Back to GetFilings.com



 

 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

     
þ   Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

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

Commission File Number
001-31931

Levitt Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
     
Florida
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  11-3675068
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
1750 East Sunrise Boulevard
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

(Address of principal executive offices)
  33304
(Zip Code)

(954) 760-5200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

     
Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share
(Title of Each Class)
  New York Stock Exchange
(Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered)

     Indicate, by check mark, if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Yes   x

     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    o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes   x   No    o

     The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates was $425.6 million on June 30, 2004.

     The number of shares of Registrant’s Class A Common Stock outstanding on March 16, 2005 was 18,597,166. The number of shares of Registrant’s Class B Common Stock outstanding on March 16, 2005 was 1,219,031.

     Portions of the Proxy Statement of the Registrant relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated in Part III of this report. The financial statements of Bluegreen Corporation are incorporated in Part II of this report from Bluegreen Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2005.

 
 

 


 

PART I

     Some of the statements contained or incorporated by reference herein include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act” ), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Some of the 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 management’s expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties including certain risks described in this report. When considering those forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks, uncertainties and other cautionary statements made in this report. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. In addition to the risks identified below, you should refer to the other risks and uncertainties discussed throughout this document for specific risks which could cause actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. 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: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, including the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms in the areas in which we operate, and that the hurricanes of 2004 may have a greater impact on operations than currently anticipated or that costs associated with hurricane damage to our homes and property may be greater than currently anticipated; the market for real estate generally and in the areas where the Company has developments, including the impact of market conditions on the Company’s margins; unanticipated delays in opening planned new communities; the availability and price of land suitable for development; shortages and increased costs of construction materials and labor; the effects of increases in interest rates; environmental factors, the impact of governmental regulations and requirements (including delays in obtaining necessary permits and approvals as a result of the reallocation of government resources based on hurricane related issues in the areas in which we operate); the Company’s ability to successfully integrate the operations of Bowden Building Corporation; the Company’s ability to timely deliver homes from backlog and successfully manage growth; and the Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing. Many of these factors are beyond our control. The Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General Description of Business

     We are a homebuilding and real estate development company with activities throughout the Southeastern United States. We were organized in December 1982 under the laws of the State of Florida. Until December 31, 2003, we were a wholly owned subsidiary of BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc, a diversified financial services holding company (“BankAtlantic Bancorp”). We refer you to the discussion below for a description of our spin-off on December 31, 2003 from BankAtlantic Bancorp.

     Our Internet website address is www.levittcorporation.com. Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our Internet website and the information contained in or connected to our website are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     We primarily develop single-family homes and master-planned communities, but we also develop, on a limited basis, commercial and industrial properties and multi-family complexes. In our single-family communities, we specialize in serving active adults and families who desire design flexibility and customization to our standard production homes. The standard base price for the homes we sell is between $110,000 and $350,000, but our final closing price is usually higher due to design modifications, customizations and lot premiums. For 2004, the average contract price of the homes we delivered was $222,000. In our master-planned communities, we generate substantial revenue from large acreage and finished lot sales to third-party residential, commercial and industrial developers, as well as create opportunities for our homebuilding activities.

     Our principal real estate activities are conducted through our Homebuilding and Land Divisions. Our Homebuilding Division consists of the operations of our wholly-owned homebuilding subsidiaries Levitt and Sons, LLC, (“Levitt and Sons”) and Bowden Building Corporation (“Bowden”). Our Land Division consists of the operations of Core

2


 

Communities, LLC, our wholly-owned master-planned community development subsidiary (“Core Communities”). We also engage in commercial real estate activities through Levitt Commercial, LLC, our wholly-owned commercial development subsidiary (“Levitt Commercial”), and we invest in other real estate projects through subsidiaries and various joint ventures. In addition, we own approximately 31% of publicly traded Bluegreen Corporation (“Bluegreen”, NYSE: BXG), which acquires, develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests in “drive-to” vacation resorts as well as residential home sites around golf courses or other amenities.

     Levitt and Sons is a real estate developer and residential homebuilder specializing in both active adult and family communities. Levitt and Sons and its predecessors have built more than 200,000 homes since 1929. It has strong brand awareness as America’s oldest homebuilder and is recognized nationally for having built the Levittown communities in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We acquired Levitt and Sons in December 1999. Bowden is a homebuilder of family communities headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Acquired in April 2004, Bowden has established itself as one of the leading homebuilders in Memphis and Northern Mississippi over the last 30 years.

     Core Communities develops master-planned communities and has two existing communities in South Florida. Our original and best-known community, St Lucie West, has been the fastest growing community on Florida’s Treasure Coast since we acquired it in October 1997. St. Lucie West is a 4,600-acre community with approximately 6,000 built and occupied homes, numerous businesses, a university campus and the New York Mets’ spring training facility. Our second master-planned community, Tradition, is expected to include as many as 18,000 residences, a corporate park, educational facilities, commercial properties and mixed-use parcels. Tradition is expected to ultimately cover more than 8,000 acres, including approximately five miles of frontage along I-95, a major north/south interstate highway.

Spin-off from BankAtlantic Bancorp

     On December 31, 2003, BankAtlantic Bancorp completed the spin-off of Levitt Corporation by means of a pro rata distribution to its shareholders of all of our issued and outstanding capital stock. Prior to the spin-off, we were a wholly owned subsidiary of BankAtlantic Bancorp. As a result of the spin-off, BankAtlantic Bancorp no longer owns any shares of our capital stock. However, at the time of the spin-off, BFC Financial Corporation was the holder of all of the issued and outstanding shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp’s Class B common stock and approximately 15.3% of the issued and outstanding shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp’s Class A common stock. As a result, BFC Financial Corporation held the same relative percentages of our Class A and Class B Common stock at the date of the spin-off. In the aggregate, BFC Financial Corporation’s investment currently represents approximately 53% of the total voting power of all of our common stock.

     Prior to the spin-off, BankAtlantic Bancorp also transferred to us 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen common stock owned directly by it in exchange for a $5.5 million note and additional shares of our common stock (which were included in the spin-off). This $5.5 million note was repaid in April 2004 with the proceeds of the equity offering described below. Additionally, prior to the spin-off, we declared an $8.0 million dividend to BankAtlantic Bancorp payable in the form of a five-year term note due December 30, 2008 with interest only payable monthly initially at the prime rate and thereafter at the prime rate plus increments of an additional 0.25% every six months commencing December 2004.

Registered Equity Offering

     In April 2004 we sold 5,000,000 shares of Class A common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price of $24.50 per share. Net proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $114.8 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Approximately $12.0 million of the net proceeds of the offering was used to repay indebtedness (including the $5.5 million note described above), $7.4 million was used to fund the Bowden acquisition and $67.0 million was transferred to our operating subsidiaries (including Bowden) to provide funds for their growth. The balance of the funds will be used to fund our operations and growth and for general corporate purposes. Please see “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

3


 

Business Strategy

Our business strategy involves the following principal elements:

     Build and sell homes profitably in strong growth markets throughout Florida and other markets in the Southeastern United States. Currently, we build homes primarily throughout Florida and since our acquisition of Bowden in metropolitan Memphis, Tennessee (including Northern Mississippi). Additionally, we have acquired land and entered into land purchase contracts to support the expansion of our homebuilding activities into the metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee markets. Our markets are expected to remain strong due to favorable demographic and economic trends, such as retiring “Baby Boomers” and continuing new employment opportunities. As we complete existing developments in these markets, we expect to acquire new land to replenish and increase our real estate inventory.

     Continue to acquire land and to develop master-planned communities in desirable markets. We intend to acquire land parcels in desirable markets that are suited for developing large master-planned communities. Generally, land sale revenues tend to be sporadic and fluctuate more than home sale revenues, but land sale transactions result in higher margins, which typically exceed 40%. Our land development activities in our master-planned communities complement our homebuilding activities by offering a potential source of land for future homebuilding. At the same time, our homebuilding activities complement our master-planned community development activities since we believe that its strong merchandising and quality developments support future land sales in our master-planned communities. We expect that our Homebuilding Division will continue to purchase land for its residential home developments in our master-planned communities in the future.

     Explore joint ventures and/or acquisitions to expand our penetration throughout the United States. We believe that our brands and our core competence as a homebuilder and real estate developer can be extended to new markets both inside and outside of Florida and the Southeastern United States. We plan to supplement our growth through selective acquisitions and joint ventures in both new and existing markets to enable us to more rapidly extend our competencies in active adult communities and land development.

     Maintain a conservative risk profile. We attempt to apply a disciplined risk management approach to our business activities. Other than our model homes, the majority of our homes are pre-sold before construction begins. We generally require customer deposits of 5% to 10% of the base sales price of our homes, and we require a higher percentage deposit for design customizations and upgrades. As a result, we strengthen our backlog and lower our risk of cancellation. We seek to maintain our homebuilding land inventory at levels that can be absorbed within three to five years. While our land inventory in Tradition, our newest master-planned community, can support eight to ten years of development, we can mitigate the risk associated with this investment by selling parcels to other developers throughout the development period. Alternatively, early sales can provide us with funds that allow us to assemble substantially more acreage with less required additional capital investment. We also utilize this early sales strategy to improve the attractiveness of the development. For instance, we sold approximately 1,000 acres adjacent to Tradition in 2003 which we expect to be developed with one or more golf courses, thereby adding an attractive amenity to the area near the development.

     Utilize community development districts to fund development costs. We establish community development or improvement districts to access bond financing to fund infrastructure and other projects at our master-planned community developments. The ultimate owners of the property within the district are responsible for amounts owed on these bonds. Generally, no payments under the bonds are required from property owners during the first two years after issuance. While we are responsible for any assessed amounts until the underlying property is sold, this strategy allows us to more effectively manage the cash required to fund development of the project.

     Pursue other strategic real estate opportunities. Currently, we own approximately 31% of the outstanding common stock of Bluegreen. Bluegreen is an independently operated company that primarily acquires, develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests in “drive-to” resorts and develops and sells residential home sites around golf courses or other amenities. We believe that our investment in Bluegreen will be beneficial because the investment diversifies our real estate activities. In the future, we may pursue strategic investments in other real estate related businesses.

4


 

Business Segments

     Management reports results of operations through three segments: Homebuilding, Land and Other Operations. The presentation and allocation of the assets, liabilities and results of operations of each segment may not reflect the actual economic costs of the segment as a stand-alone business. If a different basis of allocation were utilized, the relative contributions of the segment might differ but, in management’s view, the relative trends in segments would not likely be impacted. See Note 20 to our audited financial statements.

Homebuilding Division

     Our Homebuilding Division develops planned communities featuring homes with closing prices ranging from $110,000 to over $400,000. Our communities serve homeowners aged 55 and older (active adults) and families. The communities currently under development or under contract and relevant data as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

                                                 
  Number of       Planned   Closed             Sold     Net Units  
  Communities       Units(a)   Units     Inventory     Backlog     Available  
Active Adult Communities
                                               
Current Developments (includes optioned lots)
    10       7,676       2,564       5,112       645       4,467  
Properties Under Contract to be Acquired (b)
    2       1,216             1,216             1,216  
 
                                   
Total Active Adult
    12       8,892       2,564       6,328       645       5,683  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Family Communities
                                               
Current Developments (includes optioned lots)
    29       4,611       2,041       2,570       1,169       1,401  
Properties Under Contract to be Acquired (b)
    11       1,226             1,226             1,226  
 
                                   
Total Family
    40       5,837       2,041       3,796       1,169       2,627  
 
                                   
 
                                               
TOTAL HOMEBUILDING
                                               
Current Developments (includes optioned lots)
    39       12,287       4,605       7,682       1,814       5,868  
Properties Under Contract to be Acquired (b)
    13       2,442             2,442             2,442  
 
                                   
TOTAL HOMEBUILDING
    52       14,729       4,605       10,124       1,814       8,310  
 
                                   


(a)   Actual number of units may vary from original project plan due to engineering and architectural changes.
 
(b)   There can be no assurance that current property contracts will be consummated.

     The properties under contract listed above represent properties for which due diligence has been completed as of December 31, 2004 which our Homebuilding Division has he right to acquire at an aggregate purchase price of $100.7 million. While financing is not yet finalized for these properties, these transactions are expected to close by the end of 2006. At December 31, 2004, our Homebuilding Division also had contracts to acquire 10 additional properties for which due diligence had not been completed. These additional properties, which are not included in the above table, would add approximately 3,300 units for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $104.1 million.

     Our Homebuilding Division is also participating in a joint venture that constructed a condominium project in Boca Raton, Florida known as “Boca Grand” in which we have a 47.5% interest. The project includes 164 residential units and approximately 20,000 square feet of commercial space. At December 31, 2004, all 164 residential units had been delivered, and the joint venture was in the process of selling the remaining 4,100 square feet of commercial space.

     At December 31, 2004, our homebuilding backlog (excluding joint ventures) was 1,814 units, or $448.6 million. Backlog represents the number of units subject to pending sales contracts. Homes included in backlog include homes that have been completed, but on which title has not been transferred, homes not yet completed and homes on which construction has not begun.

Land Division

     Core Communities was founded in May 1996 to develop a master-planned community in Port St. Lucie, Florida now known as St. Lucie West. It is currently developing the master-planned community known as Tradition. As a master-planned community developer, Core Communities engages in three primary activities: (i) the acquisition of large tracts of

5


 

raw land; (ii) planning, entitlement and infrastructure development; and (iii) the sale of entitled land and/or developed lots to homebuilders (including Levitt and Sons) and commercial, industrial and institutional end-users.

     St. Lucie West is a 4,600 acre master-planned community located in St. Lucie County, Florida. It is bordered by Interstate 95 to the west and Florida’s Turnpike to the east. St. Lucie West contains residential, commercial and industrial developments. Within the community, residents are close to recreational and entertainment facilities, houses of worship, retail businesses, medical facilities and schools. PGA of America owns and operates a golf course and a country club. The community’s baseball stadium, Tradition Field, serves as the spring training headquarters for the New York Mets. There are more than 6,000 homes in St. Lucie West housing nearly 15,000 residents. At December 31, 2004, approximately 18 acres remained available for sale in this project.

     Tradition is located approximately two miles south of St. Lucie West, includes approximately five miles of frontage on I-95, and will cover more than 8,000 total acres (with approximately 5,900 saleable acres). Tradition is being developed as a master-planned community including a corporate park, educational facilities, commercial properties, residential homes and other uses in a series of mixed-use parcels. Community Development District special assessment bonds are being utilized to provide financing for certain infrastructure developments.

     At December 31, 2004, our Land Division owned approximately 7,000 gross acres in Tradition, including approximately 4,600 saleable acres. First phase development is underway at the Tradition project and is expected to continue into 2006. First phase development includes the construction of primary access to I-95 and of connector roadways from the interior of Tradition out to the highway, construction of the storm water infrastructure, commercial pod development and residential lot development. Through December 31, 2004, Core Communities had entered into contracts with nine homebuilders for the sale of a total of 1,748 acres in the first phase residential development at Tradition, of which 1,230 acres had been delivered at year-end 2004. There is no assurance that all of these transactions will be consummated. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we contracted with an unaffiliated third party for the bulk sale of five non-contiguous parcels of land adjacent to Tradition consisting of 1,294 acres for $64.7 million. This transaction was consummated in January 2005.

     Our Land Division’s land in development and relevant data as of December 31, 2004 were as follows:

                                                                 
            Acres     Closed     Current     Non-Saleable     Saleable     Sold     Acres  
    Acquired     Acquired     Acres     Inventory     Acres (a)     Acres (a)     Backlog     Available  
Currently in Development
                                                               
St. Lucie West
    1997(b)     1,964       1,925       39             39       21       18  
Tradition
    1998 - 2004       8,246       1,230       7,016       2,384       4,632       518       4,114  
Other St. Lucie County (c)
    2003 - 2004       2,406       1,112       1,294             1,294       1,294        
 
                                                 
Total Currently in Development
            12,616       4,267       8,349       2,384       5,965       1,833       4,132  
 
                                                 


(a)   Actual saleable and non-saleable acres may vary from original plan due to changes in zoning, project design, or other factors. Non-saleable acres include, but are not limited to, areas set aside for roads, parks, schools, utilities and other public purposes.
 
(b)   Land inventory as of date of acquisition of Core Communities.
 
(c)   Includes 1,294 acres adjacent to Tradition which were sold for $67.4 million in cash in January 2005.

Other Operations

     Other operations consist of Levitt Commercial, an investment in Bluegreen Corporation, investments in joint ventures and other real estate interests, and holding company operations.

Levitt Commercial

     Levitt Commercial was formed in 2001 to develop industrial, commercial, retail and residential properties. Levitt Commercial currently has four flex warehouse projects under development, which were in various stages of completion as of December 31, 2004.

     Levitt Commercial also has a 20% partnership interest in Altman Longleaf, LLC which owns a 20% interest in a joint venture known as The Preserve at Longleaf Apartments, LLLP, which is developing a 298-unit apartment complex in Melbourne, Florida. An affiliate of our joint venture partner is the general contractor. Construction commenced on the development in 2004.

6


 

     Levitt Commercial’s projects currently under development and relevant data as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

                                                 
    Number of     Total     Closed             Sold     Units  
    Projects     Units(a)     Units     Inventory     Backlog     Available  
Currently in Development
                                               
Flex Commercial Developments
    4       107       17       90       54       36  
 
                                   
Total Currently in Development
    4       107       17       90       54       36  
 
                                   


(a)   Actual number of units may vary from original project plan due to engineering and architectural changes.

     At December 31, 2004, Levitt Commercial was under contract to acquire property for a purchase price of $3.5 million for the construction of 90 town home units. The due diligence period provided under this contract expires in May 2005 and there is no assurance that Levitt Commercial will consummate this transaction.

Bluegreen Corporation

     We currently own approximately 9.5 million shares of the outstanding common stock of Bluegreen, which represents approximately 31% of that company’s issued and outstanding common stock. Bluegreen is a leading provider of leisure products and lifestyle choices through its vacation ownership and residential land businesses. Bluegreen is organized into two divisions: Bluegreen Resorts and Bluegreen Communities.

     Bluegreen Resorts acquires, develops and markets vacation ownership interests in resorts generally located in popular, high-volume, “drive-to” vacation destinations. Bluegreen sells vacation ownership interests in its Bluegreen Vacation Club® product through sales offices at all of its owned resorts and at four off-site sales offices. A vacation ownership interest in any of Bluegreen’s resorts entitles the buyer to an annual allotment of “points” in perpetuity in the Bluegreen Vacation Club.® These points may be exchanged for stays at any of Bluegreen’s participating, fully-furnished vacation resorts or for other vacation options, including cruises and stays at approximately 3,700 resorts offered by a worldwide vacation ownership exchange network. Bluegreen currently develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests in 17 resorts located in the United States and one resort located in the Caribbean.

     Bluegreen Communities acquires, develops and subdivides property and markets the subdivided residential homesites to retail customers seeking to build a home in a high quality residential setting. In some cases these properties feature a golf course and/or other amenities. The strategy of this division is to locate its projects near major metropolitan centers (but outside the perimeter of intense subdivision development) or in popular retirement areas. Bluegreen has focused this division’s activities in certain core markets in which Bluegreen has developed substantial marketing expertise.

     Bluegreen also generates significant interest income through its financing of individual purchasers of vacation ownership interests and, to a lesser extent, homesites sold by its Bluegreen Communities division.

Other Investments and Joint Ventures

     In October 2004, a wholly-owned subsidiary acquired an 80,000 square foot office building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for $16.2 million. While we intend to utilize some or all of this building as our corporate headquarters in the future, the building is currently fully leased and occupied and generating rental income.

     From time to time, we seek to defray portions of risk associated with certain real estate projects by entering into joint ventures. For example, we currently own an interest in Brittany Bay at Andros Isles, Ltd., a Florida limited partnership formed to develop a single family attached residential development consisting of 222 units located in West Palm Beach, Florida. At December 31, 2004, the venture had closed on all 222 units and had begun winding down operations. We own a 39.9% limited partnership interest in this venture and BankAtlantic Venture Partners 3, Inc., our subsidiary and a co-general partner, owns a 0.1% general partnership interest. The remaining partnership interests are held by unaffiliated third parties.

     Additionally, we own an interest in Fairways at Grand Harbor, Ltd., a Florida limited partnership organized to develop 257 luxury rental apartments in Vero Beach, Florida. We own a 44.5% limited partnership interest in this venture and BankAtlantic Venture Partners 2, Inc., our subsidiary and a co-general partner, owns a 0.5% general partnership interest. The remaining partnership interests are held by unaffiliated third parties. The rental apartment property was sold

7


 

to an unaffiliated third party in January 2004. The partnership continues to provide rental management services at neighboring Grand Harbor.

Competition

     The real estate development and homebuilding industries are highly competitive and fragmented. Competitive overbuilding in local markets, among other competitive factors, could materially adversely affect homebuilders in the affected market. Homebuilders compete for financing, raw materials and skilled labor, as well as for the sale of homes. Additionally, competition for prime properties is intense and the acquisition of such properties may become more expensive in the future to the extent demand and competition increase. We compete with other local, regional and national real estate companies and homebuilders, often within larger subdivisions designed, planned and developed by such competitors. Some of our competitors have greater financial, marketing, sales and other resources than we do.

     In addition, there are relatively low barriers to entry into our business. There are no required technologies that would preclude or inhibit competitors from entering our markets. Our competitors may independently develop land and construct products that are superior or substantially similar to our products. A substantial portion of our operations are in Florida, which contains some of the top markets in the nation, and therefore we expect to continue to face additional competition from new entrants into our markets.

Employees

     As of December 31, 2004, we employed a total of 527 full-time employees and 32 part-time employees. The breakdown of employees by division is as follows:

                 
    Full     Part  
    Time     Time  
Homebuilding
    475       27  
 
               
Land
    30       5  
 
               
Other Operations
    22       0  
 
           
 
               
Total
    527       32  
 
           

     Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreements and we have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe our employee relations are good.

     Our future success is heavily dependent upon our ability to hire and retain qualified marketing, sales and management personnel. The competition for such personnel is intense in the real estate industry. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel.

8


 

Cyclicality; Seasonality and Other Risk Factors

     The real estate industry is highly cyclical by nature and future market conditions are uncertain. Factors which adversely affect the real estate and homebuilding industries, many of which are beyond our control include:

  •   the availability and cost of financing;
  •   unfavorable interest rates and increases in inflation;
  •   overbuilding or decreases in demand;
  •   changes in the general availability of land and competition for available land;
  •   construction defects and warranty claims arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, including mold related property damage and bodily injury claims and homeowner and homeowners’ association lawsuits;
  •   potential adverse customer reaction to the requirement to assume Community Development District bond obligations;
  •   changes in national, regional and local economic conditions;
  •   cost overruns, inclement weather, and labor and material shortages;
  •   the impact of present or future environmental legislation, zoning laws and other regulations;
  •   availability, delays and costs associated with obtaining permits, approvals or licenses necessary to develop property; and
  •   increases in real estate taxes and other governmental fees.

     In addition, a substantial majority of our operations involve the development and sale of properties solely in the State of Florida. The Florida market is subject to the risks of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms and we will be subject to adverse changes in the economy in Florida.

Governmental and Environmental Matters

     We are subject to laws, ordinances and regulations of various federal, state and local governmental entities and agencies concerning, among other things:

  •   environmental matters, including the presence of hazardous or toxic substances;
  •   wetland preservation;
  •   health and safety;
  •   zoning, land use and other entitlements;
  •   building design; and
  •   density levels.

     In developing a project and building homes, apartments or commercial properties, we may be required to obtain the approval of numerous governmental authorities regulating matters such as:

  •   installation of utility services such as gas, electric, water and waste disposal;
  •   the dedication of acreage for open space, parks and schools;
  •   permitted land uses; and
  •   the construction design, methods and materials used.

     These laws or regulations could, among other things:

  •   establish building moratoriums;
  •   limit the number of homes, apartments or commercial properties that may be built;
  •   change building codes and construction requirements affecting property under construction;
  •   increase the cost of development and construction;
  •   delay development and construction; and
  •   otherwise have a material adverse effect on the real estate industry in general and on our business, financial condition and results of operations, specifically.

9


 

     We may also at times not be in compliance with all regulatory requirements. If we are not in compliance with regulatory requirements, we may be subject to penalties or we may be forced to incur significant expenses to cure any noncompliance. In addition, some of our land and some of the land that we may acquire has not yet received planning approvals or entitlements necessary for planned development or future development. Failure to obtain entitlements necessary for further development of this land on a timely basis or to the extent desired may adversely affect our future results and prospects.

     Several governmental authorities have also imposed impact fees as a means of defraying the cost of providing certain governmental services to developing areas, and many of these fees have increased significantly during recent years.

     We consider the costs of compliance with environmental regulations to be part of the ordinary course of our business, and such compliance has not had any material adverse effect on the Company.

Controlling Shareholder

     As of December 31, 2004, BFC Financial Corporation owned 1,219,031 shares of our Class B common stock, which represented all of our issued and outstanding Class B common stock, and 2,074,240 shares, or approximately 11%, of our issued and outstanding Class A common stock. In the aggregate these shares represent approximately 53% of our total voting power. Since the Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote as a single group on most matters, BFC Financial Corporation is in a position to control our company and elect a majority of our Board of Directors. Additionally, Alan B. Levan, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and John E. Abdo, our Vice Chairman and President, beneficially own approximately 45% and 20% of the shares of BFC Financial Corporation, respectively. As a consequence, Alan B. Levan and John E. Abdo effectively have the voting power to control the outcome of any shareholder vote of Levitt Corporation, except in those limited circumstances where Florida law mandates that the holders of our Class A common stock vote as a separate class. BFC Financial Corporation’s interests may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders, and BFC Financial Corporation’s control position may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common stock.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     The Company’s principal and executive offices are located at 1750 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Levitt Corporation occupies these offices pursuant to an agreement with BFC Financial Corporation, which leases the property from BankAtlantic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BankAtlantic Bancorp. BankAtlantic has purchased another property to be used as its executive offices, and it is expected that Levitt Corporation will also move to that building under a new lease in the spring of 2005. In October 2004 we purchased an occupied office building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that we intend to use as our executive offices when space becomes available upon termination or modification of the existing lease. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries occupy administrative space in various locations in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee under leases that expire at various dates through 2010.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     Following the impact of three hurricanes in August and September, 2004, some purchasers of Levitt and Sons’ homes in Central Florida reported water intrusion damage as a result of the repeated wind storms. Although we believe that Levitt and Sons was under no legal, contractual or other obligation to make repairs to homes damaged by the hurricanes, Levitt and Sons nevertheless agreed to address water intrusion complaints by repairing stucco (including any necessary re-painting), and replacing drywall, insulation, and other materials damaged by water intrusion. Levitt and Sons retained an independent engineering firm to inspect each damaged home and to provide recommendations for repair.

     Separately, after the third hurricane, numerous homeowners delivered letters to Levitt and Sons pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 558 alleging construction defects in their homes. Pursuant to Chapter 558, Florida Statutes, formal notice to the builder and an opportunity to cure the alleged defect(s) is a pre-condition to the filing of any suit for construction defects. For each Chapter 558 claimant, Levitt and Sons delivered a copy of the inspection report (as contemplated by the statute) and requested the homeowners’ consent to make repairs in accordance with the engineers’ recommendations. Upon receipt of the homeowners’ consent, Levitt and Sons performed the recommended repairs at no cost at approximately 600 homes. A majority of Levitt and Sons’ Central Florida homeowners agreed to allow Levitt and Sons to address their water intrusion complaints, and most of those repairs have been completed.

     Under Florida law, the fact that a homeowner has agreed to allow Levitt and Sons to make identified repairs does not limit such homeowner’s right to pursue available legal remedies, including through litigation. A law firm in Miami claims to represent approximately 50 homeowners in a particular Central Florida Levitt and Sons’ subdivision in connection with their Chapter 558 claims. To our knowledge, no lawsuits have been filed as of this date with respect to these matters, however the Miami law firm has indicated that it may file a lawsuit on behalf of its client homeowners.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     None.

10


 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information

     Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LEV.” BFC Financial Corporation (“BFC”) is the sole holder of the Company’s Class B common stock and there is no trading market for the Company’s Class B common stock. The Class B common stock may only be owned by BFC or its affiliates and is convertible into Class A common stock at the discretion of the holder on a one-for-one basis.

     The quarterly high and low sale price of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) for the year ended December 31, 2004 are presented in the following table. Our Class A common stock commenced two-way trading on the NYSE on January 2, 2004. Prior to January 1, 2004, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of BankAtlantic Bancorp.

                                 
Year ended December 31, 2004   First Quarter     Second Quarter     Third Quarter     Fourth Quarter  
High Sale Price
  $ 26.80     $ 26.35     $ 26.10     $ 31.48  
Low Sale Price
  $ 16.25     $ 18.62     $ 19.10     $ 22.45  

     The stock prices do not include retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions. On March 11, 2005, the closing sale price of our Class A common stock as reported on the NYSE was $27.63 per share.

     On May 13, 2004, the Company submitted its Annual Section 303A.12(a) Certification to the NYSE. Pursuant to this filing, the Chief Financial Officer provided an unqualified certification that, as of the date of the certification, he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the Corporate Governance Listing Standards of the NYSE.

Holders

     On March 9, 2005, there were approximately 12,650 record holders and 18,597,166 shares of the Class A common stock issued and outstanding. Our controlling shareholder BFC Financial Corporation holds all 1,219,031 shares of Class B common stock.

Dividends

     On each of July 26, 2004, October 25, 2004 and January 24, 2005 our Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.02 per share on our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. These dividends were paid in August 2004, November 2004 and February 2005, respectively. The Board has not adopted a policy of regular dividend payments. The payment of dividends in the future is subject to approval by our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operations and financial condition. We cannot assure you that we will declare additional cash dividends in the future.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

     The following table contains information, as of December 31, 2004, concerning our equity compensation plans for which we have previously obtained shareholder approval and those equity compensation plans for which we have not previously obtained shareholder approval:

                         
    Number of securities to be     Weighted average exercise     Number of securities  
    issued upon exercise of outstanding     price of outstanding options,     remaining available for  
Plan Category   options, warrants or rights     warrants and rights     future issuance  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    725,250     $ 20.54       774,750  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
 
                 
Total
    725,250     $ 20.54       774,750  
 
                 

11


 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2000 through 2004. Certain selected financial data presented below as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2004, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. Our financial statements were audited by KPMG LLP, an independent certified public accountants, with respect to 2001 and 2000, and by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered certified public accounting firm, with respect to 2004, 2003 and 2002. This table is a summary and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto which are included elsewhere in this report.

                                         
    As of or for the Year Ended December 31,  
    2004(*)     2003     2002 (*)     2001     2000  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share, unit and average price data)  
Consolidated Operations:
                                       
Revenues from sales of real estate
  $ 549,652       283,058       207,808       143,140       100,322  
Cost of sales of real estate
    406,274       209,431       159,675       111,685       79,029  
 
                             
Margin (a)
    143,378       73,627       48,133       31,455       21,293  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
    13,068       7,433       4,570              
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    71,001       42,027       30,549       26,130       18,744  
Net income
    57,415       26,820       19,512       7,522       6,955  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 3.10       1.81       1.32       0.51       0.47  
Diluted earnings per share (b)
  $ 3.04       1.77       1.30       0.51       0.47  
Average shares outstanding (thousands)
    18,518       14,816       14,816       14,816       14,816  
Diluted shares outstanding (thousands)
    18,600       14,816       14,816       14,816       14,816  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.04                          
 
                                       
Key Performance Ratios:
                                       
Consolidated margin percentage (c)
    26.1 %     26.0 %     23.2 %     22.0 %     21.2 %
S, G & A expense as a percentage of total revenues
    12.8 %     14.7 %     14.6 %     18.1 %     18.5 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity, annualized (d)
    27.3 %     23.0 %     22.0 %     11.4 %     11.8 %
Ratio of debt to shareholders’ equity
    91.0 %     138.8 %     137.1 %     131.6 %     126.0 %
Ratio of debt to total capitalization (e)
    47.6 %     58.1 %     57.8 %     56.8 %     55.7 %
Ratio of net debt to total capitalization (e)(f)
    25.3 %     46.1 %     51.5 %     42.3 %     41.1 %
 
                                       
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Cash
  $ 125,522       35,965       16,014       23,591       20,654  
Inventory of real estate
    413,471       254,992       198,126       142,433       110,390  
Investment in Bluegreen Corporation
    80,572       70,852       57,332              
Total assets
    678,467       393,505       295,461       196,193       168,863  
Total debt
    268,226       174,093       147,445       92,130       78,734  
Total liabilities
    383,678       268,053       187,928       126,165       106,357  
Shareholders’ equity
    294,789       125,452       107,533       70,028       62,506  

12


 

                                         
    As of or for the Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share, unit and average price data)          
Homebuilding Division (g):
                                       
Revenues from sales of real estate
  $ 472,296       222,257       162,359       117,663       84,295  
Cost of sales of real estate
    371,097       173,072       131,281       95,553       71,555  
 
                             
Margin (a)
  $ 101,199       49,185       31,078       22,110       12,740  
Margin percentage (c)
    21.4 %     22.1 %     19.1 %     18.8 %     15.1 %
Construction starts
    2,294       1,593       796       584       502  
Homes delivered
    2,126       1,011       740       597       441  
Average selling price of homes delivered
  $ 222,000       220,000       219,000       195,000       190,000  
New orders (units)
    1,679       2,240       980       694       599  
New orders (value)
  $ 427,916       513,436       204,730       146,869       114,617  
Backlog of homes (units)
    1,814       2,053       824       584       487  
Backlog of homes (value)
  $ 448,647       458,771       167,526       125,041       94,751  
 
                                       
Land Division (h):
                                       
Revenues from sales of real estate
  $ 96,200       55,037       53,919       21,555       16,027  
Cost of sales of real estate
    42,838       31,362       28,722       10,570       6,997  
 
                             
Margin (a)
  $ 53,362       23,675       25,197       10,985       9,030  
Margin percentage (c)
    55.5 %     43.0 %     46.7 %     51.0 %     56.3 %
Acres sold
    1,212       1,337       1,715       253       145  
Inventory owned (acres)
    8,349       5,116       4,490       4,131       3,099  
Inventory owned (value)
  $ 122,056       43,906       59,520       50,048       33,825  
Acres subject to firm sales contracts
    1,833       1,433       1,845       469       428  
Acres subject to firm sales contracts (value)
  $ 121,095       103,174       72,767       27,234       33,693  


(a)   Margin is calculated as sales of real estate minus cost of sales of real estate.
 
(b)   Diluted earnings per share takes into account the dilution in earnings we recognize as a result of outstanding Bluegreen securities that entitle the holders thereof to acquire shares of Bluegreen’s common stock.
 
(c)   Margin percentage is calculated by dividing margin by sales of real estate.
 
(d)   Calculated by dividing net income by average shareholders’ equity. Average shareholders’ equity is calculated by averaging beginning and end of period shareholders’ equity balances.
 
(e)   Total capitalization is calculated as total debt plus total shareholders’ equity.
 
(f)   Net debt is calculated as total debt minus cash.
 
(g)   Excludes joint ventures. Backlog includes all homes subject to sales contracts.
 
(h)   Includes land sales to homebuilding division, if any. These inter-segment transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

13


 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Our principal real estate activities are conducted through our Homebuilding and Land Divisions. Our Homebuilding Division consists of the operations of our wholly-owned homebuilding subsidiaries Levitt and Sons and Bowden, while our Land Division consists of the operations of Core Communities. We also engage in commercial real estate activities through Levitt Commercial and we invest in real estate projects through subsidiaries and joint ventures. In addition, we own approximately 31% of Bluegreen Corporation. Levitt and Sons is primarily a developer of single-family home communities predominantly located in Florida. Core Communities owns the unsold land and other entitlements of the 4,600 acre master-planned community known as St. Lucie West in St. Lucie County, Florida. Core Communities also owns approximately 8,300 acres in and around Tradition, our second master-planned community, which encompasses a total of more than 8,000 acres, including approximately five miles of frontage on Interstate 95. Tradition is in the initial development stage in St. Lucie County, Florida.

     In April 2002, we acquired 8.3 million shares of the outstanding common stock of Bluegreen for approximately $53.8 million. In connection with the spin-off, BankAtlantic Bancorp transferred 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen’s common stock to us in exchange for a $5.5 million promissory note and additional shares of our common stock (which additional shares were subsequently distributed in the spin-off). Bluegreen is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company that acquires, develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests in “drive-to” resorts and develops and sells residential homesites around golf courses or other amenities. The investment in Bluegreen was recorded at cost and the carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognize our interest in the earnings or loss of Bluegreen after the acquisition date. At December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, our investment in Bluegreen was approximately $80.6 million and $70.9 million, respectively. The 9.5 million shares of Bluegreen common stock that we own comprise approximately 31% of the common stock of Bluegreen outstanding as of December 31, 2004.

Executive Overview

     Management evaluates the performance and prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries using a variety of financial and non-financial measures. The key financial measures utilized to evaluate historical operating performance include revenues from sales of real estate, cost of sales of real estate, margin (which we measure as revenues from sales of real estate minus cost of sales of real estate), margin percentage (which we measure as margin divided by revenues from sales of real estate), income before taxes and net income. Non-financial measures used to evaluate historical performance include the number and value of new orders executed, the number of housing starts, the number of homes delivered and the length of the homebuilding production cycle (which we measure from contract execution to home delivery). In evaluating the Company’s future prospects, management considers non-financial information such as the number of homes and acres in backlog (which we measure as homes or land subject to an executed sales contract) and the aggregate value of those contracts. Additionally, we monitor the number of properties remaining in inventory and under contract to be purchased relative to our sales and construction trends. The Company’s ratio of debt to shareholders’ equity and cash requirements are also considered by management when evaluating the Company’s future prospects, as are general economic factors and interest rate trends. Each of the above measures is discussed in the following sections as it relates to our operating results, financial position and liquidity. The list of measures above is not an exhaustive list, and management may from time to time utilize additional financial and non-financial information or may not use the measures listed above.

Impact of Florida Hurricanes in 2004

     The majority of our business operations are located in the State of Florida, which is subject to hurricanes and other tropical weather systems. In the months of August and September 2004, five named storms made landfall in the State of Florida – Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Hurricane Charley passed through the southwestern and central areas of Florida, including areas where we have significant homebuilding operations (Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Orlando). Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne both made landfall on the east coast of the state near our St. Lucie County homebuilding and land development operations before passing to the northwest over Orlando. These three hurricanes caused property damage in several of our communities in Central Florida, and the Company has expended considerable resources on homes under construction and previously delivered homes repairing stucco, replacing insulation and dry wall as well as other materials damaged in the storms. The Company has also expended funds to mitigate other hurricane-related damage, including replacing landscaping, fences, repairing lake beds and replacing building materials. Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2004 include

14


 

charges (recorded as other expenses) related to hurricane damage and the repairs noted above of approximately $4.4 million, net of projected insurance recoveries.

     In addition to property damage, hurricanes cause disruptions to our business operations. New home buyers cannot obtain insurance until after named storms have passed, creating delays in new home deliveries. As a storm approaches, we will suspend sales, development and construction operations in favor of storm preparation activities such as securing construction materials and equipment. After a storm has passed, construction-related resources such as sub-contracted labor and building materials are likely to be redeployed to hurricane recovery efforts around the state. Governmental permitting and inspection activities may similarly be focused primarily on returning displaced residents to homes damaged by the storms, rather than on new construction activity. Depending on the severity of the damage caused by the storms, disruptions such as these could last for several months. We experienced a number of these disruptions following the unprecedented series of hurricanes which struck Florida in 2004, including permitting and delivery delays, reduced customer orders and labor and materials constraints. Although the disruptions are not expected to have a material impact on the profitability of our operations over the long term, we expect the delays in new home deliveries and governmental permitting and inspection activities resulting from the hurricanes to continue through the second quarter of 2005.

Impact of Increasing Labor and Materials Costs, Interest Rates and Local Government Regulation

     Our business operations are impacted by competition for labor – direct and subcontracted – raw materials, supply and delivery issues. Throughout 2004, supply and delivery issues resulted in higher prices of most building materials. The costs of lumber, steel, concrete, asphalt and other building materials all rose significantly in 2004. We compete with other real estate developers—regionally, nationally and globally—for raw materials and labor. Labor shortages were particularly acute in Central Florida following the 2004 hurricane season; home builders were obliged to compete with businesses,, municipalities and existing homeowners for the available labor, much of which was diverted to hurricane clean-up and repair of windstorm and wind-driven rain damage. In addition, Chinese demand for cement in 2004 combined with supply bottlenecks and rising prices in global shipping contributed to regional shortages in cement. Without corresponding increases in the sales prices of our real estate inventories (both land and finished homes), increasing materials and labor costs associated with land development and home building could negatively affect our results of operations.

     Rising construction costs and delays in the delivery of homes may negatively affect our margins in the future, because we enter into fixed-priced sales contracts for most of our homes before we start construction. Owing to the strong demand for our housing products and the overall robust condition of the real estate markets where we build, we have historically been able to offset increases in construction costs and land prices by periodically raising the prices on our homes. However, if we are unable to raise our home prices to offset increased costs of production in the future, our operating results would be adversely affected.

     We rely on third party financing of our land purchases, land development, and product development costs. The majority of our financing consists of variable rate debt and rising interest rates therefore increase our borrowing costs. Historically, rising interest rates have also negatively impacted housing demand. Were demand for housing to decline, land may remain in our inventory longer and our corresponding borrowing costs would increase. Also, rising interest rates increase the mortgage costs of our customers who finance their purchases of our homes. Similarly, rising interest rates may affect our customers’ ability to sell the homes they currently occupy, the proceeds of which may be needed to fund, in whole or in part, their purchases of our homes. Although we are not currently experiencing any adverse effects from higher interest rates, higher rates may adversely affect our results of operations in the future.

     We are required to obtain various permitting approvals of numerous governmental authorities in developing a project and building homes. Local governments have had difficulty responding to the rapid growth and continued demand for land and housing in the real estate markets in which we operate, resulting in delays in permitting approvals. In some areas where we build and develop land, local governments have refused to issue building permits until all infrastructure and land development is substantially complete. The inability to obtain building permits during early stage development prevents homebuilders from conducting land development simultaneous with housing construction, contributing in some instances to longer production cycles. In the aftermath of the Florida hurricanes, the demands on local government were intensified as government staff mobilized to support construction repairs, restore basic community services and emergency relief. Delays in permitting approvals will affect our business, as well as the businesses of our Land Division’s customers, and may affect our results of operations in the future.

15


 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     Management views critical accounting policies as accounting policies that are important to the understanding of our financial statements and also involve estimates and judgments about inherently uncertain matters. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and assumptions that affect the recognition of revenues and expenses on the statements of income for the periods presented. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in subsequent periods relate to the determination of the valuation of real estate, the valuation of carrying values of investments in joint ventures, the valuation of the fair market value of assets and liabilities in the application of the purchase method of accounting and the amount of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. We have identified the following accounting policies that management views as critical to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations.

Real Estate Inventories and Investment in Joint Ventures

     Our inventory of real estate includes land acquisition costs, land development costs, direct construction costs, and other capitalized costs, all of which are accounted for in our financial statements at accumulated cost or, when circumstances indicate that the inventory is impaired, at estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is based on disposition 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 that may affect fair value, including management’s plans for the property. Due to the large acreage of land holdings, disposition in the normal course of business is expected to extend over a number of years. Uncertainties associated with the economy, interest rates and the real estate market in general may significantly change the valuation of our real estate investments. As of December 31, 2004, none of our real estate inventory was accounted for at estimated fair value as a result of indicated impairment.

     Land and indirect land development costs are accumulated and allocated to various parcels or housing units 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. Other capitalized costs consist of capitalized interest, real estate taxes, tangible selling costs, local government fees and field overhead incurred during the development and construction period. See “Capitalized Interest,” below. Start-up costs and selling expenses are not capitalized.

     We account for joint ventures in which we have a 50% or less ownership interest or a less than controlling interest using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the initial investment in a joint venture is recorded at cost and is subsequently adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of the joint venture’s earnings or losses. Joint venture investments and our investment in Bluegreen are evaluated annually for other than temporary declines in value. Evidence of other than temporary declines includes the inability of the joint venture or investee to sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment and consistent joint venture operating losses. The evaluation is based on available information including condition of the property and current and anticipated real estate market conditions. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the combined balances of inventory of real estate, investments in real estate joint ventures and investment in Bluegreen were $505.2 million and $332.5 million, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

     Revenue and all related costs and expenses from house and land sales are recognized at the time that closing has occurred, when title and possession of the property and the risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the buyer, and when other sale and profit recognition criteria are satisfied as required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for real estate transactions. In order to properly match revenues with expenses, we estimate construction and land development costs incurred but not paid at the time of closing. Estimated costs to complete are determined for each closed home and land sale based upon historical data with respect to similar product types and geographical areas. We monitor the accuracy of estimates by comparing actual costs incurred subsequent to closing to the estimate made at the time of closing and make modifications to the estimates based on these comparisons. We do not expect the estimation process to change in the future nor do we expect actual results to materially differ from such estimates.

16


 

Capitalized Interest

     Interest incurred relating to land under development and construction is capitalized to real estate inventories during the active development period. Interest is capitalized as a component of inventory at the effective rates paid on borrowings during the pre-construction and planning stage and during the periods that projects are under development. Capitalization of interest is discontinued if development ceases at a project. Interest is amortized to cost of sales as related homes, land and units are sold.

Income Taxes

     The Company utilizes the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the period that includes the statutory enactment date. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Consolidated Results of Operations

                                         
    Year Ended December 31,     2004     2003  
                            vs. 2003     vs. 2002  
    2004     2003     2002     Change     Change  
            (In thousands, except per share data)          
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 549,652       283,058       207,808       266,594       75,250  
Title and mortgage operations
    4,798       2,466       1,595       2,332       871  
 
                             
Total revenues
    554,450       285,524       209,403       268,926       76,121  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    406,274       209,431       159,675       196,843       49,756  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    71,001       42,027       30,549       28,974       11,478  
Interest expense, net
    259       233       389       26       (156 )
Other expenses
    7,367       1,605       1,121       5,762       484  
Minority interest
    (26 )     86             (112 )     86  
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    484,875       253,382       191,734       231,493       61,648  
 
                             
 
    69,575       32,142       17,669       37,433       14,473  
 
                                       
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation (a)
    13,068       7,433       4,570       5,635       2,863  
Earnings from joint ventures
    6,050       483       849       5,567       (366 )
Interest and other income
    4,619       3,162       2,678       1,457       484  
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    93,312       43,220       25,766       50,092       17,454  
Provision for income taxes
    35,897       16,400       6,254       19,497       10,146  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512       30,595       7,308  
 
                             
 
                                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 3.10     $ 1.81     $ 1.32     $ 1.29     $ 0.49  
Diluted earnings per share (b)
  $ 3.04     $ 1.77     $ 1.30     $ 1.27     $ 0.47  
 
                                       
Weighted average shares outstanding
    18,518       14,816       14,816       3,702        
Diluted shares outstanding
    18,600       14,816       14,816       3,784        


(a)   Levitt Corporation acquired its initial interest in Bluegreen Corporation in April 2002.
 
(b)   Diluted earnings per share takes into account the dilution in earnings we recognize from Bluegreen as a result of outstanding securities issued by Bluegreen that enable the holders thereof to acquire shares of Bluegreen’s common stock.

17


 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period

     Consolidated net income increased $30.6 million, or 114%, for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to 2003. The increase in net income primarily resulted from an increase in sales of real estate by our Homebuilding and Land Divisions, from higher earnings from Bluegreen Corporation and from an increase in our earnings from our real estate joint venture activities.

     Our revenues from sales of real estate increased 94% to $549.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $283.1 million for the same 2003 period. This increase is attributable primarily to an increase in home deliveries from 1,011 homes delivered in 2003 to 2,126 homes delivered in 2004. Land sale revenues in 2004 included sales to the Homebuilding Division of $24.4 million. These inter-segment transactions were eliminated in consolidation and the profit recognized by the Land Division from these sales will be deferred until the Homebuilding Division delivers homes on these properties to third parties. At that time, consolidated cost of sales will be reduced by amount of Land Division profits that were deferred. Consolidated cost of sales was reduced by approximately $3.9 million in 2004 as a result of the recognition of previously deferred profits related to sales of land by our Land Division to our Homebuilding Division. Approximately $1.0 million of similarly deferred profits were recognized during 2003.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased during 2004 compared to the same 2003 period primarily as a result of higher employee compensation and benefits (including sales commissions and incentive bonuses), and increased insurance and professional service expenses. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was directly related to our new development projects in Central and South Florida, the expansion of homebuilding activities into North Florida and Georgia, the addition of Bowden and the increase in our home deliveries. The number of our full time employees increased to 527 at December 31, 2004 from 353 at December 31, 2003, and the number of part time employees declined slightly to 32 at December 31, 2004 from 34 at December 31, 2003. The increase in insurance and professional service expenses related primarily to costs associated with operating as an independent public company since the spin-off from BankAtlantic Bancorp. As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses declined to 13% for 2004 from 15% in 2003.

     Interest incurred on notes and development bonds payable totaled $11.1 million and $7.9 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively. Interest incurred was higher due to higher outstanding balances of notes and mortgage notes payable related to increases in our inventory of real estate. Interest capitalized was $10.8 million for 2004 and $7.7 million for 2003. Cost of sales of real estate for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $9.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

     The increase in other expenses was primarily attributable to a $4.4 million charge, net of projected insurance recoveries, recorded to account for the estimated costs of remediating hurricane-related damage in our Florida Homebuilding and Land operations, as previously discussed.

     Bluegreen’s reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $36.5 million, as compared to $25.8 million for 2003. Our interest in Bluegreen’s earnings, net of purchase accounting adjustments, was $13.1 million for 2004 versus $7.4 million for 2003.

     Earnings from real estate joint ventures was $6.0 million during 2004 as compared to $483,000 for 2003. This increase in earnings in our real estate joint venture activities primarily resulted from gains recognized upon the sale of a joint venture’s property in Vero Beach, Florida, earnings associated with the delivery of condominium units by a joint venture project in Boca Raton, Florida and earnings associated with the delivery of homes by a joint venture project in West Palm Beach, Florida. All three joint venture projects are sold out and their operations are essentially completed.

     The increase in interest and other income is primarily related to a $1.4 million reduction of a litigation reserve as a result of the Company’s successful appeal of a 2002 judgment, as discussed in the Notes to our consolidated financial statements.

     The provision for income taxes increased $19.6 million, or 120%, to $36.0 million for 2004, due to increased earnings before taxes. The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2003 was net of a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $418,000. Reductions in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance reduce the provision for income taxes for the year, thereby reducing the effective tax rate.

18


 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to the Same 2002 Period

     Consolidated net income increased $7.3 million, or 37%, to $26.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $19.5 million for the same 2002 period. The increase in net income resulted primarily from an increase in sales of real estate by Levitt and Sons, Core Communities, and Levitt Commercial, as well as from increased earnings from Bluegreen Corporation. These increases in income were partially offset by a decrease in earnings in joint ventures of $366,000, an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $11.4 million, and an increase in the provision for income taxes of $10.1 million.

     Revenues from sales of real estate increased $75.3 million, or 36%, to $283.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $207.8 million for 2002. Home deliveries in 2003 increased 37% to 1,011 homes from 740 homes delivered in 2002. This increase in deliveries resulted in a $59.9 million increase in revenues from sales of real estate in the Homebuilding Division over 2002. Revenues from land sales in 2003 increased to $55.0 million from $53.9 million in 2002. Land sale revenues in 2002 included sales to the Homebuilding Division of $8.5 million, which inter-segment transactions were eliminated in consolidation. Consolidated cost of sales in 2003 was reduced by $1.0 million as previously deferred profits on inter-segment transactions were recognized at the time of home sales to third parties. There was no reduction in consolidated cost of sales in 2002 relating to deferred profits from inter-segment transactions. Levitt Commercial commenced deliveries of its flex warehouse units in 2003, and revenues from sales of these units in 2003 totaled $5.8 million. Earnings from Bluegreen for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $7.4 million, as compared with $4.6 million for the period of our ownership in 2002. Bluegreen’s net income for 2003 was $25.8 million, as compared to $15.4 million for the period of our ownership ended December 31, 2002.

     The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to 2002 primarily related to higher employee compensation and benefits, increased advertising expenses and costs relating to our public offering of investment notes. The increase in employee compensation and benefits and advertising expenses was directly related to our new development projects in central and southeast Florida and to the increase in home deliveries at Levitt and Sons. As a result of these new projects and higher number of home deliveries, our full time employees increased to 353 at December 31, 2003 from 221 at December 31, 2002, and the number of part time employees increased to 34 at December 31, 2003 from 28 at December 31, 2002.

     Interest incurred totaled $7.9 million and $8.1 million for 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in interest incurred was primarily due to a decline in average interest rates from 6.0% for 2002 to 4.8% for 2003. These decreases were partially offset by increases in borrowings associated with several new development projects as well as interest accruing on the Company’s $30.0 million note payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp for twelve months in 2003, as compared to only nine months in 2002. Interest capitalized totaled $7.7 million for both 2003 and 2002. Cost of sales of real estate for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $6.4 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

     Earnings from joint ventures decreased $366,000 in 2003 as compared to 2002. The decrease in earnings from joint ventures primarily resulted from completion of a joint venture project during 2002.

     The provision for income taxes increased $10.1 million, or 62%, to $16.4 million for 2003, due to increased earnings before taxes, and an increase in the effective tax rate from 24.2% in 2002 to 37.9% in 2003. The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 was net of a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $418,000 and $2.6 million, respectively. Reductions in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance reduce the provision for income taxes for the year, thereby reducing the effective tax rate.

19


 

Homebuilding Division Results of Operations

                                         
    Year Ended December 31,     2004     2003  
                            vs. 2003     vs. 2002  
    2004     2003     2002     Change     Change  
    (Dollars in thousands, except average price data)          
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 472,296       222,257       162,359       250,039       59,898  
Title and mortgage operations
    4,798       2,466       1,595       2,332       871  
 
                             
Total revenues
    477,094       224,723       163,954       252,371       60,769  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    371,097       173,072       131,281       198,025       41,791  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    50,806       29,478       21,100       21,328       8,378  
Interest expense, net
    198                   198        
Other expenses
    6,867       1,606       1,121       5,261       485  
Minority interest
    (50 )     (113 )           63       (113 )
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    428,918       204,043       153,502       224,875       50,541  
 
                             
 
    48,176       20,680       10,452       27,496       10,228  
Earnings from joint ventures
    3,518       480       1,171       3,038       (691 )
Interest and other income
    1,944       560       1,053       1,384       (493 )
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    53,638       21,720       12,676       31,918       9,044  
Provision for income taxes
    20,658       7,964       3,364       12,694       4,600  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 32,980       13,756       9,312       19,224       4,444  
 
                             
 
                                       
Domestic
                                       
Homes delivered
    2,126       1,011       740       1,115       271  
Construction starts
    2,294       1,593       796       701       797  
Average selling price of homes delivered
  $ 222,000       220,000       219,000       2,000       1,000  
Margin percentage on homes delivered (a)
    21.4 %     22.1 %     19.1 %     -0.7 %     3.0 %
New orders (units)
    1,679       2,240       980       (561 )     1,260  
New orders (value)
  $ 427,916       513,436       204,730       (85,520 )     308,706  
Backlog of homes (units)
    1,814       2,053       824       (239 )     1,229  
Backlog of homes (value)
  $ 448,647       458,771       167,526       (10,124 )     291,245  
 Joint Ventures:
                                       
Homes delivered
    146       18       140       128       (122 )
Construction starts
          43       177       (43 )     (134 )
New orders (units)
    42       61       61       (19 )      
New orders (value)
  $ 13,967       15,957       16,027       (1,990 )     (70 )
Backlog of homes (units)
          104       61       (104 )     43  
Backlog of homes (value)
  $       27,478       16,027       (27,478 )     11,451  


(a)   Margin percentage is calculated by dividing margin (sales of real estate minus cost of sales of real estate) by sales of real estate.

     At December 31, 2004, our Homebuilding Division had a delivery backlog of 1,814 homes representing $448.6 million of future sales. The average sales price of the homes in backlog at December 31, 2004 is approximately 11% higher than the average sales price of the homes in backlog at December 31, 2003. While the strong demand and backlog are encouraging for our 2005 results, adverse economic trends such as rising interest rates, continued inflationary pressures or labor shortages could impact our Homebuilding Division in future periods. In 2004 the costs of lumber, steel, concrete and other building materials rose significantly. Additionally, labor costs rose reflecting a shortage of sub-contractors in some of the markets in which we build. The redeployment of labor in Florida following the 2004 hurricanes exacerbated the labor shortage in these markets. While we may be able to increase our selling prices to absorb these increased costs in future sales, the sales prices of homes in our backlog cannot be increased and the margins on the delivery of homes in backlog may be adversely affected by this trend.

20


 

     Our sales performance in Florida in 2003 and the first half of 2004 exceeded our projections and existing production capacity. As a result, our delivery cycle extended beyond our 12 months target. We are currently focused on selling homes that we can deliver within 12 months. We believe that active growth management will permit us to increase customer satisfaction and reduce the amount of time contracted homes are in backlog, thereby reducing our exposure to rising costs.

     We believe we own or control sufficient land to meet our current growth goals. In the shorter-term, we expect the number of signed new orders for homes in our Florida operations to level off and perhaps decline slightly through the second quarter of 2005 as we transition from the older, established communities at which sales are reaching completion to new communities that we expect will open for sale to the public over the next 18 months. If we are not able to open new communities in a timely fashion, our available inventory will remain below historical levels and our results will be adversely impacted.

     We are also currently expanding our homebuilding activities to the Jacksonville, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee markets, and expect to expand into other markets in the Southeastern United States. We have not previously operated in these markets and may not recognize any revenues from these operations during the next twelve months or longer. As a result, costs associated with this expansion prior to revenue recognition will adversely affect our operating results, as will costs exceeding revenues during the start up phase in each new market.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period

     The value of new orders declined to $427.9 million for 2004, from $513.4 million in 2003. The decline in new orders was primarily the result of the absence of new community openings to offset stronger than expected order growth in prior periods and our intentional slowing of the pace of new home orders to help assure higher levels of customer satisfaction by meeting delivery schedules acceptable to our customers. Some of our Florida communities sold out faster than originally anticipated and new communities were not yet ready for sales. While this strengthened our backlog, we experienced a short-term decline in saleable inventory. New orders were also impacted by the adverse impact of four hurricanes in Florida during August and September. These factors led to a slowdown in sales in our Florida homebuilding operations in the third and fourth quarters of 2004, when new orders were placed for 489 homes, as compared with the record 1,212 new orders placed in the third and fourth quarters of 2003. As discussed above, we believe that our inventory of homes available for sale and new orders should improve as we open new communities to the public.

     Revenues from home sales increased 112% to $472.3 million in 2004 from $222.3 million in 2003, due primarily to increased home deliveries. This increase is attributable primarily to an increase in home deliveries in communities that commenced deliveries in 2003 and from Bowden’s operations. During 2004, 2,126 homes were delivered at an average selling price of approximately $222,000, as compared to 1,011 homes delivered in 2003 at an average selling price of approximately $220,000. The modest increase in the average selling price of our homes was due primarily to a change in our product mix resulting from the inclusion of Bowden in 2004. The average selling price of homes in our Florida operations increased by $15,000 over 2003 to $235,000, while the average selling price of Bowden’s homes was $157,000.

     Cost of sales increased by approximately 114% to $371.1 million in 2004 from $173.1 million in 2003. The increase in cost of sales was associated primarily with the increased number of home deliveries. Cost of sales as a percentage of related revenue was approximately 79% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to approximately 78% for the year ended December 31, 2003. Increases in labor and raw material costs in 2004 were largely offset by increases in the selling prices of our homes. Cost of sales for 2004 also includes approximately $1.8 million of purchase accounting adjustments relating to the acquisition of Bowden.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 72% to $50.8 million in 2004 from $29.5 million for 2003. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily resulted from the increase in home deliveries and the addition of Bowden, as well as an increase in compensation and benefits resulting from the continued expansion of our homebuilding operations. As a percentage of revenues, selling general and administrative expense was approximately 11% and 13% of total revenues in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

     Interest incurred totaled $6.5 million and $5.0 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in interest incurred was primarily due to increases in borrowings associated with the assumption of debt in the Bowden acquisition and financing associated with new development projects. Interest capitalized for 2004 and 2003 totaled $6.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively. At the time of a home sale, the related capitalized interest is charged to cost of sales. Cost of sales of real estate for 2004 and 2003 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $8.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

21


 

     The increase in other expenses was primarily attributable to a $3.9 million charge recorded to account for the estimated costs of remediating hurricane-related damage in our Florida homebuilding operations, as previously discussed.

     The increase in earnings in joint ventures resulted primarily from the completion of home deliveries by a joint venture developing a condominium complex in Boca Raton, Florida. The joint venture’s initial inventory was 164 residential units and the remaining 146 units were delivered during 2004. As of December 31, 2004, approximately 4,100 square feet of commercial space remained in the joint venture’s inventory.

     The increase in interest and other income is primarily related to a $1.4 million reduction of a litigation reserve as a result of our successful appeal of a 2002 judgment. The appellate court reversed the damages awarded by the trial jury and ordered a new trial to determine damages. The litigation reserve was reduced based on our assessment of the potential liability.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to the Same 2002 Period

     Revenues from home sales increased 37% to $222.3 million in 2003 from $162.4 million in 2002, due primarily to increased home deliveries. The increase in homes delivered was the result of communities nearing completion and the introduction of new projects and product lines. During 2003, 1,011 homes were delivered at an average selling price of approximately $220,000, as compared to 740 homes delivered in 2002 at an average selling price of approximately $219,000.

     Cost of sales increased by approximately 32% to $173.1 million in 2003 from $131.3 million in 2002. The increase in cost of sales was associated primarily with the increased number of home deliveries. Cost of sales as a percentage of related revenue was approximately 78% for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to approximately 81% for the year ended December 31, 2002. The improvement in margin as a percentage of sales was primarily due to changes in product mix and the higher average selling price.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 40% to $29.5 million in 2003 from $21.1 million for 2002. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily associated with the increase in sales and the addition of several new development projects in central and southwest Florida, as well as an increase in employee compensation and benefits resulting from the addition of several new projects. As a percentage of revenues, selling general and administrative expense was approximately 13% of total revenues in both 2003 and 2002.

     Interest incurred totaled $5.0 million and $4.1 million for 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in interest incurred was primarily due to the increases in borrowings associated with new development projects. This increase was partially offset by a decline in average interest rates from 5.5% for 2002 to 4.9% for 2003 as a result of a decrease in the interest rates applicable to our variable interest rate debt. Interest capitalized for 2003 and 2002 totaled $5.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Throughout 2003 and 2002, real estate inventory under active development was greater than the interest-bearing debt. Therefore, all interest incurred during both 2003 and 2002 was capitalized. At the time of a home sale, the related capitalized interest is charged to cost of sales. Cost of sales of real estate for 2003 and 2002 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $4.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

     The decrease in earnings in joint ventures resulted primarily from the completion of home deliveries by one joint venture. The joint venture’s initial inventory was 600 units and the last 140 homes were delivered during 2002.

22


 

Land Division Results of Operations

                                         
    Year Ended December 31,     2004     2003  
                            vs. 2003     vs. 2002  
    2004     2003     2002     Change     Change  
            (Dollars in thousands)          
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 96,200       55,038       53,919       41,162       1,119  
 
                             
Total revenues
    96,200       55,038       53,919       41,162       1,119  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    42,838       31,362       28,722       11,476       2,640  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    10,373       7,549       5,867       2,824       1,682  
Interest expense, net
    61       224       451       (163 )     (227 )
Other expenses
    500                   500        
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    53,772       39,135       35,040       14,637       4,095  
 
                             
 
    42,428       15,903       18,879       26,525       (2,976 )
Interest and other income
    1,671       2,261       1,413       (590 )     848  
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    44,099       18,164       20,292       25,935       (2,128 )
Provision for income taxes
    17,031       7,149       5,414       9,882       1,735  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 27,068       11,015       14,878       16,053       (3,863 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Acres sold
    1,212       1,337       1,715       (125 )     (378 )
Margin percentage (a)
    55.5 %     43.0 %     46.7 %     12.5 %     -3.7 %
Unsold acres
    8,349       5,116       4,490       3,233       626  
Acres subject to firm sales contracts
    1,833       1,433       1,845       400       (412 )
Acres subject to firm sales contracts (value)
    121,095       103,174       72,767       17,921       30,407  


(a)   Margin percentage is calculated by dividing margin (sales of real estate minus cost of sales of real estate) by sales of real estate.

     Land Division revenues are primarily generated from two master-planned communities located in St. Lucie County, Florida – St. Lucie West and Tradition. Development activity in St. Lucie West is winding down, with 39 acres of inventory remaining at December 31, 2004, of which 21 acres were subject to firm sales contracts as of that date. With the acquisition of approximately 3,150 acres during the second quarter of 2004, the Tradition master-planned community now encompasses more than 8,200 total acres, including approximately 5,900 net saleable acres. Approximately 1,700 acres have been sold or were subject to firm sales contracts with various homebuilders as of December 31, 2004. Notwithstanding the sustained interest and activity at Tradition, a significant reduction of demand in the residential real estate market could negatively impact our land development operations.

     We calculate margin as sales of real estate minus cost of sales of real estate, and have historically realized between 40% and 60% margin on Land Division sales. Margins fluctuate based upon changing sales prices and costs attributable to the land sold. The sales price of land sold varies depending upon: the location; the parcel size; whether the parcel is sold as raw land, partially developed land or individually developed lots; the degree to which the land is entitled; and whether the ultimate use of land is residential or commercial. The cost of sales of real estate is dependent upon the original cost of the land acquired, the timing of the acquisition of the land, and the amount of development and carrying costs capitalized to the particular land parcel. Future margins will continue to vary in response to these and other market factors.

     In January 2005, we consummated the bulk sale of five non-contiguous parcels of land adjacent to Tradition consisting of a total of 1,294 acres for $64.7 million, or $50,000 per acre. These parcels, which were acquired in May 2004 for $20,000 per acre, were liquidated after we determined that their specific locations and the timeline for obtaining land use approvals would not fit in the master plan for Tradition. The funds generated by the sale will be used to reduce indebtedness and to provide additional liquidity for Land Division operations and investments.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period

     Revenues from land sales increased 75% to $96.2 million in 2004 from $55.0 million in 2003. Margin on land sales in 2004 was approximately $53.4 million as compared to $23.7 million in 2003. During 2004, 1,212 acres were sold

23


 

with an average margin of 55%, as compared to 1,337 acres sold with an average margin of 43% in 2003. The lower margin percentage in 2003 was primarily the result of the bulk sale in July of approximately 1,000 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to Tradition in a single transaction to a developer that we believe will utilize the property for the development of one or more golf courses. During 2004, the Land Division sold approximately 448 acres in Tradition to the Homebuilding Division which, for segment reporting purposes, generated revenue of $23.4 million and margin of $14.4 million. This transaction, which is included in the above table, is eliminated in consolidation. There were no sales to the Homebuilding Division in 2003.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 37% to $10.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to $7.5 million for the same 2003 period. As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses declined to 11% in 2004 from 14% in 2003.

     Interest incurred for 2004 and 2003 was approximately $2.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The increase in interest incurred was primarily due to an increase in outstanding borrowings related to acquisition of land for Tradition. During 2004, interest capitalized was approximately $1.9 million, as compared with $927,000 for 2003. At the time of land sales, the related capitalized interest is charged to cost of sales. Cost of sales of real estate for 2004 and 2003 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $87,000 and $318,000, respectively.

     The increase in other expenses was primarily attributable to a $500,000 charge, net of projected insurance recoveries, recorded to account for the estimated costs of remediating hurricane-related damage, as previously discussed.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to the Same 2002 Period

     Revenues from land sales increased 2% to $55.0 million in 2003 from $53.9 million in 2002. Margin on land sales in 2003 was approximately $23.7 million as compared to $25.2 million in 2002. The decrease in margin was primarily attributable to an increase in sales of residential land and residential lots in 2003 as compared to 2002. This was primarily a result of growth in the residential home sales market during 2003. The proportional increase in residential property sales in 2003 has resulted in a decrease in margin as a percentage of revenue, as commercial and industrial properties generally provide a higher margin than residential properties. In the year ended December 31, 2002, land sales to the Homebuilding Division totaled $8.5 million and the gain recognized was $6.5 million. These inter-segment transactions were eliminated in consolidation. There were no sales to the Homebuilding Division in 2003.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 29% to $7.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to 2002. This increase was primarily associated with an increase in advertising expenses as a result of the launch of the Tradition community during the first quarter of 2003.

     Interest incurred for 2003 and 2002 was approximately $1.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The decrease in interest incurred was primarily due to the satisfaction of indebtedness formerly associated with Live Oak Preserve, which was repaid in 2002. During 2003, interest capitalized was approximately $927,000, as compared with $1.9 million for 2002. At the time of land sales, the related capitalized interest is charged to cost of sales. Cost of sales of real estate for 2003 and 2002 included previously capitalized interest of approximately $318,000 and $980,000, respectively.

24


 

Other Operations Results of Operations

                                         
    Year Ended December 31,     2004     2003  
                            vs. 2003     vs. 2002  
    2004     2003     2002     Change     Change  
            (Dollars in thousands)          
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 5,555       5,763             (208 )     5,763  
 
                             
Total revenues
    5,555       5,763             (208 )     5,763  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    6,255       6,021       1,601       234       4,420  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    9,822       5,000       3,582       4,822       1,418  
Interest expense, net
          9       (6 )     (9 )     15  
Other expenses
          (1 )           1       (1 )
Minority interest
    24       199             (175 )     199  
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    16,101       11,228       5,177       4,873       6,051  
 
                             
 
    (10,546 )     (5,465 )     (5,177 )     (5,081 )     (288 )
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
    13,068       7,433       4,570       5,635       2,863  
Earnings (loss) from joint ventures
    2,532       3       (322 )     2,529       325  
Interest and other income
    1,004       341       268       663       73  
 
                             
Income (loss) before income taxes
    6,058       2,312       (661 )     3,746       2,973  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    2,198       891       (177 )     1,307       1,068  
Net income (loss)
  $ 3,860       1,421       (484 )     2,439       1,905  
 
                             

     Other Operations include all other activities, including Levitt Commercial, Levitt Corporation general and administrative expenses, earnings from our investment in Bluegreen and earnings from investments in various real estate projects. We currently own approximately 9.5 million shares of the common stock of Bluegreen, which represented approximately 31% of Bluegreen’s outstanding shares as of December 31, 2004. Under equity method accounting, we recognize our pro-rata share of Bluegreen’s net income or loss (net of purchase accounting adjustments) as pre-tax earnings. Bluegreen has not paid dividends to its shareholders; therefore, our earnings represent only our claim to the future distributions of Bluegreen’s earnings. Accordingly, we record a tax liability on our portion of Bluegreen’s net income. Should Bluegreen’s financial performance deteriorate, our earnings in Bluegreen would deteriorate concurrently and our results of operations would be adversely affected. Furthermore, a significant reduction in Bluegreen’s financial position might require that we test our investment in Bluegreen for impairment, which could result in charges against our future results of operations. For a complete discussion of Bluegreen’s results of operations and financial position, we refer you to Bluegreen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the SEC.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Same 2003 Period

     During the year ended December 31, 2004, Levitt Commercial delivered 18 flex warehouse units as compared to 13 units delivered during the year ended December 31, 2003. Cost of sales of real estate includes amortization of interest previously capitalized in this business segment. The amount of previously capitalized interest amortized in cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

     Bluegreen‘s reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $36.5 million and $25.8 million, respectively. Our ownership interest in Bluegreen’s earnings during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was approximately $13.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively, net of purchase accounting adjustments. Purchase accounting adjustments decreased our interest in Bluegreen’s earnings by $473,000 for 2004, as compared to a $1.1 million reduction of earnings in 2003. Additionally, Bluegreen issued approximately 4.1 million shares of common stock during 2004 in connection with the redemption of $34.1 million of its 8.25% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the “Debentures”). Our investment in Bluegreen was reduced by $1.9 million to reflect the dilutive effect of the issuance of these shares as a result of the elimination of purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the difference between the fair value and book value of the Debentures originally recorded at acquisition. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen common stock were issued upon the exercise of stock options which reduced our investment in Bluegreen by approximately $1.0 million. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, our ownership interest in Bluegreen was 31% and 36%, respectively.

     Selling, general and administrative and other expenses increased to $9.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to $5.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily associated with increases in employee compensation and benefits resulting from higher average headcount, fees paid by the Company for administrative and other services provided pursuant to an agreement with BankAtlantic Bancorp, and other expenses

25


 

related to being a public company. We did not incur significant costs associated with being a public company in 2003 because we were not subject to SEC reporting requirements at that time, or the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     Earnings from real estate joint ventures in 2004 were $2.5 million as compared to $3,000 in 2003. The increase in earnings was due primarily to the gain recognized by a joint venture on the sale of a rental apartment project in Vero Beach, Florida and earnings associated with the delivery of homes by a joint venture project in West Palm Beach, Florida. Both joint venture projects are sold out and their operations are essentially completed.

     Interest incurred in Other Operations was approximately $2.6 million and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in interest incurred was primarily associated with increases in outstanding borrowings related to Levitt Commercial’s development activities, interest obligations under the $8.0 million note to BankAtlantic Bancorp relating to the spin-off, and the $3.2 million of outstanding Subordinated Investment Notes. Interest capitalized for this business segment totaled $2.6 million and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Those amounts include adjustments to reconcile the amount of interest eligible for capitalization on a consolidated basis with the amounts capitalized in the Company’s other business segments.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to the Same 2002 Period

     During the first quarter of 2003, Levitt Commercial commenced the delivery of its flex warehouse units and the revenue and margin on the sales of its inventory for the year ended December 31, 2003 were approximately $5.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively. No sales of real estate were recognized by this business segment in 2002. Cost of sales of real estate includes the amortization of interest previously capitalized in this business segment. The amount of previously capitalized interest amortized in cost of sales for 2003 and 2002 was $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

     Bluegreen’s reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $25.8 million and, for the period of our ownership during 2002, income before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle was $15.4 million. Our ownership interest in Bluegreen’s earnings during 2003 was approximately $7.4 million, as compared to $4.6 million for the period of our ownership in 2002. Our interest in Bluegreen’s earnings was reduced by $1.1 million in 2003 due to the effects of purchase accounting adjustments, as compared with a reduction of $353,000 during the period of our ownership from April to December 2002. The purchase accounting adjustments for 2002 primarily related to Bluegreen’s sale of notes receivable which existed at the acquisition date. At the acquisition date, the notes receivable were adjusted to reflect unrealized gain in our carrying amount of the asset, and accordingly, when such gain was recorded by Bluegreen, we recognized no gain. The purchase accounting adjustments for 2003 primarily related to Bluegreen’s sale of retained interests in notes receivable which existed at the acquisition date. As with the underlying notes receivable, at the acquisition date the retained interests were adjusted to reflect unrealized gain in our carrying amount of the asset, and, when such gain was recorded by Bluegreen, we recognized no gain.

     Selling, general and administrative and other expenses in this segment primarily relate to holding company operations and expenses incurred by Levitt Commercial. Selling, general and administrative and other expenses increased to $6.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to $1.6 million for 2002. This increase was primarily associated with increases in employee compensation and benefits relating to our expansion and costs related to our public offering of investment notes.

     Interest incurred was approximately $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in interest incurred is primarily associated with a $30.0 million loan from BankAtlantic Bancorp in connection with the acquisition of Levitt Corporation’s investment in Bluegreen Corporation, which was outstanding for the entire twelve months of 2003 as compared with only nine months during 2002. Partially offsetting this increase was a reduction in average interest rates for 2003 to approximately 4.1%, as compared to 5.3% for 2002. Interest capitalized for this business segment totaled $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Interest capitalized in this business segment includes adjustments to reconcile the amount of interest eligible for capitalization on a consolidated basis with the amounts capitalized in the other business segments.

     Minority interest for the 2003 period is associated with a joint venture’s margin from the sale of its flex warehouse units in which we have a majority interest.

26


 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

     Prior to August 2001, the Company was a subsidiary of BankAtlantic. While the Company was a subsidiary of BankAtlantic, BankAtlantic was permitted to lend money to the Company and its subsidiaries on terms consistent with those available from unaffiliated third party lenders. In August 2001, BankAtlantic transferred ownership of the Company to BankAtlantic Bancorp, and as a consequence, the Company and its subsidiaries became “affiliates,” rather than subsidiaries, of BankAtlantic. As a consequence, BankAtlantic became subject to different regulatory requirements with respect to us, including regulatory restrictions on BankAtlantic’s ability to provide us with additional financing in the future. Notwithstanding the spin-off, we remain an affiliate of BankAtlantic by virtue of BFC Financial Corporation’s voting control, and accordingly, BankAtlantic remains subject to restrictions on its ability to provide us with additional financing. As a result, we continue to develop alternative financing relationships to support our capital requirements. We believe that our current financial condition and credit relationships, together with anticipated cash flows from operations, will provide for our current liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

December 31, 2004 versus December 31, 2003

     Our total assets at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were $678.4 million and $393.5 million, respectively. The increase in total assets primarily resulted from:

  •   a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $89.6 million, which resulted primarily from $114.8 million of net proceeds from the underwritten public sale of 5,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock (described below), offset in part by cash used in operations;
 
  •   a net increase in inventory of real estate of approximately $158.5 million resulting from land acquisitions in Florida by our Land and Homebuilding Divisions, inventory acquired in the acquisition of Bowden, land acquisitions in Tennessee and increases in land development and construction costs. These increases in inventory of real estate were partially offset by sales of homes and land;
 
  •   a net increase of approximately $9.7 million in our investment in Bluegreen Corporation associated primarily with $13.1 million of earnings from Bluegreen, that were offset by purchase accounting adjustments, a series dilutive capital transactions and our pro rata share of unrealized losses associated with Bluegreen’s other comprehensive income;
 
  •   an increase of $26.8 million in property and equipment from the acquisition of an office building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the construction of an irrigation facility in Tradition; and
 
  •   an increase of $6.6 million in other assets resulting from $4.1 million of goodwill and other assets associated with the Bowden acquisition, and a $1.4 million insurance receivable for claims associated with Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne.

     Total liabilities at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were $383.7 million and $268.1 million, respectively.

     The increase in total liabilities primarily resulted from:

  •   increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $28.1 million related to increased construction and development activity, as well as the assumption of liabilities in connection with the Bowden acquisition and liabilities recorded relating to Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne, offset in part by a $9.1 million reduction in customer deposits and a $1.4 million reversal of a litigation reserve related to the successful appeal of a 2002 lawsuit;
 
  •   a net increase in notes and mortgage notes payable of $94.1 million, primarily related to the land acquisitions described above, the assumption of debt in connection with the Bowden acquisition and a $16.5 million bridge loan to finance the purchase of the office building described above; and
 
  •   an increase in the deferred tax liability of approximately $3.1 million which was primarily associated with our earnings from Bluegreen.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operating and investment activities. For the year ended December 31, 2004, our primary source of funds was the underwritten public offering of our common stock described below, as well as proceeds from the sale of real estate inventory, distributions from real estate joint ventures and borrowings from financial institutions. These funds were utilized primarily to acquire, develop and construct real estate, to

27


 

service and repay borrowings, to acquire Bowden, to purchase the office building described above and to pay general and administrative expenses. Our primary sources of funds for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2003 were proceeds from the sale of real estate inventory, distributions from real estate joint ventures, borrowings, proceeds from development bonds payable and capital contributions in 2002 from BankAtlantic Bancorp. These funds were primarily utilized acquire, develop and construct real estate, to repay borrowings, to pay general and administrative expenses, to invest in real estate joint ventures, and, in 2002, to invest in Bluegreen.

     In April 2004 we sold 5,000,000 shares of Class A common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price of $24.50 per share. Net proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $114.8 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Approximately $12.0 million of the net proceeds of the offering was used to repay indebtedness, $7.4 million was used to fund the Bowden acquisition and $67.0 million was transferred to our operating subsidiaries (including Bowden) to provide funds for their growth. The balance of the funds will be used to fund our operations and growth and for general corporate purposes.

     We have also formed a statutory business trust (“Trust”) for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and investing the proceeds thereof in junior subordinated debentures of the Company. On March 15, 2005, the Trust issued $22.5 million of trust preferred securities. The Trust used the proceeds from issuing trust preferred securities to purchase an identical amount of junior subordinated debentures from the Company. Interest on the junior subordinated debentures and distributions on the trust preferred securities will be payable quarterly in arrears at a fixed rate of 8.11% through March 30, 2010 and thereafter at a floating rate of 3.85% over 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) until the scheduled maturity date of March 30, 2035. Distributions on the trust preferred securities will be cumulative and based upon the liquidation value of the trust preferred security. The trust preferred securities will be subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the junior subordinated debentures at maturity or their earlier redemption. The junior subordinated debentures are redeemable five years from the issue date or sooner following certain specified events. In addition, we contributed $696,000 to the Trust in exchange for the Trust’s common securities, all of which are owned by us, and those proceeds were also used to purchase an identical amount of junior subordinated debentures from the Company. The terms of the Trust’s common securities are nearly identical to the trust preferred securities. The issuance of trust preferred securities was part of a larger pooled trust securities offering which was not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. We will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including repaying indebtedness to affiliates. We also expect to create similar trusts and participate in other pooled trust preferred securities transactions in the future as a source of additional financing for the Company.

     In addition to the liquidity provided by the sale of our common stock and the issuance of the trust preferred securities, we expect to continue to fund our short-term liquidity requirements through net cash provided by operating and financing activities. We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements for items such as acquisitions and debt service and repayment obligations primarily with net cash provided by operations, long-term secured and unsecured indebtedness, the remaining proceeds of the stock sale and future sales of equity. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had cash and cash equivalents of $125.5 million and $36.0 million, respectively.

     At December 31, 2004, our consolidated debt was approximately $268.2 million. Our principal payment obligations with respect to our debt for the 12 months beginning December 31, 2004 are anticipated to total approximately $58.4 million. Approximately $48.1 million of the debt due in the next twelve months is construction-related financing which will be repaid with the proceeds from the sales of the properties under construction.

     We have entered into various loan agreements which provide financing for acquisition, site improvements and construction of real estate held for sale. As of December 31, 2004, these loan agreements provided in the aggregate for advances, subject to available collateral, on a revolving basis up to a maximum of $397.6 million, of which $207.0 million was outstanding. The loans are secured by mortgages on properties, including improvements. Principal payments are required as sales of the collateral are consummated. Some of our debt agreements contain provisions that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial ratios and a minimum net worth. These requirements may limit the amount of debt that we can incur in the future and restrict the payment of dividends to us by our subsidiaries. Certain notes and mortgage notes provide that events of default include a change in ownership, management or executive management. At December 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all loan agreement financial requirements and covenants.

     Our ability to meet our debt service and other obligations, to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend upon our future performance. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, and future borrowings may not be available under our existing credit facilities or any other financing sources in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Should this situation

28


 

arise, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity, which we may not be able to do on favorable terms or at all.

     On each of July 26, 2004, October 25, 2004 and January 24, 2005 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.02 per share on our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. These dividends were paid on August 16, 2004, November 15, 2004 and February 15, 2005, respectively. The Board has not adopted a policy of regular dividend payments. The payment of dividends in the future is subject to approval by our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operation and financial condition.

     We are subject to the usual obligations associated with entering into contracts for the purchase, development and sale of real estate in the ordinary course of its business.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

     In connection with the development of certain of our communities, we establish community development districts to access bond financing for the funding of infrastructure development and other projects within the community. If we were not able to establish community development districts, we would need to fund community infrastructure development out of operating income or through other sources of financing or capital. The bonds issued are obligations of the community development district and are repaid through assessments on property within the district. To the extent that we own property within a district when assessments are levied, we will be obligated to pay the assessments when they are due. As of December 31, 2004, development districts in Tradition had $62.8 million of community development district bonds outstanding for which no assessments had been levied. As of December 31, 2004, we owned approximately 66% of the property in the districts.

     We have entered into an indemnity agreement with a joint venture partner relating to that partner’s guarantee of the joint venture’s indebtedness. Our maximum exposure under the indemnity agreement is estimated to be approximately $500,000. Based on the joint venture assets securing the indebtedness, we do not believe it is likely that any payment will be required under the agreement.

     The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

                                         
            Payments due by period  
            Less than     13 - 36     37 - 60     More than  
Category   Total     12 Months     Months     Months     60 Months  
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 268,226       58,435       65,157       104,644       39,990  
Operating lease obligations
    3,225       964       1,483       728       50  
Purchase obligations
    208,315       189,760       18,555              
 
                             
Total obligations
  $ 479,766       249,159       85,195       105,372       40,040  
 
                             

     Long-term debt obligations consist of notes, mortgage notes and bonds payable. Operating lease obligations consist of rent commitments. Purchase obligations consist of contracts to acquire real estate properties for development and sale; however our liability for not completing a purchase is generally limited to the deposit we made under the contract.

Impact of Inflation

     The financial statements and related financial data and notes presented herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

     Inflation could have a long-term impact on us by contributing to increased costs of land, materials and labor, the net effect of which could require us to increase the sales prices of homes. In addition, inflation is often accompanied by higher interest rates which could have a negative impact on housing demand and the costs of financing land development activities and housing construction. Rising interest rates as well as increased materials and labor costs may reduce margins. In recent years, the increases in these costs have followed the general rate of inflation and hence have not had a significant

29


 

adverse impact on us. In addition, deflation can impact the value of real estate and make it difficult for us to recover our land costs. Therefore, both inflation and deflation could adversely impact our future results of operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

     In December 2004, FASB issued Statement No. 152 (“Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 66 and 67.) This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, to reference the financial accounting and reporting guidance for real estate time-sharing transactions that is provided in AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 04-2, Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions. This Statement also amends FASB Statement No. 67, Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects, to state that the guidance for (a) incidental operations and (b) costs incurred to sell real estate projects does not apply to real estate time-sharing transactions. The accounting for those operations and costs is subject to the guidance in SOP 04-2. This Statement is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Bluegreen has indicated in its periodic reports filed with the SEC that this pronouncement is not expected to have a material effect on Bluegreen’s financial statements. Accordingly, we do not believe that this Statement will have a material effect on our financial statements.

     In December 2004, FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revision) (“Share-based payments”.) This Statement is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. This Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. The Statement also establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services and addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. The Statement eliminated the accounting for share-based transactions under APB No. 25 and its related interpretations instead requiring all share based payment be accounted for using a fair value method. For public companies the Statement will be effective in the first interim reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005. The Statement can be adopted using the “Modified Prospective Application” or the “Modified Retrospective Application”. Under the modified prospective application, this Statement applies to new awards granted after the effective date and to unvested awards. Under the modified retrospective application, the Company would apply the modified prospective method, but also restate the prior financial statements to include the amounts that were previously recognized in the pro forma disclosures under Statement No. 123. We will adopt the Statement on July 1, 2005 and are currently evaluating the two transitional applications. We estimate that the annual after-tax non-cash compensation expense resulting from unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2004 would be approximately $590,000 in 2005.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Market risk is defined as the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market valuations that arise from interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and equity price risk. We are subject to interest rate risk on our long-term debt. At December 31, 2004, we had $262.5 million in borrowings with adjustable rates tied to the prime rate and/or LIBOR and $5.8 million in borrowings with fixed rates. Consequently, for debt tied to an indexed rate, changes in interest rates may affect our earnings and cash flows, but generally would not impact the fair value of such debt. For fixed rate debt, changes in interest rates generally affect the fair market value of the debt but not our earnings or cash flow.

30


 

     The table below sets forth our debt obligations, principal payments by scheduled maturity, weighted-average interest rates and estimated fair market value as of December 31, 2004 (dollars in thousands):

                                                                 
                                                            Fair Market  
    Twelve months ended December 31,     Value at  
                                                            December 31,  
    2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     Thereafter     Total     2004  
Fixed rate debts:
                                                               
Notes and mortgage payable (a)
  $ 2,554       639       1,992       575                   5,760       5,801  
Average interest rate
    6.96 %     7.18 %     8.27 %     8.75 %                 7.62 %        
 
                                                               
Variable rate debts:
                                                               
Notes and mortgage payable (b)
  $ 55,881       10,306       52,220       65,311       38,758       39,990       262,466       262,467  
Average interest rate
    5.05 %     5.32 %     5.09 %     5.47 %     4.80 %     5.30 %     5.17 %        
 
                                                               
Total debt obligations
  $ 58,435       10,945       54,212       65,886       38,758       39,990       268,226       268,268  


(a)   Fair value calculated based upon recent borrowings in same category of debt.
 
(b)   At December 31, 2004 our total borrowings from BankAtlantic and BankAtlantic Bancorp were approximately $8.6 million and $38.0 million, respectively.

     Based upon the amount of variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2004 and holding the variable rate debt balance constant, each one percentage point increase in interest rates would increase the interest incurred by us by approximately $2.6 million per year.

31


 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Levitt Corporation

         
Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm
    33  
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    35  
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003
       
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Income
    36  
For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004
       
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
    37  
For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004
       
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
    38  
For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004
       
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    39  
For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004
       
 
       
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    41  
For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004
       

Bluegreen Corporation

     The financial statements of Bluegreen Corporation, which is considered a significant subsidiary, are required to be included in this report. The financial statements of Bluegreen Corporation are incorporated herein by reference from Bluegreen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2005.

32


 

Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Levitt Corporation:

     We have completed an integrated audit of Levitt Corporation’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

     In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Levitt Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Bluegreen Corporation, an investment of the Company accounted for under the equity method (Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements). Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Bluegreen Corporation, is based solely on the report of the other auditors. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting

     Also, in our opinion, based on our audit, management’s assessment, included in “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, based on our audit, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

     A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded

33


 

as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

     Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 16, 2005

34


 

Levitt Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(In thousands except share data)

                 
    2004     2003  
Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 125,522       35,965  
Restricted cash
    2,017       3,384  
Notes receivable
    4,484       5,163  
Inventory of real estate
    413,471       254,992  
Investments in real estate joint ventures
    608       4,106  
Investment in Bluegreen Corporation
    80,572       70,852  
Property and equipment, net
    31,137       4,686  
Other assets
    20,656       14,357  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 678,467       393,505  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
 
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 66,271       40,802  
Customer deposits
    43,022       52,134  
Current income tax payable
    4,314       1,024  
Notes and mortgage notes payable
    221,605       111,625  
Notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates
    46,621       61,618  
Other liabilities
    1,845       850  
 
           
Total liabilities
    383,678       268,053  
 
           
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value
Authorized: 5,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding: no shares
           
Common stock, Class A, $0.01 par value
Authorized: 50,000,000 and no shares
Issued and outstanding: 18,597,166 and 13,597,166 shares, respectively
    186       136  
Common stock, Class B, $0.01 par value
Authorized: 10,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding: 1,219,031 and 1,219,031 shares, respectively
    12       12  
Additional paid-in capital
    180,790       67,855  
Retained earnings
    113,643       57,020  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    158       429  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    294,789       125,452  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 678,467       393,505  
 
           

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

35


 

Levitt Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004
(In thousands, except per share data)

                         
    2004     2003     2002  
Revenues:
                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 549,652       283,058       207,808  
Title and mortgage operations
    4,798       2,466       1,595  
 
                 
Total revenues
    554,450       285,524       209,403  
 
                 
 
                       
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    406,274       209,431       159,675  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    71,001       42,027       30,549  
Interest expense, net
    259       233       389  
Other expenses
    7,367       1,605       1,121  
Minority interest
    (26 )     86        
 
                 
Total costs and expenses
    484,875       253,382       191,734  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
    13,068       7,433       4,570  
Earnings from real estate joint ventures
    6,050       483       849  
Interest and other income
    4,619       3,162       2,678  
 
                 
Income before income taxes
    93,312       43,220       25,766  
 
Provision for income taxes
    35,897       16,400       6,254  
 
                 
Net income
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings per common share:
                       
Basic
  $ 3.10       1.81       1.32  
Diluted
  $ 3.04       1.77       1.30  
 
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    18,518       14,816       14,816  
Diluted
    18,600       14,816       14,816  
 
                       
Dividends declared per common share:
                       
Class A common stock
  $ 0.04              
Class B common stock
  $ 0.04              

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

36


 

Levitt Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For Each of the Years in the Three Year Period Ended December 31, 2004
(In thousands)

                         
    2004     2003     2002  
Net income
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income:
                       
Pro-rata share of unrealized (loss) gain recognized by Bluegreen on retained interests in notes receivable sold, net of tax
    (271 )     835       (406 )
 
                       
 
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 57,144       27,655       19,106  
 
                 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

37


 

Levitt Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
For Each of the Years in the Three Year Period Ended December 31, 2004
(In thousands)

                                                 
                                    Accumulated        
                                    Compre-        
    Class A     Class B     Additional             hensive        
    Common     Common     Paid-In     Retained     Income        
    Stock(a)     Stock(a)     Capital     Earnings     (Loss)     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2001
                50,003       20,025             70,028  
Net income
  $                   19,512             19,512  
Other comprehensive loss
                            (406 )     (406 )
Capital contribution
                18,618                   18,618  
Issuance of Bluegreen Corporation
common stock, net of tax
                (219 )                 (219 )
 
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2002
  $             68,402       39,537       (406 )     107,533  
Issuance of Class A and Class B Common Stock and retirement of previous class of common stock(a)
    136       12       (148 )                  
Net income
  $                   26,820             26,820  
Other comprehensive income
                            835       835  
Issuance of Bluegreen common stock, net of tax
                (210 )                 (210 )
Stock issuance costs
                (150 )                 (150 )
Purchase and retirement of fractional shares distributed in spin-off
                (39 )                 (39 )
Dividend declared in connection with spin-off
                      (8,000 )           (8,000 )
Deemed distribution related to transfer of 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen from BankAtlantic Bancorp
                      (1,337 )           (1,337 )
 
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2003
    136       12       67,855       57,020       429       125,452  
Issuance of Class A common stock, net of stock issuance costs
    50             114,719                   114,769  
Net income
  $                   57,415             57,415  
Other comprehensive loss
                            (271 )     (271 )
Issuance of Bluegreen common stock, net of tax
                (1,784 )                 (1,784 )
Cash dividends paid
                      (792 )           (792 )
 
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2004
    186       12       180,790       113,643       158       294,789  
 
                                   


(a)   See Note 23 – Equity Transactions

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

38


 

Levitt Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For Each of the Years in the Three Year Period Ended December 31, 2004
(In thousands)

                         
    2004     2003     2002  
Operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    753       1,146       131  
Increase in deferred income taxes
    3,195       4,005       2,666  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
    (13,068 )     (7,433 )     (4,570 )
Earnings from joint ventures
    (6,050 )     (483 )     (849 )
Write-off of debt offering costs
          791        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Restricted cash
    1,367       (396 )     (2,330 )
Inventory of real estate
    (136,552 )     (56,866 )     (55,693 )
Notes receivable
    679       919       150  
Other assets
    (2,831 )     (10,839 )     2,186  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses, customer deposits and other liabilities
    16,206       53,438       6,448  
 
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (78,886 )     11,102       (32,349 )
 
                 
 
                       
Investing activities:
                       
Investment in real estate joint ventures
    (127 )     (933 )     (1,244 )
Distributions from real estate joint ventures
    9,744       1,561       6,214  
Proceeds from partial sale of joint venture interest
    340              
Purchase of Bowden Building Corporation, net of cash acquired
    (6,109 )            
Investment in Bluegreen Corporation
                (53,779 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (26,790 )     (3,956 )     (336 )
 
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (22,942 )     (3,328 )     (49,145 )
 
                 
 Financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from notes and mortgage notes payable
    317,988       134,016       104,417  
Proceeds from notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates
    33,135       38,438       64,642  
Repayment of notes and mortgage notes payable
    (224,733 )     (107,750 )     (74,683 )
Repayment of notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates
    (48,132 )     (47,825 )     (35,007 )
Payments for debt offering costs
          (791 )      
Payments for stock issue costs
    (7,731 )     (150 )      
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    122,500              
Proceeds from development bonds payable
                915  
Repayment of development bonds payable
    (850 )     (3,761 )     (4,985 )
Contributed capital from BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc.
                18,618  
Cash dividends paid
    (792 )            
 
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    191,385       12,177       73,917  
 
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    89,557       19,951       (7,577 )
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
    35,965       16,014       23,591  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 125,552       35,965       16,014  
 
                 

(Continued on next page)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

39


 

Levitt Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For Each of the Years in the Three Year Period Ended December 31, 2004
(In thousands)

                                 
            2004     2003     2002  
Supplemental cash flow information
                               
Interest paid on borrowings, net of capitalized interest
          $ 153       261       (93 )
Income taxes paid
            29,479       14,861       5,127  
 
                               
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities:
                               
Change in shareholders’ equity resulting from the change in other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of taxes
          $ (271 )     835       (406 )
 
                               
Change in shareholders’ equity from the net effect of Bluegreen’s capital transactions, net of taxes
            (1,784 )     (210 )     (219 )
 
                               
Decrease in retained earnings due to dividend declared and issuance of note payable
                  (8,000 )      
 
Issuance of a note payable for $5.5 million and 200,916 shares of Class A common stock and 18,015 shares of Class B common stock related to receipt of 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen Corporation common stock from BankAtlantic Bancorp
                  (5,500 )      
 
                               
Purchase and retirement of treasury shares
                  (39 )      
 
                               
Assumption of development bonds payable
                  (1,190 )      
 
                               
Decrease in notes receivable from assumption of development bonds payable
                  1,190        
 
                               
Increase in joint venture investment resulting from unrealized gain on non-monetary exchange
            409              
 
                               
Fair value of assets acquired from acquisition of Bowden Building Corporation, net of cash acquired of $1,335
            26,463              
 
                               
Fair value of liabilities assumed from acquisition of Bowden Building Corporation
            20,354              

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

40


 

Levitt Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Business

     Levitt Corporation (the “Company”) is the parent company to other entities operating in the real estate development business. Prior to 2001, the Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of BankAtlantic. In October 2001, BankAtlantic transferred its direct ownership of the Company to BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. (“BankAtlantic Bancorp”). Effective January 1, 2002, Levitt Corporation converted from a corporation to a limited liability company. On February 12, 2003, Levitt Corporation converted from a limited liability company to a corporation through a merger with a wholly owned subsidiary. On December 31, 2003, BankAtlantic Bancorp completed the spin-off of Levitt Corporation by means of a pro rata distribution to its shareholders of all of the Company’s issued and outstanding capital stock. BFC Financial Corporation, which on the date of the spin-off held all of the issued and outstanding shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp’s Class B common stock and approximately 15.3% of the issued and outstanding shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp’s Class A common stock, received in the spin-off the same relative percentages of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock on that date. At December 31, 2004, BFC’s ownership of the Company’s common stock represented in the aggregate approximately 53% of the total voting power of all of the Company’s common stock.

     The Company engages in real estate activities through Levitt and Sons, LLC (“Levitt and Sons”), Bowden Building Corporation (“Bowden”), Core Communities, LLC (“Core Communities”), Levitt Commercial, LLC (“Levitt Commercial”) and several investments in real estate projects in Florida. The Company also owns approximately 9.5 million shares, or 31%, of the outstanding common stock of Bluegreen Corporation (“Bluegreen”), a New York Stock Exchange-listed company engaged in the acquisition, development, marketing and sale of vacation ownership interests in primarily “drive-to” resorts, as well as residential homesites located around golf courses and other amenities. Levitt and Sons was acquired in December 1999 for approximately $27.0 million. Levitt and Sons is a developer of single-family home communities and condominiums in Florida. Bowden was acquired in April 2004 for approximately $7.4 million. Bowden is a builder of single-family homes in Tennessee. Core Communities owns the unsold land and other entitlements of the master planned communities known as St. Lucie West and Tradition in St. Lucie County, Florida. Levitt Commercial was formed in 2001 as a real estate development company specializing in the development of industrial, commercial, retail and residential properties. The majority of the Company’s assets and activities are located in Florida. Changes in the economic conditions in Florida would have an impact on the operations of the Company.

     In connection with the spin-off, a $30.0 million demand note owed to BankAtlantic Bancorp was converted to a five year term note with interest only payable monthly initially at the prime rate and thereafter at the prime rate plus increments of an additional 0.25% every six months commencing on January 1, 2005. Prior to the spin-off, BankAtlantic Bancorp also transferred 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen common stock owned by it to the Company, increasing the Company’s ownership interest in Bluegreen to its current 9.5 million shares. In exchange for the Bluegreen shares, the Company issued to BankAtlantic Bancorp a $5.5 million note and additional shares of common stock (which were included in the spin-off). The $5.5 million note was paid in full in April 2004. Additionally, prior to the spin-off, the Company declared an $8.0 million dividend to BankAtlantic Bancorp payable in the form of a five year term note with the same payment terms as the $30.0 million note described above.

Consolidation Policy

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-segment transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain items in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

     The Company uses the equity method for investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and unconsolidated joint ventures when the Company owns at least 20% of the voting stock or exercises significant influence over the operating and financial policies but does not own a controlling interest. Under the equity method, the Company’s initial investment is recorded at cost and is subsequently adjusted to recognize its share of earnings or losses. Distributions received reduce the carrying amount of the investment. In the event of issuance of equity interests by an unconsolidated entity to others, the Company recognizes the impact in paid in capital.

41


 

Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates are utilized in the valuation of real estate, estimates of future improvement costs, capitalization of costs, provision for litigation, the valuation of investments, the valuation of the fair market value of assets and liabilities acquired when applying the purchase method of accounting and the amount of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

Cash Equivalents

     Cash equivalents include liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

     Cash and interest bearing deposits are segregated into restricted accounts for specific uses in accordance with the terms of certain land sale contracts, home sales and other arrangements. Restricted funds may only be utilized in accordance with the terms of the applicable governing documents. The majority of restricted funds are controlled by third-party escrow fiduciaries.

Inventory of Real Estate

     Inventory of real estate includes land, land development costs, interest and other construction costs and is stated at accumulated cost or, when circumstances indicate that the inventory is impaired, at estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is based on disposition of real estate in the normal course of business under existing and anticipated market conditions. The valuation 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.

     Land and indirect land development costs are accumulated by specific area and allocated to various parcels or housing units 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 tangible selling costs, prepaid local government fees and capitalized real estate taxes. Tangible selling costs are capitalized by communities and represent costs incurred that are used directly throughout the selling period to aid in the sale of housing units, such as model furnishings and decorations, sales office furnishings and facilities, exhibits, displays and signage. These tangible selling costs are capitalized and expensed to cost of sales of the benefited home sales. Start-up costs and other selling expenses are expensed as incurred.

Capitalized Interest

     Interest incurred relating to land under development and construction is capitalized to real estate inventories during the active development period. Interest is capitalized as a component of inventory at the effective rates paid on borrowings during the pre-construction and planning stage and the periods that projects are under development. Capitalization of interest is discontinued if development ceases at a project. Interest is expensed as a component of cost of sales as related homes, land and units are sold.

42


 

     The following table is a summary of interest incurred on notes and mortgage notes payable and the amounts capitalized (in thousands):

                         
    For the year ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Interest incurred to non-affiliates
  $ 8,725       5,661       5,751  
Interest incurred to BankAtlantic
    644       1,083       1,335  
Interest incurred to BankAtlantic Bancorp
    1,730       1,180       971  
Interest capitalized
    (10,840 )     (7,691 )     (7,668 )
 
                 
Interest expense, net
  $ 259       233       389  
 
                 
 
                       
Interest included in cost of sales
  $ 9,872       6,425       6,174  
 
                 

Property and Equipment

     Property and equipment is stated at cost and consists primarily of office premises, office furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and water treatment and irrigation facilities. Depreciation is recorded in a manner that recognizes the cost of depreciable assets in operations over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the terms of the underlying leases, including probable renewal periods, or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Revenue Recognition

     Revenue and all related costs and expenses from home, land and commercial property sales are recognized at the time that closing has occurred, when title and possession of the property and risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the buyer and other sale and profit recognition criteria are satisfied as required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for real estate transactions.

     Title and mortgage operations include agency and other fees received for processing of title insurance policies and mortgage loans. Revenues from title and mortgage operations are recognized when the transfer of the corresponding property or mortgages to third parties has been consummated.

     Other revenues consist primarily of rental property income, developer’s fees earned from real estate joint ventures, interest income, forfeited deposits and other miscellaneous income, and are recorded as other income.

Goodwill

     The acquisition of the Bluegreen common stock in April 2002 resulted in approximately $4.1 million of goodwill being recorded. The acquisition of Bowden in April 2004 resulted in $1.3 million of goodwill being recorded. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the Company’s acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is accounted for in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, goodwill is not subject to amortization. Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. The Company has performed its annual impairment test as of December 31, 2004 and determined that goodwill was not impaired.

Income Taxes

     Through December 31, 2003, the Company was included in BankAtlantic Bancorp’s consolidated federal income tax return. The Company and BankAtlantic Bancorp are parties to a tax sharing agreement with respect to the Federal income tax liability of the consolidated group. The tax sharing agreement provides that the consolidated tax liability for prior years was allocated among the members of the consolidated group in proportion to the taxable income or loss of each member. Income tax expense was calculated on a separate return method that allocated current and deferred taxes to members of BankAtlantic Bancorp’s consolidated group as if each member were a separate taxpayer. Current taxes were payable to or receivable from BankAtlantic Bancorp. The Company received current tax benefits from BankAtlantic Bancorp when the tax benefits were utilized in the consolidated return.

43


 

     Commencing in 2004, the Company will file its federal tax return separately from BankAtlantic Bancorp. The Company utilizes the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be reversed. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the period that includes the statutory enactment date. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Earnings per Share

     On December 22, 2003 the Company filed Amended Articles of Incorporation with the State of Florida which provided for, among other things, the recapitalization of the Company’s common stock into Class A and Class B common stock. The Company’s sole shareholder, BankAtlantic Bancorp, received all 13,597,166 issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock and all 1,219,031 issued and outstanding shares of Class B common stock as part of the recapitalization. On December 31, 2003, BankAtlantic Bancorp distributed all 14,816,197 issued and outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock to its shareholders to effect the spin-off of the Company from BankAtlantic Bancorp. Earnings per share for all periods presented herein reflect the recapitalization of the Company’s common stock.

     While the Company has two classes of common stock outstanding, the two-class method is not presented because the Company’s capital structure does not provide for different dividend rates or other preferences, other than voting and conversion rights, between the two classes. Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share takes into account the potential dilution from securities issued by an equity method investee that enable their holders to obtain the investee’s common stock. The resulting net income amount is divided by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding, when dilutive.

New Accounting Pronouncements

     In December 2004, FASB issued Statement No. 152 (“Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 66 and 67.) This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, to reference the financial accounting and reporting guidance for real estate time-sharing transactions that is provided in AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 04-2, Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions. This Statement also amends FASB Statement No. 67, Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects, to state that the guidance for (a) incidental operations and (b) costs incurred to sell real estate projects does not apply to real estate time-sharing transactions. The accounting for those operations and costs is subject to the guidance in SOP 04-2. This Statement is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Bluegreen has indicated in its periodic reports filed with the SEC that this pronouncement is not expected to have a material effect on Bluegreen’s financial statements. Accordingly, management does not believe that this Statement will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

     In December 2004, FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revision) (“Share-based payments”.) This Statement is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. This Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. The Statement also establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services and addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. The Statement eliminated the accounting for share-based transactions under APB No. 25 and its related interpretations instead requiring all share based payment be accounted for using a fair value method. For public companies the Statement will be effective in the first interim reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005. The Statement can be adopted using the “Modified Prospective Application” or the “Modified Retrospective Application”. Under the modified prospective application, this Statement applies to new awards granted after the effective date and to unvested awards. Under the modified retrospective application, the Company would apply the modified prospective method, but also restate the prior financial statements to include the amounts that were previously recognized in the pro forma disclosures under Statement No. 123. Management will adopt the Statement on July 1, 2005 and is currently evaluating the two transitional applications. Management estimates that the after-tax annual non-cash compensation expense resulting from unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2004 would be approximately $590,000 in 2005.

44


 

2. Earnings per Share

     Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing earnings attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share, but it also gives consideration to dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method and the pro rata impact of Bluegreen’s dilutive securities (stock options and convertible securities) on the amount of Bluegreen’s earnings that the Company recognizes. There were no stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 or outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

     The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except for per share data):

                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Numerator:
                       
Basic earnings per common share:
                       
Net income – basic
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
 
                 
 
                       
Diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Net income – basic
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
Pro rata share of the net effect of Bluegreen dilutive securities
    (882 )     (525 )     (230 )
 
                 
Net income – diluted
  $ 56,533       26,295       19,282  
 
                 
 
                       
Denominator:
                       
Basic average shares outstanding
    18,518       14,816       14,816  
Net effect of stock options assumed to be exercised
    82              
 
                 
Diluted average shares outstanding
    18,600       14,816       14,816  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings per common share:
                       
Basic
  $ 3.10       1.81       1.32  
Diluted
  $ 3.04       1.77       1.30  

3. Dividends

     On July 26, 2004 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.02 per share on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The dividend was paid on August 16, 2004 to all shareholders of record on August 9, 2004.

     On October 25, 2004 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.02 per share on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The dividend was paid on November 15, 2004 to all shareholders of record on November 8, 2004.

     On January 24, 2005 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.02 per share on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The dividend was paid on February 15, 2005 to all shareholders of record on February 8, 2005.

     The Company has not adopted a policy of regular dividend payments. The payment of dividends in the future is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other factors, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

4. Stock Based Compensation

     The Company accounts for stock option grants under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No compensation expense is recognized because all stock options granted have exercise prices not less than the market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.

45


 

     The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share for each of the last three years if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share data):

                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Pro forma net income
                       
Net income, as reported
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related income tax effects and minority interest
    (896 )            
 
                 
Pro forma net income
  $ 56,519       26,820       19,512  
 
                 
 
                       
Basic earnings per share:
                       
As reported
  $ 3.10       1.81       1.32  
Pro forma
  $ 3.05       1.81       1.32  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
As reported
  $ 3.04       1.77       1.30  
Pro forma
  $ 2.99       1.77       1.30  

     No options were issued or outstanding in 2003 and 2002. The fair values of options granted were estimated on the date of their grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following assumptions:

         
Expected volatility
    43.08% - 50.35 %
Expected dividend yield
    0.00% - 0.32 %
Risk-free interest rate
    4.13% - 4.40 %
Expected life
  7 - 10 years

5. Notes Receivable

     Notes receivable represent purchase money notes due from third parties resulting from various land sales at Core Communities. The weighted average interest rate of the notes outstanding was 5.00% and 4.59% as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and the notes are due at various dates through March 2012.

6. Inventory of Real Estate

     At December 31, 2004 and 2003, inventory of real estate is summarized as follows (in thousands):

                 
    December 31,  
    2004     2003  
Land and land development costs
  $ 291,414       162,467  
Construction cost
    100,129       67,744  
Capitalized interest
    11,110       10,044  
Other costs
    10,818       14,737  
 
           
 
  $ 413,471       254,992  
 
           

46


 

7. Investments in Joint Ventures

     Following is a description of joint ventures which the Company accounts for under the equity method:

     Brittany Bay at Andros Isle – A single-family residential development consisting of 222 units located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Company owns a 39.9% limited partnership interest and a 0.1% general partner interest in this venture. At December 31, 2004, this venture had delivered all 222 homes and was winding down operations.

     Fairways at Grand Harbor – A multi-family residential development of 257 luxury rental apartments located in Vero Beach, Florida. The Company owns a 44.5% limited partnership interest and a 0.5% general partner interest in this venture. The remaining partnership interests are held by unaffiliated third parties. The rental apartment property was sold to an unaffiliated third party in January 2004, however the partnership continues to provide rental management services at neighboring Grand Harbor.

     Cascade Lakes – A single-family residential development consisting of 600 homes located in Boynton Beach, Florida. The Company owned a 49.999% limited partnership interest and a 0.001% general partner interest in this venture. At December 31, 2002, this development was completed and all homes delivered.

     Third Street Partners – A multi-family residential development on 2.4 acres in Boca Raton, Florida consisting of 164 condominium units, 20,000 square feet of retail space and a separate parking garage structure. The property was acquired in December 2000, and the Company owns a 47.4% limited partnership interest and a 0.1% general partnership interest. At December 31, 2004, all 164 residential units and 15,850 square feet of retail space had been delivered.

     Altman Longleaf, LLC – A multi-family residential development of approximately 298 apartment units in 23 buildings located in Melbourne, Florida known as The Preserve at Longleaf. The Company owns a 20% membership interest in Altman Longleaf, which owns a 20% interest in the venture developing the apartment complex. Construction commenced on the development in 2004.

     The unaudited Condensed Combined Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations for the joint ventures accounted for using the equity method are as follows (in thousands):

Condensed Combined Balance Sheets

                 
    December 31,  
    2004     2003  
Real estate assets
  $ 1,785       57,402  
Other assets
    1,686       5,931  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 3,471       63,333  
 
           
 
               
Mortgage notes payable to BankAtlantic
  $       22,726  
Mortgage notes payable non-affiliates
          25,628  
Other liabilities
    1,055       6,879  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,055       55,233  
 
           
 
               
Partners’ capital
    2,416       8,100  
 
           
Total liabilities and partners’ capital
  $ 3,471       63,333  
 
           

Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Revenues
  $ 54,738       18,893       43,924  
Cost and expenses
    42,666       18,332       41,962  
 
                 
Net income
  $ 12,072       561       1,962  
 
                 
 
                       
Company’s share of net income
  $ 6,050       483       849  
 
                 

47


 

     In connection with Levitt Commercial’s obligations to its joint venture partner at Altman Longleaf, Levitt Commercial entered into an indemnity and contribution agreement in April 2004 pursuant to which Levitt Commercial is obligated, subject to certain limitations, to indemnify its venture guarantors against amounts such guarantors are required to pay to unaffiliated financial institutions arising from, among other things, defaults in payment, performance, cost overruns and obligations under an environmental indemnity. Levitt Commercial’s obligations are limited to its percentage interest in the joint venture.

     For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, interest paid to BankAtlantic by the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures was approximately $84,000, $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

8. Property and Equipment

     At December 31, 2004 and 2003, property and equipment is summarized as follows (in thousands):

                         
            December 31,  
    Depreciable Life     2004     2003  
Water and irrigation facilities
  25 years   $ 5,844       3,505  
Land, buildings and construction in progress
  30 years     23,524        
Furniture and fixtures and equipment
  3-10 years     5,500       2,079  
 
                   
Property and equipment, gross
            34,868       5,584  
Accumulated depreciation
            (3,731 )     (898 )
 
                   
Property and equipment, net
          $ 31,137       4,686  
 
                   

     Depreciation expense was $748,000, $262,000 and $131,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of income.

9. Investment in Bluegreen Corporation

     During April 2002, Levitt Corporation acquired approximately 8.3 million shares of the common stock of Bluegreen, which shares represented approximately 34.2% of the then outstanding common stock of Bluegreen. This interest in Bluegreen was acquired for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $53.8 million. The funds for the investment in Bluegreen were obtained from $30 million of borrowings from BankAtlantic Bancorp, $18.6 million from BankAtlantic Bancorp’s capital contribution and $5.2 million from the Company’s working capital. The purchase price was in the aggregate $4.2 million greater than the equity in the underlying net assets of Bluegreen. Based on a comparison of Bluegreen’s historical cost bases of assets and liabilities to their corresponding estimated fair values, $4.1 million of the excess purchase price was attributed to goodwill, along with $1.6 million of deferred taxes, and the remaining $1.7 million was attributed to various other assets and liabilities. The amount attributed to goodwill is evaluated for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The amount attributed to various other assets and liabilities will be amortized into the statement of income as an adjustment to income from equity method investment and any related deferred taxes will be adjusted accordingly. The cost of the Bluegreen investment is adjusted to recognize the Company’s interest in Bluegreen’s earnings or losses.

     In connection with the Company’s spin-of from BankAtlantic Bancorp, the Company received an additional 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen common stock from BankAtlantic Bancorp. The value of the additional shares was recorded at BankAtlantic Bancorp’s carrying value of $5.3 million, net of purchase accounting adjustments. The purchase accounting adjustments associated with the shares received from BankAtlantic Bancorp are also amortized into the statement of income as adjustments to income from equity method investment. The difference between the Company’s percentage ownership in Bluegreen multiplied by its earnings and the amount of the Company’s equity in earnings of Bluegreen as reflected on the Company’s financial statements relates to amortization or accretion of purchase accounting adjustments made at the time of the acquisition of the Company’s interest in Bluegreen.

48


 

     The Company accounts for its investment in Bluegreen under the equity method of accounting. Bluegreen issued approximately 4.1 million shares of common stock during 2004 in connection with the redemption of $34.1 million of its 8.25% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the “Debentures”). The Company’s investment in Bluegreen was reduced by $1.9 million to reflect the dilutive effect of the issuance of these shares as a result of the elimination of purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the difference between the fair value and book value of the Debentures originally recorded at acquisition. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen common stock were issued upon the exercise of stock options which reduced the Company’s investment in Bluegreen by approximately $1.0 million. At December 31, 2004, the Company owned approximately 9.5 million shares, or approximately 31%, of Bluegreen’s outstanding common stock. Bluegreen’s condensed consolidated financial statements are presented below (in thousands):

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(In thousands)

                 
    December 31,  
    2004     2003  
Total assets
  $ 634,809       551,022  
 
           
 
Total liabilities
    363,933       359,494  
Minority interest
    6,009       4,648  
Total shareholders’ equity
    264,867       186,880  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 634,809       551,022  
 
           

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands)

                         
    Year     Year     Nine Months  
    Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Revenues
  $ 601,623       438,454       271,973  
 
Cost and expenses
    538,282       393,129       247,302  
Provision for income taxes
    22,821       16,168       8,479  
Minority interest
    4,065       3,330       816  
 
                 
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    36,455       25,827       15,376  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes
                (5,929 )
Minority interest in cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes
                (350 )
 
                 
Net income
  $ 36,455       25,827       9,797  
 
                 

10. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

                 
    December 31,  
    2004     2003  
Trade and retention payables
  $ 26,165       26,111  
Accrued construction obligations
    15,681       3,502  
Deferred revenue
    6,257       791  
Accrued hurricane reserve
    2,502        
Accrued litigation reserve (Note 19)
    1,011       2,519  
Other accrued liabilities
    14,655       7,879  
 
           
 
  $ 66,271       40,802  
 
           

49


 

11. Notes and Mortgage Notes Payable

     Notes and mortgages payable at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

                                 
    December 31,              
    2004     2003     Interest Rate     Maturity Date  
Homebuilding Borrowings
                               
Mortgage notes payable (a)
  $ 141,697       83,346     From Prime - 0.50%   Range from January
 
                  to Prime + 1.00%   2005 to November 2009
 
                             
Mortgage notes payable to BankAtlantic (a)
    8,621       18,118     Prime   Range from October
 
                          2005 to March 2006
Line of credit (b)
          1,000     Prime   September 2006
 
                           
 
    150,318       102,464                  
 
                           
 
                               
Land Borrowings
                               
Land acquisition mortgage notes payable (c)
    48,000       12,995     LIBOR + 2.80%   June 2011
Construction mortgage notes payable (c)
    4,475       988     LIBOR + 2.00%   Range from May 2007
 
                          to August 2007
 
                             
Other borrowings
    254       341     Fixed from 5.99% to 7.00%   Range from March 2007
 
                      to April 2007
 
                           
 
    52,729       14,324                  
 
                           
 
                               
Other Operations Borrowings
                               
Land acquisition and construction
    7,447       3,246     From LIBOR + 2.50%   Range from April
mortgage notes payable
                  to LIBOR + 3.00%   2005 to February 2006
 
                         
Promissory note payable (d)
    16,500           LIBOR + 1.50%   March 2005
Levitt and Sons acquisition note payable
          8,400     Prime + 0.50%   September 2005
Subordinated investment notes
    3,232       1,309     Fixed from 6.50% to 8.75%   Range from October 2005
 
                      to February 2008
Promissory note payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp
    30,000       30,000     Prime + 0.25%   December 2008
 
                  escalation every        
 
                  six months        
Promissory note payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp
    8,000       8,000     Prime + 0.25%   December 2008
 
                  escalation every        
 
                  six months        
Promissory note payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp
          5,500     Prime   December 2004
 
                           
 
    65,179       56,455                  
 
                           
Total Notes and Mortgage Notes Payable (e)
  $ 268,226       173,243                  
 
                           


(a)   Levitt and Sons and Bowden have entered into various loan agreements to provide financing for the acquisition, site improvements and construction of residential units. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, these loan agreements provided for advances on a revolving loan basis up to a maximum outstanding balance of $327.3 million and $167.7 million, respectively. The loans are secured by mortgages on respective properties including improvements. Notes and mortgage notes payable were collateralized by inventory of real estate with net carrying values aggregating $260.3 million and $183.3 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Certain mortgage notes contain provisions for accelerating the payment of principal as individual homes are sold. Certain notes and mortgage notes also provide that events of default may include a change in ownership, management or executive management.
 
(b)   Levitt and Sons has a credit agreement with a financial institution to provide a $15.0 million line of credit. At December 31, 2004, Levitt and Sons had available credit of $15.0 million and had no amounts outstanding. The credit facility currently matures September 2006. On or before June 30th of each calendar year, the financial institution may at its sole discretion offer the option to extend the term of the loan for a one-year period. The Company has pledged a first priority security interest on the Company’s equity interest in Levitt and Sons to secure the loan.
 
(c)   Core Communities notes and mortgage notes payable are collateralized by inventory of real estate and property and equipment with net carrying values aggregating $106.5 million and $17.4 million December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

50


 

(d)   Levitt Corporation entered into a six month bridge loan agreement with a financial institution in October 2004 to temporarily fund the Company’s purchase of the office building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that the Company currently intends to utilize as its principal executive offices upon expiration or termination of the lease of the existing tenant. The promissory note is interest only, payable monthly at LIBOR plus 1.50%, and matures in March 2005.

(e)   At December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 the Prime Rate as reported by the Wall Street Journal was 5.25%, 4.00% and 4.25%, respectively, and the three-month LIBOR Rate was 2.56%, 1.16% and 1.38%, respectively.

     Some of the Company’s subsidiaries have borrowings which contain covenants that, among other things, require the subsidiary to maintain financial ratios and a minimum net worth. These covenants may have the effect of limiting the amount of debt that the subsidiaries can incur in the future and restricting the payment of dividends from subsidiaries to the Company. At December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all loan agreement financial covenants.

     At December 31, 2004, the aggregate required principal payment of indebtedness in each of the next five years is approximately as follows (in thousands):

         
    December 31,  
    2004  
Year ended December 31, 2005
  $ 58,435  
2006
    10,945  
2007
    54,212  
2008
    65,886  
2009
    38,758  
Thereafter
    39,990  
 
     
 
  $ 268,226  
 
     

12. Development Bonds Payable

     In connection with the development of certain of our projects, community development or improvement districts have been established and may utilize bond financing to fund construction or acquisition of certain on-site and off-site infrastructure improvements performed by the Company near or at these communities. The obligation to pay principal and interest on the bonds issued by the districts is assigned to each parcel within the district and a priority assessment lien may be placed on benefited parcels to provide security for the debt service. The bonds, including interest and redemption premiums, if any, and the associated priority lien on the property are typically payable, secured and satisfied by revenues, fees, or assessments levied on the property benefited. The Company pays a portion of the revenues, fees, and assessments levied by the districts on the properties the Company still owns that are benefited by the improvements. The Company may also agree to pay down a specified portion of the bonds at the time of each unit or parcel closing.

     In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 91-10 (“EITF 91-10”), Accounting for Special Assessments and Tax Increment Financing, the Company records a liability, net of cash held by the districts available to offset the particular bond obligation, for the estimated developer obligations that are fixed and determinable and user fees that are required to be paid or transferred at the time the parcel or unit is sold to an end user. The Company reduces this liability by the corresponding assessment assumed by property purchasers and the amounts paid by the Company at the time of closing and transfer of the property. Interest is calculated and paid based upon the gross bond obligation.

     At December 31, 2004, no development bonds payable were outstanding. At December 31, 2003, $850,000 of development bonds were outstanding with fixed interest rates ranging from 5.88% to 6.50% with original maturity dates ranging from October 2004 to May 2009.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, a development district for the Tradition master-planned community issued $62.8 million of long-term assessment bonds to refinance $28.9 million of previously issued and outstanding bond anticipation notes and to provide financing for Phase I infrastructure development. The development district assesses property owners to fund debt service and the ultimate repayment of the bonds. The Company is assessed based on its pro-rata ownership of the property in the district. The Company’s pro-rata share of the assessment transfers to third party purchasers upon property sales. The assessments are projected to be levied beginning in 2005. In accordance with EITF 91-10, the Company will recognize an expense for its pro rata portion of assessments, based upon its ownership of benefited property. As of December 31, 2004, the Company owned approximately 66% of the property in the district.

51


 

Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds and Water Management Benefit Tax Bonds

     The Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds and Water Management Benefit Tax Bonds are other bonds of the development district that are not recorded on the books of the Company. As an owner of property within the development district, the Company is responsible until land parcels are sold for the payment of its pro rata share of tax assessments from the water management benefit tax bonds. The Company recognized a tax assessment expense, based upon its pro rata share of taxes and assessments of approximately $241,000, $444,000 and $544,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

13. Employee Benefit Plans

Stock Incentive Plan

     On May 11, 2004, the Company’s Shareholders approved the 2003 Levitt Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (“Plan”), which had been adopted by the Company’s board of directors on December 15, 2003, and had also been approved by BankAtlantic Bancorp, as the Company’s sole shareholder prior to the spin-off. Under the Plan, the maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted is 1,500,000. Activity under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

                                                 
    2004       2003     2002        
            Weighted             Weighted             Weighted  
            Average             Average             Average  
    Number     Exercise     Number     Exercise     Number     Exercise  
    of Options     Price     of Options     Price     of Options     Price  
Options outstanding at beginning of year
        $           $           $  
Granted
    757,500     $ 20.52           $           $  
Exercised
        $           $           $  
Forfeited
    (32,250 )   $ 20.15           $           $  
 
                                   
Options outstanding at end of year
    725,250     $ 20.54             $             $  
 
Options exercisable at end of year
    45,000     $ 20.15           $           $  
 
                                         
Options available for grant at end of year
    774,750                                      
 
Weighted average fair market value per share of options granted during the year under SFAS No. 123
  $ 11.94             $             $          
 
                                         

     The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2004:

                                 
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Remaining             Exercise  
Exercise Price   Options     Contractual Life     Options     Price  
$20.15
    642,000       9.00 years       45,000     $ 20.15  
$23.40
    25,000       9.64 years              
$23.53
    50,000       9.57 years              
$24.15
    8,250       9.22 years              

52


 

401(k) Plan

     The Company has a defined contribution plan established pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees who have completed three months of service and have reached the age of 18 are eligible to participate. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company’s employees participated the BankAtlantic Security Plus Plan and the Company’s contributions amounted to $495,000 and $344,000 respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company’s employees participated in the Levitt Corporation Security Plus Plan and the Company’s contributions amounted to $857,000. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

14. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

     Alan B. Levan, Chairman of the Board of the Company, also serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BankAtlantic Bancorp, BankAtlantic and of BFC Financial Corporation (“BFC”), the parent company of both BankAtlantic Bancorp and the Company. Alan B. Levan is also Chairman of the Board of Bluegreen.

     John E. Abdo, Vice Chairman of the Board and President of the Company, also serves as Vice Chairman of the Boards of BankAtlantic Bancorp, BankAtlantic, BFC and Bluegreen.

     Glen R. Gilbert, Senior Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Company, also serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of BFC.

     Since 2002, the Company has utilized certain services of Conrad & Scherer, a law firm in which William R. Scherer, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, is a member. The Company paid fees aggregating $110,000, $79,000 and $364,000 to this firm during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     Certain of the Company’s executive officers separately receive compensation from affiliates of the Company for services rendered to those affiliates. Members of the Company’s Board of Directors and executive officers also have banking relationships with BankAtlantic in the ordinary course of BankAtlantic’s business.

     At December 31, 2004 and 2003, $37.5 million and $14.7 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents were held on deposit by BankAtlantic. Interest on deposits held at BankAtlantic for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was approximately $230,000, $119,000 and $84,000, respectively. Additionally, at December 31, 2004 and 2003, $374,000 and $3.2 million, respectively, of restricted cash was held on deposit by BankAtlantic.

53


 

     BFC, BankAtlantic Bancorp and BankAtlantic each received fees in connection with providing certain general and administrative services to the Company. In connection with the spin-off, the Company entered into a transitional services agreement with BankAtlantic Bancorp under which BankAtlantic Bancorp (or one of its subsidiaries) provides the Company with certain human resources, risk management and investor and public relations services and receives compensation for such services on a percentage of cost basis. The amounts paid may not be representative of the amounts that would be paid in an arms-length transaction.

     The following table sets forth fees paid to related parties (in thousands).

                         
    Year Ended December 31,      
    2004     2003     2002  
BFC
  $ 311       213       170  
BankAtlantic Bancorp
    488              
BankAtlantic
    11       20       20  
 
                 
Total fees
  $ 810       233       190  
 
                 

15. Commitments and Contingencies

     The Company is a party to various claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes it has meritorious defenses in these matters. However, in the opinion of management, the disposition of these matters, even if adverse, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company is subject to the usual obligations associated with entering into contracts for the purchase, development and sale of real estate in the routine conduct of its business.

     The Company is obligated to fund homeowner association operating deficits incurred by its communities under development. This obligation ends upon turnover of the association to the residents of the community.

     The Company’s rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $1.3 million, $875,000 and $435,000, respectively. At December 31, 2004, Levitt and Sons is committed under long-term leases expiring at various dates through December 2008. Bowden is committed under long-term leases for office and showroom space expiring at various dates through August 2010. Approximate minimum future rentals due are as follows (in thousands):

         
Year ended December 31,        
2005
  $ 964  
2006
    778  
2007
    705  
2008
    544  
2009
    184  
Thereafter
    50  
 
     
 
  $ 3,225  
 
     

     The Company is subject to obligations associated with entering into contracts for the purchase, development and sale of real estate in the routine conduct of its business. At December 31, 2004, the Company had commitments to purchase properties for development of $208.3 million, of which approximately $107.6 million is subject to due diligence and satisfaction of certain requirements and conditions, as well as the obtaining of financing. The following table summarizes certain information relating to outstanding purchase contracts (unaudited):

                         
    Purchase     Units/     Expected  
    Price     Acres     Closing  
Homebuilding Division
  $204.8 million     6,388 units     2005-2006  
Other Operations
  $3.5 million     90 units     2005  

     At December 31, 2004, cash deposits of approximately $5.2 million secured the Company’s commitments under these contracts.

54


 

     At December 31, 2004 the Company had outstanding surety bonds and letters of credit of approximately $53.9 million related primarily to its obligations to various governmental entities to construct improvements in the Company’s various communities. The Company estimates that approximately $23.9 million of work remains to complete these improvements. The Company does not believe that any outstanding bonds or letters of credit will likely be drawn upon.

16. Income Taxes

     The provision for income tax expense consists of the following (in thousands):

                                 
            Year Ended December 31,  
            2004     2003     2002  
Current tax provision
                               
Federal
          $ 27,998       10,619       3,380  
State
            4,704       1,772       208  
 
                           
 
            32,702       12,391       3,588  
 
                           
 
                               
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
                         
Federal
            2,829       3,455       3,025  
State
            366       554       (359 )
 
                           
 
            3,195       4,009       2,666  
 
                           
 
                               
Total income tax provision
          $ 35,897       16,400       6,254  
 
                           

     The Company’s provision for income taxes differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% due to the following (in thousands):

                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Income tax provision at expected federal income tax rate of 35%
  $ 32,659       15,127       9,018  
Provision for state taxes, net of federal benefit
    3,333       1,549       705  
Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax asset
          (418 )     (2,639 )
Change in state tax valuation allowance
                (840 )
Other, net
    (95 )     142       10  
 
                 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 35,897       16,400       6,254  
 
                 

55


 

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets consist of the following (in thousands):

                 
    As of Dember 31,  
    2004     2003  
Deferred tax assets:
               
Real estate held for sale capitalized for tax purposes in excess of amounts capitalized for financial statement purposes
  $ 4,368       2,204  
Accrued litigation reserve and other non-deductible expenses
    1,757       972  
Purchase accounting adjustments from real estate acquisitions
    1,152       3,011  
Income recognized for tax purposes and deferred for financial statement purposes
    1,692        
 
           
Total deferred tax assets
    8,969       6,187  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Investment in Bluegreen
    9,282       5,533  
Property and equipment
    1,132        
Other
    400        
 
           
Total deferred tax liabilities
    10,814       5,533  
 
           
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets
    (1,845 )     654  
Deferred income tax assets at beginning of period
    (654 )     (5,958 )
Deferred income tax liabilities acquired
    595        
Deferred income taxes on Bluegreen’s unrealized gains, losses and issuance of common stock
    (1,291 )     361  
Deferred income taxes on transfer of 1.2 million shares of Bluegreen common stock from BankAtlantic Bancorp
          934  
 
           
Provision for deferred income taxes
  $ (3,195 )     (4,009 )
 
           

17. Interest and Other Income and Other Expense

     Interest and other income and other expense are summarized as follows (in thousands):

                         
    For the Year Ended  
    December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Title and mortgage operations expenses
  $ 2,967       1,605       1,121  
Hurricane expenses
    4,400              
 
                 
Total other expense
  $ 7,367       1,605       1,121  
 
                 
 
                       
Interest on deposits held at BankAtlantic
  $ 230       119       84  
Interest from deposits held at other financial institutions
    539       113       151  
Other interest
    569       631       1,024  
Management and development fees
    30       1,002       709  
Rental income
    1,405       1,016        
Reversal of litigation reserve (see Note 19)
    1,440              
Forfeited deposits
    47       207       257  
Other income
    359       74       453  
 
                 
Total interest and other income
  $ 4,619       3,162       2,678  
 
                 

56


 

18. Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

     Estimated fair values of financial instruments are determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgments are involved in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

     The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value:

  •   Carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
 
  •   Carrying amounts of notes receivable approximate fair values.
 
  •   Carrying amounts of notes and mortgage notes payable that provide for variable interest rates approximate fair value, as the terms of the credit facilities require periodic market adjustment of interest rates. The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate indebtedness, including development bonds payable, was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

                                 
    December 31, 2004     December 31, 2003  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
(In thousands)   Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
Financial assets:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 125,522       125,522       35,965       35,965  
Notes receivable
    4,484       4,484       5,163       5,163  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Notes and mortgage notes payable
  $ 268,226       268,268       173,243       173,306  
Development bonds payable
                850       823  

19. Litigation

     The appeal bond previously posted in the case styled Smith & Company, Inc. v. Levitt-Ansca Towne Park Partnership, Bellaggio by Levitt Homes, Inc. et al, originally filed in December 2000, was released in August 2004. The Company reduced its litigation reserve by $1.4 million reflecting the Company’s assessment of potential liability. The $1.4 million reduction was recorded as interest and other income in the accompanying statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004.

57


 

20. Segment Reporting

     Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The information provided for segment reporting is based on internal reports utilized by management. The Company has three reportable business segments – Homebuilding, Land and Other Operations. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The elimination entries consist of the inter-segment sale of real estate and cost of sales of real estate between the Land and Homebuilding Divisions. The Company primarily evaluates segment performance based on net income after tax. The presentation and allocation of the assets, liabilities and results of operations may not reflect the actual economic costs of the segment as a stand-alone business. If a different basis of allocation were utilized, the relative contributions of the segment might differ but the relative trends in segments would, in management’s view, likely not be impacted. The tables below present segment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):

                                         
Year Ended                   Other              
December 31, 2004   Homebuilding     Land     Operations     Eliminations     Total  
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 472,296       96,200       5,555       (24,399 )     549,652  
Title and mortgage operations
    4,798                         4,798  
 
                             
Total revenues
    477,094       96,200       5,555       (24,399 )     554,450  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    371,097       42,838       6,255       (13,916 )     406,274  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    50,806       10,373       9,822             71,001  
Interest expense, net
    198       61                   259  
Other expenses
    6,867       500                   7,367  
Minority interest
    (50 )           24             (26 )
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    428,918       53,772       16,101       (13,916 )     484,875  
 
                             
 
    48,176       42,428       (10,546 )     (10,483 )     69,575  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
                13,068             13,068  
Earnings from joint ventures
    3,518             2,532             6,050  
Interest and other income
    1,944       1,671       1,004             4,619  
 
                             
Income (loss) before income taxes
    53,638       44,099       6,058       (10,483 )     93,312  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    20,658       17,031       2,198       (3,990 )     35,897  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ 32,980       27,068       3,860       (6,493 )     57,415  
 
                             
 
                                       
Inventory of real estate
  $ 295,951       122,056       13,939       (18,475 )     413,471  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 345,690       194,825       156,427       (18,475 )     678,467  
 
                             
Notes, mortgage notes, and bonds payable
  $ 150,318       52,729       65,179             268,226  
 
                             

58


 

                                         
Year Ended                   Other              
December 31, 2003   Homebuilding     Land     Operations     Eliminations     Total  
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 222,257       55,038       5,763             283,058  
Title and mortgage operations
    2,466                         2,466  
 
                             
Total revenues
    224,723       55,038       5,763             285,524  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    173,072       31,362       6,021       (1,024 )     209,431  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    29,478       7,549       5,000             42,027  
Interest expense, net
          224       9             233  
Other expenses
    1,606             (1 )           1,605  
Minority interest
    (113 )           199             86  
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    204,043       39,135       11,228       (1,024 )     253,382  
 
                             
 
    20,680       15,903       (5,465 )     1,024       32,142  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
                7,433             7,433  
Earnings from joint ventures
    480             3             483  
Interest and other income
    560       2,261       341             3,162  
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    21,720       18,164       2,312       1,024       43,220  
Provision for income taxes
    7,964       7,149       891       396       16,400  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 13,756       11,015       1,421       628       26,820  
 
                             
 
                                       
Inventory of real estate
  $ 209,209       43,906       7,394       (5,517 )     254,992  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 238,317       83,034       76,907       (4,753 )     393,505  
 
                             
Notes, mortgage notes, and bonds payable
  $ 102,464       15,174       56,455             174,093  
 
                             
                                         
Year Ended                   Other              
December 31, 2002   Homebuilding     Land     Operations     Eliminations     Total  
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 162,359       53,919             (8,470 )     207,808  
Title and mortgage operations
    1,595                         1,595  
 
                             
Total revenues
    163,954       53,919             (8,470 )     209,403  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    131,281       28,722       1,601       (1,929 )     159,675  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    21,100       5,867       3,582             30,549  
Interest expense, net
          451       (6 )     (56 )     389  
Other expenses
    1,121                         1,121  
Minority interest
                             
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    153,502       35,040       5,177       (1,985 )     191,734  
 
                             
 
    10,452       18,879       (5,177 )     (6,485 )     17,669  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
                4,570             4,570  
Earnings (loss) from joint ventures
    1,171             (322 )           849  
Interest and other income
    1,053       1,413       268       (56 )     2,678  
 
                             
Income (loss) before income taxes
    12,676       20,292       (661 )     (6,541 )     25,766  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    3,364       5,414       (177 )     (2,347 )     6,254  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ 9,312       14,878       (484 )     (4,194 )     19,512  
 
                             
 
                                       
Inventory of real estate
  $ 140,219       59,520       4,928       (6,541 )     198,126  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 159,346       78,318       64,932       (7,135 )     295,461  
 
                             
Notes, mortgage notes, and bonds payable
  $ 85,893       18,133       43,419             147,445  
 
                             

59


 

21. Parent Company Financial Statements

     Condensed Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and Condensed Statements of Income and Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 are shown below:

Levitt Corporation (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
(In thousands except share data)

                 
    December 31,  
    2004     2003  
Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 41,741       1,891  
Inventory of real estate
    1,696       1,287  
Investments in real estate joint ventures
    239       (322 )
Investment in Bluegreen Corporation
    80,572       70,852  
Investment in wholly-owned subsidiaries
    228,985       110,677  
Other assets
    17,548       2,956  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 370,781       187,341  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 6,887       1,186  
Notes and mortgage notes payable
    22,090       12,209  
Notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates
    38,000       43,500  
Deferred tax liability, net
    9,015       4,994  
 
           
Total liabilities
    75,992       61,889  
 
           
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value
Authorized: 5,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding: no shares
           
Common stock, Class A, $0.01 par value
Authorized: 50,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding: 18,597,166 and 13,597,166 shares, respectively
    186       136  
Common stock, Class B, $0.01 par value Authorized: 10,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding: 1,219,031 and 1,219,031 shares, respectively
    12       12  
Additional paid-in capital
    180,790       67,855  
Retained earnings
    113,643       57,020  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    158       429  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    294,789       125,452  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 370,781       187,341  
 
           

60


 

Levitt Corporation (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Income
(In thousands)

                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
  $ 13,068       7,433       4,570  
Other revenues
    2,601       127       (90 )
Costs and expenses
    10,002       5,671       4,753  
 
                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    5,667       1,889       (273 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    2,103       724       (71 )
 
                 
Net income (loss) before undistributed earnings from subsidiaries
    3,564       1,165       (202 )
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income taxes
    53,851       25,655       19,714  
 
                 
Net income
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
 
                 

Levitt Corporation (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2003     2002  
Operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 57,415       26,820       19,512  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
                       
Increase in deferred income taxes
    5,314       2,273       1,549  
Equity from earnings in Bluegreen Corporation
    (13,068 )     (7,433 )     (4,570 )
Equity from earnings in consolidated subsidiaries
    (53,851 )     (25,655 )     (19,714 )
Equity from (earnings) loss in joint ventures
    (2,329 )     (4 )     322  
Write-off of debt offering costs
          791        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Inventory of real estate
    (409 )     (238 )     36  
Other assets
    (14,592 )     203       (1,760 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities
    5,701       (81 )     1,066  
 
                 
Net cash used in operating activities
    (15,819 )     (3,324 )     (3,559 )
 
                 
 
                       
Investing activities:
                       
Investment in real estate joint ventures
          (260 )      
Distributions and advances from real estate joint ventures
    1,768       1,463       1,321  
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries
    (75,142 )     (733 )     (2,845 )
Dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries
    10,685       5,793       2,277  
Investment in Bluegreen Corporation
                (53,779 )
 
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (62,689 )     6,263       (53,026 )
 
                 
 
                       
Financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from notes and mortgage notes payable
    18,423       1,309        
Proceeds from notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates
                30,000  
Repayment of notes and mortgage notes payable
    (8,542 )     (2,100 )     (1,900 )
Repayment of notes and mortgage notes payable to affiliates
    (5,500 )            
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    122,500              
Payments for debt offering costs
          (791 )      
Payments for stock issuance costs
    (7,731 )     (150 )      
Contributed capital from BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc.
                18,618  
Cash dividends paid
    (792 )            
 
                 
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities
    118,358       (1,732 )     46,718  
 
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    39,850       1,207       (9,867 )
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
    1,891       684       10,551  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 41,741       1,891       684  
 
                 

61


 

22. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

     The following tables summarize the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. Due to rounding and changes in the number of shares outstanding, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the earnings per share reported for the year (in thousands, except per share data):

                                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2004              
    First     Second     Third     Fourth     Total  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     2004  
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 98,523       142,530       132,893       175,706       549,652  
Other revenues
    970       1,339       1,164       1,325       4,798  
 
                             
Total Revenues
    99,493       143,869       134,057       177,031       554,450  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and Expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    69,665       107,676       98,513       130,420       406,274  
Other costs and expenses
    14,746       19,665       21,020       23,170       78,601  
 
                             
Total Costs and Expenses
    84,411       127,341       119,533       153,590       484,875  
 
                             
 
    15,082       16,528       14,524       23,441       69,575  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
    2,086       2,775       5,790       2,417       13,068  
Other income
    4,085       2,979       1,954       1,651       10,669  
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    21,253       22,282       22,268       27,509       93,312  
Provision for income taxes
    8,198       8,595       8,608       10,496       35,897  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 13,055       13,687       13,660       17,013       57,415  
 
                             
 
                                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.88       0.70       0.69       0.86       3.10  
Fully diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.87       0.68       0.66       0.85       3.04  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    14,816       19,596       19,816       19,816       18,518  
Fully diluted shares outstanding
    14,852       19,638       19,872       19,961       18,600  
 
                                       
Dividends declared per common share
  $             0.02       0.02       0.04  
                                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2003        
    First     Second     Third     Fourth     Total  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     2003  
Revenues
                                       
Sales of real estate
  $ 52,964       67,039       64,930       98,125       283,058  
Other revenues
    404       577       607       878       2,466  
 
                             
Total Revenues
    53,368       67,616       65,537       99,003       285,524  
 
                             
 
                                       
Costs and Expenses
                                       
Cost of sales of real estate
    39,524       49,151       46,487       74,269       209,431  
Other costs and expenses
    8,674       10,894       10,567       13,816       43,951  
 
                             
Total Costs and Expenses
    48,198       60,045       57,054       88,085       253,382  
 
                             
 
    5,170       7,571       8,483       10,918       32,142  
Earnings from Bluegreen Corporation
    (134 )     1,940       3,350       2,277       7,433  
Other income
    333       852       647       1,813       3,645  
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    5,369       10,363       12,480       15,008       43,220  
Provision for income taxes
    2,075       3,997       4,819       5,509       16,400  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 3,294       6,366       7,661       9,499       26,820  
 
                             
 
                                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.22       0.43       0.52       0.64       1.81  
Fully diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.22       0.42       0.50       0.63       1.77  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    14,816       14,816       14,816       14,816       14,816  
Fully diluted shares outstanding
    14,816       14,816       14,816       14,816       14,816  
 
                                       
Dividends declared per common share
  $                          

62


 

23. Equity Transactions

     As the Company’s sole shareholder, BankAtlantic Bancorp in December 2003 approved the adoption of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws. Upon the effectiveness of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, each share of the Company’s common stock outstanding on December 22, 2003 was exchanged for approximately 133,981.076 shares of Class A common stock and approximately 12,010.158 shares of Class B common stock. The resulting 13,599,079 shares of Class A common stock and 1,219,031 shares of Class B common stock were distributed by BankAtlantic Bancorp pro rata to its shareholders on December 31, 2003 to effectuate the spin-off of the Company from BankAtlantic Bancorp. No fractional shares were distributed in the spin-off and, accordingly, an aggregate of approximately 1,913 shares of Class A common stock were retired as part of the spin-off transaction for an aggregate price of approximately $39,000.

     In April 2004, the Company sold 5,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock in an underwritten public offering at $24.50 per share. Net proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $114.8 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Approximately $12.0 million of the net proceeds of the offering were used to repay indebtedness, $7.4 million were used to fund the Bowden acquisition, and $67.0 million were transferred to the Company’s operating subsidiaries.

24. Acquisition

     On April 28, 2004, the Company acquired Bowden for approximately $7.4 million in cash. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under this method, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair value. The amount of the purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of net assets acquired, recorded as goodwill, was approximately $1.3 million. The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition of Bowden (in thousands):

         
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
  $ 1,335  
Inventory
    21,927  
Property and equipment
    409  
Other assets
    2,820  
Goodwill
    1,307  
 
     
Fair value of assets acquired
    27,798  
 
     
 
       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    2,747  
Customer deposits
    287  
Notes payable
    16,725  
Deferred tax liability
    595  
 
     
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    20,354  
 
     
 
       
Purchase price
    7,444  
Cash acquired
    (1,335 )
 
     
Purchase of Bowden, net of cash acquired
  $ 6,109  
 
     

63


 

25. Subsequent Event

     The Company has formed a statutory business trust (“Trust”) for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and investing the proceeds thereof in junior subordinated debentures of the Company. On March 15, 2005, the Trust issued $22.5 million of trust preferred securities. The Trust used the proceeds from issuing trust preferred securities to purchase an identical amount of junior subordinated debentures from the Company. Interest on the junior subordinated debentures and distributions on the trust preferred securities will be payable quarterly in arrears at a fixed rate of 8.11% through March 30, 2010 and thereafter at a floating rate of 3.85% over 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) until the scheduled maturity date of March 30, 2035. Distributions on the trust preferred securities will be cumulative and based upon the liquidation value of the trust preferred security. The trust preferred securities will be subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the junior subordinated debentures at maturity or their earlier redemption. The junior subordinated debentures are redeemable five years from the issue date or sooner following certain specified events. In addition, the Company contributed $696,000 to the Trust in exchange for the Trust’s common securities, all of which are owned by the Company, and those proceeds were also used to purchase an identical amount of junior subordinated debentures from the Company. The terms of the Trust’s common securities are nearly identical to the trust preferred securities. The issuance of trust preferred securities was part of a larger pooled trust securities offering which was not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including repaying indebtedness to affiliates.

64


 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting; as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered certified public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein. See “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

     
/s/ Alan B. Levan
Alan B. Levan
Chief Executive Officer
March 15, 2005
  /s/ George P. Scanlon
George P. Scanlon
Chief Financial Officer
March 15, 2005

Changes in Internal Controls

     In addition, we reviewed our internal control over financial reporting, and there have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the date of their last evaluation.

PART III

     Items 10 through 14 are incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the year covered by this Form 10-K, or, alternatively, by amendment to this Form 10-K under cover of Form 10K/A not later than the end of such 120 day period.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Documents Filed as Part of this Report:

  (1)   Financial Statements

      The following consolidated financial statements of Levitt Corporation and its subsidiaries are included herein under Part II, Item 8 of this Report.

      Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm dated March 16, 2005
 
      Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2004 and 2003.
 
      Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004.

65


 

      Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004.
 
      Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004.
 
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004.
 
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004.

  (2)   Financial Statement Schedules
 
      All schedules are omitted as the required information is either not applicable or presented in the financial statements or related notes.
 
  (3)   Exhibits
 
      The following exhibits are either filed as a part of this Report or are incorporated herein by reference to documents previously filed as indicated below:

         
Exhibit
Number
Description Reference
3.1
  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation   Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on December 12, 2003.
3.2
  Amended and Restated By-laws   Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on December 12, 2003.
10.1
  Promissory Note dated as of December 31, 2003 in the amount of $30 million payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc.   Filed with this report.
10.2
  Promissory Note dated as of December 31, 2003 in the amount of $8 million payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc.   Filed with this report.
10.3
  Levitt Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan   Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 30, 2004.
10.4
  Levitt Corporation 2004 Performance-Based Annual Incentive Plan   Appendix D to the Registrant’s 2004 Proxy Statement, filed with the SEC on April 20, 2004
12.1
  Statement re: computation of ratios — Ratio of earnings to fixed charges   Filed with this Report.
14.1
  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics   Filed with this Report.
21.1
  Subsidiaries of the Registrant   Filed with this Report.
23.1
  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP   Filed with this Report.
23.2
  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP   Filed with this Report.
31.1
  Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed with this Report.
31.2
  Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed with this Report.
32.1
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed with this Report.
32.2
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed with this Report.
99.1
  Annual Report on Form 10-K of Bluegreen Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004   Filed with the SEC by Bluegreen Corporation on March 16, 2005.

66


 

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
         
  LEVITT CORPORATION
 
 
March 15, 2005  By:   /s/Alan B. Levan    
    Alan B. Levan   
    Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer   
 

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

         
SIGNATURE   TITLE   DATE
 
 
/s/ Alan B. Levan

Alan B. Levan
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
  March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ John E. Abdo

John E. Abdo
  Vice-Chairman of the Board and President   March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ George P. Scanlon

George P. Scanlon
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ James Blosser

James Blosser
  Director   March 15, 2005
 
/s/ Darwin C. Dornbush

Darwin C. Dornbush
  Director   March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ S. Lawrence Kahn, III

S. Lawrence Kahn, III
  Director   March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ Alan Levy

Alan Levy
  Director   March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ Joel Levy

Joel Levy
  Director   March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ William R. Nicholson

William R. Nicholson
  Director   March 15, 2005
         
 
/s/ William F. Scherer

William F. Scherer
  Director   March 15, 2005

67


 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

     
Exhibit   Description
10.1
  Promissory Note dated as of December 31, 2003 in the amount of $30 million payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc.
 
10.2
  Promissory Note dated as of December 31, 2003 in the amount of $8 million payable to BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc.
 
12.1
  Statement re: computation of ratios — Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 
14.1
  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
 
21.1
  Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 
23.1
  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
23.2
  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
 
31.1
  Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.2
  Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.1
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.2
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

68