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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10 - Q

 

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003

 

or

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from     to     

 

Commission file number 1-8885

 

THE NEWHALL LAND AND FARMING COMPANY

(a California Limited Partnership)

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California

 

95-3931727

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

23823 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia, CA

 

91355

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

(661) 255-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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  ý  NO  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

YES  ý  NO  o

 

23,913,801 partnership units outstanding at October 31, 2003

 

 



 

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September  30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September  30,

 

In thousands except per unit

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential land sales

 

$

9,344

 

$

37,761

 

$

60,101

 

$

82,536

 

Industrial and commercial sales

 

13,241

 

3,331

 

23,247

 

34,894

 

Commercial operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income-producing properties

 

10,940

 

9,700

 

30,314

 

29,171

 

Valencia Water Company

 

4,736

 

4,427

 

10,681

 

10,706

 

 

 

38,261

 

55,219

 

124,343

 

157,307

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agriculture operations

 

1,244

 

2,971

 

3,154

 

4,902

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

39,505

 

$

58,190

 

$

127,497

 

$

162,209

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution to Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential land sales

 

$

6,722

 

$

12,338

 

$

28,794

 

$

26,403

 

Industrial and commercial sales

 

6,841

 

121

 

6,637

 

14,857

 

Community development

 

(3,581

)

(5,933

)

(10,040

)

(13,652

)

Commercial operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income-producing properties

 

1,715

 

3,121

 

6,449

 

9,300

 

Valencia Water Company

 

1,048

 

981

 

1,681

 

2,157

 

 

 

12,745

 

10,628

 

33,521

 

39,065

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agriculture operations

 

399

 

(296

)

993

 

(29

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

(5,262

)

(2,980

)

(12,299

)

(9,329

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

7,882

 

7,352

 

22,215

 

29,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other, net

 

(948

)

(685

)

(2,157

)

(2,542

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

6,934

 

$

6,667

 

$

20,058

 

$

27,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.86

 

$

1.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit - diluted

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.84

 

$

1.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of units used in computing per unit amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

23,600

 

24,013

 

23,388

 

24,100

 

Net income per unit - diluted

 

24,131

 

24,286

 

23,766

 

24,486

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash distributions per unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regular

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.30

 

Special

 

 

 

 

0.13

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

2



 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

In thousands

 

September 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

68,793

 

$

25,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable

 

8,356

 

6,131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land under development

 

38,537

 

47,428

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land held for future development

 

19,053

 

19,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income-producing properties, net

 

170,550

 

159,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

78,503

 

76,449

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in joint venture

 

1,366

 

1,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets and deferred charges

 

28,648

 

23,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

413,806

 

$

359,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

42,642

 

$

35,948

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued expenses

 

57,830

 

43,119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

 

29,818

 

22,696

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage and other debt

 

65,118

 

60,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advances and contributions from developers for utility construction

 

40,131

 

38,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

24,417

 

23,639

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

259,956

 

223,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,913 units outstanding, excluding 12,859 units in treasury (cost-$325,157), at September 30, 2003 and 23,518 units outstanding, excluding 13,254 units in treasury (cost-$330,358), at December 31, 2002

 

155,128

 

136,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

(1,278

)

(1,278

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

153,850

 

135,696

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

413,806

 

$

359,625

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

3



 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

In thousands

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

20,058

 

$

27,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,763

 

8,561

 

Increase in land under development

 

(31,830

)

(68,412

)

Cost of sales and other inventory changes

 

40,823

 

72,477

 

(Increase) decrease in accounts and notes receivable

 

(2,225

)

3,106

 

Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred revenues

 

28,528

 

30,985

 

Cost of property sold

 

1,537

 

127

 

Other adjustments, net

 

(4,051

)

(1,065

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

62,603

 

72,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Development of income-producing properties

 

(19,015

)

(11,968

)

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(4,906

)

(6,802

)

Investment in joint venture

 

(167

)

(509

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(24,088

)

(19,279

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions paid

 

(7,048

)

(10,398

)

Increase (decrease) in mortgage and other debt, net

 

5,081

 

(26,630

)

Increase in advances and contributions from developers for utility construction

 

1,641

 

4,185

 

Purchase of partnership units

 

(8,787

)

(14,959

)

Issuance of partnership units

 

13,988

 

2,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

4,875

 

(45,396

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

43,390

 

8,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

25,403

 

3,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

68,793

 

$

11,319

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid (net of amount capitalized of $1,736 as of September 30, 2003 and $1,053 as of September 30, 2002)

 

$

1,293

 

$

2,538

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

4



 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Note 1. Accounting Policies

 

The Newhall Land and Farming Company’s (“the Company”) unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring items, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 have been made.  For additional information, your attention is directed to the footnote disclosures found on pages 36 through 51 of the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  In addition, a summary of the accounting policies that management considers significant in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements is included below and in Item 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Interim financial information for the Company has substantial limitations as an indicator for the calendar year because:

 

                                          Land sales occur irregularly and are recognized at the close of escrow, provided profit recognition criteria are met, or, if the Company has an obligation to complete certain future improvements, on the percentage of completion basis.

 

                                          Sales of income properties and non-developable farmland occur irregularly and are recognized upon close of escrow provided profit recognition criteria are met.

 

                                          Agricultural crops are on an annual cycle and income is recognized upon harvest. Most major crops grown by the Company or its contractors are harvested during the fall and winter.

 

Basis of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Newhall Land and Farming Company and its subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by the Company. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

 

Reclassifications:  Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Joint Venture:  The equity method is used to account for an investment in a joint venture with Hilton Inns, Inc., which is not controlled by the Company.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Income-Producing Properties; Property and Equipment:  Property is stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the various assets without regard to salvage value. Lives used for calculating depreciation are as follows: buildings – 25 to 40 years; equipment – 3 to 10 years; water supply systems, orchards and other – 5 to 75 years.

 

Stock-Based Employee Compensation:  Stock-based employee compensation is accounted for using the intrinsic value method allowed under APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.  No stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in net income, as options granted under the Company’s plans have an exercise price equal to the market value of the Company’s partnership units on the date of grant.  The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per unit if the Company had applied the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation to stock-based employee compensation.

 

5



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

In thousands, except per unit

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income, as reported

 

$

6,934

 

$

6,667

 

$

20,058

 

$

27,165

 

Total stock-based employee compensation expense

 

(1,033

)

(932

)

(2,856

)

(2,212

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

5,901

 

$

5,735

 

$

17,202

 

$

24,953

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic - as reported

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.86

 

$

1.13

 

Basic - pro forma

 

0.25

 

0.24

 

0.74

 

1.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted - as reported

 

0.29

 

0.27

 

0.84

 

1.11

 

Diluted - pro forma

 

0.24

 

0.24

 

0.72

 

1.02

 

 

Management’s Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of any contingent assets or liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from the estimates made.

 

Income Taxes:  The Company is not a taxable entity; accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made in the consolidated financial statements. Partners are taxed on their allocable share of the Company’s earnings, which is reportable on their income tax returns.

 

Note 2. Details of Land Under Development

 

(In $000)

 

September 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential land development

 

$

32,804

 

$

27,706

 

Industrial and commercial land development

 

5,733

 

19,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total land under development

 

$

38,537

 

$

47,428

 

 

6



 

Note 3. Details for Earnings per Unit Calculation

 

(in 000’s except per unit)

 

Income
(numerator)

 

Units
(denominator)

 

Per Unit

 

For three months ended September 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to unitholders

 

$

6,934

 

23,600

 

$

.29

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unit options

 

 

531

 

 

Net income per unit - diluted

 

$

6,934

 

24,131

 

$

.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For three months ended September 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to unitholders

 

$

6,667

 

24,013

 

$

.28

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unit options

 

 

273

 

(.01

)

Net income per unit - diluted

 

$

6,667

 

24,286

 

$

.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For nine months ended September 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to unitholders

 

$

20,058

 

23,388

 

$

.86

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unit options

 

 

378

 

(.02

)

Net income per unit - diluted

 

$

20,058

 

23,766

 

$

.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For nine months ended September 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to unitholders

 

$

27,165

 

24,100

 

$

1.13

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unit options

 

 

386

 

(.02

)

Net income per unit - diluted

 

$

27,165

 

24,486

 

$

1.11

 

 

Note 4. Details of Income-Producing Properties and Property and Equipment

 

(In $000s)

 

September 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

Income-producing properties

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

36,612

 

$

36,600

 

Buildings

 

143,231

 

134,002

 

Other

 

11,674

 

9,655

 

Properties under development

 

27,514

 

23,741

 

 

 

219,031

 

203,998

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(48,481

)

(44,027

)

 

 

$

170,550

 

$

159,971

 

 

7



 

(In $000s)

 

September 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

Property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

3,760

 

$

3,760

 

Buildings

 

6,403

 

6,034

 

Equipment

 

8,789

 

8,957

 

Water supply systems, orchards and other

 

96,383

 

91,465

 

Construction in progress

 

6,086

 

7,188

 

 

 

121,421

 

117,404

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(42,918

)

(40,955

)

 

 

$

78,503

 

$

76,449

 

 

Note 5.  Disclosure about Certain Financial Statement Captions

 

Cash and cash equivalents - The Company had $68.8 million in cash and short-term investments at September 30, 2003, representing a $43.4 million increase in cash and cash equivalents for the first nine months of 2003 compared to the Company’s ending balance of cash and equivalents at December 31, 2002.  Cash generated from residential lot sales and commercial and industrial land sales combined totaled approximately $86 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.  Included in the cash balance at September 30, 2003 was a $5 million deposit received by the Company in July 2003 related to the pending merger transaction with Lennar Corporation and LNR Property Corporation.  Upon the closing of the merger transaction, the $5 million deposit becomes part of the purchase price from the Lennar/LNR venture.  (See further discussion of the merger below in Note 8:  Merger.)  Additionally, in June 2003, the Company refinanced a mortgage secured by the New Columbia Ranch.  The existing mortgage of $9.6 million was repaid and a new $15 million mortgage was executed.  (See additional discussion below on the Mortgage and other debt financial statement caption.)  At September 30, 2003, with the exception of $19.3 million in outstanding letters of credit, the Company had no outstanding balances on its available lines of credit.  Due to prepayment penalties, the Company invests its excess cash in short-term investments rather than pay down its fixed rate debt.  (See the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and further discussion in Item 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

 

Land under development - The $8.9 million decrease in land under development at September 30, 2003 compared to the prior year end was primarily due to $41 million in cost allocations to residential lot sales and commercial and industrial land sales reported in the financial results for the first nine months of 2003.  This was partially offset by $32 million in capitalized project costs, net of approximately $8 million in fee reimbursements received from the Valencia Bridge and Major Thoroughfare District, during the nine months ended September 30, 2003.  (See definitions of project costs and cost allocations in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of Item 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

 

Accrued expenses - The $14.7 million increase in accrued expenses at September 30, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002 primarily related to the collection of school fees from merchant builders for residential lots sold.  As monies are collected from merchant builders to fund the Company’s portion of future schools to be built in Valencia, the accrual account is increased.  The Company reduces the accrual as funding requests are paid by the Company to the school districts.

 

Deferred revenues - The $7.1 million net increase in deferred revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was primarily attributable to approximately $18 million in deferred revenues for certain residential lots and commercial land sold under percentage of completion accounting in 2003, including $536,000 recorded in the 2003 third quarter.  (See definition of percentage of completion in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of Item 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)  This increase was partially offset by recognizing about $11 million of deferred revenues earned in 2003 to date, including $2.3 million of deferred revenues recognized in the 2003 third quarter.

 

8



 

Mortgage and other debt – The $5.1 million increase in mortgage and other debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was primarily due to the refinancing of the New Columbia Ranch mortgage in June 2003.  The existing mortgage of $9.6 million was repaid and a new $15 million mortgage was executed.  The existing mortgage had an 8.45% interest rate and was to mature in November 2003.  The new mortgage has a term of 15 years and bears interest at 3.07% per annum for the first three years and converts to a variable rate, reset quarterly, thereafter.  This increase was partially offset by principal payments on other of the Company’s outstanding fixed rate debt based on contractual terms.  (See further discussion in the “Financial Condition” section of Item 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

 

Note 6.  Business Segment Reporting

 

The following table provides financial information regarding revenues from external customers, income and total assets for the Company’s business segments and also provides a reconciliation to the Company’s consolidated totals:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2003

 

(In $000s)

 

Revenues

 

Contribution
to Income

 

Assets

 

Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

$

9,344

 

$

6,841

 

$

41,597

 

Industrial and commercial

 

13,241

 

7,050

 

24,361

 

Community development

 

 

(3,339

)

33,244

 

Income-producing properties

 

10,940

 

1,752

 

156,792

 

Valencia Water Company

 

4,736

 

1,103

 

84,698

 

Agriculture

 

1,244

 

425

 

5,790

 

Central administration

 

 

(4,700

)

67,324

 

All other

 

 

(1,250

)

 

 

 

39,505

 

7,882

 

413,806

 

Interest and other, net

 

 

(948

)

 

 

 

$

39,505

 

$

6,934

 

$

413,806

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2002

 

(In $000s)

 

Revenues

 

Contribution
to Income

 

Assets

 

Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

$

37,761

 

$

12,410

 

$

32,018

 

Industrial and commercial

 

3,331

 

270

 

53,932

 

Community development

 

 

(5,763

)

35,069

 

Income-producing properties

 

9,700

 

3,146

 

149,101

 

Valencia Water Company

 

4,427

 

1,015

 

77,967

 

Agriculture

 

2,971

 

(282

)

6,025

 

Central administration

 

 

(2,619

)

16,433

 

All other

 

 

(825

)

 

 

 

58,190

 

7,352

 

370,545

 

Interest and other, net

 

 

(685

)

 

 

 

$

58,190

 

$

6,667

 

$

370,545

 

 

9



 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2003

 

(In $000s)

 

Revenues

 

Contribution
to Income

 

Assets

 

Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

$

60,101

 

$

29,068

 

$

41,597

 

Industrial and commercial

 

23,247

 

7,158

 

24,361

 

Community development

 

 

(9,441

)

33,244

 

Income-producing properties

 

30,314

 

6,539

 

156,792

 

Valencia Water Company

 

10,681

 

1,809

 

84,698

 

Agriculture

 

3,154

 

1,049

 

5,790

 

Central administration

 

 

(10,967

)

67,324

 

All other

 

 

(3,000

)

 

 

 

127,497

 

22,215

 

413,806

 

Interest and other, net

 

 

(2,157

)

 

 

 

$

127,497

 

$

20,058

 

$

413,806

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2002

 

(In $000s)

 

Revenues

 

Contribution
to Income

 

Assets

 

Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

$

82,536

 

$

26,696

 

$

32,018

 

Industrial and commercial

 

34,894

 

15,403

 

53,932

 

Community development

 

 

(13,022

)

35,069

 

Income-producing properties

 

29,171

 

9,395

 

149,101

 

Valencia Water Company

 

10,706

 

2,293

 

77,967

 

Agriculture

 

4,902

 

33

 

6,025

 

Central administration

 

 

(7,916

)

16,433

 

All other

 

 

(3,175

)

 

 

 

162,209

 

29,707

 

370,545

 

Interest and other, net

 

 

(2,542

)

 

 

 

$

162,209

 

$

27,165

 

$

370,545

 

 

Note 7.  New Accounting Pronouncement

 

In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments imbedded in other contracts and for hedging activites under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  The statement is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003.  It is not anticipated that the adoption of this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition for the year ending December 31, 2003.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.  SFAS No. 150 established standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity.  In addition, the statement requires the presentation of the minority interest in certain consolidated entities at fair market value.  The statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  However, on October 29, 2003, the FASB decided to defer indefinitely the implementation date for reporting at fair value minority interests in certain consolidated entities, which previously was effective beginning in the third quarter of 2003.  As a result of this deferral, it is not anticipated that the adoption of this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition for the year ending December 31, 2003.

 

10



 

Note 8.  Merger

 

On July 21, 2003, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Lennar Corporation, a Delaware corporation, LNR Property Corporation, a Delaware corporation, NWHL Investment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and NWHL Acquisition, L.P., a California limited partnership.  On September 4, 2003, the Company announced the completion of due diligence by the Lennar/LNR interests.  The transaction remains subject to the approval by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) of the change of control of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Valencia Water Company, as well as customary closing conditions.  The Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period has been terminated by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

 

The Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of Untiholders was mailed on September 25, 2003 to unitholders of record on September 22, 2003.  The Special Meeting of Unitholders was held on November 6, 2003 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel - Los Angeles International Airport, 5985 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. At the meeting, unitholders approved the principal terms of a merger pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 21, 2003, by and among the Company, on the one hand, and Lennar Corporation, LNR Property Corporation, NWHL Investment LLC, and NWHL Acquisition, L.P., on the other hand.

 

The application for change of control of Valencia Water Company was filed with the CPUC on August 18, 2003.  Three protests requesting evidentiary and public hearings were received by the CPUC in connection with the application.  On October 3, 2003, the Administrative Law Judge and the Assigned Commissioner issued a ruling confirming the determination that hearings are not necessary.  On October 23, 2003, the Administrative Law Judge and the Assigned Commissioner issued a ruling modifying the schedule and seeking comments on proposed conditions the Commission might impose, should it approve the change in control of Valencia Water Company.  Under the new schedule, parties were given to October 27, 2003 to file and serve briefs and proposed conditions.  Reply briefs were to be filed no later than October 31, 2003.  Applicants for the change in control, which includes the Company, Lennar and LNR Property, filed timely their brief and their reply brief with the CPUC which included comments on the proposed conditions.  Subsequent scheduling and action is subject to the Administrative Law Judge’s and CPUC’s discretion.  The Company had previously stated it expected the transaction to close by the middle of 2004.  However, based on the progress to date, it now appears that the closing may take place substantially earlier than originally anticipated.

 

11



 

Part I. Financial Information

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The Company’s unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  For further information, your attention is directed to the footnote disclosures found on pages 36 through 51 of the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Inherent in the preparation of these financial statements are certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  The Company evaluates these estimates and assumptions on a regular basis taking into account historical experience and other relevant current factors.  Therefore, actual results may differ from reported amounts under different assumptions or conditions.

 

The accounting policies used by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements as they relate to its business segments are presented above in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.  A summary of the accounting policies management considers significant in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements follows.  The Company’s audit committee has reviewed the selection, application and disclosure of the Company’s critical accounting policies.

 

Revenue recognition – The majority of revenues for the Company result from land sales.  The Company follows the provisions in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, to record these sales.  SFAS No. 66 provides specific sales recognition criteria to determine when land sales revenues can be recorded.  For example, SFAS No. 66 requires a land sale must be consummated with a sufficient down payment of the sales price depending upon the type and timeframe for development of the property sold, and that any receivable from the sale cannot be subject to future subordination.  The seller cannot retain any material continuing involvement in the property sold.

 

Percentage of completion – When the Company has an obligation to complete development on sold property it utilizes the percentage of completion method of accounting to record revenues and income.  Under percentage of completion accounting, the Company recognizes revenues and income based upon the ratio of development cost completed to the estimated total cost of the property sold, provided required sales recognition criteria have been met.  Unearned revenues resulting from applying percentage of completion accounting are reported as deferred revenues in the liabilities section of the balance sheet.  The Company estimates total project costs associated with the parcel sold.  Revisions in profit estimates and changes in percentages complete are recorded in the consolidated statement of income in subsequent periods, as they become known and the development progresses toward completion.

 

Project costs – Costs incurred by the Company to record maps and develop specific real estate projects are capitalized as a cost of that project and included as an asset in land under development on the balance sheet.  Project litigation costs are charged to expense when incurred.  Indirect costs that do not clearly relate to projects under development, including general and administrative expenses, are charged to expense when incurred.

 

Cost allocations – The Company generally allocates onsite costs to individual parcels within a project on a square foot basis if the parcels in the project are of similar value.   In mixed-use projects, where there may be both a residential and a commercial component with varying fair values, onsite costs are allocated to the respective parcels using the relative sales value method.  Under the relative sales value method, each parcel in the project under development is allocated onsite costs in proportion to the estimated overall sales prices of the project such that each parcel to be sold reflects the same gross profit margin.  Since this method requires the Company to estimate the expected sales prices for the entire project, the profit margin on subsequent parcels sold will be impacted by both changes in the estimated total revenues as well as any changes in the estimated total costs of the project.

 

Offsite improvements with regional benefit, such as freeway on-ramps and off-ramps and water storage tanks, are referred to as infrastructure costs.  The Company estimates the total cost to develop the infrastructure within a defined major development area and allocates this cost to the land within the area.  Changes in the estimated

 

12



 

remaining infrastructure costs or changes in the remaining developable acreage will impact the infrastructure cost allocation and corresponding profit margin for unsold land within a major development area.

 

Stock-based employee compensation – The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation using the intrinsic value method allowed under APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.  No stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in net income, as options granted under the Company’s plans have an exercise price equal to the market value of the Company’s partnership units on the date of grant.  Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures, including the pro forma effect for the fair value method of accounting (expensing) for stock-based employee compensation.

 

13



 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of Third Quarter and Nine Months of 2003 to Third Quarter and Nine Months of 2002

Unaudited

 

The amounts of increase or decrease in revenues and income from the prior year third quarter and nine months are as follows (in 000s, except per unit):

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

 

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential land sales

 

$

(28,417

)

-75

%

$

(22,435

)

-27

%

Industrial and commercial sales

 

9,910

 

298

%

(11,647

)

-33

%

Commercial operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income-producing properties

 

1,240

 

13

%

1,143

 

4

%

Valencia Water Company

 

309

 

7

%

(25

)

0

%

 

 

(16,958

)

-31

%

(32,964

)

-21

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agriculture Operations

 

(1,727

)

-58

%

(1,748

)

-36

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

(18,685

)

-32

%

$

(34,712

)

-21

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution to Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential land sales

 

$

(5,616

)

-46

%

$

2,391

 

9

%

Industrial and commercial sales

 

6,720

 

5554

%

(8,220

)

-55

%

Community development

 

2,352

 

40

%

3,612

 

26

%

Commercial operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income-producing properties

 

(1,406

)

-45

%

(2,851

)

-31

%

Valencia Water Company

 

67

 

7

%

(476

)

-22

%

 

 

2,117

 

20

%

(5,544

)

-14

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agriculture operations

 

695

 

235

%

1,022

 

3524

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

(2,282

)

-77

%

(2,970

)

-32

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

530

 

7

%

(7,492

)

-25

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other, net

 

(263

)

-38

%

385

 

15

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

267

 

4

%

$

(7,107

)

-26

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

$

0.01

 

4

%

$

(0.27

)

-24

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit - diluted

 

$

0.02

 

7

%

$

(0.27

)

-24

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of units used in computing per unit amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit

 

(413

)

-2

%

(712

)

-3

%

Net income per unit - diluted

 

(155

)

-1

%

(720

)

-3

%

 

14



 

The increases and decreases in revenues and income for the three and nine months are attributable to the following:

 

Revenues totaled $39.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to revenues of $58.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002.  The company reported income of $6.9 million, or $.29 per partnership unit, for the 2003 third quarter compared to $6.7 million, or $.27 per partnership unit, for the same period in 2002.

 

Although revenues for the 2003 third quarter were 32% lower than the same period in 2002, income was 4% higher for the three month period ended September 30, 2003 compared to the 2002 third quarter.  This relationship was primarily due to a high-margin apartment land sale and $2.2 million in revenues received under residential price and profit participation agreements in the current quarter.  No significant price and profit participation revenues were reported in the 2002 third quarter.

 

The primary contributors to the 2003 third quarter results were the sales of 10 custom home sites in the Westridge golf course community, the sales of 12 acres of commercial and industrial land, including a 7.8 acre apartment land sale, operations from the Company’s income-producing portfolio and revenues received by the Company under price and profit participation agreements.  Combined, these activities contributed $31.2 million to revenues and $15.3 million to income in the third quarter of 2003.

 

Residential land sales were the major contributor to 2002 third quarter results with 217 residential lots in the Westridge community closing escrow, contributing $34.8 million to revenues and $13.0 million to income.

 

Home sales by merchant builders on lots previously purchased from the Company continue to be strong with 657 homes sold during the first nine months of 2003 compared to 849 new homes sold during the same period last year.  At September 30, 2003, merchant builders had 512 homes in escrow and unsold inventory of 1,684 lots previously purchased from the Company, compared to 406 homes in escrow and unsold inventory of 1,339 lots at the end of the 2002 third quarter.  While the Company does not participate directly in profits generated from escrow closings by merchant builders, indirectly the Company generally shares with the merchant builders in the overall revenues and profits of home building projects above agreed upon thresholds.  The sale of previously sold lots to homebuyers is also key to the Company’s future success in selling additional lots.

 

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 totaled $127.5 million and income totaled $20.1million, or $.84 per partnership unit, compared to revenues of $162.2 million and income of $27.2 million, or $1.11 per partnership unit, for the same period in 2002.

 

The sales of all 759 residential lots in the Company’s Creekside community, the sales of 24 custom home sites in the Westridge golf course community, the sales of approximately 30 acres of commercial and industrial land, and operations from the Company’s income-producing portfolio were the primary contributors to the Company’s results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Combined, these contributed $100.8 million to revenues and $38.1 million to income for the nine-month period.  In addition, revenues and income recorded by the Company under price and profit participation agreements for the first nine months of 2003 totaled $4.4 million.

 

Major contributors to 2002 nine-month results were the sales of 620 residential lots in the Westridge community, the sale of the entire 329 entitled, unimproved lots in the Alta Vista community and the sales of approximately 57 acres of commercial land.  Combined, these sales contributed $110.5 million to revenues and $45.7 million to income for the 2002 nine month period.

 

On July 21, 2003, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Lennar Corporation, a Delaware corporation, LNR Property Corporation, a Delaware corporation, NWHL Investment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and NWHL Acquisition, L.P., a California limited partnership.  On September 4, 2003, the Company announced the completion of due diligence by the Lennar/LNR interests.  The transaction remains subject to the approval by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) of the change of control of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Valencia Water Company, as well as customary closing conditions.  The Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period has been terminated by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

 

15



 

The Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of Untiholders was mailed on September 25, 2003 to unitholders of record on September 22, 2003.  The Special Meeting of Unitholders was held on November 6, 2003 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel  - - Los Angeles International Airport, 5985 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. At the meeting, unitholders approved the principal terms of a merger pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 21, 2003, by and among the Company, on the one hand, and Lennar Corporation, LNR Property Corporation, NWHL Investment LLC, and NWHL Acquisition, L.P., on the other hand.

 

The application for change of control of Valencia Water Company was filed with the CPUC on August 18, 2003.  Three protests requesting evidentiary and public hearings were received by the CPUC in connection with the application.  On October 3, 2003, the Administrative Law Judge and the Assigned Commissioner issued a ruling confirming the determination that hearings are not necessary.  On October 23, 2003, the Administrative Law Judge and the Assigned Commissioner issued a ruling modifying the schedule and seeking comments on proposed conditions the Commission might impose, should it approve the change in control of Valencia Water Company.  Under the new schedule, parties were given to October 27, 2003 to file and serve briefs and proposed conditions.  Reply briefs were to be filed no later than October 31, 2003.  Applicants for the change in control, which includes the Company, Lennar and LNR Property, filed timely their brief and their reply brief with the CPUC which included comments on the proposed conditions.  Subsequent scheduling and action is subject to the Administrative Law Judge’s and CPUC’s discretion.  The Company had previously stated it expected the transaction to close by the middle of 2004.  However, based on the progress to date, it now appears that the closing may take place substantially earlier than originally anticipated.

 

As a result of a cash payment received on October 17, 2003 under the terms of a settlement agreement related to Company-initiated litigation (see Part II, Item 1.  Legal Proceedings), and projected results for the 2003 fourth quarter, the Company expects net income for the full year ending December 31, 2003 to range from approximately $1.50 to $1.60 per unit.  This is an increase over the previously reported range for 2003’s earnings of $1.15 to $1.25 per unit.  This estimate reflects the forecasted sale of about 793 residential lots with a combined sales price of approximately $67 million and up to 56 acres of commercial and industrial land with a combined expected sales value of $44 million for 2003.  As of September 30, 2003, 783 residential lots and 30 acres of commercial and industrial land had closed escrow.  As of October 31, 2003, escrows closed on an additional two custom estate lots, which will be reflected in the results for the 2003 fourth quarter.  The Company’s portfolio of income-producing properties is expected to contribute approximately $8 million to income in 2003, after deductions for administrative expenses and depreciation.  Net operating income from the income-producing portfolio, which is the industry-accepted performance measure for such assets, is expected to be approximately $20 - $21 million for 2003.  Net operating income represents earnings from the income portfolio before deductions for administrative expenses and depreciation, but after accounting for approximately $700,000 in projected start-up expenses for the Tournament Players Club at Valencia golf course, in 2003.

 

The ability of the Company to complete sales projected in 2003 will be dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, identification of suitable buyers for its land, reaching agreement with the buyers on definitive terms, the successful completion of the due diligence work by buyers, the availability of financing to suitable buyers, satisfactory resolution of regulatory and legal issues, and market and general economic and other conditions, the timing and outcome of which may be beyond the control of the Company.  Generally, revenues and income from land sales are recorded under the percentage of completion method of accounting.  Accordingly, certain revenues and income from land sales in the current year may be deferred to future periods when the Company has an obligation to complete development on a property sold.

 

Residential Land Sales

 

The Company primarily sells lots to merchant builders who, in turn, build homes for sale.  Revenues and income are recorded when title is transferred to the merchant builder.  Generally, residential lot sale agreements contain a provision whereby the Company will receive from the merchant builder a portion of the home sales prices above an agreed upon base price (price participation) and/or in the overall profitability of the home building project after the merchant builder has received an agreed upon return (profit participation).  If home prices and/or project profitability fall short of the participation thresholds, the Company receives no additional revenues or income and has no financial obligation to the builder.

 

In the 2003 third quarter, 10 custom home sites closed escrow in the Company’s Westridge golf course community, contributing $4.8 million to revenues and $3.3 million to income under the percentage of completion accounting method.  Additionally, revenues of $2.3 million and income of $944,000 were recognized in the 2003

 

16



 

third quarter under percentage of completion accounting on lots previously sold by the Company.  Also, during the three-month period ended September 30, 2003, revenues and income of $2.2 million were recognized under price and profit participation agreements related to prior year lot sales.

 

Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 included the sale of the entire 759 lots in the Creekside community to merchant builders and the closing of escrows on 24 custom home sites in the Westridge community.  The sale of these 783 lots contributed a combined total of $49.2 million to revenues and $21.9 million to income under the percentage of completion method of accounting through September 30, 2003.  In addition, results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 included $6.4 million in revenues recognized under percentage of completion accounting on lots previously sold by the Company, which, when combined with revised estimates to complete the land development on the sold lots, generated $4.8 million in income for the first nine months of 2003.  Also, $4.4 million in revenues and income were recognized in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 from cash payments received by the Company under price and profit participation agreements related to prior year lot sales.

 

A total of 217 residential lots in Valencia Westridge closed escrow in the 2002 third quarter, contributing $34.8 million to revenues and $13.0 million to income under percentage of completion accounting.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, a total of 949 residential lots closed escrow, contributing $77.9 million to revenues and $27.4 million to income under percentage of completion accounting.  Included in the 949 lots sold were the entire inventory of 329 entitled, unimproved residential lots in the community of Alta Vista, contributing $15.8 million to revenue and $6.2 million to income, and 620 entitled, improved lots in the Westridge golf course community, contributing $62.1 million to revenues and $21.2 million to income.

 

No residential lots were in escrow to merchant builders at the end of the 2003 third quarter.  As of October 31, 2003, escrows closed on two additional custom lots for a combined sales price of $950,000, which will be reflected in the results for the fourth quarter 2003.  At September 30, 2002, the entire 275 residential lots in the community of Hidden Creek and 106 residential lots in Westridge were in escrow for closings in the 2002 fourth quarter.  In addition, the entire 759 residential lots in the Creekside community were in escrow for closings reported in the results for the 2003 first quarter.

 

Industrial and Commercial Sales

 

Industrial Land Sales

 

While demand for industrial land in Valencia’s business parks remains at low levels, the industrial market continues to show signs of improvement with a combined vacancy rate in both Valencia Industrial Center and Valencia Commerce Center below 10% as of September 30, 2003 compared to 11% at the end of the 2003 second quarter and 12% at September 30, 2002.  At September 30, 2003, the Company had approximately 360 net acres of industrial land remaining in Valencia.

 

A 2.1-acre industrial parcel closed escrow during the 2003 third quarter, contributing $1.0 million to revenues and $137,000 to income.  Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 included the sales of a total of 7.8 acres of industrial land, which, combined, contributed $3.8 million to revenues and $546,000 to income.  No industrial land was sold or in escrow during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2002.

 

The Company expects to market for sale approximately 14 acres of industrial land in 2003, including the 7.8 acres which closed during the nine months ended September 30, 2003.  At September 30, 2003, approximately 2 acres of industrial land were in escrow for $889,000, with closing expected in the 2003 fourth quarter.  The ability of the Company to complete sales projected in 2003 is dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, identification of suitable buyers for its land, reaching agreement with the buyers on definitive terms, the successful completion of the due diligence work by buyers, the availability of financing to suitable buyers, satisfactory resolution of regulatory and legal issues, and market and general economic and other conditions, the timing and outcome of which may be beyond the control of the Company.  All escrow closings are subject to market and other conditions that may be beyond the control of the Company.

 

17



 

Commercial Land Sales

 

Two commercial parcels totaling 10.0 acres closed escrow during the 2003 third quarter, contributing $12.2 million to revenues and $7.9 million to income.  The parcels that closed escrow in the 2003 third quarter included a 188-unit apartment complex site on 7.8 net acres.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, six commercial parcels totaling 22.5 acres closed escrow, contributing a total of $17.4 million to revenues and $9.2 million to income under percentage of completion accounting.

 

During the 2002 third quarter, two commercial parcels totaling 1.6 acres closed escrow and contributed $1.1 million to revenues and $522,000 to income.  In addition, $1.0 million in revenues and $613,000 in income were recognized under the percentage of completion method of accounting on sales closed earlier in 2002, and $1.2 million in revenues and $629,000 in income were recognized from prior year sales.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, nine commercial parcels totaling 57.1 acres closed escrow, contributing $32.7 million to revenues and $18.3 million to income under percentage of completion accounting.

 

At September 30, 2003, a total of approximately 59 acres were in escrow for about $43 million, with closings expected beginning later in 2003.  At September 30, 2002, a total of 8.6 acres of commercial land was in escrow for closings in the 2002 fourth quarter.  All escrow closings are subject to market and other conditions that may be beyond the control of the Company.

 

Community Development

 

Community development expenses decreased 40% and 26% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to the same 2002 periods primarily due to the Company’s reduction in corporate marketing expenses as a result of the Company’s streamlining of its administration, sales and marketing efforts and a decrease in costs related to certain legal challenges.  For all of 2003, community development expenses, excluding an $8.9 million cost recovery received on October 17, 2003 related to the settlement of Company initiated litigation (see Part II, Item 1.  Legal Proceedings), are expected to decrease about 25% from 2002 due to the Company’s anticipated reduction in marketing expenses and a decrease in costs related to legal challenges.  These expense reductions are anticipated to be partially offset by continuing expenses related to obtaining entitlements and planning for the completion of the projected sellout of Valencia residential land, and positioning Newhall Ranch to commence development.

 

In June, 2000, a Kern County Superior Court identified six issues in the Newhall Ranch Environmental Impact Report as requiring further review.  On October 14, 2003, the Company returned to the Kern County Superior Court to address the additional analyses performed on these six issues.  A hearing was held to determine the sufficiency of the environmental documents for the Newhall Ranch Specific Plan, which was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on May 27, 2003.  Prior to the hearing, Ventura County withdrew from the lawsuit because the county’s issues had been adequately resolved.  On October 22, 2003, the judge ruled that the court was satisfied with the adequacy of the additional environmental analysis that was performed at the court’s direction and granted Los Angeles County’s motion to discharge the writ of mandate related to Newhall Ranch.  The Petitioners have 60 days from the entry of judgment to appeal the court’s decision.  The Company continues to work on subdivision maps in several different villages within Newhall Ranch and will begin to process permit applications and environmental documents.  Initial development is expected to begin in 2006.  The length of time necessary to obtain completion of governmental review and approvals necessary for the project, and the timing of any judicial processes that may result, are difficult to predict and actual commencement of development may be delayed beyond the target date.

 

Income-Producing Properties

 

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2003, revenues increased 13% over the same period in 2002 while income decreased 45% over the 2002 third quarter.  The increase in revenues was primarily due to revenues from Tournament Players ClubÒ (TPC) at Valencia championship golf course, which opened for play on June 26, 2003.  The decrease in income was primarily due to a net loss recorded by TPC at Valencia golf course

 

18



 

resulting from the start-up of initial operations combined with lower income from Valencia Town Center regional shopping mall.

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, revenues increased 4% over revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 while income was down 31% over the prior year.  The increase in revenues was primarily due to revenues from the TPC at Valencia championship golf course partially offset by a decrease in occupancy at Valencia Town Center.  The decrease in income was primarily the result of a net loss recorded from the TPC at Valencia golf course, including pre-opening and marketing expenses, increased operating expenses at Valencia Town Center and a decrease in operating income from the hotel properties.

 

Net operating income represents earnings from the income portfolio before deductions for administrative expenses and depreciation, and is the industry-accepted performance measure for such assets.  Net operating income for the third quarter 2003 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 decreased 13% and 10%, respectively, over the same periods in 2002 primarily due to a $200,000 net operating loss at the TPC at Valencia golf course, increased operating expenses at Valencia Town Center and a decrease in operating income from both hotel properties.

 

Income-Producing Properties

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Operating Income(1), (2)

 

$

4,918

 

$

5,492

 

$

15,068

 

$

16,642

 

Admin/Depreciation

 

(3,203

)

(2,371

)

(8,619

)

(7,342

)

Total Contribution to Income

 

$

1,715

 

$

3,121

 

$

6,449

 

$

9,300

 

 


(1) Includes NorthPark Village Square and River Oaks shopping centers, Valencia Town Center regional mall and entertainment center, retail along Town Center Drive, Hyatt Valencia and Valencia Hilton hotels, TPC at Valencia golf course, restaurants, leases, etc.

(2) Before administrative expenses and depreciation.  Net operating income is the industry-accepted performance measure for income-producing properties.  Maintenance expensed as incurred.

 

Occupancy rates at the Company’s various income-producing properties were as follows at September 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

Occupancy Rates(a):

 

September 30, 2003

 

September 30, 2002

 

Valencia Town Center Mall(b)

 

91

%

80

%

Entertainment Center(c)

 

94

%

97

%

Valencia Town Center Master Lease(d)

 

83

%

94

%

NorthPark/River Oaks Shopping Centers

 

100

%

99

%

Hotels

 

77

%

76

%

 


(a) Includes signed lease space and leases to short-term tenants.

(b) Includes approximately 329,929 square feet of leasable retail space in the mall and along Town Center Drive, and 8,431 square feet of office space.  Vacant space includes approximately 40,000 square feet, which is not available for occupancy due to construction activities at the property.

(c) Includes 128,745 square feet of leasable space.

(d) Includes 51,019 square feet of retail space from a 12-1/2 year leaseback agreement that was part of the sale of four office buildings along Town Center Drive that closed escrow in early December 2000.

 

The primary contributor to the vacancy at Valencia Town Center regional shopping mall was the approximately 12% of non-anchor gross leasable area that was not available for occupancy due to the construction related to the second phase of the remodel project underway at the property.  The first phase of the remodel involved relocating an expanded food court to the west end of the shopping mall where Edwards Theatres was previously located. This was completed in February 2003.  The second phase of the remodel in progress is to create new retail space in the former food court location and is expected to be open later this year for the holidays.

 

Results for the 2002 third quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2002 included the favorable effect of the cessation of depreciation totaling $19,000 and $58,000, respectively, on income-producing properties held for sale.  One minor income property was sold in the 2002 fourth quarter.  There were no properties held for sale at September 30, 2003 or during the nine month period then ended.

 

19



 

The Company’s portfolio of income-producing properties is expected to contribute approximately $8 million to income in 2003, after deductions for administrative expenses and depreciation.  Net operating income from the income-producing portfolio is expected to be approximately $20 - $21 million after accounting for approximately $700,000 in projected start-up costs for the TPC at Valencia golf course in 2003.

 

Valencia Water Company

 

Valencia Water Company is a regulated utility serving approximately 26,000 customers and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  Third quarter 2003 revenues and income increased 7% from the same period in 2002.  For the first nine months of 2003, Valencia Water Company recorded a decrease of 22% in income over the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002 while revenues remained flat as compared to the same 2002 period.  The increase in revenues and income for the 2003 third quarter was primarily due to a slight increase to the water company’s authorized revenues approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in May 2003 combined with an increase of approximately 2% in metered connections.  The decrease in income for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was primarily due to higher administrative expenses and expenses related to legal proceedings in which Valencia Water Company is involved.

 

Agricultural Operations

 

The Company’s remaining agricultural properties include the 14,000-acre New Columbia Ranch in Madera County and the 1,250-acre Newhall Orchard in Ventura County.  Most of the remaining 14,750 acres in Ventura County owned by the Company has been leased for cattle grazing.  The Company has leased out a majority of the New Columbia Ranch to farming tenants in 2003 to minimize the Company’s fixed overhead costs and its exposure to crop commodity price fluctuations.

 

For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, agriculture revenues, including the Company’s energy operations, decreased 58% and 36%, respectively, compared to revenues for the same periods in 2002.  The decrease in revenues was primarily due to discontinuation of a substantial portion of the Company’s farming operations at New Columbia Ranch and reduced prices on citrus, partially offset by increased land rents at New Columbia Ranch combined with higher oil and gas production and prices.

 

For both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, income from agriculture operations, including the Company’s energy operations, increased in excess of 100% compared to the same periods in 2002. The increase in income was primarily due to the increased land rent revenues, together with a reduction in overhead costs related to the leasing of land to farming tenants at New Columbia Ranch and an increase from energy operations.  In addition, results for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 included costs associated with the Spineflower search warrant on certain areas of Newhall Ranch and an alleged streambed violation, both of which were subsequently resolved in the 2003 first quarter.

 

General and Administrative Expense

 

General and administrative expenses for the 2003 third quarter increased 77% over 2002 third quarter general and administrative expenses.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, general and administrative expenses increased 32% from the same period in 2002.  The increase in the 2003 third quarter was primarily due to expenses incurred related to the Company’s pending merger transaction with Lennar Corporation and LNR Property Corporation announced on July 21, 2003.  (See “Results of Operations” section of Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for additional information on the merger.)  The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to merger related expenses together with one time expenses associated with separation pay and related charges connected with the Company’s streamlining of its administration, sales and marketing efforts during the 2003 first quarter.  For all of 2003, general and administrative expenses are expected to increase approximately 25% compared to 2002 levels.

 

Interest and Other

 

Interest and Other, Net increased 38% for the 2003 third quarter as compared to the 2002 third quarter.  The increase was primarily due to a decrease in interest income from promissory notes accepted by the Company in

 

20



 

conjunction with certain commercial land and residential lot sales and a decrease in interest capitalized due to fewer active construction projects.  These increases were partially offset by lower interest expense on lines of credit due to lower outstanding balances.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, Interest and Other, Net decreased 15% compared to the same period in 2002.  The decrease was primarily due to lower interest expense on lines of credit due to lower outstanding balances, an increase in interest capitalized to the Company’s active construction projects and interest income received from an escrow account related to a freeway interchange infrastructure improvement. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in interest income from promissory notes accepted by the Company in conjunction with certain commercial land and residential lot sales and a pre-payment penalty incurred in relation with the early payment of the $9.6 million New Columbia Ranch mortgage. Interest expense in 2003 is expected to be approximately 10% lower than amounts reported in 2002.

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At September 30, 2003, a $6.6 million bank loan secured by a deed of trust on the Valencia Hilton Garden Inn was outstanding.  The loan is payable in quarterly principal installments of $41,250 plus monthly interest payments until maturity on March 31, 2004.  This loan is non-recourse to the Company.  As the equity method is used to account for the Company’s investment in the joint venture with Hilton Inns, Inc., the bank loan is not included in mortgage and other debt on the accompanying balance sheet.

 

The Company does not have any other transactions, arrangements or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that are reasonably likely to affect its liquidity or capital resources. The Company has no special purpose or limited purpose entities that provided off-balance sheet financing, liquidity or market or credit risk support, engaged in leasing, hedging, research and development services, or other relationships that expose the Company to liability that is not reflected on the face of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At September 30, 2003, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $68.8 million and $162.7 million in available lines of credit, net of $19.3 million in outstanding letters of credit.  Included in the cash balance at September 30, 2003 was a $5 million deposit received by the Company in July 2003 related to the pending merger transaction with Lennar Corporation and LNR Property Corporation.  Upon the closing of the merger transaction, the $5 million deposit will be applied to the purchase price from the Lennar/LNR venture.  (See further discussion of the merger above in Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Part 1, Item 1 Financial Statements, Note 8:  Merger.)  At September 30, 2003, there were no borrowings outstanding on unsecured lines of credit or a revolving mortgage facility.  The Company had fixed rate debt outstanding totaling $65.1 million.  The Company believes it has adequate sources of cash from operations and debt capacity, combined with proceeds from anticipated land sales, to finance future operations on both a short- and long-term basis.  The Company utilizes its available debt capacity to fund ongoing operations, as well as to fund administration and legal costs to bring future projects online over the longer term in order to enable the Company to complete the development of Valencia and to begin development of Newhall Ranch.  As a guideline, the Company targets total debt not to exceed 60% of the appraised value of the income portfolio.  The Company ended the 2003 third quarter with a conservative debt to income portfolio value ratio of 21%, which the Company believes will provide adequate debt capacity to fund operations.  At September 30, 2003, there was no debt secured by the Company’s raw land or land under development inventories.

 

In May 2001, the Board of Directors authorized a unit repurchase program of up to 2,520,000 units, or 10% of the then outstanding units.  In accordance with the program, the Company repurchased units from time to time at prevailing market prices and, depending on market conditions, either through the open market, or unsolicited negotiated transactions.  Repurchases were generally funded from cash flow generated from normal business operations.  As a result of the merger agreement announced on July 21, 2003, the Company suspended the repurchase program.  (See “Results of Operations” section of Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and

 

21



 

Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for additional information on the merger.)  The last unit repurchase under this program was made on June 24, 2003.  As of September 30, 2003, a total of 2,259,415 partnership units had been repurchased under this program for $65.4 million, or an average unit price of $28.95.  Of this total, 302,230 units were repurchased during the first six months of 2003 for $8.8 million, or an average unit price of $29.07.  A total of 260,585 units remained to be repurchased under this program at September 30, 2003.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company invested approximately $8 million (before $8.3 million in fee reimbursements received from the Valencia Bridge and Major Thoroughfare District) in major roads and freeway infrastructure improvements primarily within Valencia, which amounts are included in land under development on the accompanying balance sheet.  In addition, the Company invested approximately $7 million in the remodel of the former Edwards Theatres’ space in Valencia Town Center regional mall to relocate the existing food court and create new retail space in the former food court location, and approximately $10 million on the completion of the construction of Tournament Players ClubÒ at Valencia championship golf course and clubhouse, in the Company’s Westridge community, which amounts are included in income-producing properties on the accompanying balance sheet.  For the remainder of 2003, the Company expects to invest approximately $6 million in major roads and freeway infrastructure improvements to enable the Company to continue its land sales program in Valencia.  In addition, another approximately $4 million is expected to be invested in Valencia Town Center regional mall in 2003 to complete the creation of the new retail space.  The Company expects to invest another approximately $1 million on the completion of the golf course and clubhouse.  At September 30, 2003, there were no other material commitments for capital expenditures.

 

The following discussion relates to principal items on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $62.6 million for the first nine months of 2003 versus $72.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.  Cash generated from operating activities included the sales of the entire 759 residential lots in the Company’s Creekside community, twenty-four custom home sites in the Westridge golf course community, and approximately 30 acres of commercial and industrial land.  Together with revenue from continuing operations of the Company’s portfolio of income-producing properties, these sources contributed $100.8 million to revenues.  In addition, the Company received a $5 million deposit in July 2003 related to the pending merger transaction with Lennar Corporation and LNR Property Corporation.  Upon the closing of the merger transaction, the $5 million deposit becomes part of the purchase price from the Lennar/LNR venture.  (See further discussion of the merger above in Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Part 1, Item 1 Financial Statements, Note 8:  Merger.)  This was offset by the acceptance by the Company of $2.0 million in promissory notes in conjunction with the terms of certain commercial land sales during the first nine months of 2003.  During the three months ended September 30, 2003, $700,000 was collected against the outstanding notes.  The remaining note balance has a maturity date prior to December 31, 2003.  Cash used in operating activities included the use of approximately $32 million for land development expenditures, primarily related to land preparation and infrastructure improvements to ready land for development or sale.  Additional uses of cash included payment of the Company’s general and administrative expenses and interest expense.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, cash generated from operating activities included the sales of 949 residential lots, the sales of approximately 57 acres of commercial land and continuing operations from the Company’s portfolio of income-producing properties.  These activities combined contributed a total of $139.7 million to revenues.  In addition, $11.7 million of notes receivables outstanding at December 31, 2001 were collected in the nine months ended September 30, 2002.  This was offset by the Company’s acceptance in the 2002 first quarter of $8.3 million promissory note in conjunction with the terms of a commercial land sale.  The term of the note was less than one year and was subsequently collected prior to December 31, 2002.  Cash used in operating activities also included the use of approximately $68 million for land under development expenditures mostly related to land preparation and infrastructure improvements to ready the land for development or sale.  Additional uses of cash included the Company’s general and administrative expenses and interest expense.

 

22



 

Investing Activities

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, expenditures for development of income-producing properties totaled $19.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, and, for both periods were primarily for the Valencia Town Center food court remodel and expansion, and construction of Tournament Players ClubÒ at Valencia championship golf course and clubhouse, in the Company’s Westridge community.

 

Purchase of property and equipment totaled $4.9 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 compared to $6.8 million for the same 2002 period.  Investments in both periods were primarily for water utility construction.

 

Financing Activities

 

Distributions to unitholders totaling $7.0 million and $10.4 million were made in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, respectively, consisting of three regular quarterly distributions of $.10 per unit in each year and a $.13 per unit special distribution in 2002.  No special distribution was made in 2003.  The Company declared a regular quarterly distribution of $.10 per unit, payable December 8, 2003 to unitholders of record on November 10, 2003.  The Company’s usual practice is to provide sufficient distributions, including special distributions, to pay the estimated approximate amount of taxes associated with Company earnings.  The declaration of distributions and the amount declared, are determined by the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis taking into account the Company’s earnings, financial condition and prospects.

 

At September 30, 2003, the Company had outstanding balances in mortgage and other debt of $65.1 million versus $58.9 million at September 30, 2002.  The $6.2 net increase was primarily due to the refinancing of the $9.6 million mortgage secured by the New Columbia Ranch, which was to mature on November 1, 2003.  On June 26, 2003, the Company closed the refinancing on the new 15-year mortgage for $15 million, with a fixed interest rate of 3.07% for the first three years. The remaining activity was due to an increase in the outstanding principal on community facilities bonds due to the refinance of the bonds in October 2002 partially offset by principal payments on the Company’s outstanding fixed rate debt based on contractual terms.  The Company’s lines of credit are available to fund recurring operations and distributions.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company repurchased 302,230 partnership units for $8.8 million, or an average unit price of $29.07.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2002, 501,835 partnership units were repurchased for $15.0 million, or an average price of $29.81.  As a result of the merger agreement announced on July 21, 2003, the Company suspended the unit repurchase program.  (See “Results of Operations” section of Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for additional information on the merger.)    The last unit repurchase under this program was made on June 24, 2003.

 

 

New Accounting Pronouncement

 

In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments imbedded in other contracts and for hedging activites under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  The statement is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003.  It is not anticipated that the adoption of this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition for the year ending December 31, 2003.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.  SFAS No. 150 established standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity.  In addition, the statement requires the presentation of the minority interest in certain consolidated entities at fair market value.  The statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  However, on October 29, 2003, the FASB decided to defer indefinitely the implementation date for reporting at fair value minority interests in certain

 

23



 

consolidated entities, which previously was effective beginning in the third quarter of 2003.  As a result of this deferral, it is not anticipated that the adoption of this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition for the year ending December 31, 2003.

 

Internet Access to Company Financial Documents

 

The Company maintains a website at www.newhall.com.  The Company makes available free of charge, either by direct access or a link to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.  The Company’s reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available directly at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND RISK FACTORS

 

Except for historical matters, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties.  We have tried, wherever practical, to identify these forward-looking statements by using words like “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “expect,” “plan,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about plans; opportunities; anticipated regulatory approvals or actions; potential litigation outcomes; negotiations; market and economic conditions; development, construction, and sales activities; and availability of financing.

 

We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our current beliefs and are based on information currently available to us.  We expressly undertake no obligation publicly to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or changes in circumstances.

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ from those expressed in or implied by these statements.  See our risk factors below.

 

Sales of Real Estate: The majority of the Company’s revenues is generated by its real estate operations. The ability of the Company to consummate sales of real estate is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, availability of financing to the buyer, agreement with buyers on definitive terms, regulatory and legal issues, and successful completion of the buyer’s due diligence. The fact that a real estate transaction has entered escrow does not necessarily mean that the transaction ultimately will close. Therefore, the timing of sales may differ from that anticipated by the Company and some anticipated sales may not occur. The inability to close sales as anticipated could adversely impact the recognition of revenue in any specific period.

 

Economic Conditions: Development of residential, industrial and commercial real estate can be significantly impacted by general and local economic conditions, which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company’s real estate operations are concentrated in north Los Angeles County. The southern California economy is profoundly affected by the entertainment, technology and defense industries and certain other business segments. Consequently, all sectors of the Company’s real estate operations tend to be cyclical. The regional, state and national economies have slowed.  There can be no assurances that the slowdown will not worsen or the economy will recover in the near future.

 

Inflation: The Company believes it is well positioned against the effects of inflation. Historically, during periods of inflation, the Company has been able to increase selling prices of properties to offset rising costs of land development and construction.  A portion of the commercial income portfolio is protected from inflation since percentage rent clauses and Consumer Price Index increases in the Company’s leases tend to adjust rental receipts for inflation, while the underlying value of commercial properties has tended to rise over the long term.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to be able to offset the impacts of inflation through increases in the selling prices of its properties in future periods.

 

Interest Rates and Financing: Fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of financing have an important impact on the Company’s performance. Sales of the Company’s properties could be adversely impacted by the inability of buyers to obtain adequate financing at rates acceptable to them. Further, the Company’s real estate development activities are dependent on the availability of adequate sources of capital. Certain of the Company’s credit facilities bear interest at variable rates and would be negatively impacted by increasing interest rates.

 

24



 

Competition: The sale and leasing of residential, industrial and commercial real estate is highly competitive, with competition coming from numerous and varied sources. The degree of competition is affected by such factors as the supply of real estate available comparable to that sold and leased by the Company and the level of demand for such real estate. Currently, the residential market in the Santa Clarita Valley, including Valencia, remains strong and has been capturing an increasing portion of Los Angeles County’s new home sales.  However, there is no assurance that this trend will continue.  Although there are indications the local market for industrial property is strengthening, the industrial market in Valencia is experiencing limited demand and vacancy rates remain high since the national and regional economies have slowed.  In addition, local competition has intensified as other business parks within the area have opened or are in the planning stages.

 

Geographic Concentration: The Company’s real estate development activities are focused on the 18,100 acres that it owns in north Los Angeles County. The Company’s entire commercial real estate income portfolio is located in the Valencia area. Therefore, any economic or other factors affecting that concentrated area, such as changes in the housing market, economic conditions and environmental factors, which cannot be predicted with certainty, could affect future results.

 

Exposure to Natural Occurrences and Acts of Terror: The Company’s assets and real estate operations may be adversely affected by natural occurrences such as earthquakes, fire and weather conditions, and acts of terrorism or armed conflict that may cause damage to assets, delay progress and increase the costs of infrastructure construction and land development, impact the economy generally or locally, and affect the pace of sales.

 

Government Regulation and Entitlement Risks: In developing its projects, the Company must obtain the approval of numerous governmental authorities regulating such matters as permitted land uses, density and traffic, and the provision of utility services such as electricity, water and waste disposal. In addition, the Company is subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning protection of health and the environment. This government regulation affects the types of projects which can be pursued by the Company and increases the cost of development and ownership. The Company devotes substantial financial and managerial resources to comply with these requirements. To varying degrees, certain permits and approvals will be required to complete the developments currently being undertaken or planned by the Company. Furthermore, the timing, cost and scope of planned projects may be subject to legal challenges. (See following “Litigation” discussion.) In addition, the continued effectiveness of permits already granted may be subject to factors such as changes in policies, rules and regulations and their interpretation and application. The ability to obtain necessary approvals and permits for its projects may be beyond the Company’s control and could restrict, delay or prevent development of new projects. The Company’s results of operations in any period will be affected by the amount of entitled properties the Company has in inventory.

 

Litigation: The land use approval processes the Company must follow ultimately to develop its projects have become increasingly complex. Moreover, the statutes, regulations and ordinances governing the approval processes provide third parties opportunities to challenge the proposed plans and approvals. As a result, the prospect of, and actual, third-party challenges to planned real estate developments have provided additional uncertainties in real estate development planning and entitlement activities. Third-party challenges in the form of litigation will, by their nature, adversely affect the length of time required to obtain the necessary approvals. In addition, adverse decisions arising from any litigation increase the costs and may adversely affect the design, scope, plans and profitability of a project.

 

Environmental Remediation and Endangered Species:  The Company owns or formerly owned properties with respect to which the Company may be required to remediate environmental effects of prior releases of contamination.  Future environmental costs are difficult to estimate because of factors such as, but not limited to, the unknown magnitude of possible contamination, the unknown timing and extent of remediative actions that may be required, the determination of the Company’s potential liability, and the extent to which such costs are recoverable from third parties or from applicable insurance coverages.  In addition, the length of time to perform any required remediation or the successful pursuit of responsible third parties is difficult to predict. The ability to, or length of time required to, remediate any property could increase the costs of, and restrict, prevent or delay the development of a new project.  Additionally, the presence of endangered species on the Company’s property could delay and increase the cost of development, and, in limited circumstances, could prevent the development of some properties.

 

25



 

Part 1.  Financial Information

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

The Company is exposed to market risk primarily due to fluctuations in interest rates.  The Company utilizes both fixed rate and variable rate debt.  At September 30, 2003,  the Company had no outstanding variable rate debt and $65.1 million of outstanding fixed rate debt with interest rates ranging from 3.07% to 8.00%.

 

The table below presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates of the Company’s long-term fixed rate and variable rate debt at September 30, 2003 by expected maturity dates:

 

Dollars in thousands

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage and Other Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Rate Debt (3)

 

$

117

 

$

499

 

$

557

 

$

22,314

 

$

75

 

$

41,556

 

$

65,118

 

$

68,928

(2)

Weighted Average Interest Rate

 

7.44

%

7.41

%

7.35

%

7.44

%

5.76

%

5.38

%

6.12

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable Rate Debt (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Weighted Average Interest Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)          The Company has a $50 million revolving mortgage facility which bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.40% against which no borrowings were outstanding at September 30, 2003.  The Company also has unsecured lines of credit consisting of a $130 million line on which the interest rate is LIBOR plus 1.40%, against which no borrowings were outstanding at September 30, 2003.  A $2 million line on which the interest rate was LIBOR plus 1.25% expired in June 2003 and was not replaced.

 

(2)          The fair values of the Company’s fixed rate debt either approximate carrying value or are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing arrangments ranging from 3.07% to 6.00%.

 

(3)          Amounts include a $15 million mortgage secured by New Columbia Ranch.  The mortgage bears interest at 3.07% per annum for the first three years and resets to a variable rate, reset quarterly, thereafter.

 

The table below presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates of the Company’s long-term fixed rate and variable rate debt at December 31, 2002 by expected maturity dates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

Dollars in thousands

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage and Other Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Rate Debt

 

$

10,055

 

$

499

 

$

557

 

$

22,314

 

$

75

 

$

26,537

 

$

60,037

 

$

64,045

 

Weighted Average Interest Rate

 

8.40

%

7.41

%

7.35

%

7.44

%

5.76

%

6.69

%

7.26

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable Rate Debt (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Weighted Average Interest Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates.  The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.  The Company manages its interest rate risk by maintaining a conservative ratio of fixed rate, long-term debt to total debt in order to maintain variable rate exposure at an acceptable level and by taking advantage of favorable market conditions for long-term debt.  In addition, the Company’s guideline for total debt is not to exceed 60% of the appraised value of the income portfolio.  As of September 30, 2003, the Company’s debt to income portfolio value ratio was 21%.  The Company does not currently hedge any potential interest rate exposure.

 

26



 

Part 1.   Financial Information

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,) are effective based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures as required by the rules promulgated under the Exchange Act.  There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II.  Other Information

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company initiated litigation against gas and oil-field operators to enforce contractual provisions requiring them to perform adequate restoration and remediation on the Company’s property.  On May 20, 2003, the Los Angeles County Superior Court granted a stay of the case to allow the parties time to document the details of a tentative settlement which had been reached and execute a definitive settlement agreement.  A definitive settlement agreement was signed by all parties on October 16, 2003.  The key terms of the settlement address the level of property remediation and restoration to be performed by the defendants, Kerr-McGee and Medallion, the timing of performance and the financial security provided to the Company to assure completion of the remediation and restoration of the property.  On October 17, 2003, the Company received a cash payment of $8.9 million for partial reimbursement of its expenses incurred in pursuing the lawsuit.  This cost recovery will be recorded in the Company’s results for the fourth quarter 2003.  All pending actions will be dismissed and restoration operations will commence in 2004.

 

On September 10, 2003, the Valencia Water Company along with other local water agencies, Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA), Newhall County Water District and Santa Clarita Water Division of CLWA, announced that they have agreed to an interim settlement of their lawsuit with the Whittaker Corporation over the discovery of perchlorate in five water wells located near Whittaker’s property.  Under the interim settlement, Whittaker has agreed to pay certain past costs incurred to date and fund up to $5 million to prepare a clean-up plan that will restore water production and capacity of the impacted wells and protect other wells from future contamination.   The interim settlement provides for a one-year stay of the lawsuit between the parties.  As soon as the clean-up plan is developed and submitted to the regulatory agencies for approval and the cost for the remedy is developed, the parties will enter into good faith negotiations to reach a complete settlement.

 

Please also refer to “Community Development” under Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a)

Exhibits (listed by numbers corresponding to the Exhibit Table of Item 601 in Regulation S-K):

 

 

 

 

10 (a)

The Newhall Land and Farming Company Management Unit Ownership Program Amendment No. 4

 

 

 

 

31 (a)

Certification of Quarterly Report By Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

 

 

 

 

31 (b)

Certification of Quarterly Report By Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

 

 

 

 

32 (a)

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350  (As set forth in Exhibit 32(a) hereof, Exhibit 32(a) is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed”.)

 

 

 

 

32 (b)

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350  (As set forth in Exhibit 32(b) hereof, Exhibit 32(b) is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed”.)

 

27



 

(b)  The following reports on Form 8-K were filed in the third quarter ended September 30, 2003:

 

Item Reported

 

Date of Report

 

 

 

A news release issued by the Company on

 

July 15, 2003

July 15, 2003 announcing that the Company

 

 

declared a regular quarterly distribution

 

 

of $0.10 per partnership unit.  In addition, a

 

 

news release was issued by the Company on

 

 

July 16, 2003 announcing the Company’s

 

 

2003 second quarter results of $.06 per unit.

 

 

 

 

 

As of July 21, 2003, the Company entered

 

July 21, 2003

into a merger agreement with Lennar Corporation,

 

 

a Delaware corporation, LNR Property Corporation,

 

 

a Delaware corporation, NWHL Investment LLC,

 

 

a Delaware limited liability company and NWHL

 

 

Acquisition, L.P., a California limited partnership

 

 

(the “Merger Agreement”).  A joint news release was

 

 

issued with Lennar Corporation and LNR Property

 

 

Corporation on July 21, 2003 announcing that the

 

 

Company entered into the Merger Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

A news release issued by the Company on

 

September 4, 2003

September 4, 2003 announcing that Lennar

 

 

Corporation and LNR Property Corporation

 

 

completed their due diligence in connection

 

 

with the previously announced acquisition of the

 

 

Company, and the Lennar/LNR venture deposited

 

 

$25 million into escrow as contemplated by the

 

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company

 

 

and the Lennar/LNR venture.

 

 

 

28



 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

THE NEWHALL LAND AND FARMING COMPANY

 

(a California Limited Partnership)

 

 

Registrant

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Newhall Management Limited Partnership,

 

 

Managing General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Newhall Management Corporation,

 

 

Managing General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 10, 2003

By:

/ S / GARY M. CUSUMANO

 

 

 

Gary M. Cusumano, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Newhall Management Corporation

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 10, 2003

By:

/ S / DONALD L. KIMBALL

 

 

 

Donald L. Kimball, Vice President and Chief Financial

 

 

Officer of Newhall Management Corporation

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 10, 2003

By:

/ S / VICKI M. STILLER

 

 

 

Vicki M. Stiller, Controller of Newhall Management
Corporation

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

29



 

THE NEWHALL LAND AND FARMING COMPANY

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

10 (a)

 

The Newhall Land and Farming Company Management Unit Ownership Program

 

 

Amendment No. 4

 

 

 

31 (a)

 

Certification of Quarterly Report By Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

 

 

 

31 (b)

 

Certification of Quarterly Report By Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

 

 

 

32 (a)

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

 

 

 

32 (b)

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

 

30