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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation Policy [Text Block]
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Toll Brothers, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a Delaware corporation, and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in 50% or less owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method unless it is determined that we have effective control of the entity, in which case we would consolidate the entity.
References herein to fiscal year refer to our fiscal years ended or ending October 31.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. In times of economic disruption when uncertainty regarding future economic conditions is heightened, these estimates and assumptions are subject to greater variability. As a result, actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions we make that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, and such differences may be material.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Liquid investments or investments with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. Our cash balances exceed federally insurable limits. We monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate; however, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or are subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to cash in our operating accounts.
Inventory [Policy Text Block]
Inventory
Inventory is stated at cost unless an impairment exists, in which case it is written down to fair value in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”). In addition to direct land acquisition costs, land development costs, and home construction costs, costs also include interest, real estate taxes, and direct overhead related to development and construction, which are capitalized to inventory during the period beginning with the commencement of development and ending with the completion of construction. For those communities that have been temporarily closed, no additional capitalized interest is allocated to a community’s inventory until it reopens. While the community remains closed, carrying costs such as real estate taxes are expensed as incurred.
We capitalize certain interest costs to qualified inventory during the development and construction period of our communities in accordance with ASC 835-20, “Capitalization of Interest” (“ASC 835-20”). Capitalized interest is charged to home sales cost of sales revenues when the related inventory is delivered. Interest incurred on home building indebtedness in excess of qualified inventory, as defined in ASC 835-20, is charged to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the period incurred. During fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s qualified inventory exceeded its indebtedness and substantially all interest incurred was capitalized to inventory. See Note 3, “Inventory”.
Once a parcel of land has been approved for development and we open one of our typical communities, it may take four or more years to fully develop, sell, and deliver all the homes in such community. Longer or shorter time periods are possible depending on the number of home sites in a community and the sales and delivery pace of the homes in a community. Our master-planned communities, consisting of several smaller communities, may take up to 10 years or more to complete. Because our inventory is considered a long-lived asset under GAAP, we are required, under ASC 360, to regularly review the carrying value of each community and write down the value of those communities for which we believe the values are not recoverable.
Operating Communities: When the profitability of an operating community deteriorates, the sales pace declines significantly, or some other factor indicates a possible impairment in the recoverability of the asset, the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flow for the community to its carrying value. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flow is less than the community’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is primarily determined by discounting the estimated future cash flow of each community. The impairment is charged to home sales cost of revenues in the period in which the impairment is determined. In estimating the future undiscounted cash flow of a community, we use various estimates such as (i) the expected sales pace in a community, based upon general economic conditions that will have a short-term or long-term impact on the market in which the community
is located and on competition within the market, including the number of home sites available and pricing and incentives being offered in other communities owned by us or by other builders; (ii) the expected sales prices and sales incentives to be offered in a community; (iii) costs expended to date and expected to be incurred in the future, including, but not limited to, land and land development, home construction, interest, and overhead costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that may be offered in a community that will have an impact on sales pace, sales price, building cost, or the number of homes that can be built on a particular site; and (v) alternative uses for the property such as the possibility of a sale of the entire community to another builder or the sale of individual home sites.
Future Communities: We evaluate all land held for future communities or future sections of operating communities, whether owned or under contract, to determine whether or not we expect to proceed with the development of the land as originally contemplated. This evaluation encompasses the same types of estimates used for operating communities described above, as well as an evaluation of the regulatory environment applicable to the land and the estimated probability of obtaining the necessary approvals, the estimated time and cost it will take to obtain the approvals, and the possible concessions that may be required to be given in order to obtain them. Concessions may include cash payments to fund improvements to public places such as parks and streets, dedication of a portion of the property for use by the public or as open space, or a reduction in the density or size of the homes to be built. Based upon this review, we decide (i) as to land under contract to be purchased, whether the contract will likely be terminated or renegotiated, and (ii) as to land owned, whether the land will likely be developed as contemplated or in an alternative manner, or should be sold. We then further determine whether costs that have been capitalized to the community are recoverable or should be written off. The write-off is charged to home sales cost of revenues in the period in which the need for the write-off is determined.
The estimates used in the determination of the estimated cash flows and fair value of both current and future communities are based on factors known to us at the time such estimates are made and our expectations of future operations and economic conditions. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated fair value deteriorate in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges and write-offs related to current and future communities and such amounts could be material.
Capitalization of Interest Costs Policy [Text Block] We capitalize certain interest costs to qualified inventory during the development and construction period of our communities in accordance with ASC 835-20, “Capitalization of Interest” (“ASC 835-20”). Capitalized interest is charged to home sales cost of sales revenues when the related inventory is delivered. Interest incurred on home building indebtedness in excess of qualified inventory, as defined in ASC 835-20, is charged to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the period incurred. During fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s qualified inventory exceeded its indebtedness and substantially all interest incurred was capitalized to inventory. See Note 3, “Inventory”.
Estimated fair values Policy [Text Block] The estimates used in the determination of the estimated cash flows and fair value of both current and future communities are based on factors known to us at the time such estimates are made and our expectations of future operations and economic conditions. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated fair value deteriorate in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges and write-offs related to current and future communities and such amounts could be material.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Variable Interest Entities
We are required to consolidate variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we have a controlling financial interest in accordance with ASC 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Our variable interest in VIEs may be in the form of equity ownership, contracts to purchase assets, management services and development agreements between us and a VIE, loans provided by us to a VIE or other member, and/or guarantees provided by members to banks and other parties.
We have a significant number of land purchase contracts and financial interests in other entities which we evaluate in accordance with ASC 810. We analyze our land purchase contracts and the entities in which we have an investment to determine whether the land sellers and entities are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary (“PB”). We examine specific criteria and use our judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other member(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a VIE’s executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights or voting rights, level of economic disproportionality between us and the other member(s), and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs. The determination whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary may require significant judgment.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property, Construction, and Office Equipment
Property, construction, and office equipment are recorded at cost and are stated net of accumulated depreciation of $289.4 million and $266.3 million at October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. For property and equipment related to onsite sales centers, depreciation is recorded using the units of production method as homes are delivered. For all other property and equipment, depreciation is recorded using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. In fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020, we recognized $75.9 million, $74.8 million, and $67.6 million of depreciation expense, respectively.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Policy Text Block]
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Residential mortgage loans held for sale are measured at fair value in accordance with the provisions of ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“ASC 825”). We believe the use of ASC 825 improves consistency of mortgage loan valuations between the date the borrower locks in the interest rate on the pending mortgage loan and the date of the mortgage loan sale. At the end of the reporting period, we determine the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale and the forward loan commitments we have entered into as a hedge against the interest rate risk of our mortgage loans using the market approach to determine fair value. The evaluation is based on the current market pricing of mortgage loans with similar terms and values as of the reporting date, and such pricing is applied to the mortgage loan portfolio. We recognize the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans held for sale as a gain or loss. In addition, we recognize the change in fair value of our forward loan commitments as a gain or loss. Interest income on mortgage loans held for sale is calculated based upon the stated interest rate of each loan. In addition, the recognition of net origination costs and fees associated with residential mortgage loans originated are expensed as incurred. These gains and losses, interest income, and origination costs and fees are recognized in “Other income – net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Policy Text Block]
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
In accordance with ASC 323, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures,” we review each of our investments on a quarterly basis for indicators of impairment. A series of operating losses of an investee, the inability to recover our invested capital, or other factors may indicate that a loss in value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity has occurred. If a loss exists, we further review the investment to determine if the loss is other than temporary, in which case we write down the investment to its estimated fair value. The evaluation of our investment in unconsolidated entities entails a detailed cash flow analysis using many estimates, including, but not limited to, expected sales pace, expected sales prices, expected incentives, costs incurred and anticipated, sufficiency of financing and capital, competition, market conditions, and anticipated cash receipts, in order to determine projected future distributions from the unconsolidated entity. In addition, for investments in rental properties, we review rental trends, expected future expenses, and expected cash flows to determine estimated fair values of the properties.
Our unconsolidated entities that develop land or develop for-sale homes and condominiums evaluate their inventory in a similar manner as we do. See “Inventory” above for more detailed disclosure on our evaluation of inventory. For our unconsolidated entities that own, develop, and manage for-rent residential apartments, we review rental trends, expected future expenses, and expected future cash flows to determine estimated fair values of the underlying properties. If a valuation adjustment is recorded by an unconsolidated entity related to its assets, our proportionate share is reflected in income from unconsolidated entities with a corresponding decrease to our investment in unconsolidated entities.
We are a party to several joint ventures with unrelated parties to develop and sell land that is owned by the joint ventures. We recognize our proportionate share of the earnings from the sale of home sites to other builders, including our joint venture partners. We do not recognize earnings from the home sites we purchase from these ventures at the time of purchase; instead, our cost basis in those home sites is reduced by our share of the earnings realized by the joint venture from sales of those home sites to us.
We are also a party to several other joint ventures. We recognize our proportionate share of the earnings and losses of our unconsolidated entities.
Fair Value Disclosures [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value Disclosures
We use ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), to measure the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements.
The fair value hierarchy is summarized below:
Level 1: Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:Fair value determined using significant observable inputs, generally either quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities or quoted prices in markets that are not active.
Level 3:Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs, such as pricing models, discounted cash flows, or similar techniques.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Our objective in entering into derivative transactions is to manage our exposure to interest rate movements associated with certain variable rate debt, mortgage loans held for sale and forward loan commitments we have entered into related to our mortgage operations. We recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value.
We have entered into interest rate swaps related to a portion of our variable rate debt. These derivative transactions are designated as cash flow hedges. The entire change in the fair value of these derivative transactions included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to home sales cost of revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income when the hedged transaction affects earnings. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if the hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, the amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is released to earnings.
Our derivative transactions related to our mortgage loans held for sale and our forward loan commitments are not designated as hedges and therefore the entire change in the fair value of these derivative transactions is included as a gain or loss in Other income – net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
See Note 12 “Fair Value Disclosures” for more information.
Treasury Stock Policy [Text Block]
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock is recorded at cost. Issuance of treasury stock is accounted for on a first-in, first-out basis. Differences between the cost of treasury stock and the re-issuance proceeds are charged to additional paid-in capital. When treasury stock is cancelled, any excess purchase price over par value is charged directly to retained earnings. In fiscal 2021, we cancelled 25 million shares of treasury stock.
Revenue [Policy Text Block]
Revenue and Cost Recognition
Home sales revenues: Revenues and cost of revenues from home sales are recognized at the time each home is delivered and title and possession are transferred to the buyer. For the majority of our home closings, our performance obligation to deliver a home is satisfied in less than one year from the date a binding sale agreement is signed. In certain states where we build, we are not able to complete certain outdoor features prior to the closing of the home. To the extent these separate performance obligations are not complete upon the home closing, we defer the portion of the home sales revenues related to these obligations and subsequently recognize the revenue upon completion of such obligations. As of October 31, 2022, the home sales revenues and related costs we deferred related to these obligations were immaterial. Our contract liabilities, consisting of deposits received from customers for sold but undelivered homes, totaled $680.6 million and $636.4 million at October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021, respectively. Of the outstanding customer deposits held as of October 31, 2021, we recognized $515.6 million in home sales revenues during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022. Of the outstanding customer deposits held as of October 31, 2020, we recognized $382.1 million in home sales revenues during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
For our standard attached and detached homes, land, land development, and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred in the future, are amortized to the cost of homes closed based upon the total number of homes to be constructed in each community. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated number of homes to be constructed or in the estimated land, land development, and related costs subsequent to the commencement of delivery of homes are allocated to the remaining undelivered homes in the community. Home construction and related costs are charged to the cost of homes closed under the specific identification method. The estimated land, common area development, and related costs of master-planned communities, including the cost of golf courses, net of their estimated residual value, are allocated to individual communities within a master-planned community on a relative sales value basis. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated number of homes to be constructed or in the estimated costs are allocated to the remaining home sites in each of the communities of the master-planned community.
For high-rise/mid-rise projects, land, land development, construction, and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred in the future, are generally amortized to the cost of units closed based upon an estimated relative sales value of the units closed to the total estimated sales value. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated total costs or revenues of the project are allocated to the remaining units to be delivered.
Land sales and other revenues: Our revenues from land sales and other generally consist of: (1) land sales to joint ventures in which we retain an interest; (2) lot sales to third-party builders within our master-planned communities; (2) land sales to joint ventures in which we retain an interest; (3) bulk land sales to third parties of land we have decided no longer meets our development criteria; and (4) sales of commercial and retail properties generally located at our City Living projects. In general,
our performance obligation for each of these land sales is fulfilled upon the delivery of the land, which generally coincides with the receipt of cash consideration from the counterparty. For land sale transactions that contain repurchase options, revenues and related costs are not recognized until the repurchase option expires. In addition, when we sell land to a joint venture in which we retain an interest, we do not recognize revenue or gains on the sale to the extent of our retained interest in such joint venture.
Forfeited Customer Deposits: Forfeited customer deposits are recognized in “Home sales revenues” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the period in which we determine that the customer will not complete the purchase of the home and we have the right to retain the deposit.
Sales Incentives: In order to promote sales of our homes, we may offer our home buyers sales incentives. These incentives will vary by type of incentive and by amount on a community-by-community and home-by-home basis. Incentives are reflected as a reduction in home sales revenues. Incentives are recognized at the time the home is delivered to the home buyer and we receive the sales proceeds.
Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]
Advertising Costs
We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs, including brochures and signage, were $42.5 million, $39.1 million, and $46.3 million for the years ended October 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Warranty Costs Policy [Text Block]
Warranty and Self-Insurance
Warranty: We provide all of our home buyers with a limited warranty as to workmanship and mechanical equipment. We also provide many of our home buyers with a limited 10-year warranty as to structural integrity. We accrue for expected warranty costs at the time each home is closed and title and possession are transferred to the home buyer. Warranty costs are accrued based upon historical experience. Adjustments to our warranty liabilities related to homes delivered in prior periods are recorded in the period in which a change in our estimate occurs. Over the past several years, we have had a significant number of warranty claims related primarily to homes built in Pennsylvania and Delaware. See Note 7 – “Accrued Expenses” for additional information regarding these warranty charges.
Self-insurance [Text Block]
Self-Insurance: We maintain, and require the majority of our subcontractors to maintain, general liability insurance (including construction defect and bodily injury coverage) and workers’ compensation insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims related to our home building activities, subject to certain self-insured retentions, deductibles and other coverage limits (“self-insured liability”). We also provide general liability insurance for our subcontractors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, and certain areas of Texas, where eligible subcontractors are enrolled as insureds under our general liability insurance policies in each community in which they perform work. For those enrolled subcontractors, we absorb their general liability associated with the work performed on our homes within the applicable community as part of our overall general liability insurance and our self-insured liability.
We record expenses and liabilities based on the estimated costs required to cover our self-insured liability and the estimated costs of potential claims and claim adjustment expenses that are above our coverage limits or that are not covered by our insurance policies. These estimated costs are based on an analysis of our historical claims and industry data, and include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”).
We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical claim and expense data, input from our internal legal and risk management groups, as well as industry data, to estimate our liabilities related to unpaid claims, IBNR associated with the risks that we are assuming for our self-insured liability, and other required costs to administer current and expected claims. These estimates are subject to uncertainty due to a variety of factors, the most significant being the long period of time between the delivery of a home to a home buyer and when a structural warranty or construction defect claim may be made, and the ultimate resolution of the claim. Though state regulations vary, construction defect claims may be reported and resolved over a prolonged period of time, which can extend for 10 years or longer. As a result, the majority of the estimated liability relates to IBNR. Adjustments to our liabilities related to homes delivered in prior years are recorded in the period in which a change in our estimate occurs.
The projection of losses related to these liabilities requires actuarial assumptions that are subject to variability due to uncertainties regarding construction defect claims relative to our markets and the types of product we build, insurance industry practices, and legal or regulatory actions and/or interpretations, among other factors. Key assumptions used in these estimates include claim frequencies, severity, and settlement patterns, which can occur over an extended period of time. In addition, changes in the frequency and severity of reported claims and the estimates to settle claims can impact the trends and assumptions used in the actuarial analysis, which could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Due to the degree of judgment required, and the potential for variability in these underlying assumptions, our actual future costs could differ from those estimated, and the difference could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based CompensationWe account for our stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). We use a lattice model for the valuation of our stock option grants. The option pricing models used are designed to estimate the value of options that, unlike employee stock options and restricted stock units, can be traded at any time and are transferable. In addition to restrictions on trading, employee stock options and restricted stock units may include other restrictions such as vesting periods. Further, such models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the stock price. Stock-based compensation expense is generally included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. We recognize forfeitures of stock-based awards as a reduction to compensation expense in the period in which they occur.
Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Legal ExpensesTransactional legal expenses for land acquisition and entitlement, and financing are capitalized and expensed over their appropriate life. We expense legal fees related to litigation, warranty and insurance claims when incurred.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on temporary differences between the amounts reported for financial reporting purposes and the amounts reported for income tax purposes. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, we assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance must be established when, based upon available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See “Income Taxes – Valuation Allowance” below.
Federal and state income taxes are calculated on reported pre-tax earnings based on current tax law and also include, in the applicable period, the cumulative effect of any changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provisions differ from the amounts currently receivable or payable because certain items of income and expense are recognized for financial reporting purposes in different periods than for income tax purposes. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. We establish reserves for income taxes when, despite the belief that our tax positions are fully supportable, we believe that our positions may be challenged and disallowed by various tax authorities. The consolidated tax provisions and related accruals include the impact of such reasonably estimable disallowances as deemed appropriate. To the extent that the probable tax outcome of these matters changes, such changes in estimates will impact the income tax provision in the period in which such determination is made.
ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. ASC 740 requires a company to recognize the financial statement effect of a tax position when it is “more-likely-than-not” (defined as a substantiated likelihood of more than 50%), based on the technical merits of the position, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements based upon the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Our inability to determine that a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold does not mean that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or any other taxing authority will disagree with the position that we have taken.
If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, despite our belief that our filing position is supportable, the benefit of that tax position is not recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and we are required to accrue potential interest and penalties until the uncertainty is resolved. Potential interest and penalties are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes. Differences between amounts taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements are considered unrecognized tax benefits. We believe that we have a reasonable basis for each of our filing positions and intend to defend those positions if challenged by the IRS or other taxing jurisdiction. If the IRS or other taxing authorities do not disagree with our position, and after the statute of limitations expires, we will recognize the unrecognized tax benefit in the period that the uncertainty of the tax position is eliminated.
Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes — Valuation Allowance
We assess the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets in each period based on whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion of the deferred tax asset would not be realized. If, based on the available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that such asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established against a deferred tax asset. The realization of a
deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in either the carryback or carryforward periods under tax law. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, consistency, and magnitude of current and cumulative income and losses; forecasts of future profitability; the duration of statutory carryback or carryforward periods; our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards being used before expiration; tax planning alternatives: and outlooks for the U.S. housing industry and broader economy. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could also affect our actual tax results. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, particularly with respect to changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting periods, actual results could differ from the estimates used in our assessment that could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.
Geographic Segment Reporting Policy [Text Block]
Segment Reporting
We operate in the following five geographic segments, with current operations generally located in the states listed below:
Eastern Region:
The North region: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania;
The Mid-Atlantic region: Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia;
The South region: Florida, South Carolina and Texas;
Western Region:
The Mountain region: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Utah; and
The Pacific region: California, Oregon and Washington.
Our geographic reporting segments are consistent with how our chief operating decision makers are assessing operating performance and allocating capital.
At October 31, 2022, we concluded that our City Living operations were no longer a reportable operating segment, primarily due to its insignificance as a result of the change in structure and shift in strategy for its operations. Therefore, we have five operating segments as reflected above. Amounts reported in prior periods have been restated to conform to the fiscal 2022 presentation. The realignment did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, earnings per share or cash flows for the periods presented.
As the result of recent acquisitions, we commenced operations in San Antonio, Texas in fiscal 2022 and Tennessee in fiscal 2020.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to estimate credit losses. ASU 2016-13 became effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2020, and we adopted the standard under the modified retrospective transition method. As a result of the adoption, we recognized a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of $0.6 million to the opening balance of retained earnings. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures, and there have been no significant changes to our internal controls, processes, or systems as a result of implementing this new standard.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848),” as amended by ASU 2021-01 in January 2021, directly addressing the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting as a result of the cessation of the publication of certain LIBOR rates beginning December 31, 2021, with complete elimination of the publication of the LIBOR rates by June 30, 2023. The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform by virtue of referencing LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. This guidance became effective on March 12, 2020 and can be adopted no later than December 31, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, but do not expect that the adoption of ASU 2020-04, as amended by ASU 2021-01, will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet or Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment
Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2022 presentation.