on an accelerated basis to investors. If the accelerated payment formula were to become applicable, the cash flow to us from the retained interests in notes receivable sold will be reduced until the outside investors were paid or the regular payment formula was resumed. In addition, from time to time, we may agree to defer receiving all or a portion of our deferred payment on certain of our retained interests in notes receivable sold in an accommodation to third party rating agencies. Also, as market conditions change, the discount rates that we use to value our retained interests in notes receivable sold may change. If these situations occur, it could cause a material decline in the fair value of the retained interests and current charges to earnings. There is no assurance that the carrying value of our retained interests in notes receivable sold will be fully realized or that future loan sales will be consummated or, if consummated, result in gains. See "VOI Receivables Purchase Facilities - Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements" below.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") is currently reviewing the accounting principles relative to the transfer of financial assets, including the sale of notes receivable. In advance of possible new accounting rules, which could be effective as early as 2010, Bluegreen intends to structure future sales of notes receivable so they are treated as on-balance sheet borrowings. This will impact the comparability to prior periods as future transactions will not result in gains on sale of notes receivable.
During 2007 and the first nine months of 2008, the deteriorating credit market, primarily driven by the sub-prime loan crisis, negatively impacted our financing activities. Although we have been able to secure financing and securitize VOI notes receivable, such transactions were more difficult to effect and were priced at a higher cost than in prior periods. In addition, recent economic events have further constricted the financial markets to unprecedented low levels. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to secure funding or to convert VOI notes receivable on acceptable terms, if at all.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting
principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of commitments and contingencies. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those that relate to the recognition of revenue, including revenue recognition under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting; our reserve for loan losses; the valuation of retained interests in notes receivable sold and the related gains on sales of notes receivable; the recovery of the carrying value of real estate inventories, golf courses, intangible assets and other assets; and the estimate of contingent liabilities related to litigation and other claims and assessments. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. If actual results significantly differ from management's estimates, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially, adversely impacted. For a more detailed discussion of these critical accounting policies see "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in our Annual Report.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2008, the FASB agreed to partially defer for one year the effective date of SFAS No. 157, with respect to non-financial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. We are currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial statements.
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations ("SFAS No. 141(R)"). SFAS No. 141(R) will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS No. 141(R), subject to limited exceptions, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. Additionally, due diligence and transaction costs incurred to effect an acquisition will be expensed as incurred, as opposed to being capitalized as part of the acquisition purchase price (which is currently our practice). SFAS No. 141(R) also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 141(R) must be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 141(R) will have on our financial statements.
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an Amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin ("ARB") No. 51("SFAS No. 160"). SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a non-controlling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements separate from the parent's equity. The amount of net income attributable to the non-controlling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that changes in a parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the non-controlling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its non-controlling interest. SFAS No. 160 will become effective for us beginning with our 2009 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 160 will have on our financial statements.
Results of Operations
We review financial information, allocate resources and manage our business as two segments, Bluegreen Resorts and Bluegreen Communities. The information . . .
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