Form 10-Q Shea Homes Limited Partnership

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      No  .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such

files).    Yes      No  

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

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

 

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Shea Homes Limited Partnership

(A California Limited Partnership)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

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Shea Homes Limited Partnership

(A California Limited Partnership)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

 

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Shea Homes Limited Partnership

(A California Limited Partnership)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

 

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Shea Homes Limited Partnership

(A California Limited Partnership)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

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Shea Homes Limited Partnership

(A California Limited Partnership)

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2012

The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Shea Homes Limited Partnership (“SHLP”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Shea Homes, Inc. (“SHI”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates all joint ventures in which it has a controlling interest or other ventures in which it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements do not include all information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2011, which are contained in the Company’s prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 6, 2012 (the “Prospectus”) pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring accruals, loss reserves and deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation, are included.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), which requires presentation of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of operations and comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. In accordance with ASU 2011-05, the 2011 financial statements have been restated to conform to the current year presentation of comprehensive income (loss).

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we”, “us”, “our” and “the Company” refer to SHLP, its subsidiaries and its consolidated joint ventures.

SHLP, a California limited partnership, was formed January 4, 1989, pursuant to an agreement of partnership (the “Agreement”), as most recently amended January 1, 2009, by and between J.F. Shea, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, as general partner, and the Company’s limited partners who are comprised of entities and trusts, including J.F. Shea Co., Inc. (“JFSCI”), that are under the common control of Shea family members (collectively, the “Partners”). J.F. Shea, LP is 96% owned by JFSCI.

Our principal business purpose is homebuilding, which includes acquiring and developing land and constructing and selling residential homes thereon. Our principal markets are California, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Nevada and Florida.

We own a captive insurance company, Partners Insurance Company, Inc. (“PIC”), which provided warranty, general liability, workers’ compensation and completed operations insurance for related companies and third-party subcontractors. Effective for the policy years commencing in 2007, PIC ceased issuing policies for these coverages. Thereafter, our warranty coverage became self-insured, and the general liability, workers’ compensation and completed operations coverages (through July 31, 2009) were insured by an affiliate insurance carrier for primary coverage and by third-party insurance carriers for excess coverage. In February 2011, we purchased completed operations insurance from affiliate insurance carriers, retroactive to August 1, 2009.

Historically, the homebuilding industry experiences seasonal fluctuations. We typically experience the highest new home sales order activity in spring and summer, although this activity is also highly dependent on the number of active selling communities, timing of new community openings and other market factors. Since it typically takes three to eight months to construct a new home, we deliver more homes in the second half of the year as spring and summer home sales orders convert to home deliveries. Because of this seasonality, home starts, construction costs and related cash outflows have historically been highest from April to October, and the majority of cash receipts from home closings occur during the second half of the year. Therefore, operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Further, in contrast to this historical seasonal pattern, weakness in homebuilding market conditions since 2006 has distorted our results. Although we may experience our seasonal pattern in the future, given current market conditions, we make no assurances as to when or whether this pattern will recur.

 

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The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Inventory is stated at cost, unless the carrying amount is determined not to be recoverable, in which case inventory is written down to fair value. Quarterly, we review our real estate assets at each community for indicators of impairment. Real estate assets include projects actively selling and projects under development or held for future development. Indicators of impairment include, but not limited to, significant decreases in local housing market values and selling prices of comparable homes, significant decreases in gross margins and sales absorption rates, costs in excess of budget, and actual or projected cash flow losses.

Semi-annually, or if there are indications of impairment, we analyze the budgets and cash flows of our real estate assets and compare the estimated remaining undiscounted future cash flows of the community to the asset’s carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the asset’s carrying value, no impairment adjustment is required. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the asset’s carrying value, the asset is deemed impaired and is written down to fair value. These impairment evaluations require use of estimates and assumptions regarding future conditions, including timing and amounts of development costs and sales prices of real estate assets, to determine if estimated future undiscounted cash flows will be sufficient to recover the asset’s carrying value.

When estimating undiscounted cash flows of a community, various assumptions are made, including: (i) expected sales prices and sales incentives to be offered, including the number of homes available, pricing and incentives being offered by us or other builders in other communities, and future sales price adjustments based on market and economic trends; (ii) expected sales pace and cancellation rates based on local housing market conditions, competition and historical trends; (iii) costs expended to date and expected to be incurred, including, but not limited to, land and land development costs, home construction costs, interest costs, indirect construction and overhead costs, and selling and marketing costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that may be offered that could have an impact on sales pace, sales price and/or building costs; and (v) alternative uses for the property.

Many assumptions are interdependent and a change in one may require a corresponding change to other assumptions. For example, increasing or decreasing sales absorption rates has a direct impact on the estimated per unit sales price of a home, the level of time sensitive costs (such as indirect construction, overhead and carrying costs), and selling and marketing costs (such as model maintenance costs and advertising costs). Depending on the underlying objective of the community, assumptions could have a significant impact on the projected cash flow analysis. For example, if our objective is to preserve operating margins, our cash flow analysis will be different than if the objective is to increase sales. These objectives may vary significantly by community over time.

If assets are considered impaired, impairment is determined by the amount the asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted for inherent risks associated with real estate assets or other valuation techniques. These discounted cash flows are impacted by expected risk based on estimated land development, construction and delivery timelines; market risk of price erosion; uncertainty of development or construction cost increases; and other risks specific to the asset or market conditions where the asset is located when assessment is made. These factors are specific to each community and may vary among communities. The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life and development stage, subject to perceived risks associated with the community’s cash flow streams relative to its inventory.

We maintain, and require our subcontractors to maintain, general liability insurance which includes coverage for completed operations losses and damages. Most subcontractors carry this insurance through our “rolling wrap-up” insurance program, where our risks and risks of participating subcontractors working on our projects are insured through master policies.

Completed operations claims reserves primarily represent claims for property damage to completed homes and projects outside of our one-to-two year warranty period. Specific terms and conditions of completed operations warranties vary depending on the market in which homes are closed and can range to 12 years.

We record expenses and liabilities for estimated costs of potential completed operations claims based upon aggregated loss experience, which includes an estimate of completed operations claims incurred but not reported and is actuarially estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analysis. These estimates make up our entire reserve and are subject to a high degree of variability due to uncertainties such as trends in completed operations claims related to our markets and products built, changes in claims reporting and settlement patterns, third party recoveries, insurance industry practices, insurance regulations and legal precedent. Because state regulations vary, completed operations claims are reported and resolved over an extended period, sometimes exceeding 12 years. As a result, actual costs may differ significantly from estimates.

 

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The actuarial analyses that determine these incurred but not reported claims consider various factors, including frequency and severity of losses, which are based on our historical claims experience supplemented by industry data. The actuarial analyses of these claims and reserves also consider historical third party recovery rates and claims management expenses. Due to inherent uncertainties related to each of these factors, periodic changes to such factors based on updated relevant information could result in actual costs to differ significantly from estimated costs.

In accordance with our underlying completed operations insurance policies, these completed operations claims costs are recoverable from our subcontractors or insurance carriers. Completed operations claims through July 31, 2009 are insured with third-party insurance carriers and completed operations claims commencing August 1, 2009 are insured with affiliate insurance carriers.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, revenues from housing and other real estate sales are recognized when the respective units are closed. Housing and other real estate sales are closed when all conditions of escrow are met, including delivery of the home or other real estate asset, title passage, appropriate consideration is received and collection of associated receivables, if any, is reasonably assured. Sales incentives are a reduction of revenues when the respective unit is closed.

SHLP is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes. As a limited partnership, SHLP is subject to certain minimal state taxes and fees; however, taxes on income or losses realized by SHLP are generally the obligation of the Partners and their owners.

SHI and PIC are C corporations. Federal and state income taxes are provided for these entities in accordance with ASC 740. The provision for, or benefit from, income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect the year in which differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are evaluated to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established based on its determination of whether it is more likely than not some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends primarily on generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Judgment is required to determine future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), providing a consistent definition and measurement of fair value, as well as similar disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles, clarifies application of existing fair value measurement and expands the ASC 820 disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company adopted ASU 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012, which did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Restricted cash related to homebuilding operations included cash used as collateral for potential obligations paid by the Company’s bank, customer deposits temporarily restricted in accordance with regulatory requirements, and cash used in lieu of bonds. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, restricted cash related to homebuilding operations was $13.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

Restricted cash of PIC included cash held in escrow by PIC’s claim administrators. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, restricted cash of PIC was $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

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Investments consist of available-for-sale securities and are measured at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices or cash flow models. Accordingly, unrealized gains and temporary losses on investments, net of tax, are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method.

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, investments were as follows:

For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, realized gains on available-for-sale securities were zero and $0.3 million, respectively, which were included in other (expense) income, net. For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, realized gains on available-for-sale securities were zero and $0.4 million, respectively, which were included in other (expense) income, net.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were $2.0 million of unrealized gains and $(1.2) million of tax expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were $2.8 million of unrealized gains, reclassification adjustments for $0.2 million of realized gains and $(1.0) million of tax expense.

At June 30, 2012, the contractual maturities of debt securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalty.

 

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At June 30, 2012, there were debt securities with a $0.4 million fair value and nominal unrealized losses that were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than one year, and debt securities with a $28.6 million fair value with no continuous losses. At December 31, 2011, there were debt securities with a $10.9 million fair value and nominal unrealized losses that were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than one year, and debt securities with a $21.5 million fair value with no continuous losses. We evaluated investments with unrealized losses to determine if they experienced an other-than-temporary impairment. This evaluation was based on various factors, including length of time securities were in a loss position, ability and intent to hold investments until temporary losses were recovered or mature, investee’s industry and amount of the unrealized loss. Based on these factors, unrealized losses at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were not deemed as an other-than-temporary impairment.

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at measurement date and requires assets and liabilities carried at fair value to be classified and disclosed in the following three categories:

The financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

Level 1 financial instruments are debt securities in which fair values were determined from quoted prices in an active market. Level 2 financial instruments are debt and equity securities in which fair values were determined from quoted prices in an inactive market or for similar instruments in an active market. Level 3 financial instruments are private debt securities where fair value was determined using a cash flow model that considered estimated interest rates, discount rates, prepayments and defaults.

The Company uses a third-party service provider to value its Level 3 financial instruments. Significant changes in the pricing of these instruments are compared to activity of similar financial instruments, or general market conditions, for reasonableness. At June 30, 2012, the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of Level 3 financial instruments were as follows:

 

 

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At June 30, 2012, the summary of changes in fair value of Level 3 financial instruments was as follows:

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, as required by ASC 825, Financial Instruments, the following presents net book values and estimated fair values of notes payable.

The $750.0 million senior secured notes are level 2 financial instruments in which fair value was based on quoted market prices at the end of the period in an inactive market.

Other financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable, other liabilities and secured promissory notes. Book values of these financial instruments approximate fair value due to their relatively short-term nature.

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, accounts and other receivables, net were as follows:

We record insurance receivables from insurance carriers for reimbursable claims pertaining to resultant damage from construction defects on closed homes (see Note12). Closed homes for policy years August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2009 are insured with third-party insurance carriers, and closed homes for policy years commencing August 1, 2009 are insured with affiliate insurance carriers.

We reserve for uncollectible receivables that are specifically identified or outstanding more than 120 days.

 

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At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, inventory was as follows:

Inventory, including all captions listed above, are stated at cost, unless the carrying amount is determined to be unrecoverable, in which case inventories are written down to fair value (see Note 2).

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, inventory impairment was as follows:

Land deposits and preacquisition costs for potential acquisitions and land option contracts are included in inventory. When a potential acquisition or land option contract is abandoned, related deposits and preacquisition costs are written off to other income, net. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, write-offs of deposits and preacquisition costs were $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and no option lots were abandoned. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, write-offs of deposits and preacquisition costs were $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and no option lots were abandoned.

 

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Interest is capitalized on inventory and investments in joint ventures during development and other qualifying activities. Interest capitalized as cost of inventory is included in cost of sales as related units are closed. Interest capitalized as cost of investment in joint ventures is included in equity in income (loss) from joint venture as related units in the joint venture close.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, interest incurred, capitalized and expensed was as follows: