Attached files

file filename
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - Green Brick Partners, Inc.exhibit322certificationofc.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - Green Brick Partners, Inc.exhibit321certificationofc.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - Green Brick Partners, Inc.exhibit312certificationofc.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - Green Brick Partners, Inc.exhibit311certificationofc.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT - Green Brick Partners, Inc.exhibit101fifthamendmentto.htm

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, 2018 

or
¨
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: 001-33530
Green Brick Partners, Inc.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
20-5952523
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
2805 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 400
Plano, Texas 75093
 
(469) 573-6755
(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)
 
(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 ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).Yes ý No ¨

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ý Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨ Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of October 31, 2018 was 50,719,884.




TABLE OF CONTENTS




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value data)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
Cash
$
33,116

 
$
36,684

Restricted cash
11,898

 
3,605

Receivables
4,059

 
1,605

Inventory
648,241

 
496,054

Investment in unconsolidated entities
20,806

 
16,878

Property and equipment, net
4,201

 
804

Earnest money deposits
17,890

 
18,393

Deferred income tax assets, net
20,091

 
31,211

Intangible assets, net
1,041

 

Goodwill
680

 

Other assets
8,993

 
5,769

Total assets
$
771,016

 
$
611,003

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable
$
34,998

 
$
22,354

Accrued expenses
23,645

 
18,465

Customer and builder deposits
33,814

 
21,447

Borrowings on lines of credit, net
198,965

 
105,773

Notes payable
1,045

 
9,926

Contingent consideration
514

 

Total liabilities
292,981

 
177,965

Commitments and contingencies


 


Redeemable noncontrolling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiary
7,841

 

Equity
 
 
 
Green Brick Partners, Inc. stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

 

Common shares, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 50,719,884 and 50,598,901 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
507

 
506

Additional paid-in capital
291,007

 
289,938

Retained earnings
164,172

 
125,903

Total Green Brick Partners, Inc. stockholders’ equity
455,686

 
416,347

Noncontrolling interests
14,508

 
16,691

Total equity
470,194

 
433,038

Total liabilities and equity
$
771,016

 
$
611,003


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

1


GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Sale of residential units
$
137,399

 
$
108,437

 
$
401,643

 
$
302,179

Sale of land and lots
12,593

 
5,269

 
31,624

 
15,815

Total revenues
149,992

 
113,706

 
433,267

 
317,994

Cost of residential units
108,781

 
84,752

 
315,606

 
237,066

Cost of land and lots
10,553

 
3,544

 
25,255

 
11,306

Total cost of sales
119,334

 
88,296

 
340,861

 
248,372

Total gross profit
30,658

 
25,410

 
92,406

 
69,622

Selling, general and administrative expense
13,979

 
9,520

 
40,759

 
28,732

Operating profit
16,679

 
15,890

 
51,647

 
40,890

Equity in income of unconsolidated entities
2,719

 
968

 
6,534

 
968

Other income, net
709

 
435

 
2,767

 
1,362

Income before taxes
20,107

 
17,293

 
60,948

 
43,220

Income tax provision
4,734

 
5,364

 
13,341

 
13,635

Net income
15,373

 
11,929

 
47,607

 
29,585

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
3,176

 
2,649

 
9,338

 
6,420

Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc.
$
12,197

 
$
9,280

 
$
38,269

 
$
23,165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$0.24
 
$0.19
 
$0.76
 
$0.47
Diluted
$0.24
 
$0.19
 
$0.75
 
$0.47
Weighted average common shares used in the calculation of net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
50,686

 
49,808

 
50,642

 
49,274

Diluted
50,778

 
49,892

 
50,760

 
49,347


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


2


GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
47,607

 
$
29,585

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
  

 
  

Depreciation and amortization expense
1,804

 
238

Share-based compensation expense
1,597

 
2,242

Deferred income taxes
11,120

 
11,771

Equity in income of unconsolidated entities
(6,534
)
 
(968
)
Distributions of income from unconsolidated entities
3,361

 
259

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
  

(Increase) decrease in receivables
(2,245
)
 
640

Increase in inventory
(108,634
)
 
(70,605
)
Decrease (increase) in earnest money deposits
1,021

 
(6,905
)
Increase in other assets
(3,053
)
 
(1,460
)
Increase in accounts payable
8,424

 
910

Increase in accrued expenses
3,914

 
2,463

Increase in customer and builder deposits
3,293

 
8,668

Net cash used in operating activities
(38,325
)
 
(23,162
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Business combination, net of acquired cash
(26,861
)
 

Investments in unconsolidated entities
(755
)
 
(241
)
Purchase of property and equipment
(1,767
)
 
(27
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(29,383
)
 
(268
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
  

 
 
Borrowings from lines of credit
133,000

 
61,500

Payments of debt issuance costs
(228
)
 
(452
)
Repayments of lines of credit
(40,000
)
 
(41,500
)
Repayments of notes payable
(9,181
)
 
(744
)
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock awards
(412
)
 
(586
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests

 
438

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(10,746
)
 
(9,740
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
72,433

 
8,916

Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash
4,725

 
(14,514
)
Cash, beginning of period
36,684

 
35,157

Restricted cash, beginning of period
3,605

 
4,445

Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period
40,289

 
39,602

Cash, end of period
33,116

 
20,720

Restricted cash, end of period
11,898

 
4,368

Cash and restricted cash, end of period
$
45,014

 
$
25,088

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest
$

 
$

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
$
3,400

 
$
2,872

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
 
 
 
Decrease in land not owned under option contracts
$

 
$
2,271

Equity issuance for investment in unconsolidated entity
$

 
$
14,623

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), but do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods presented reflect all adjustments, of a normal, recurring nature necessary to fairly state our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 or subsequent periods.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Green Brick Partners, Inc., its controlled subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which Green Brick Partners, Inc. or one of its controlled subsidiaries is deemed to be the primary beneficiary (together, the “Company”, “we”, or “Green Brick”).

All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in unconsolidated entities over which it exercises significant influence but does not have a controlling interest. Under the equity method, the Company’s share of the unconsolidated entities' earnings or losses, if any, is included in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, including the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

For a complete set of the Company’s significant accounting policies, refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Changes in significant accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are presented below.

Receivables
Receivables consist of amounts collectible from manufacturing rebates earned by our homebuilders during the normal course of business, amounts collectible from third-party escrow agents related to closings on land, lot and residential unit sales, and amounts collectible related to mechanics lien contracts, as well as income tax receivables.

Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests
The Company accounts for VIEs in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). In accordance with ASC 810, an entity is a VIE when: (a) the equity investment at risk in the entity is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by other parties, including the equity holders; (b) the entity’s equity holders as a group either (i) lack the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity, (ii) are not obligated to absorb expected losses of the entity and (iii) do not have the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity;

4


or (c) the entity’s equity holders have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of the equity holder with disproportionately few voting rights. If an entity is deemed to be a VIE pursuant to ASC 810, the enterprise that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impacts the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or right to receive benefits from the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company performs ongoing reassessments of whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiary
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiary represents equity related to a put option held by a minority shareholder of a subsidiary. Based on the put option structure, the minority shareholder’s interest in the controlled subsidiary is classified as a redeemable noncontrolling interest on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The accretion of the redeemable noncontrolling interest to its redemption value is recorded in additional paid-in capital on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs represent costs incurred related to the revolving and unsecured credit facilities, including amendments thereto, and reduce the carrying amount of debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These costs are capitalized to inventory over the term of the related debt facility using the straight-line method.

Segment Information
In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), an operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions.

A reportable segment is an operating segment, either separately defined or aggregated from several operating segments based on similar economic and other characteristics, that exceeds certain quantitative thresholds of ASC 280.

The Company identifies its CODM as four key executives - the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President of Texas Region and Chief Accounting Officer. In determining the reportable segments, the CODM considers similar economic and other characteristics, including geography, class of customers, product types, and production processes.

Business Combinations
Acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Following the determination that control of a business and its inputs, processes and outputs was obtained in exchange for cash, all material assets and liabilities of the business, including contingent consideration, are measured and recognized at fair value as of the date of the acquisition to reflect the purchase price. Depending on the fair value of net assets acquired, the purchase price allocation may or may not result in goodwill.

Goodwill
The excess of the purchase price of a business acquisition over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is capitalized as goodwill in accordance with ASC 805. Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if certain impairment indicators are present. We perform our annual impairment test during the fourth quarter or whenever impairment indicators are present.
 
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, net consists of the estimated fair value of acquired home construction contracts and trade name. A high degree of judgment is made by management regarding assumptions, such as revenue growth rates, profitability, and discount rates, when calculating the value of the intangible assets. The identified home construction contracts intangible asset is amortized to cost of residential units as income on the related contracts is earned, over a period of two years. The trade name has a definite life of and is amortized over ten years.

Income Taxes
We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions that reflect our best estimate of deductions and credits that may not be sustained on a more-likely-than-not basis. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax

5


provision in the consolidated statements of income. Accrued interest and penalties, if any, are included within accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions have a more-likely-than-not chance of being sustained by the Company. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Revenue Recognition
Contracts with Customers
The Company derives revenues from two primary sources: the closing and delivery of homes through our builder operations segments and the sale of lots to homebuilders through our land development segment. All of our revenue is from contracts with customers.

Contract Assets
The Company requires homebuyers to submit a deposit for home purchases and requires third-party builders to submit a deposit in connection with land sale or lot option contracts. The deposits serve as a guarantee for performance under homebuilding and land sale or development contracts. Cash received as customer deposits is reflected as customer and builder deposits on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Performance Obligations
The Company’s contracts with homebuyers contain a single performance obligation. The performance obligation is satisfied when homes are completed and legal title has been transferred to the buyer. The Company does not have any variable consideration associated with home sales transactions.

Lot option contracts contain multiple performance obligations. The performance obligations are satisfied as lots are closed and legal title has been transferred to the builder. For lot option contracts, individual performance obligations are accounted for separately. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. Certain lot option contracts require escalations in lot price over the option period. Any escalator is not collectible until the lot closing occurs. While we recognize lot escalators as variable consideration within the transaction price, we do not recognize escalator revenue until a builder closes on a lot subject to an escalator as the escalator relates to general inflation and holding costs.

Occasionally, the Company sells developed and undeveloped land parcels. If the land parcel is developed prior to the sale of the land, the revenue is recognized at closing since we deliver a single performance obligation in the form of a developed parcel. We also recognize revenue at closing on undeveloped land parcel sales as there are no other obligations beyond delivering the undeveloped land.

Homebuyers are not obligated to pay for a home until the closing and delivery of the home. The selling price of a home is based on the contract price adjusted for any change orders, which are considered modifications of the contract price.

Homebuilders are not obligated to pay for developed lots prior to control of the lots and any associated improvements being transferred to them. The term of our lot option contracts is generally based upon the number of lots being purchased and the agreed upon lot takedown schedule, which can be in excess of one year. Lots cannot be taken down until development is substantially complete. There is no significant financing component related to our third-party lot sales.

The Company does not sell warranties outside of the customary workmanship warranties provided on homes or developed lots at the time of sale. The warranties offered to homebuyers and to buyers of developed lots are short term, with the exception of ten-year warranties on structural concerns for homes. As these are assurance-type warranties, there is no separate performance obligation related to warranties provided.

Significant Judgments and Estimates
There are no significant judgments involved in the recognition of completed home sales. The performance obligation of delivering a completed home is satisfied upon the sale closing when title transfers to the homebuyer.

There are no significant judgments involved in the recognition of land sales or developed lot sales. The performance obligation of delivering land or developed lots is satisfied upon the closing of the sale when title transfers to the homebuilder.


6


Contract Costs
The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects to recover those costs.

The Company pays sales commissions to employees and/or outside realtors related to individual home sales which are expensed as incurred at the time of closing. Commissions on the sale of land parcels are also expensed as incurred upon closing.

The Company also pays quarterly builder incentives to employees which are based on the time it takes to build individual homes, as well as quality inspection completion and customer satisfaction. The builder incentives do not represent incremental costs that would require capitalization as we would incur these costs whether or not we sold the home. As such, we recognize builder incentives as expense at the time they are paid.

Advertising costs, sales salaries and certain costs associated with model homes, such as sales office construction and signage, do not qualify for capitalization under ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, as they are not incremental costs of obtaining a contract. As such, we expense these costs to selling, general and administrative expense as incurred. Costs incurred related to model home furnishings are capitalized and included in property and equipment, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense represents salaries, benefits, share-based compensation, property taxes, depreciation, amortization, advertising and marketing, rent, and other administrative items, and is recorded in the period incurred.

Interest Expense
Interest expense consists primarily of interest costs incurred on our debt that are not capitalized, and amortization of debt issuance costs. We capitalize interest costs incurred to inventory during active development and other qualifying activities. Debt issuance costs are capitalized to inventory over the term of the underlying debt using the straight-line method, in accordance with our interest capitalization policy. All interest costs were capitalized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.

Other Income, Net
Other income, net primarily consists of net revenue from contracts where we are the general contractor and where our homebuyer, and not our Company, owns the land and improvements (“mechanics lien contracts”), net revenue from third parties for title and settlement services, and interest earned. We recognize revenue on our mechanics lien contracts over time as the performance obligations are met.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), on January 1, 2018. ASU 2014-09 was codified into ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018, which required the cumulative effect of the initial application of the new standard, if any, to be reflected as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The Company’s revenue recognition disclosures expanded significantly under ASC 606, specifically related to the quantitative and qualitative information about performance obligations, information about contract balances, changes in contract assets and liabilities and disaggregation of revenue. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income and there was no cumulative effect on the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

As a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, costs related to model home furnishings are no longer capitalizable as inventory; however, such costs are capitalizable as fixed assets. As of September 30, 2018, $1.9 million of model home furnishings costs were included in property and equipment, net compared to $1.1 million included in inventory as of December 31, 2017. The related depreciation expense of $1.3 million is included in selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as opposed to $0.9 million included in cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.


7


The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not require significant changes to the Company's internal controls and procedures over financial reporting and disclosures. However, we have made enhancements to existing internal controls and procedures to ensure continued compliance with the disclosure requirements of the new standard.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which reduces the existing diversity in practice in financial reporting across all industries by clarifying certain existing principles including providing additional guidance on what an entity should consider in determining the classification of certain cash receipts and payments. This standard was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard provides a more robust framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses. This standard was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”), which amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The standard provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under ASU 2017-09. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. This standard was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB established Topic 842, Leases (“Topic 842”), by issuing ASU 2016-02, which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842; ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases; and ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the statement of income.

The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. An entity may choose to use either (1) its effective date or (2) the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as its date of initial application. If an entity chooses the second option, the transition requirements for existing leases also apply to leases entered into between the date of initial application and the effective date. The entity must also recast its comparative period financial statements and provide the disclosures required by the new standard for the comparative periods. We expect to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019 and use the effective date as our date of initial application. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019.

The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We expect to elect the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permits us not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We do not expect to elect the use-of-hindsight or the practical expedient pertaining to land easements; the latter not being applicable to us. The new standard also provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting. We expect to elect the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. This means, for those leases that qualify, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities, and this includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition. We also expect to elect the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases.

The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. While we continue to assess all of the effects of adoption, we believe the most significant effects relate to (1) the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet for our office and equipment operating leases and (2) providing new disclosures about our leasing activities. We do not expect a significant change in our leasing activities between now and adoption.

Upon adoption, we expect to recognize additional operating liabilities, with corresponding ROU assets of the same

8


amount based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), which removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be determined by the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.  ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. BUSINESS COMBINATION

On April 26, 2018 (the “Acquisition Date”), following a series of transactions, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of GHO Homes Corporation and its affiliates (“GHO”) through a newly formed subsidiary, GRBK GHO Homes, LLC (“GRBK GHO Homes”), in which the Company holds an 80% controlling interest. The owner of GHO contributed $8.3 million of net assets to GRBK GHO Homes in an exchange for a 20% interest in GRBK GHO Homes. The minority partner of GRBK GHO Homes serves as the president of GRBK GHO Homes.
GRBK GHO Homes operates primarily in the Vero Beach, Florida market and is engaged in land and lot development, as well as all aspects of the homebuilding process. The acquisition allowed the Company to expand its operations into a new geographic market.
The Company consolidates the financial statements of GRBK GHO Homes as the Company owns 80% of the outstanding voting shares of the builder. The noncontrolling interest attributable to the 20% minority interest owned by our Florida based partner is included as redeemable noncontrolling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiary in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company may be obligated to pay the contingent consideration if certain annual performance targets are met over the three-year period following the Acquisition Date.
The original consideration of $42.2 million consisted of $33.2 million in cash paid by the Company to the owner of GHO, $8.3 million of assets contributed by the owner of GHO, and an estimated $0.6 million of contingent consideration. Following completion of the audit of the balance sheet of GHO as of the Acquisition Date, the purchase price was adjusted by $2.0 million that was paid by the Company in cash, and the value of contributed assets from the minority partner was increased by $0.5 million. Contingent consideration was adjusted to $0.5 million based on finalization of valuation procedures. Thus, the final total consideration was $44.6 million. Total consideration for the Company's 80% interest in GRBK GHO Homes was $35.8 million.
In accordance with ASC 805, all material assets and liabilities, including contingent consideration, were measured and recognized at fair value as of the date of the acquisition to reflect the purchase price.


9


The following is a summary of fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
Assets acquired
 
Cash
$
8,399

Inventory
45,070

Property and equipment
1,462

Intangible assets - trade name
850

Intangible assets - home construction contracts
290

Goodwill (1)
680

Other assets
833

Total assets
$
57,584

Liabilities assumed
 
Note payable
$
300

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
5,486

Customer deposits
9,073

Total liabilities
$
14,859

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
$
6,951

Net assets acquired (2)
$
35,774

 
(1)
Goodwill is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes.
(2)
Contingent consideration of $0.5 million is included in the fair value of net assets acquired.

The final purchase price allocation reflected above is based upon estimates and assumptions. The Company engaged a valuation firm to assist in the allocation of the purchase price, and valuation procedures related to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been completed. The estimated cash flows and ultimate valuation have been significantly affected by estimated discount rates, estimates related to expected average selling prices and sales incentives, expected sales pace and cancellation rates, expected land development and construction timelines, and anticipated land development, construction, and overhead costs and may vary significantly between communities.

Adjustments to the fair value of inventory based on the completion of valuation procedures resulted in the Company recording $0.2 million of cost of residential units during the three months ended September 30, 2018 which related to the period from April 26, 2018 through June 30, 2018.

The valuation of redeemable noncontrolling interest is based on a market approach, considering the equity contribution made by the 20% partner, adjusted for control and marketability factors.

Acquired inventory consists of both land under development and work in process inventory, as well as completed homes held for sale. The estimated fair value of real estate inventory was determined on a community-by-community basis, primarily using the income approach which derives a value using a discounted cash flow for income-producing real property. The values of work in process and completed home inventory were estimated based upon the stage of production of each unit and a gross margin that we believe a market participant would require to complete the remaining construction and sales and marketing efforts through the sale of the homes. The stage of production, as of the acquisition date, ranged from recently started lots to fully completed homes. A sales comparison approach was used for land for which significant lot development had not yet begun as of the Acquisition Date. An income approach was also utilized to value mechanics lien home construction contracts acquired.

The estimated fair values of the acquired trade name, GHO Homes, and the home construction contracts, were determined using the relief-from-royalty method under the income approach, which involved assumptions related to revenue growth, market awareness and useful life.

The allocation to goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price, including contingent consideration, over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill results primarily from operational synergies expected from the business combination. The decrease in goodwill during the three months ended September 30, 2018 relates solely to the finalization of purchase price allocation.


10


GRBK GHO Homes’ results of operations, which include homebuilding revenues of $29.8 million and income before tax of $3.0 million, are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the period from April 26, 2018 through September 30, 2018.

The supplemental pro forma information for revenue and earnings of the Company as though the business combination had occurred as of January 1, 2017 is impractical to provide due to the fact that consolidated reporting for the specific group of entities acquired had not existed prior to the acquisition.

As of September 30, 2018, we had incurred transaction costs of approximately $0.5 million related to the business combination, which have been expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expense.

4. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Consolidated VIEs
The Company owns 50% equity interests in the Dallas and Atlanta based controlled builders. The Dallas and Atlanta based controlled builders are deemed to be VIEs for which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. We sell finished lots or option lots from third-party developers to the Dallas and Atlanta based controlled builders for their homebuilding operations and provide each of the controlled builders with construction financing and strategic planning. The board of managers of each of the controlled builders has the power to direct the activities that significantly impact the controlled builder’s economic performance. Pursuant to the Company’s agreements with each controlled builder, it has the ability to appoint two of the three members to each controlled builder’s board of managers. A majority of the board of managers constitutes a quorum to transact business. No action can be approved by the board of managers without the approval from at least one individual whom the Company has appointed at each controlled builder.

The Company has the ability to control the activities of each controlled builder that most significantly impact the controlled builder’s economic performance. Such activities include, but are not limited to, involvement in the day to day capital and operating decisions, the ability to determine the budget and plan, the ability to control financing decisions, and the ability to acquire additional land or dispose of land. In addition, the Company has the right to receive the expected residual returns and obligation to absorb the expected losses of each controlled builder through the pro rata profits and losses we are allocated based on our ownership interest. Therefore, the financial statements of the Dallas and Atlanta based controlled builders are consolidated in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements following the variable interest model. The noncontrolling interests attributable to the 50% minority interests owned by the Dallas and Atlanta based controlled builders are included as noncontrolling interests in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Our controlled builders’ creditors have no recourse against us. The assets of two of our consolidated controlled builders can only be used to settle obligations of those controlled builders. The assets of our VIEs that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs as of September 30, 2018 totaled $65.5 million, of which $0.3 million was cash and $57.2 million was inventory. The assets of our VIEs that could be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs as of December 31, 2017 totaled $56.1 million, of which $0.9 million was cash and $47.8 million was inventory.

Unconsolidated VIEs
Option Contracts
The Company evaluates all option contracts to purchase land and land lots to determine whether they are VIEs and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of counterparts of these option contracts. Although the Company does not have legal title to the optioned land or lots, if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of or makes a significant deposit for optioned land or lots, it may need to consolidate the land or lots under option at the purchase price of the optioned land or lot.

As of September 30, 2018 and as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s exposure to loss related to its option contracts with third parties primarily consisted of its non-refundable option deposits. Following VIE evaluation, it was concluded that the Company was not the primary beneficiary in any of the VIEs related to the land or lot option contracts.

11


5. INVENTORY

A summary of inventory is as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Completed home inventory and residential lots held for sale
$
165,107

 
$
106,043

Work in process and land under development
480,419

 
386,181

Land held for sale
2,715

 
3,830

Total inventory
$
648,241

 
$
496,054


The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred to inventory during active development and other qualifying activities. Interest capitalized as cost of inventory is charged to cost of sales as related homes, land and lots are closed.

A summary of interest costs incurred, capitalized and expensed is as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Interest capitalized at beginning of period
$
12,143

 
$
9,425

 
$
10,474

 
$
9,417

Interest incurred
2,479

 
1,177

 
6,113

 
2,955

Interest charged to cost of sales
(1,114
)
 
(716
)
 
(3,079
)
 
(2,486
)
Interest capitalized at end of period
$
13,508

 
$
9,886

 
$
13,508

 
$
9,886


6. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

In August 2017, the Company expanded into the Colorado Springs, Colorado market through a 49.9% equity interest in GB Challenger, LLC (“Challenger Homes”) which constructs townhomes, single family homes and luxury patio homes.

In March 2018, the Company formed a joint venture with a title company in Georgia to provide title closing and settlement services to our Atlanta based builder. The Company, through its controlled builder, The Providence Group of Georgia, L.L.C. (“TPG”), owns a 49% equity interest in Providence Group Title, LLC (“Providence Title”).

In June 2018, the Company formed a joint venture with PrimeLending to provide mortgage loan origination services to our builders. The Company owns a 49% equity interest in Green Brick Mortgage, LLC (“Green Brick Mortgage”) which initiated mortgage loan origination activities in September 2018.


12


A summary of the condensed financial information of the unconsolidated entities that are accounted for by the equity method is as follows (in thousands):
Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
Cash
$
15,825

 
$
3,981

Accounts receivable
400

 
1,494

Bonds receivable
5,864

 
2,850

Inventory
50,731

 
57,841

Goodwill
4,615

 
4,615

Noncompete intangible asset
159

 
202

Other assets
2,652

 
2,248

Total assets
$
80,246

 
$
73,231

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
4,464

 
$
5,060

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
5,373

 
2,857

Notes payable
34,209

 
36,923

Total liabilities
$
44,046

 
$
44,840

Owners' equity:
 
 
 
Green Brick
$
20,476

 
$
16,592

Others
15,724

 
11,799

Total owners' equity
$
36,200

 
$
28,391

Total liabilities and owners' equity
$
80,246

 
$
73,231


Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
$
43,758

 
$
21,955

 
$
120,710

 
$
21,955

Costs and expenses
38,308

 
20,015

 
107,328

 
20,015

Net earnings of unconsolidated entities
$
5,450

 
$
1,940

 
$
13,382

 
$
1,940

Company's share in net earnings of unconsolidated entities
$
2,719

 
$
968

 
$
6,534

 
$
968


7. DEBT

Lines of Credit
Lines of credit outstanding, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, consist of the following as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Revolving credit facility
$
57,500

 
$
32,000

Unsecured revolving credit facility
142,500

 
75,000

Debt issuance costs, net of amortization
(1,035
)
 
(1,227
)
Total lines of credit
$
198,965

 
$
105,773



13


Revolving Credit Facility
On July 30, 2015, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Inwood National Bank, which initially provided for up to $50.0 million. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility are secured by mortgages on real property and security interests in certain personal property that is owned by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest payable monthly at a floating rate per annum equal to the Bank of America, N.A. “Prime Rate” (the “Index”) with adjustments to the interest rate being made on the effective date of any change in the Index. The interest may not, at any time, be less than 4% per annum or more than the lesser amount of 18% and the highest maximum rate allowed by applicable law. The entire unpaid principal balance and any accrued but unpaid interest is due and payable on the maturity date. As of September 30, 2018, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 5.25% per annum.

On May 3, 2016, the Company amended the Credit Facility and extended the maturity date to May 1, 2019. The amended Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base limitation equal to the sum of 50% of the total value of land and 65% of the total value of lots owned by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, each as determined by an independent appraiser, with the value of land being restricted from being more than 65% of the borrowing base. A non-usage fee equal to 0.25% of the average unfunded amount of the commitment amount over a trailing 12-month period is due on or before August 1st of each year. Costs of $0.1 million associated with the amendment were deferred and reduce the carrying amount of debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company is capitalizing these debt issuance costs to inventory over the term of the Credit Facility using the straight-line method.

During 2017, the Company amended the Credit Facility several times for the purpose of adding additional land holdings as collateral. On October 27, 2017, the Company amended the Credit Facility to increase the commitment amount from $50.0 million to $75.0 million. This amendment temporarily waived the borrowing base through March 31, 2018, after which the borrowing base was reinstated. During the temporary borrowing base waiver, the Credit Facility was governed by a loan-to-value ratio not permitted to exceed 70%.

On October 26, 2018, the Company amended the Credit Facility. The amendment extended the maturity date to May 1, 2022 and lowered the floating interest rate to the Index less 0.25%.

Under the terms of the amended Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain a minimum amount of tangible net worth, minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage ratios. The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants as of September 30, 2018.
    
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
On December 15, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank"), as administrative agent, providing for a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate lending commitment of $40.0 million (the “Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility”). Before the First Amendment increased the maximum amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, the Company could, at its option and subject to certain terms and conditions, prior to the termination date, increase the amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility up to a maximum aggregate amount of $75.0 million. Citibank and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch (“Credit Suisse”) initially committed to provide $25.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively.

The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility provides for interest rate options at rates equal to either: (a) in the case of base rate advances, the highest of (i) Citibank’s base rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, in each case plus 1.5%; or (b) in the case of Eurodollar rate advances, the reserve adjusted LIBOR plus 2.5%. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December. As of September 30, 2018, the interest rates on outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility range from 4.56% to 4.58% per annum. The Company pays the lenders a commitment fee on the amount of the unused commitments on a quarterly basis at a rate equal to 0.45% per annum.
    
Outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base. The borrowing base limitation is equal to the sum of: 100% of unrestricted cash in excess of $15.0 million; 85% of the book value of model homes, construction in progress homes, completed sold homes and completed speculative homes (subject to certain limitations on the age and number of completed speculative homes and model homes); 65% of the book value of finished lots and land under development; and 50% of the book value of entitled land (subject to certain limitations on the value of entitled land and land under development as a percentage of the borrowing base).


14


On August 31, 2016, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment added Flagstar Bank, FSB (“Flagstar Bank”) as a lender, with an initial commitment of $20.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million. The First Amendment also increased the maximum aggregate amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility to $110.0 million.

On December 1, 2016, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”). The Second Amendment extended the termination date with respect to commitments under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from December 14, 2018 to December 14, 2019 and required an upfront fee of 0.15% of the aggregate amount of extended commitments. Additionally, Citibank increased its commitment from $25.0 million to $35.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available from $60.0 million to $70.0 million.

On March 6, 2017, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment from $20.0 million to $35.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $70.0 million to $85.0 million. Costs of $0.1 million were incurred associated with this increase in commitment.

On September 1, 2017, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”). Pursuant to the Third Amendment, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment from $35.0 million to $70.0 million and Credit Suisse increased its commitment from $15.0 million to $25.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $85.0 million to $130.0 million. The Third Amendment also increased the maximum aggregate amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $110.0 million to $200.0 million. Further increases are available at the Company’s option, prior to the termination date, subject to certain terms and conditions. In addition, the Third Amendment appointed Flagstar Bank in the roles of sole lead arranger and administrative agent. Costs of $0.4 million were incurred associated with the Third Amendment.

On December 1, 2017, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”). The Fourth Amendment extended the termination date to December 14, 2020. The extension required an upfront fee of 0.15% of the aggregate amount of extended commitments.

Effective March 27, 2018, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”) was added as a lender under the Credit Agreement, with an initial commitment of $30.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $130.0 million to $160.0 million. Costs of $0.2 million associated with the additional commitment were incurred.

Effective July 24, 2018, Citibank, Credit Suisse, and JPMorgan each increased their commitment by $5.0 million, for a total of $15.0 million, thereby increasing the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $160.0 million to $175.0 million. Costs of $0.1 million were incurred associated with this additional commitment.

Effective October 22, 2018, Chemical Financial Corporation (“Chemical”) was added as a lender under the Credit Agreement, with an initial commitment of $25.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $175.0 million to $200.0 million. Costs of $0.3 million were incurred associated with this additional commitment.

On November 2, 2018, the Company entered into a Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement ( the “Fifth Amendment”). Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment from $70.0 million to $80.0 million and Chemical increased its commitment from $25.0 million to $30.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $200.0 million to $215.0 million. The Fifth Amendment also increased the maximum aggregate amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $200.0 million to $275.0 million. Additionally, the Fifth Amendment extended the termination date to December 14, 2021. Total fees and other costs of $0.5 million were incurred associated with the Fifth Amendment.

All fees and other debt issuance costs associated with changes in commitments are deferred and reduce the carrying amount of debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company is capitalizing these costs to inventory over the term of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility using the straight-line method.

Under the terms of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain compliance with various financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio, and a minimum consolidated tangible net worth. The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants as of September 30, 2018.

15



Notes Payable
Notes payable outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consist of the following (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Briar Ridge Investments, LTD
$

 
$
9,000

Graham Mortgage Corporation
895

 
926

Bower Hills, LLC
150

 

Total notes payable
$
1,045

 
$
9,926

Briar Ridge Investments, LTD
On December 13, 2013, a subsidiary of the Company signed a promissory note for $9.0 million maturing on December 13, 2017, bearing interest at 6.0%, and collateralized by land in Allen, Texas. In December 2016, this note was extended through December 31, 2018. The note was paid in full on June 5, 2018.

Graham Mortgage Corporation
On November 30, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company signed a promissory note for $1.2 million maturing on December 1, 2018, bearing interest at 3.0% per annum and collateralized by land located in Sunnyvale, Texas. Accrued interest as of September 30, 2018 was $0.1 million.

Bower Hills, LLC
In conjunction with the purchase of GRBK GHO Homes, a subsidiary of GRBK GHO Homes assumed interest free mortgage debt in the amount of $0.3 million maturing on April 18, 2019 and collateralized by land located in Indian River County, Florida.

8. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

A summary of changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Total Green Brick Partners, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Balance as of December 31, 2017
50,598,901

 
$
506

 
$
289,938

 
$
125,903

 
$
416,347

 
$
16,691

 
$
433,038

Share-based compensation

 

 
215

 

 
215

 

 
215

Issuance of common stock under 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, net of shares withheld for employee taxes
100,983

 
1

 
668

 

 
669

 

 
669

Amortization of deferred share-based compensation

 

 
301

 

 
301

 

 
301

Common stock issued in connection with the investment in Challenger Homes
20,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

 
(115
)
 

 
(115
)
 

 
(115
)
Distributions

 

 

 

 

 
(10,746
)
 
(10,746
)
Net income

 

 

 
38,269

 
38,269

 
8,563

 
46,832

Balance as of September 30, 2018
50,719,884

 
$
507

 
$
291,007

 
$
164,172

 
$
455,686

 
$
14,508

 
$
470,194


Common Stock
Pursuant to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”), the Company is authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of September 30, 2018, there were 50,719,884 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

16



On March 16, 2018, 20,000 shares of common stock were issued as additional consideration for the investment in Challenger Homes upon resolution of terms for such holdback shares.

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “BOD”) authorized a share repurchase program for the period beginning on October 3, 2018 and ending on October 3, 2020 of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate price not to exceed $30.0 million. The timing, volume and nature of share repurchases will be at the discretion of management and dependent on market conditions, corporate and regulatory requirements and other factors, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Authorized repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, through block trades or in privately negotiated transactions. No assurance can be given that any particular amount of common stock will be repurchased. All or part of the repurchases may be implemented under a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 established by the SEC, which would allow repurchases under pre-set terms at times when the Company might otherwise be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed blackout periods. This repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the BOD at any time. The Company intends to finance any repurchases with available cash and proceeds from borrowings under lines of credit.

Preferred Stock
Pursuant to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The BOD has the authority, subject to any limitations imposed by law or NASDAQ listing rules, without further action by the stockholders, to issue such preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the voting powers, if any, the preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights or privileges, if any, of such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. These rights, preferences and privileges may include, but are not limited to, dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of that series. As of September 30, 2018, there were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

Section 382 Transfer Restrictions
If the Company were to experience an ownership change, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limitation which could impact the utilization of our net operating loss carryforwards. To reduce the likelihood of such an ownership change, the BOD implemented certain transfer restrictions, including Article V of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, and a Section 382 rights agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) regarding preservation of our net operating loss carryforwards. On March 27, 2014, the BOD declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right with respect to each outstanding share of common stock to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price of $30.00 per one one-thousandth of a share, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement. The dividend was payable to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 7, 2014. As of September 30, 2018, the Rights Agreement has not been triggered.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiary
As part of the GRBK GHO Homes business combination, we entered into a put/call agreement (“Put/Call Agreement”) with respect to the equity interest in the joint venture held by the minority partner. The Put/Call Agreement provides that the 20% ownership interest in GRBK GHO Homes held by the minority partner is subject to put and purchase options starting in April 2021. The exercise price is based on the financial results of GRBK GHO Homes for the three years prior to exercise of the option. Based on the final allocation of purchase price as discussed in Note 3, the fair value of the estimated payment to repurchase these shares was $7.0 million. If the minority partner does not exercise the put option, we have the option, but not the obligation, to buy the 20% interest in GRBK GHO Homes from our partner.
Based on the nature of the put/call structure, the minority partner’s interest in GRBK GHO Homes is classified as redeemable noncontrolling interest on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table shows the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiary during the period April 26, 2018 to September 30, 2018 (in thousands):

17


Balance at beginning of period
$
6,346

Purchase accounting adjustment
605

Adjusted balance at beginning of period
6,951

Net income
775

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest
115

Balance at end of period
$
7,841


9. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Share-Based Award Activity
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company granted restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) under its 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan to named executive officers (“NEOs”) and non-employee members of the BOD. The RSAs granted to the NEOs were 100% vested and non-forfeitable on the grant date. The BOD elected to defer up to 100% of their annual retainer fee, chairman fees and meeting fees in the form of common stock. The RSAs granted to the BOD will become fully vested on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the date of grant or (ii) the date of the Company's 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. The fair value of the RSAs granted to the NEOs and BOD is recorded as share-based compensation expense on the grant date or over the vesting period, as applicable. The Company withheld 39,228 shares of common stock from NEOs, at a total cost of $0.4 million, to satisfy statutory minimum tax requirements related to the RSAs during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

A summary of shared-based awards activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:
 
Number of Shares
(in thousands)
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Nonvested, December 31, 2017
38

 
$
10.25

Granted
140

 
$
10.45

Vested
(144
)
 
$
10.03

Forfeited

 
$

Nonvested, September 30, 2018
34

 
$
12.00


Stock Options
A summary of stock options activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:
 
Number of Shares (in thousands)
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Options outstanding, December 31, 2017
500

 
$
7.49

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised

 

 
 
 
 
Forfeited

 

 
 
 
 
Options outstanding, September 30, 2018
500

 
$
7.49

 
6.07
 
$
1,305

Options exercisable, September 30, 2018
300

 
$
7.49

 
6.07
 
$
783


A summary of unvested stock options activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:
 
Number of Shares (in thousands)
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Unvested, December 31, 2017
200

 
$
2.88

Granted

 
$

Vested

 
$

Forfeited

 
$

Unvested, September 30, 2018
200

 
$
2.88


18



Share-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense was $0.2 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $0.2 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, the estimated total remaining unamortized share-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures, was $0.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years. As of September 30, 2018, the estimated total remaining unamortized share-based compensation expense related to stock options, net of forfeitures, was $0.3 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.
10. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Disaggregation of Revenue
The following reflects the disaggregation of revenue by primary geographic market, type of customer, product type, and timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Builder Operations
 
Land Development
 
Builder Operations
 
Land Development
Primary Geographic Market
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central
$
59,652

 
$
12,363

 
$
52,597

 
$
5,269

Southeast
77,747

 
230

 
55,840

 

Total revenues
$
137,399

 
$
12,593

 
$
108,437

 
$
5,269

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Type of Customer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Homebuyers
$
137,399

 
$

 
$
108,437

 
$

Homebuilders

 
12,593

 

 
5,269

Total revenues
$
137,399

 
$
12,593

 
$
108,437

 
$
5,269

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential units
$
137,399

 
$

 
$
108,437

 
$

Land and lots

 
12,593

 

 
5,269

Total revenues
$
137,399

 
$
12,593

 
$
108,437

 
$
5,269

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timing of Revenue Recognition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transferred at a point in time
$
137,399

 
$
12,593

 
$
108,437

 
$
5,269

Total revenues
$
137,399

 
$
12,593

 
$
108,437

 
$
5,269



19


The following reflects the disaggregation of revenue by primary geographic market, type of customer, product type, and timing of revenue recognition for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Builder Operations
 
Land Development
 
Builder Operations
 
Land Development
Primary Geographic Market
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central
$
198,093

 
$
27,054

 
$
149,977

 
$
15,013

Southeast
203,550

 
4,570

 
152,202

 
802

Total revenues
$
401,643

 
$
31,624

 
$
302,179

 
$
15,815

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Type of Customer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Homebuyers
$
401,643

 
$

 
$
302,179

 
$

Homebuilders

 
31,624

 

 
15,815

Total revenues
$
401,643

 
$
31,624

 
$
302,179

 
$
15,815

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential units
$
401,643

 
$

 
$
302,179

 
$

Land and lots

 
31,624

 

 
15,815

Total revenues
$
401,643

 
$
31,624

 
$
302,179

 
$
15,815

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timing of Revenue Recognition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transferred at a point in time
$
401,643

 
$
31,624

 
$
302,179

 
$
15,815

Total revenues
$
401,643

 
$
31,624

 
$
302,179

 
$
15,815


Contract Balances
Opening and closing contract balances included in customer and builder deposits on the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Customer and builder deposits
$
33,814

 
$
21,447

 
$
22,756

 
$
14,088


The difference between the opening and closing balances of customer and builder deposits results from the timing difference between the customer’s payment of a deposit and the Company’s performance, impacted slightly by terminations of contracts. 

The amount of deposits on residential units and land and lots held as of the beginning of the period and recognized as revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Type of Customer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Homebuyers
$
6,007

 
$
3,650

 
$
13,036

 
$
6,659

Homebuilders
480

 
906

 
711

 
1,286

Total deposits recognized as revenue
$
6,487

 
$
4,556

 
$
13,747

 
$
7,945


As a result of the GRBK GHO Homes business combination, customer deposits from homebuyers in the amount of $9.1 million were acquired, of which $2.5 million and $4.5 million were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and during the period from April 26, 2018 through September 30, 2018, respectively.

Performance Obligations
There was no revenue recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 from performance obligations satisfied in prior periods.

20



Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
The aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations on our land sale and lot option contracts is $119.6 million. The Company will recognize the remaining revenue when the lots are taken down, or upon closing for the sale of a land parcel, which is expected to occur as follows (in thousands):
 
Total
Remainder of 2018
$
10,631

2019
51,949

2020
37,051

2021
16,227

2022
3,730

Total
$
119,588


The timing of lot takedowns is contingent upon a number of factors, including customer needs, the number of lots being purchased, receipt of acceptance of the plat by the municipality, weather-related delays, and agreed-upon lot takedown schedules.

Our contracts with homebuyers have a duration of less than one year. As such, the Company uses the practical expedient as allowed under ASC 606 and has not disclosed the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations as of the end of the reporting period.
11. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Prior to the third quarter of 2018, the Company’s operations were organized into two reportable segments: builder operations and land development. Builder operations consisted of three operating segments: Texas, Georgia and Florida. The operations of the Company’s controlled builders were aggregated into these three operating segments based on similar economic characteristics, including geography; housing products; class of homebuyer; regulatory environments; and methods used to construct and sell homes.

During the third quarter of 2018, the Company re-evaluated its reportable segments under ASC 280. The Company has further aggregated the Georgia and Florida operating segments into one reportable segment - Builder operations Southeast. The Texas operating segment was redefined as a second reportable segment - Builder operations Central. Land development is a separate reportable segment.

The Company believes such aggregation is consistent with the objective and basic principles of ASC 280 and provides the most meaningful information about the types of business activities in which the Company engages and the economic environments in which it operates.

Corporate operations are reported as a non-operating segment and include activities which support the Company’s builder operations, land development, title and mortgage operations through centralization of certain administrative functions, such as finance, treasury, information technology and human resources, as well as development of strategic initiatives. Unallocated corporate expenses are reported in the corporate and other segment as these activities do not share a majority of aggregation criteria with either the builder operations or land development segments.

While the operations of Challenger Homes meet the criteria for an operating segment, they do not meet the quantitative thresholds of ASC 280 to be separately reported and disclosed. As such, Challenger Homes’ results are included within the corporate and other segment.

Green Brick Title, LLC (“Green Brick Title”), Providence Title and Green Brick Mortgage operations are not economically similar to either builder operations or land development and do not meet the quantitative thresholds of ASC 280 to be separately reported and disclosed. As such, these entities’ results are included within the corporate and other segment.

Segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 has been restated to conform with the revised segment presentation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.


21


Financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is as follows. Operational results of each reportable segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been achieved had the reportable segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Builder operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central
$
59,652

 
$
52,597

 
$
198,093

 
$
149,977

Southeast
77,977

 
55,840

 
208,120

 
152,202

Total builder operations
137,629

 
108,437

 
406,213

 
302,179

Land development
12,363

 
5,269

 
27,054

 
15,815

Total revenues
$
149,992

 
$
113,706

 
$
433,267

 
$
317,994

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Builder operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central
$
12,847

 
$
12,473

 
$
45,296

 
$
36,846

Southeast
19,058

 
13,399

 
49,727

 
34,521

Total builder operations
31,905

 
25,872

 
95,023

 
71,367

Land development
2,142

 
1,749

 
6,591

 
4,864

Corporate and other (2)
(3,389
)
 
(2,211
)
 
(9,208
)
 
(6,609
)
Total gross profit
$
30,658

 
$
25,410

 
$
92,406

 
$
69,622

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes:
  

 
  

 
  

 
 
Builder operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central
$
6,984

 
$
8,171

 
$
28,026

 
$
24,424

Southeast
12,649

 
9,861

 
33,978

 
24,176

Total builder operations
19,633

 
18,032

 
62,004

 
48,600

Land development
1,292

 
1,516

 
4,975

 
3,894

Corporate and other (3)
(818
)
 
(2,255
)
 
(6,031
)
 
(9,274
)
Total income before taxes
$
20,107

 
$
17,293

 
$
60,948

 
$
43,220

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Inventory:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Builder operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central
$
155,154

 
$
111,271

 
 
 
 
Southeast
158,489

 
99,613

 
 
 
 
Total builder operations
313,643

 
210,884

 
 
 
 
Land development
317,669

 
272,542

 
 
 
 
Corporate and other (4)
16,929

 
12,628

 
 
 
 
Total inventory
$
648,241

 
$
496,054

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Builder operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southeast (5)
$
680

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The sum of Builder operations Central and Southeast segments’ revenues does not equal revenue from the sale of residential units included in the consolidated statements of income in periods when our controlled builders have sales of land or lots, which for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $0.2 million and $4.6 million,

22


respectively, compared to $0.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. Revenue from such sales is included in builder operations revenue as it relates to builders’ operations, and included in revenue from sale of land and lots in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(2)
Corporate and other gross profit is comprised of capitalized overhead and capitalized interest adjustments that are not allocated to builder operations and land development segments.
(3)
Corporate and other income (loss) before taxes includes results from Green Brick Title, Challenger Homes, Green Brick Mortgage, and Providence Title.
(4)
Corporate and other inventory consists of capitalized overhead and interest related to work in process and land under development.
(5)
In connection with the GRBK GHO Homes business combination, the Company recorded goodwill of $0.7 million.


23


12. INCOME TAXES

We recorded an income tax provision of $4.7 million and $13.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $5.4 million and $13.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 23.5% and 21.9%, respectively, as compared to 31.0% and 31.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act, among other things, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and imposed significant limitations on certain corporate deductions and credits. The Tax Act placed future limitations on the usage of net operating loss carryforwards generated in the year ended December 31, 2018 and after. The Tax Act is comprehensive, containing several other provisions, some of which will not materially impact the Company. The estimates of the Tax Act may be adjusted in future periods as required. Future implementation guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, clarifications of state tax law, or the completion of the Company’s 2017 tax return filings could all affect the estimated financial statement impact of the Tax Act. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 which allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. The Company does not believe potential adjustments in future periods would materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 is due to the impact of compliance with the Tax Act, discrete tax items and the change in the ratio of noncontrolled earnings relative to pre-tax income.

The Company has not recorded any measurement period adjustments under Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

13. NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC. PER SHARE

The Company’s restricted stock awards have the right to receive forfeitable dividends on an equal basis with common stock and therefore are not considered participating securities that must be included in the calculation of net income per share using the two-class method. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, adjusted for non-vested shares of restricted stock awards during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method and includes the effect of all dilutive securities, including stock options and restricted stock awards.

The computation of basic and diluted net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc.
$
12,197

 
$
9,280

 
$
38,269

 
$
23,165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding —basic
50,686

 
49,808

 
50,642

 
49,274

Basic net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share
$
0.24

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.76

 
$
0.47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding —basic
50,686

 
49,808

 
50,642

 
49,274

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards
92

 
84

 
118

 
73

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding —diluted
50,778

 
49,892

 
50,760

 
49,347

Diluted net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per share
$
0.24

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.75

 
$
0.47



24


The following shares which could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future are not included in the determination of diluted net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share (in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Antidilutive options to purchase common stock and restricted stock awards
3

 

 
7

 


14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes, include cash, restricted cash, receivables, earnest money deposits, other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, customer and builder deposits, borrowings on lines of credit, and notes payable.

Per the fair value hierarchy, level 1 financial instruments include: cash, restricted cash, receivables, earnest money deposits, other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and customer and builder deposits due to their short-term nature. Level 2 financial instruments include borrowings on lines of credit and notes payable. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to the GRBK GHO Homes business combination was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model under the option pricing method. As the measurement of the contingent consideration is based primarily on significant inputs not observable in the market, it represents a level 3 measurement. 

The carrying value and estimated fair value of our level 2 and 3 financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
Description:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit facility
2
 
$
57,500

 
$
57,500

 
$
32,000

 
$
32,000

Unsecured revolving credit facility
2
 
$
142,500

 
$
142,500

 
$
75,000

 
$
75,000

Notes payable
2
 
$
1,045

 
$
1,045

 
$
9,926

 
$
9,926

Contingent consideration liability
3
 
$
514

 
$
514

 
$

 
$


Due to the short-term nature and floating interest rate terms, the carrying amounts of borrowings on lines of credit and notes payable are deemed to approximate fair value.

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for level 3 measurements is as follows (in thousands):
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
Contingent consideration liability, balance as of January 1, 2018
$

 
$

Estimated contingent consideration liability related to the GRBK GHO Homes business combination
628

 
628

Purchase price adjustment
(114
)
 
(114
)
Contingent consideration liability, balance as of September 30, 2018
$
514

 
$
514


The Company estimates that, due to the short-term nature of the underlying financial instruments or the proximity of the underlying transaction to the applicable reporting date, the fair value of all financial instruments does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values recorded in the consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. There were no transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for any of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 when compared to December 31, 2017.


25


Fair Value of Nonfinancial Instruments
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities include inventory which is measured at cost unless the carrying value is determined to be not recoverable in which case the affected instrument is written down to net realizable value. Per the fair value hierarchy, these items are level 3 nonfinancial instruments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company recorded adverse fair value adjustments of $0.1 million and $0.0 million, respectively, related to those nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company had the following related party transactions through the normal course of business.

The Parc at Cogburn
In September 2015, the Company purchased 11 lots from an entity affiliated with the president of TPG, one of its controlled builders. The lots are part of a 19 home community, The Parc at Cogburn in Atlanta. The total paid for the lots in 2015 was $1.8 million. Under the option contract in place, the Company purchased $0.3 million in lots during 2016, and $0.0 million and $1.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. There were no lots remaining to be purchased as of December 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had a $0.1 million payable to the entity affiliated with the president of TPG.

Academy Street
In March 2016, the Company purchased undeveloped land for development of an 83 lot community, Academy Street in Atlanta. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a partnership agreement with an entity affiliated with the president of TPG to develop the land for sale of lots to TPG. Contributions and profits are shared 80% by the Company and 20% by the affiliated entity.

Total capital contributions as of September 30, 2018 were $11.7 million. There were no contributions made to the partnership in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Total contributions to the partnership during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $0.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of which 80% was paid by the Company.

The partnership distributed $1.1 million and $3.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, of which $0.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively, were distributed to the Company. Total distributions from the partnership during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $1.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively, of which $0.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, was paid to the Company. The Company has consolidated the entity’s results of operations and financial condition into its financial statements based on its 80% ownership.

Suwanee Station
In March 2016, the Company purchased undeveloped land for development of a 73 unit townhome community, Suwanee Station in Atlanta. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a partnership agreement with an entity affiliated with the president of TPG to develop the land for sale of lots to TPG. Contributions and profits are shared 50% by the Company and 50% by the affiliated entity.

Total capital contributions as of September 30, 2018 were $2.5 million. There were no contributions made to the partnership in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Total contributions made to the partnership in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of which $0.1 million and $0.4 million , respectively, were contributed by the Company.

Total distributions made by the partnership during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of which $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were paid to the Company. Total distributions made by the partnership during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $0.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of which $0.2 million was paid to the Company. The Company holds two of the three board seats and is able to exercise control over the operations of the partnership and therefore has consolidated the entity’s results of operations and financial condition into its financial statements.


26


Dunwoody Towneship
In June 2016, the Company purchased 14 lots from an entity affiliated with the president of TPG. The lots are part of a 40 unit townhome community, Dunwoody Towneship in Atlanta. The total paid for the 14 lots in 2016 was $1.8 million. The Company purchased the remaining 26 lots during the year ended December 31, 2017 for $3.3 million, of which $2.3 million was paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had a $0.2 million receivable from the entity affiliated with the president of TPG related to the final true-up of the value of the lots.

Corporate Officers
In February 2017, Richard A. Costello paid a $0.1 million deposit to Centre Living Homes, LLC (“Centre Living”), one of the Company’s controlled builders, on a townhome. During the fourth quarter of 2017, Mr. Costello closed on the townhome for approximately $0.5 million. In accordance with the Company’s employee discount policy, the contract price resulted in a margin of approximately 13%.

In February 2017, Jed Dolson paid a $0.1 million deposit to Centre Living on a townhome. During the fourth quarter of 2017, as allowed for in the Company’s employee discount policy, Mr. Dolson assigned his rights to purchase the townhome to his sister-in-law. The townhome was sold in the fourth quarter of 2017 for approximately $0.5 million. In accordance with the Company’s employee discount policy, the contract price resulted in a margin of approximately 13%.

Trevor Brickman, the son of Green Brick’s Chief Executive Officer, is the president of Centre Living. Green Brick’s ownership interest in Centre Living is 50% and Trevor Brickman’s ownership interest is 50%. Green Brick has 51% voting control over the operations of Centre Living. As such, 100% of Centre Living’s operations are included within our condensed consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the Company sold one developed lot to Trevor Brickman for $0.4 million, of which $0.3 million was included in the cost of land and lots. In September 2016, Trevor Brickman entered into an agreement with Centre Living to construct a home on the developed lot. In accordance with the Company’s employee discount policy, the contract price resulted in a margin of approximately 13%. The home was completed in 2017 and the Company incurred $0.6 million in costs to construct the home.

GRBK GHO Homes
GRBK GHO Homes leases office space from entities affiliated with the president of GRBK GHO Homes. During the period from April 26, 2018 through September 30, 2018, GRBK GHO Homes incurred rent expense of $0.1 million under such lease agreements. As of September 30, 2018, there were no amounts due to the affiliated entities related to such lease agreements.
    
GRBK GHO Homes receives title closing services on the purchase of land and third-party lots from an entity affiliated with the president of GRBK GHO Homes. During the period from April 26, 2018 through September 30, 2018, GRBK GHO Homes incurred de minimus fees related to such title closing services. As of September 30, 2018, no amounts were due to the title company affiliate.
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Letters of Credit and Performance Bonds
During the ordinary course of business, certain regulatory agencies and municipalities require the Company to post letters of credit or performance bonds related to development projects. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, letters of credit outstanding totaled $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and performance bonds outstanding totaled $5.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Company does not believe that it is likely that any material claims will be made under a letter of credit or performance bond in the foreseeable future.

Warranties
The Company offers homebuyers a comprehensive third-party warranty on each home. Homes are generally covered by a one-year warranty for defects and products used, two years for electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, and ten years for qualified and defined structural defects. Developed lot sales are generally covered by a customary one-year warranty on excavation and retaining walls.

The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty claims based on both current and historical home sales data and warranty costs incurred. Warranty accruals are included within accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

27



Warranty activity consists of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
$
2,539

 
$
1,503

 
$
2,083

 
$
1,210

Additions
569

 
362

 
1,697

 
1,116

Charges
(458
)
 
(324
)
 
(1,130
)
 
(785
)
Ending balance
$
2,650

 
$
1,541

 
$
2,650

 
$
1,541


Lease Commitments
The Company has leases associated with office and design center space which are classified as operating leases. Rent expense under these leases is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The future annual minimum lease payments under operating leases as of September 30, 2018 are (in thousands):
 
Total
Remainder of 2018
$
278

2019
1,023

2020
1,033

2021
795

2022
582

2023 and thereafter
443

Total
$
4,154


Land and Lot Option Contracts
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into land and lot option contracts in order to procure land for the construction of homes in the future. Earnest money deposits act as security for such contracts. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were 2,672 and 1,724 lots under option, respectively, as well as option contracts for land intended to be developed into additional lots. The land and lot option contracts in place as of September 30, 2018 provide for potential land and lot purchase payments in each year through 2022.

If each option contract in place as of September 30, 2018 was exercised, expected purchase payments would be as follows (in thousands):
 
Total
Remainder of 2018
$
61,746

2019
134,550

2020
27,650

2021
12,244

2022
1,680

Total
$
237,870


Legal Matters
Lawsuits, claims and proceedings may be instituted or asserted against the Company in the normal course of business. The Company is also subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations related to land development activities, house construction standards, sales practices, title company regulations, employment practices and environmental protection. As a result, the Company may be subject to periodic examinations or inquiry by agencies administering these laws and regulations.

The Company records an accrual for potential legal claims and regulatory matters when they are probable of occurring and a potential loss is reasonably estimable. The Company accrues for these matters based on facts and circumstances specific to each matter and revises these estimates when necessary.

28



In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting outcomes of legal claims and related contingencies, the Company generally cannot predict their ultimate resolution, related timing or eventual loss. If evaluations indicate loss contingencies that could be material are not probable, but are reasonably possible, the Company will disclose their nature with an estimate of the possible range of losses or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. We believe that the disposition of legal claims and related contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity or on our financial condition.

29


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes statements and information that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the “Securities Act,” and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the “Exchange Act.” Statements that are “forward-looking statements,” include any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items, any statements of the plans, strategies or objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new projects or other developments, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, any statements of management’s beliefs, goals, strategies, intentions and objectives, any statements concerning potential acquisitions, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “outlook,” “strategy,” “positioned,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “projects,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in the future tense, identify forward-looking statements.

These statements are necessarily subjective and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements described in or implied by such statements. Actual results may differ materially from expected results described in our forward-looking statements, including with respect to correct measurement and identification of factors affecting our business or the extent of their likely impact, the accuracy and completeness of the publicly available information with respect to the factors upon which our business strategy is based or the success of our business. In addition, even if results are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, those results may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Furthermore, industry forecasts are likely to be inaccurate, especially over long periods of time and in industries particularly sensitive to market conditions such as homebuilding and builder finance.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times by which, our performance or results may be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and management’s belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

cyclicality in the homebuilding industry and adverse changes in general economic conditions;
fluctuations and cycles in value of, and demand for, real estate investments;
significant inflation or deflation;
unavailability of subcontractors;
labor and raw material shortages and price fluctuations;
failure to recruit, retain and develop highly skilled and competent employees;
an inability to acquire undeveloped land, partially-finished developed lots and finished lots suitable for residential homebuilding at reasonable prices;
an inability to develop communities successfully or within expected timeframes;
an inability to sell properties in response to changing economic, financial and investment conditions;
risks related to participating in the homebuilding business through controlled homebuilding subsidiaries;
risks relating to buy-sell provisions in the operating agreements governing two builder subsidiaries;
risks related to geographic concentration;
risks related to government regulation;
interpretation of or changes to tax, labor and environmental laws;
timing of receipt of regulatory approvals and of the opening of projects;
fluctuations in the market value of land, lots and housing inventories;
volatility of mortgage interest rates;
unavailability of mortgage financing;

30


the number of foreclosures in our markets;
interest rate increases or adverse changes in federal lending programs;
increases in unemployment or underemployment;
any limitation on, or reduction or elimination of, tax benefits associated with owning a home;
the occurrence of severe weather or natural disasters;
high cancellation rates;
competition in the homebuilding, land development and financial services industries;
risks related to future growth through strategic investments, joint ventures, partnerships and/or acquisitions;
risks related to holding noncontrolling interests in strategic investments, joint ventures, partnerships and/or acquisitions;
inability to obtain suitable bonding for land development or housing projects where required;
difficulty in obtaining sufficient capital;
risks related to environmental laws and regulations;
occurrence of a major health and safety incident;
poor relations with the residents of our communities;
information technology failures and data security breaches;
product liability claims, litigation and warranty claims;
seasonality of the homebuilding industry;
utility and resource shortages or rate fluctuations;
failure of employees or other representatives to comply with applicable regulations and guidelines;
future, or adverse resolution of, litigation, arbitration or other claims;
uninsured losses or losses in excess of insurance limits;
cost and availability of insurance and surety bonds;
volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets and broader financial markets;
availability, terms and deployment of capital including with respect to acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic actions;
changes in our debt and related service obligations;
required accounting changes;
inability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; and
other risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, including those described in Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, we disclaim all responsibility to publicly update any information contained in a forward-looking statement.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf, including any such forward-looking statements made subsequent to the publication of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.


31


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2018. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from the results discussed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those listed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above and “Risk Factors” below.

Overview of the Business
We are a diversified homebuilding and land development company. We acquire and develop land, provide land and construction financing to our controlled builders and participate in the profits of our controlled builders. Our core markets are in the high growth U.S. metropolitan areas of Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the Vero Beach, Florida area. We also own a noncontrolling interest in Challenger Homes in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We are engaged in all aspects of the homebuilding process, including land acquisition and development, entitlements, design, construction, title and mortgage services, marketing and sales and the creation of brand images at our residential neighborhoods and master planned communities. We believe we offer higher quality homes with more distinctive designs and floor plans than those built by our competitors at comparable prices. Our communities are located in premium locations and we seek to enhance homebuyer satisfaction by utilizing high-quality materials, offering a broad range of customization options and building well-crafted homes. We seek to maximize value over the long term and operate our business to mitigate risks in the event of a downturn by controlling costs and quickly reacting to regional and local market trends.

We are a leading lot developer in our markets and believe that our strict operating discipline provides us with a competitive advantage in seeking to maximize returns while minimizing risk. We currently own or control approximately 8,100 home sites in high-growth submarkets throughout the Dallas and Atlanta metropolitan areas and the Vero Beach, Florida market. We are strategically positioned to either build new homes on our lots through our controlled builders or to sell finished lots to third-party homebuilders.

We sell finished lots to our controlled builders or option lots from third-party developers for our builders' homebuilding operations and provide them with construction financing and strategic planning. Our controlled builders provide us with their local knowledge and relationships. We support our Dallas and Atlanta controlled builders by financing their purchases of land from us at an unlevered internal rate of return (“IRR”) of typically 20% or more and by providing construction financing at an interest rate of at least 13.8%. Our income is further enhanced by our equity interest in the profits of our controlled builders. In addition, the land we sell to third-party builders typically generates an unlevered IRR of 20% or greater.


32


References to our “controlled builders” relate to our homebuilding subsidiaries in which we own a controlling interest and are therefore able to exercise control over the operations of the builder.
Controlled Builders
 
Year
Formed
 
Market
 
Products Offered
 
Prices Ranges
The Providence Group of Georgia L.L.C. (“TPG”)
 
2011
 
Atlanta
 
Townhomes
 
$310,000 to $650,000
Single family
$440,000 to $1.1 million
CB JENI Homes DFW LLC (“CB JENI”)
 
2012
 
Dallas
 
Townhomes
 
$250,000 to $430,000
Single family
$320,000 to $700,000
Centre Living Homes, LLC (“Centre Living”)
 
2012
 
Dallas
 
Townhomes
 
$320,000 to $1.5 million
Southgate Homes DFW LLC (“Southgate”)
 
2013
 
Dallas
 
Luxury homes
 
$550,000 to $1.3 million
GRBK GHO Homes, LLC (“GRBK GHO Homes”)
 
2018
 
Vero Beach
 
Patio homes
 
$200,000 to $400,000
 
 
 
Single family
 
$200,000 to $600,000
Trophy Signature Homes, LLC (“Trophy”)
 
2018
 
Dallas
 
Single family
 
$200,000 to $450,000

Green Brick Title, LLC (“Green Brick Title”) is our wholly-owned title company whose core business includes providing title insurance and closing and settlement services for our homebuyers. Green Brick Title had insignificant operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

In August 2017, the Company expanded into the Colorado Springs, Colorado market through a 49.9% equity interest in GB Challenger, LLC (“Challenger Homes”) which constructs townhouses, single family homes and luxury patio homes.

In March 2018, the Company formed a joint venture with a title company in Georgia to provide closing and settlement services to our Atlanta based builder. The Company, through its Atlanta based controlled builder, owns a 49% equity interest in Providence Group Title, LLC (“Providence Title”). Providence Title had insignificant operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

In April 2018, following a series of transactions, the Company acquired a controlling interest in GRBK GHO Homes. GRBK GHO Homes operates primarily in the Vero Beach, Florida market and is engaged in land and lot development, as well as all aspects of the homebuilding process. The acquisition allowed the Company to expand its operations into a new geographic market.

In June 2018, the Company formed a joint venture with PrimeLending to provide mortgage loan origination services to our builders. The Company owns a 49% equity interest in Green Brick Mortgage, LLC (“Green Brick Mortgage”), which initiated mortgage loan origination activities during the three months ended September 30, 2018.

In September 2018, the Company formed Trophy, a wholly-owned homebuilding company that allows the Company to expand its business and offer homes at a new price point within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex market.

Definitions
In the following discussion, “backlog” refers to homes under sales contracts that have not yet closed at the end of the relevant period, “cancellation rate” refers to sales contracts canceled divided by sales contracts executed during the relevant period, “net new home orders” refers to new home sales contracts reduced by the number of sales contracts canceled during the relevant period, and “overall absorption rate” refers to the rate at which net new home orders are contracted per selling community during the relevant period. Sales contracts relating to homes in backlog may be canceled by the prospective purchaser for a number of reasons, such as the prospective purchaser’s inability to obtain suitable mortgage financing. Upon a cancellation, the escrow deposit is returned to the prospective purchaser (other than with respect to certain design-related deposits, which we retain). Accordingly, backlog may not be indicative of our future revenue.

Overview and Outlook
The following are our key operating metrics for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017: home deliveries increased by 32.8%, home sales revenue increased by 26.7%, average sales

33


price of homes delivered decreased by 4.6%, backlog units increased by 103.3%, backlog units value increased by 87.7%, average sales price of homes in backlog decreased by 7.7%, and net new home orders increased by 23.2%.

The following are our key operating metrics for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017: home deliveries increased by 29.7%, home sales revenue increased by 32.9%, average sales price of homes delivered increased by 2.5%, and net new home orders increased by 40.1%.

From July 2017 to July 2018, homes in the Dallas and Atlanta markets appreciated by 5.0% and 5.8%, respectively (Source: S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index, September 2018). During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the housing market continued to show strength, which we believe is driven by consumer confidence, interest rates that are at a lower end of the historical spectrum, high affordability metrics, and a reduction in home inventory levels.

We believe that we operate in two of the most desirable housing markets in the nation. Among the 12 largest metropolitan areas in the country, the Dallas area ranked third in the annual rate of job growth and second in the number of jobs added from August 2017 to August 2018 (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2018). The Atlanta area ranked fifth in the rate of year over year job growth as of August 2018 (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2018). We believe that increasing demand and supply constraints in our target markets create favorable conditions for our future growth.

Results of Operations
Builder Operations
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, our builder operations segments delivered 312 homes with an average sales price of $440,382, compared to 235 homes with an average sales price of $461,434 during the three months ended September 30, 2017. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, our builder operations segments generated approximately $137.6 million in revenue compared to $108.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, net new home orders totaled 297, a 23.2% increase from the three months ended September 30, 2017.

During the three months ended September 30, 2018, our builder operations segments’ revenue included $0.2 million related to the sale of one finished lot by one of our controlled builders compared to no lot sales by our controlled builders during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our builder operations segments delivered 905 homes with an average sales price of $443,804, compared to 698 homes with an average sales price of $432,921 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our builder operations segments generated approximately $406.2 million in revenue compared to $302.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net new home orders totaled 1,118, a 40.1% increase from the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our builder operations segments’ revenue included $4.6 million related to the sale of 27 finished lots by one of our controlled builders compared to no lot sales by our controlled builders during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

As of September 30, 2018, our builder operations segments had a backlog of 685 homes, a 103.3% increase from September 30, 2017, with a total value of approximately $309.0 million, an increase of $144.3 million, or 87.7%, from September 30, 2017.

The decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered for the three months ended September 30, 2018 is the result of the mix of homes delivered, specifically impacted by the GRBK GHO Homes business combination.

The increase in the average sales price of homes delivered for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is the result of local market appreciation and the mix of homes delivered. The average sales price of homes may increase or decrease depending on the mix of homes delivered and sold during such period and local market conditions. These changes in the average sales price of homes are part of our natural business cycle.


34


Land Development
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, our land development segment revenue increased $7.1 million, or 134.6%, to $12.4 million from $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. This was due to an increase in the number of lots delivered to 61 lots for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from 35 lots for the three months ended September 30, 2017. In addition, this increase was partially due to revenue from the sale of one commercial land parcel during the three months ended September 30, 2018 for $3.5 million, compared with no parcel sales during the three months ended September 30, 2017. We generally purchase land and lots with the intent to build and sell homes on them. However, we may sell lots or land parcels to manage our supply or for other strategic reasons.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our land development segment revenue increased $11.2 million, or 71.1%, to $27.1 million from $15.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This increase was partially due to an increase in the average sales price per lot to $145,029 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $132,895 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In addition, there was an increase in the number of lots delivered from 119 lots for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to 136 lots for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Lastly, there was an increase in revenue from the sale of three land parcels during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for a total of $7.3 million, compared with no parcel sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

35


Condensed Consolidated Financial Data
The consolidated historical financial data presented below is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Sale of residential units
$
137,399

 
$
108,437

 
$
401,643

 
$
302,179

Sale of land and lots
12,593

 
5,269

 
31,624

 
15,815

Total revenues
149,992

 
113,706

 
433,267

 
317,994

Cost of residential units
108,781

 
84,752

 
315,606

 
237,066

Cost of land and lots
10,553

 
3,544

 
25,255

 
11,306

Total cost of sales
119,334

 
88,296

 
340,861

 
248,372

Total gross profit
30,658

 
25,410

 
92,406

 
69,622

Selling, general and administrative expense
13,979

 
9,520

 
40,759

 
28,732

Operating profit
16,679

 
15,890

 
51,647

 
40,890

Equity in income of unconsolidated entities
2,719

 
968

 
6,534

 
968

Other income, net
709

 
435

 
2,767

 
1,362

Income before taxes
20,107

 
17,293

 
60,948

 
43,220

Income tax provision
4,734

 
5,364

 
13,341

 
13,635

Net income
15,373

 
11,929

 
47,607

 
29,585

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
3,176

 
2,649

 
9,338

 
6,420

Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc.
$
12,197

 
$
9,280

 
$
38,269

 
$
23,165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$0.24
 
$0.19
 
$0.76
 
$0.47
Diluted
$0.24
 
$0.19
 
$0.75
 
$0.47
Weighted average common shares used in the calculation of net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc. per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
50,686

 
49,808

 
50,642

 
49,274

Diluted
50,778

 
49,892

 
50,760

 
49,347


36


Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
New Home Orders and Backlog
The table below represents new home orders and backlog related to our builder operations segments:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 


 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Net new home orders
 
297

 
241

 
56

 
23.2
 %
Number of cancellations
 
60

 
40

 
20

 
50.0
 %
Cancellation rate
 
16.8
%
 
14.2
%
 
2.6
%
 
18.3
 %
Average selling communities
 
72

 
55

 
17

 
30.9
 %
Selling communities at end of period
 
75

 
56

 
19

 
33.9
 %
Backlog (dollars in thousands)
 
$
308,974

 
$
164,632

 
$
144,342

 
87.7
 %
Backlog (units)
 
685

 
337

 
348

 
103.3
 %
Average sales price of backlog
 
$
451,057

 
$
488,522

 
$
(37,465
)
 
(7.7
)%

Net new home orders for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased by 56 homes, or 23.2%, to 297 from 241 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Our overall absorption rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was an average of 4.1 per selling community (1.4 monthly), compared to an average of 4.4 per selling community (1.5 monthly) for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Our cancellation rate was approximately 16.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 14.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Management believes a cancellation rate in the range of 15% to 20% is representative of an industry average. Our cancellation rate is on the low end of the industry average, which we believe is due to our target buyer demographics, which generally does not include first time homebuyers.
 
Backlog units increased by 348 homes, or 103.3%, to 685 as of September 30, 2018 from 337 as of September 30, 2017. The dollar value of backlog units increased $144.3 million, or 87.7%, to $309.0 million as of September 30, 2018 from $164.6 million as of September 30, 2017. The increase in value of backlog units reflects an increase in the number of homes in backlog which was heavily impacted by the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes with 200 homes in backlog as of September 30, 2018. Our average sales price of homes in backlog decreased $37,465, or 7.7%, to $451,057 for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $488,522 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Of the decrease, $32,475 is the result of change in product mix related to the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes.

New Homes Delivered and Home Sales Revenue
The table below represents new homes delivered and home sales revenue:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 


 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
New homes delivered
 
312

 
235

 
77

 
32.8%
Home sales revenue (dollars in thousands)
 
$
137,399

 
$
108,437

 
$
28,962

 
26.7%
Average sales price of homes delivered
 
$
440,382

 
$
461,434

 
$
(21,052
)
 
(4.6)%

New home deliveries (excluding completed homes sold, but not yet closed) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were 312, compared to new home deliveries of 235 for the three months ended September 30, 2017, resulting in an increase of 77 homes, or 32.8%. The increase in new home deliveries was primarily attributable to a 90.2% increase in the value of backlog of units sold entering the third quarter, from $165.2 million at June 30, 2017 to $314.2 million at June 30, 2018.

Home sales revenue increased $29.0 million, or 26.7%, to $137.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from $108.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in revenue was driven by the increase in homes delivered for the three months ended September 30, 2018 which was due to a combination of organic growth and the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes which had home sales revenue of $18.9 million during the period. The addition of GRBK GHO Homes, whose homes are at lower price points than our other controlled builders, accounts for the majority of the decline in the average sales price of homes delivered for the three months ended September 30, 2018.


37


Land and Lots Sales Revenue
The table below represents lots sold and land and lots sales revenue:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 

 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Lots sold
62

 
35

 
27

 
77.1
 %
Lots sales revenue (dollars in thousands)
$
9,092

 
$
5,269

 
$
3,823

 
72.6
 %
Average sales price of lots sold
$
146,645

 
$
150,529

 
$
(3,884
)
 
(2.6
)%
Land sales revenue (dollars in thousands)
$
3,501

 
$

 
$
3,501

 
 %
The number of lots sold to third parties for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was 62 compared to 35 lots sold for the three months ended September 30, 2017, resulting in an increase of 27 lots, or 77.1%. Of the 62 lots sold during the three months ended September 30, 2018, one finished lot was sold by one of our controlled builders, resulting in revenue of $0.2 million which is included in builder operations segments’ revenue.
Lot sales revenue increased $3.8 million, or 72.6% to $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in revenue was driven by an increase in the number of lots sold, partially offset by a 2.6% decrease in the average lot price from $150,529 to $146,645.
One land parcel was sold during the three months ended September 30, 2018, resulting in revenue of $3.5 million compared to no parcel sales in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Homebuilding Gross Margin
The table below represents the components of homebuilding gross margin (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,

 
2018
 
2017
Sale of residential units
 
$
137,399

 
100.0
%
 
$
108,437

 
100.0
%
Cost of residential units
 
108,781

 
79.2
%
 
84,752

 
78.2
%
Homebuilding gross margin
 
$
28,618

 
20.8
%
 
$
23,685

 
21.8
%

Cost of home sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $108.8 million, compared to $84.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, resulting in an increase of $24.0 million, or 28.4%, primarily due to the 32.8% increase in the number of homes delivered which was partially driven by the GRBK GHO Homes business combination. Homebuilding gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2018 decreased to 20.8%, compared to 21.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as a result of purchase accounting adjustments which increased the carrying value of GRBK GHO Homes inventory, as well as the reduction in homes sold on lots developed by the Company.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
The table below represents the components of selling, general and administrative expense (dollars in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
As Percentage of Related Revenue
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Builder operations
 
$
13,032

 
$
7,973

 
9.5
%
 
7.4
%
Land development
 
635

 
294

 
5.0
%
 
5.6
%
Corporate and other
 
312

 
1,253

 

 

Total selling, general and administrative expense
 
$
13,979

 
$
9,520

 
9.3
%
 
8.4
%

Builder Operations
Selling, general and administrative expense for builder operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $13.0 million, compared to $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of 63.5%. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in expenditures to support the growth in home sales, as well as the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes. Builder operations expenditures include salary expenses and community costs such as advertising and marketing expenses, rent, professional fees, and non-capitalized property taxes. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of related revenue increased 210 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily driven by

38


technology improvements and increased salaries, as well as the reclassification of depreciation on model home furnishings discussed in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Land Development
Selling, general and administrative expense for land development for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $0.6 million, compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of 116.0% driven by increased land development activity in both the Dallas and Atlanta markets.

Corporate and Other
Selling, general and administrative expense for the corporate and other non-operating segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $0.3 million, compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, the decrease driven primarily by increase of expenses subject to capitalization and a decrease in inventory turnover.

Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Entities
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities increased to $2.7 million, or 180.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 due primarily to our purchase of a 49.9% interest in Challenger Homes in August 2017.

Other Income, Net
Other income, net of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased as a result of mechanics lien revenues and other miscellaneous income.

Income Tax Provision
Income tax expense decreased $0.6 million, or 11.7%, to $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease is due to the decrease in the federal corporate tax rate, partially offset by the increase in income before taxes.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act, among other things, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and imposed significant limitations on certain corporate deductions and credits. The Tax Act places future limitations on the usage of net operating loss carryforwards generated in the year ended December 31, 2018 and after. The Tax Act is comprehensive, containing several other provisions, some of which will not materially impact the Company. The estimates of the Tax Act may be adjusted in future periods as required. Future implementation guidance from the Internal Revenue Service or clarifications of state tax law could affect the estimated financial statement impact of the Tax Act. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 which allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. The Company does not believe potential adjustments in future periods will materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company has not recorded any measurement period adjustments under Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
New Home Orders
The table below represents new home orders related to our builder operations segments:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 

 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Net new home orders
 
1,118

 
798

 
320

 
40.1%
Number of cancellations
 
166

 
137

 
29

 
21.2%
Cancellation rate
 
12.9
%
 
14.7
%
 
(1.8
)%
 
(12.2)%
Average selling communities
 
65

 
54

 
11

 
20.4%


39


Net new home orders for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by 320 homes, or 40.1%, to 1,118 from 798 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our overall absorption rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was an average of 17.2 per selling community (1.9 monthly), compared to an average of 14.8 per selling community (1.6 monthly) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Our cancellation rate was approximately 12.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 14.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Management believes a cancellation rate in the range of 15% to 20% is representative of an industry average. Our cancellation rate is more favorable than the industry average, which we believe is due to our target buyer demographics, which generally does not include first time homebuyers.
 
New Homes Delivered and Home Sales Revenue
The table below represents new homes delivered and home sales revenue:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 


 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
New homes delivered
 
905

 
698

 
207

 
29.7%
Home sales revenue (dollars in thousands)
 
$
401,643

 
$
302,179

 
$
99,464

 
32.9%
Average sales price of homes delivered
 
$
443,804

 
$
432,921

 
$
10,883

 
2.5%

New home deliveries (excluding completed homes sold, but not yet closed) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were 905, compared to new home deliveries of 698 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, resulting in an increase of 207 homes, or 29.7%. The increase in new home deliveries was primarily attributable to a 40.2% increase in the value of backlog of units sold entering the year from $108.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $151.5 million at December 31, 2017, as well as an increase in the number of selling communities.

Home sales revenue increased $99.5 million, or 32.9%, to $401.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $302.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in revenue was driven by the increase in homes delivered for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 which was impacted by the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes with home sales revenue of $29.8 million during the period, as well as by an increase in the number of selling communities.

Land and Lots Sales Revenue
The table below represents lots sold and land and lots sales revenue:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 

 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Lots sold
 
163

 
119

 
44

 
37.0
%
Lots sales revenue (dollars in thousands)
 
$
24,294

 
$
15,815

 
$
8,479

 
53.6
%
Average sales price of lots sold
 
$
149,043

 
$
132,895

 
$
16,148

 
12.2
%
Land sales revenue (dollars in thousands)
 
$
7,330

 
$

 
$
7,330

 
%
The number of lots sold to third parties for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 163 compared to 119 lots sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, resulting in an increase of 44 lots, or 37.0%. Of the 163 lots sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, 27 lots were sold by one of our controlled builders, resulting in revenue of $4.6 million, which is included in builder operations segments’ revenue.
Lot sales revenue increased $8.5 million, or 53.6% to $24.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $15.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in revenue was driven by an 12.2% increase in the average lot price from $132,895 to $149,043, and an increase in the number of lots sold.
Three land parcels were sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, resulting in revenue of $7.3 million compared to no parcel sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

40


Homebuilding Gross Margin
The table below represents the components of homebuilding gross margin (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
2018
 
2017
Sale of residential units
 
$
401,643

 
100.0
%
 
$
302,179

 
100.0
%
Cost of residential units
 
315,606

 
78.6
%
 
237,066

 
78.5
%
Homebuilding gross margin
 
$
86,037

 
21.4
%
 
$
65,113

 
21.5
%

Cost of home sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $315.6 million, compared to $237.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, resulting in an increase of $78.5 million, or 33.1%, primarily due to a 29.7% increase in the number of homes delivered, which was impacted by 82 deliveries from GRBK GHO Homes. Homebuilding gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 21.4%, compared to 21.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
The table below represents the components of selling, general and administrative expense (dollars in thousands):

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
As Percentage of Related Revenue
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Builder operations
 
$
34,926

 
$
23,331

 
8.7
%
 
7.7
%
Land development
 
1,676

 
1,060

 
5.3
%
 
6.7
%
Corporate and other
 
4,157

 
4,341

 

 

Total selling, general and administrative expense
 
$
40,759

 
$
28,732

 
9.4
%
 
9.0
%

Builder Operations
Selling, general and administrative expense for builder operations segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $34.9 million, compared to $23.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of 49.7%. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in expenditures to support the growth in home sales, as well as the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes. Builder operations expenditures include salary expenses and community costs such as advertising and marketing expenses, rent, professional fees, and non-capitalized property taxes. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of related revenue increased 100 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily driven by technology improvements and increased salaries, as well as the reclassification of depreciation on model home furnishings, as discussed in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Land Development
Selling, general and administrative expense for land development for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased to $1.7 million, compared to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of 58.1% driven by increased land development activity in both the Dallas and Atlanta markets.

Corporate and Other
Selling, general and administrative expense for the corporate and other non-operating segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $4.2 million, relatively flat compared to $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Entities
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities increased to $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 due primarily to our purchase of a 49.9% interest in Challenger Homes in August 2017.

Other Income, Net
Other income, net of $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased as a result of mechanics lien revenues and other miscellaneous income.


41


Income Tax Provision
Income tax expense decreased $0.3 million or 2.2%, to $13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $13.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease is due to the decrease in the federal corporate tax rate, partially offset by the increase in income before taxes.

Lots Owned and Controlled
The table below represents the lots we owned or controlled, including lot option contracts, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by market. Owned lots are those for which we hold title, while controlled lots are those for which we have the contractual right to acquire title but do not currently own.
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Lots Owned
 
 
 
Central
3,479

 
3,196

Southeast
1,950

 
1,299

Total lots owned
5,429

 
4,495

Lots Controlled
 
 
 
Central
1,528

 
1,390

Southeast
1,144

 
334

Total lots controlled
2,672

 
1,724

 
 
 
 
Total lots owned and controlled (1)
8,101

 
6,219

 
(1)
Total lots excludes lots with homes under construction.

The increase in the number of lots owned is primarily related to the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes while the increase in lots controlled is primarily related to increased development activity in the Atlanta market.


42


Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview
As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $33.1 million and $36.7 million of unrestricted cash, respectively. Management believes that we have a prudent cash management strategy, including consideration of cash outlays for land and lot acquisition and development. We intend to generate and redeploy net cash from the sale of inventory to acquire and develop land and lots that represent opportunities to generate desired margins. We may also use cash to make additional investments in business acquisitions, joint ventures, or other strategic activities.

Our principal uses of capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were home construction, land purchases, land development, operating expenses, payment of routine liabilities, and the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes on April 26, 2018. We used funds generated by operations and available borrowings to meet our short-term working capital requirements. We remain focused on generating positive margins in our builder operations segments and acquiring desirable land positions in order to maintain a strong balance sheet and remain poised for continued growth.

Cash flows for each of our communities depend on the community's stage in the development cycle and can differ substantially from reported earnings. Early stages of development or expansion require significant cash outlays for land acquisitions, entitlements and other approvals, and construction of model homes, roads, utilities, general landscaping and other amenities. These costs are a component of our inventory and are not recognized in our statement of income until a home closes. In the later stages of community development, cash inflows may significantly exceed earnings reported for financial statement purposes, as the cash outflow associated with home construction and land development previously occurred. We are actively acquiring and developing lots in our primary markets in order to maintain and grow our lot supply.

Our debt to total capitalization ratio was approximately 30.6% as of September 30, 2018. It is our intent to prudently employ leverage to continue to invest in our land acquisition, development and homebuilding businesses. We intend to target a debt to total capitalization ratio of approximately 30% to 35%, which we expect will provide us with significant additional growth capital.

Revolving Credit Facility
On July 30, 2015, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Inwood National Bank, which initially provided for up to $50.0 million. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility are secured by mortgages on real property and security interests in certain personal property that is owned by certain of the Company's subsidiaries. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest payable monthly at a floating rate per annum equal to the Bank of America, N.A. “Prime Rate” (the “Index”) with adjustments to the interest rate being made on the effective date of any change in the Index. The interest may not, at any time, be less than 4% per annum or more than the lesser amount of 18% and the highest maximum rate allowed by applicable law. The entire unpaid principal balance and any accrued but unpaid interest is due and payable on the maturity date. As of September 30, 2018, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 5.25% per annum.

On May 3, 2016, we amended the Credit Facility and extended the maturity date to May 1, 2019. The amended Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base limitation equal to the sum of 50% of the total value of land and 65% of the total value of lots owned by certain of the Company's subsidiaries, each as determined by an independent appraiser, with the value of land being restricted from being more than 65% of the borrowing base. A non-usage fee equal to 0.25% of the average unfunded amount of the commitment amount over a trailing 12-month period is due on or before August 1st of each year. Costs of $0.1 million associated with the amendment were deferred and reduce the carrying amount of debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We are capitalizing these debt issuance costs to inventory over the term of the Credit Facility using the straight-line method.

During 2017, we amended the Credit Facility several times for the purposes of adding additional land holdings as collateral. On October 27, 2017, we amended the Credit Facility to increase the commitment amount from $50.0 million to $75.0 million. This amendment temporarily waived the borrowing base through March 31, 2018, after which the borrowing base was reinstated. During the temporary borrowing base waiver, the Credit Facility was governed by a loan-to-value ratio not permitted to exceed 70%.

On October 26, 2018, the Company amended the Credit Facility. The amendment extended the maturity date to May 1, 2022 and lowered the floating interest rate to the Index less 0.25%.

Under the terms of the amended Credit Facility, we are required to maintain a minimum amount of tangible net worth, minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage. The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants as of September 30, 2018.

43



Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
On December 15, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein, and Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank"), as administrative agent, providing for a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate lending commitment of $40.0 million (the “Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility”). Before the First Amendment increased the maximum amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, the Company could, at its option and subject to certain terms and conditions, prior to the termination date, increase the amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility up to a maximum aggregate amount of $75.0 million. Citibank and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch (“Credit Suisse”) initially committed to provide $25.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively.
 
The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility provides for interest rate options at rates equal to either: (a) in the case of base rate advances, the highest of (i) Citibank’s base rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, in each case plus 1.5%; or (b) in the case of Eurodollar rate advances, the reserve adjusted LIBOR plus 2.5%. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December. As of September 30, 2018, the interest rates on outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility range from 4.56% to 4.58% per annum. The Company pays the lenders a commitment fee on the amount of the unused commitments on a quarterly basis at a rate equal to 0.45% per annum.
    
Outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base. The borrowing base limitation is equal to the sum of: 100% of unrestricted cash in excess of $15.0 million; 85% of the book value of model homes, construction in progress homes, completed sold homes and completed speculative homes (subject to certain limitations on the age and number of completed speculative homes and model homes); 65% of the book value of finished lots and land under development; and 50% of the book value of entitled land (subject to certain limitations on the value of entitled land and land under development as a percentage of the borrowing base).

On August 31, 2016, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment added Flagstar Bank, FSB (“Flagstar Bank”) as a lender, with an initial commitment of $20.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million. The First Amendment also increased the maximum aggregate amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility to $110.0 million.

On December 1, 2016, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”). The Second Amendment extended the termination date to December 14, 2019 and required an upfront fee of 0.15% of the aggregate amount of extended commitments. Additionally, Citibank increased its commitment from $25.0 million to $35.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available from $60.0 million to $70.0 million.

On March 6, 2017, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment from $20.0 million to $35.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $70.0 million to $85.0 million. Costs of $0.1 million were incurred associated with this increase in commitment.

On September 1, 2017, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”). Pursuant to the Third Amendment, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment from $35.0 million to $70.0 million and Credit Suisse increased its commitment from $15.0 million to $25.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $85.0 million to $130.0 million. The Third Amendment also increased the maximum aggregate amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $110.0 million to $200.0 million. Further increases are available at the Company’s option, prior to the termination date, subject to certain terms and conditions. In addition, the Third Amendment appointed Flagstar Bank in the roles of sole lead arranger and administrative agent. Costs of $0.4 million were incurred associated with the Third Amendment.

On December 1, 2017, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”). The Fourth Amendment extended the termination date to December 14, 2020. The extension required an upfront fee of 0.15% of the aggregate amount of extended commitments.

Effective March 27, 2018, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”) was added as a lender under the Credit Agreement, with an initial commitment of $30.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $130.0 million to $160.0 million. Costs of $0.2 million associated with the additional commitment were incurred.


44


Effective July 24, 2018, Citibank, Credit Suisse, and JPMorgan each increased their commitment by $5.0 million, for a total of $15.0 million, thereby increasing the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $160.0 million to $175.0 million. Costs of $0.1 million were incurred associated with this additional commitment.

Effective October 22, 2018, Chemical Financial Corporation (“Chemical”) was added as a lender under the Credit Agreement, with an initial commitment of $25.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $175.0 million to $200.0 million. Costs of $0.3 million were incurred associated with this additional commitment.

On November 2, 2018, the Company entered into a Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement ( the “Fifth Amendment”). Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, Flagstar Bank increased its commitment from $70.0 million to $80.0 million and Chemical increased its commitment from $25.0 million to $30.0 million, which increased the aggregate lending commitment available under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $200.0 million to $215.0 million. The Fifth Amendment also increased the maximum aggregate amount of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility from $200.0 million to $275.0 million. Additionally, the Fifth Amendment extended the termination date to December 14, 2021. Total fees and other costs of $0.5 million were incurred associated with the Fifth Amendment.

All fees and other debt issuance costs associated with changes in commitments are deferred and reduce the carrying amount of debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company is capitalizing these costs to inventory over the term of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility using the straight-line method.

Under the terms of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain compliance with various financial covenants including a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio, and a minimum consolidated tangible net worth. We were in compliance with these financial covenants as of September 30, 2018.

Notes Payable
On December 13, 2013, a subsidiary of the Company signed a promissory note with Briar Ridge Investments, LTD for $9.0 million maturing on December 13, 2017, bearing interest at 6.0%, and collateralized by land in Allen, Texas. In December 2016, this note was extended through December 31, 2018. The note was paid in full on June 5, 2018.

On November 30, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company signed a promissory note for $1.2 million maturing on December 1, 2018, bearing interest at 3.0% per annum, and collateralized by land located in Sunnyvale, Texas. Accrued interest as of September 30, 2018 was $0.1 million.

In conjunction with the purchase of GRBK GHO Homes, the Company assumed interest free mortgage debt in the amount of $0.3 million maturing on April 18, 2019 and collateralized by land located in Indian River County, Florida.

Cash Flows
The following summarizes our primary sources and uses of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

Operating activities. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $38.3 million, compared to $23.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net cash outflows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily driven by an increase in inventory of $108.6 million, partially offset by $59.0 million of cash generated from business operations, as well as by increases in accounts payable, accrued expenses and customer and builder deposits.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $29.4 million, compared to $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The cash outflows were primarily due to the acquisition of GRBK GHO Homes on April 26, 2018, resulting in an initial cash outflow of $33.2 million and an additional $2.0 million following the final purchase price adjustment, offset by cash acquired.

Financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $72.4 million, compared to $8.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The cash inflows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to borrowings on lines of credit of $133.0 million, partially offset by $40.0 million of repayments of lines of credit, $10.7 million of distributions to noncontrolling interests, and $9.2 million of repayments of notes payable.


45


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land purchase contracts with third-party developers in order to procure lots for the construction of our homes. We are subject to customary obligations associated with such contracts. These purchase contracts typically require a cash deposit, and the purchase of properties under these contracts is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements, including obtaining applicable property and development entitlements. We also utilize option contracts with lot sellers as a method of acquiring lots in staged takedowns, which are the schedules that dictate when lots must be purchased to help manage the financial and market risk associated with land holdings, and to reduce the use of funds from our corporate financing sources. Lot option contracts generally require us to pay a non-refundable deposit for the right to acquire lots over a specified period of time at pre-determined prices which typically include escalations in lot price over time. We generally have the right, at our discretion, to terminate our obligations under both purchase contracts and option contracts by forfeiting the cash deposit with no further financial responsibility to the land seller.

Our utilization of lot option contracts is dependent on, among other things, the availability of land sellers willing to enter into these arrangements, the availability of capital to finance the development of optioned lots, general housing market conditions and local market dynamics. Options may be more difficult to procure from land sellers in strong housing markets and are more prevalent in certain geographic regions.

During the ordinary course of business, certain regulatory agencies and municipalities require the Company to post letters of credit and performance bonds related to development projects. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, letters of credit outstanding totaled $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and performance bonds outstanding totaled $5.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Company does not believe that it is likely that any material claims will be made under a letter of credit or performance bond in the foreseeable future.

Inflation
Homebuilding operations can be adversely impacted by inflation, resulting in higher land prices and increased costs of financing, labor, materials and construction. In addition, inflation can lead to higher mortgage rates, which can significantly affect the affordability of mortgage financing to homebuyers. While we attempt to pass on cost increases to our customers through increased prices, when weak housing market conditions exist, we may be unable to offset cost increases with higher selling prices.

Seasonality
The homebuilding industry experiences seasonal fluctuations in quarterly operating results and capital requirements. We typically experience the highest new home order activity in spring and summer, although this activity is highly dependent on the number of active selling communities, timing of new community openings and other market factors. Since it typically takes five to nine months to construct a new home, we normally deliver more homes in the second half of the year as spring and summer home orders are delivered. Because of this seasonality, home starts, construction costs and related cash outflows have historically been highest in the second and third quarters, and the majority of cash receipts from home deliveries occur during the second half of the year. We expect this seasonal pattern to continue over the long-term, although it may be affected by volatility in the homebuilding industry.

Critical Accounting Policies
Our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of costs and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates estimates and judgments, including those which impact our most critical accounting policies. Management bases estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our significant accounting policies, which may be affected by our estimates and assumptions, are more fully described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” each of which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Changes in significant accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are presented in the Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

46



Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for recent accounting pronouncements.

Related Party Transactions
See Note 15 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of our transactions with related parties.


47


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our operations are interest rate sensitive. Because overall housing demand is adversely affected by increases in interest rates, a significant increase in mortgage interest rates may negatively affect the ability of homebuyers to secure adequate financing. Higher interest rates could adversely affect our revenues, gross margins and net income.

Our lines of credit have variable interest rates which are subject to minimum interest rates. An increase in interest rates could cause the cost of those lines to increase. As of September 30, 2018, we had $200 million outstanding on these lines of credit.

Based upon the amount of lines of credit as of September 30, 2018, and holding the notes payables balance constant, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase the interest incurred by us by approximately $2.0 million per year, which may be capitalized pursuant to our interest capitalization policy.

We do not enter into, or intend to enter into, swaps, forward or option contracts on interest rates or commodities or other types of derivative financial instruments for trading, hedging or speculative purposes.

Many of the statements contained in this section are forward-looking and should be read in conjunction with the disclosures described in “Forward-Looking Statements.”

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer ( “CEO”) and principal financial officer (“CFO”), we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018 in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file, furnish, submit or otherwise provide to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed in reports filed by us under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, in such a manner as to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, there were no changes in our internal controls that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our internal control over financial reporting.

48


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are not involved in any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against the Company. For more information regarding how we account for legal proceedings, see Note 16 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.


49


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Number
 
Description
10.1*
 
31.1*
 
31.2*
 
32.1*
 
32.2*
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
*    Filed with this Form 10-Q


50


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.

GREEN BRICK PARTNERS, INC.
/s/ James R. Brickman
By: James R. Brickman
Its: Chief Executive Officer
 
 
/s/ Richard A. Costello
By: Richard A. Costello
Its: Chief Financial Officer

Date:    November 5, 2018

51