|
Quotes & Info
|
| NOBH > SEC Filings for NOBH > Form 10-K on 30-Jan-2009 | All Recent SEC Filings |
30-Jan-2009
Annual Report
General
Nobility's primary focus is homebuyers who generally purchase their manufactured homes from retail sales centers to locate on property they own. Nobility has aggressively pursued this market through its Prestige retail sales centers. While Nobility actively seeks to make wholesale sales to independent retail dealers, its presence as a competitor limits potential sales to dealers located in the same geographic areas serviced by its Prestige retail sales centers.
Nobility has also aggressively targeted the retirement community market, which is made up of retirees moving to Florida and typically purchasing homes to be located on sites leased from park communities offering a variety of amenities. Sales are not limited by the presence of the Company's Prestige retail sales centers in this type of arrangement, as the retirement community sells homes only within their community.
Nobility has a product line of approximately 100 active models. Although market demand can fluctuate on a fairly short-term basis, the manufacturing process is such that Nobility can alter its product mix relatively quickly in response to changes in the market. During fiscal years 2008 and 2007, Nobility's product mix was affected by the number of "Special Edition" homes marketed by Prestige and by larger, more expensive multi-wide homes resulting from the availability of varied types of financing at competitive rates through our affiliates. Most family buyers today purchase three-, four- or five-bedroom manufactured homes, compared with the two-bedroom home that typically appeals to the retirement buyers who reside in the manufactured housing communities.
Nobility's joint venture and finance revenue sharing agreement with 21st Mortgage Corporation provides mortgage financing to retail customers who purchase Nobility's manufactured homes at Prestige retail sales centers. These agreements, which originate and service loans, have given Prestige more control over the financing aspect of the retail home sales process and allowed it to offer better services to its retail customers. Management believes that these agreements give Prestige an additional potential for profit by providing finance products to retail customers. In addition, management believes that Prestige has more input in the design of unique finance programs for prospective homebuyers, and that the joint venture has resulted in more profitable sales at its Prestige retail sales centers. For more information about the finance revenue sharing agreement, see Note 3 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements". In an effort to make manufactured homes more competitive with site-built housing, financing packages are available to provide (1) 30-year financing, (2) an interest rate reduction program, (3) combination land/manufactured home loans, and (4) a 5% down payment program for qualified buyers.
In December 2008, 21stMortgage Corporation advised the Company that 21st Mortgage Corporation's parent company had decided not to provide any additional funding for loan originations at this time. Consequently, 21st Mortgage Corporation was seeking additional capital to fund their loan originations through other sources, primarily bank financing. It is not clear at this time, if 21st Mortgage Corporation will be able to raise enough capital to fund the Company's loan originations through our finance revenue sharing agreement.
Prestige also maintains several other outside financing sources that provide financing to retail homebuyers for its manufactured homes and the Company is in the process of developing relationships with new lenders. In the future, Nobility may explore the possibility of underwriting its own mortgage loans for non-21st Mortgage loans.
Prestige's wholly-owned subsidiary, Mountain Financial, Inc., is an independent insurance agent, licensed mortgage lender and mortgage broker. Mountain Financial provides construction loans, mortgage brokerage services, automobile, extended warranty coverage and property and casualty insurance to Prestige customers in connection with their purchase and financing of manufactured homes.
The Company's fiscal year ends on the first Saturday on or after October 31. The years ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007 consisted of fifty-two week periods.
Results of Operation
The following table summarizes certain key sales statistics and percent of gross
profit as of and for fiscal years ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007.
2008 2007
---------- ----------
Homes sold through Company owned
sales centers 332 462
Homes sold to independent dealers 66 52
Total new factory built homes produced 357 485
Less: intercompany 291 433
Average new manufactured home price - retail $ 74,856 $ 75,971
Average new manufactured home price - wholesale $ 36,741 $ 37,054
As a percent of net sales:
Gross profit from the Company owned retail
sales centers 21 % 22 %
Gross profit from the manufacturing facilities - 15 % 17 %
including intercompany sales
|
For fiscal years ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007 results are as follows. Total net sales in fiscal 2008 were $30,065,022 compared to $40,622,897 in fiscal 2007.
Sales for fiscal year 2008 were adversely impacted by the reduced manufactured housing shipments in Florida plus the overall decline in Florida and the nation's housing market. Florida combined industry shipments of multi-section homes and single-section homes for fiscal year 2008 decreased approximately 30% as compared to fiscal year 2007 and decreased approximately 39% in fiscal year 2007 as compared to fiscal year 2006. Approximately 99% of Nobility's home sales are multi-section homes. Although the current overall housing market has continued to decline this year, the long-term demographic trends still favor strong growth in the Florida market area we serve. Management remains convinced that our specific geographic market is one of the best long-term growth areas in the country and because of the strong operating leverage inherent in the Company, we expect to continue out-performing the industry. With a better economy, improved sales in the existing home market, lower unemployment, continued low interest rates, the continued tight credit markets and the absence of aggressive mortgage financing of site-built homes, management expects the demand for our homes to improve. Management understands that during these challenging conditions within our industry and our country, the Company's strong financial condition is vital for future growth and success. Fiscal year 2009 is Nobility's 42nd year of operating in our market area. We have been increasing the level of consumer awareness and confidence in Nobility and Prestige, our retail organization, with the introduction and promotion of more special edition homes and by using television commercials in our various marketing areas within Florida. During fiscal year 2008, the Company has also invested as a limited partner in two new Florida retirement manufactured home communities.
Insurance revenues in fiscal year 2008 were $403,662 compared to $402,101 in fiscal year 2007. The slight increase resulted from new policies generated and renewal of existing policies. Prestige's wholly-owned subsidiary, Mountain Financial, Inc., is an independent insurance agent, licensed mortgage lender and mortgage broker. Its principal activity is the performance of retail insurance services, which involves placing various types of insurance, including property and casualty, automobile and extended home warranty coverage, with insurance underwriters on behalf of its Prestige customers in connection with their purchase and financing of manufactured homes. As agent, Mountain Financial solely assists our customers in obtaining various insurance and extended warranty coverage with insurance underwriters. As such, we have no agreements with homeowners and/or third party insurance companies other than agency agreements with various insurance carriers and therefore, we have no material commitments or contingencies related to Mountain Financial, Inc. The Company provides appropriate reserves for policy cancellations based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers, historical experience and other information, which is periodically evaluated and adjusted as deemed necessary. In the opinion of management, no reserve is deemed necessary for policy cancellations at November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007.
The construction lending operation provides financing to buyers who are purchasing a home through the Company's retail sales centers. The loan provides the homeowner with enough money to pay for the land, land improvements, construction and installation of the home, impact fees and permits. The loan is disbursed in draws as construction progresses and is secured by a first mortgage on the land, home and all of the improvements. The term is typically for one year, with interest only payable monthly. There is also a finance charge which is added to the loan at closing. The construction loan is paid off when the homeowner closes on the permanent financing, typically a 30 year fixed mortgage. The prepaid finance charge in fiscal year 2008 was $116,580 compared to $34,089 in fiscal year 2007. The construction interest in fiscal year 2008 was $63,481 compared to $24,759 in fiscal year 2007. The construction lending operation began in the second quarter of 2007.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27% in fiscal year 2008 compared to 29% in fiscal year 2007. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to the rapidly increasing material costs at the manufacturing facilities that were not passed on until the beginning of the Company's fourth quarter. The increased cost of goods sold also impacted the retail sales centers gross profit margin as they were locked into retail customer's contracts and could not pass along the increases. Fixed overhead costs associated with the lower sales volume at the manufacturing facilities and retail sales centers also reduced gross profit margins.
Selling, general and administrative expenses at our manufacturing facility includes salaries, professional services, advertising and promotions, corporate expense, employee benefits, office equipment and supplies and utilities. Selling, general and administrative expenses at our retail sales center includes: advertising, retail sales centers expenses, salary and salary related, professional fees, corporate expense, employee benefit, office equipment and supplies, utilities and travel. Selling, general and administrative expenses at the insurance company include: advertising, professional fees and office supplies.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales was approximately 22% in fiscal year 2008 compared to 18.4% in fiscal year 2007. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales resulted from the fixed expenses directly related to the decreased sales at the Company's manufacturing facilities and retail sales centers in fiscal year 2008 as compared to fiscal year 2007.
The Company earned $283,693 from Majestic 21 in fiscal year 2008 compared to $282,680 as fiscal year 2007. The earnings from Majestic 21 represent the allocation of the Company's share of net income and distribution on a 50/50 basis. The Majestic 21 portfolio of loans is not being increased and the portfolio continues to runoff.
The Company reported earnings from the finance revenue sharing agreement with 21st Mortgage Corporation, Prestige Home Centers, Inc. and Majestic Homes Inc. in the amount of $697,900 in fiscal year 2008 as compared to $579,700 in fiscal year 2007. The increase is primarily due to increase in the number of loans added to the finance revenue sharing agreement.
The Company earned interest on cash equivalents and investments in the amount of $546,764 in fiscal year 2008 compared to $814,683 in fiscal year 2007. The decreased interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the amount of cash and cash equivalents and in the variable rate portion of our cash and cash equivalents balances.
During fiscal year 2008, the Company invested $6,390,000 to become a limited partner in two new Florida retirement manufactured home communities. The Company reported losses from investments in these retirement community limited partnerships in the amount $468,828. Although these investments will report non-cash losses in the initial fill-up stage, management believes that the new attractive and affordable manufactured home communities for senior citizens will be a significant growth area for Florida in the future.
As a result of the factors discussed above, earnings for fiscal year 2008 were $1,822,156 or $0.45 per diluted share compared to $4,081,660 or $1.00 per diluted share for fiscal year 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents were $8,649,724 at November 1, 2008 compared to $13,696,990 at November 3, 2007. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to (i) investments in two new manufactured home retirement communities, (ii) purchase of land for a retail sales lot and (iii) the payment of cash dividends. Short and long-term investments were $8,308,436 at November 1, 2008 compared to $11,210,592 at November 3, 2007. The decrease in short and long-term investments was primarily due to the maturity of some of the bonds in the investment portfolio. Working capital was $21,232,995 at November 1, 2008 as compared to $25,144,323 at November 3, 2007. Nobility owns the entire inventory for its Prestige retail sales centers and does not incur any third party floor plan financing expenses. Customer deposits continued to decrease to a below normal historic level due to the deteriorating housing and financial markets resulting in a decrease in the number of sold retail homes.
Nobility repurchased in the open market 3,855 shares of its common stock for $85,952 during fiscal year 2008. Nobility did not repurchase any significant amount of shares in fiscal year 2007.
Nobility maintains a revolving credit agreement with a major bank providing for borrowing up to $4,000,000. At November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, there were no amounts outstanding under this agreement.
Nobility's operations may require significant capital expenditures during fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008, as the Company considers purchasing some of our current retail sales centers locations that are currently leased and opening new retail sales centers in Florida. Nobility may also require additional funds for capital expenditures relating to its finance revenue sharing agreement and to underwrite its own construction and mortgage loans. Working capital requirements will be met with internal sources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company applies judgment and estimates, which may have a material effect in the eventual outcome of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, for accounts receivable, inventory and goodwill. The following explains the basis and the procedure for each asset account where judgment and estimates are applied.
The Company recognizes revenue from its retail sales upon the occurrence of the following:
• its receipt of a down payment,
• construction of the home is complete,
• home has been delivered and set up at the retail home buyer's site and title has been transferred to the retail home buyer,
• remaining funds have been released by the finance company (financed sales transaction), remaining funds have been committed by the finance company by an agreement with respect to financing obtained by the customer, usually in the form of a written approval for permanent home financing received from a lending institution, (financed construction sales transaction) or cash has been received from the home buyer (cash sales transaction), and
• completion of any other significant obligations.
The Company recognizes revenues from its independent dealers upon receiving wholesale floor plan financing or establishing retail credit approval for terms, shipping of the home and transferring title and risk of loss to the independent dealer. For wholesale shipments to independent dealers, the Company has no obligation to setup the home or to complete any other significant obligations.
The Company recognizes revenues from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mountain Financial, Inc., as follows: commission income (and fees in lieu of commissions) is recorded as of the effective date of insurance coverage or the billing date, whichever is later. Commissions on premiums billed and collected directly by insurance companies are recorded as revenue when received which, in many cases, is the Company's first notification of amounts earned due to the lack of policy and renewal information. Contingent commissions are recorded as revenue when received. Contingent commissions are commissions paid by insurance underwriters and are based on the estimated profit and/or overall volume of business placed with the underwriter. The data necessary for the calculation of contingent commissions cannot be reasonably obtained prior to the receipt of the commission which, in many cases, is the Company's first notification of amounts earned. The Company provides appropriate reserves for policy cancellations based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers, historical experience and other information, which is periodically evaluated and adjusted as deemed necessary. In the opinion of management, no reserve is deemed necessary for policy cancellations at November 1, 2008 or November 3, 2007.
The Company formed a limited liability company called Nobility Parks I, LLC to invest in a new Florida retirement manufactured home community, Walden Woods, III Ltd. (Walden Woods) located in Homosassa, Florida. The investment was $2,360,000 and will provide the Company with 49% of the earnings/losses of the 236 residential lots. The investment amount is equivalent to $10,000 per residential lot. The investment is included in Other Investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Nobility Parks I, LLC has the right to assign some of its ownership to partners other than Nobility Homes. Nobility Parks I, LLC has sold $825,250 of its ownership at cost, which reduced the Company's investment by the same amount to 31.9%.
The Company formed a limited liability company called Nobility Parks II, LLC to invest in a new Florida retirement manufactured home community, CRF III, Ltd. (Cypress Creek) located in Winter Haven, Florida. The investment was $4,030,000 and will provide the Company with 49% of the earnings/losses of the 403 residential lots. The investment amount is equivalent to $10,000 per residential lot. The investment is included in Other Investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Nobility Parks II, LLC has the right to assign some of its ownership to partners other than Nobility Homes.
Majestic 21 was formed in 1997 as a joint venture with our joint venture partner, an unrelated entity (21stMortgage Corporation ("21st Mortgage")). We have been allocated our share of net income and distributions on a 50/50 basis since Majestic 21's formation. While Majestic 21 has been deemed to be a variable interest entity, the Company only holds a 50% interest in this entity and all allocations of profit and loss are on a 50/50 basis. Since all allocations are to be made on a 50/50 basis and the Company's maximum exposure is limited to it's investment in Majestic 21, management has concluded that the Company would not absorb a majority of Majestic 21's expected losses nor receive a majority of Majestic 21's expected residual returns; therefore, the Company is not required to consolidate Majestic 21 with the accounts of Nobility Homes in accordance with FIN 46R. Management believes that the Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with Majestic 21 is its investment in the joint venture recorded in the accounts of Nobility Homes of $1,876,354 as of November 1, 2008 and $1,667,661 as of November 3, 2007. However, based on management's evaluation, there was no impairment of this investment at November 1, 2008 or November 3, 2007.
The Company is not obligated to repurchase any foreclosed/repossessed units of Majestic 21 as it does not have a repurchase agreement or any other guarantees with Majestic 21. The Company resells foreclosed/repossessed units of Majestic 21 through the Company's network of retail centers as we believe it benefits the historical loss experience of the joint venture. We earn commissions from reselling such foreclosed/repossessed units and have historically not recorded any material losses in connection with this activity.
During fiscal year 2004, the Company transferred $250,000 from its existing joint venture in Majestic 21 in order to participate in a finance revenue sharing agreement between 21st Mortgage Corporation, Prestige Homes, Inc., and Majestic Homes, Inc. without forming a separate entity. In connection with this finance revenue sharing agreement, mortgage financing will be provided on manufactured homes sold through the Company's retail centers to customers who qualify for such mortgage financing. As a condition to the finance revenue sharing agreement, the Company has agreed to repurchase homes from defaulted loans which were financed under the agreement. Upon disposition of the homes, the Company will receive a payment from the finance revenue sharing agreement reserve account, of no less than 25% and no more than 60% of the payoff of the loan, to cover the costs of the disposition of the homes. No losses have been incurred in connection with the finance revenue sharing agreement.
The Company has a rebate program for all dealers which pays rebates based upon sales volume to the dealers. Volume rebates are recorded as a reduction of sales in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The rebate liability is calculated and recognized as eligible homes are sold based upon factors surrounding the activity and prior experience of specific dealers and is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements".
As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or variable interest entities ("VIE's"), which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As of November 1, 2008, we are not involved in any material unconsolidated VIE transactions (other than the Company's investments in Majestic 21, the Finance Revenue Sharing Agreement and Retirement Community Limited Partnerships).
Contractual Obligations
The impact of our contractual obligations as of November 1, 2008 is expected to
have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods is as follows:
Payments Due By Period
----------------------------
Less Than
Total 1 Year 1-3 Years
-------- --------- ---------
|
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including our statement that working capital requirements will be met with internal sources. Although Nobility believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competitive pricing pressures at both the wholesale and retail levels, increasing material costs, continued excess retail inventory, increase in repossessions, changes in market demand, changes in interest rates, availability of financing for retail and wholesale purchasers, consumer confidence, adverse weather conditions that reduce sales at retail centers, the risk of manufacturing plant shutdowns due to storms or other factors, the impact of marketing and cost-management programs, reliance on the Florida economy, impact of labor shortage, impact of materials shortage, increasing labor cost, cyclical nature of the manufactured housing industry, impact of rising fuel costs, catastrophic events impacting insurance costs, availability of insurance coverage for various risks to Nobility, market demographics, management's ability to attract and retain executive officers and key personnel, increased global tensions, market disruptions resulting from terrorist or other attack and any armed conflict involving the United States and the impact of inflation.
|
|