corresp
June 1, 2011
Mr. Rufus Decker
Accounting Branch Chief
United States Securities and
Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549-7010
Ms. Nudrat Salik
Staff Accountant
United States Securities and
Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549-7010
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Re: |
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NVR, Inc., File 1-12378
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010
Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011 |
Dear Mr. Decker and Ms. Salik;
We received your letter dated May 19, 2011 notifying us of your review of the above referenced
reports. We have responded to each of your comments below. In all instances, where we have
proposed to revise our disclosure in future reports, our proposed additions to our prior
disclosure are marked with underlined text, and deletions are marked by strikethrough text.
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
Homebuilding Operations, page 18
Staff Comment: 2. To the extent that homes sold include inventory for which you recognized
valuation adjustments in prior periods and the corresponding revenues recognized exceeded your
estimates when determining such valuation adjustments, please provide investors with a discussion
and analysis regarding the favorable impact to gross profit. Please refer to Items 303(A)(3)(i)
and (ii) of regulation S-K for guidance.
Unlike our peer group, we do not build finished homes and then market them for sale to
customers (spec inventory). The only exception to this practice is that we occasionally purchase
lots for and start construction of multi-family buildings where fewer than 100% of the units have
been pre-sold. We purchase and acquire title to finished lots from our developers on a
just-in-time basis, meaning that when we have a sale contract with the customer and we are ready
to commence construction of the customers home, we buy the lot. From the time we acquire the
finished lot, our building cycle averages less than 100 days. We also structure our lot option
contracts such that we do not typically buy more lots than we need to start pre-sold homes.
In addition to the limited exception discussed above, the unsold spec and unsold lot
inventory that we own typically comes from customer cancellations after the start of the
construction cycle. Customer cancellations occur for a variety of reasons beyond our control,
including the customers inability to obtain mortgage financing or sell an existing home, or the
customers loss of his or her job. When cancellation occurs, because of our short construction
cycle, the inventory has only been held for a relatively short period of time, which aids in
limiting any potential losses by us on resale. Further, our asset light philosophy results in
our discounting the price of the home to turn the unsold inventory to cash as quickly as possible.
Because of the above, we typically do not experience material changes in revenue between our
revenue estimate at time of impairment and the actual settlement revenue recognized at the
settlement of the home, as demonstrated by the following table:
Unsold Inventory Impairments for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(All amounts in 000s)
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Change |
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Between |
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Percent of |
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Revenue |
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Actual |
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Actual |
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Change to |
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Estimate at |
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Revenue |
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and |
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Total |
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Total |
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Time of |
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Upon |
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Estimated |
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Homebuilding |
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Homebuilding |
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Year |
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Impairment |
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Settlement |
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Revenues |
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Revenues |
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Revenues |
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2010 |
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$ |
12,547 |
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$ |
12,674 |
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$ |
127 |
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$ |
2,980,758 |
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.0043 |
% |
2009 |
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8,932 |
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9,294 |
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362 |
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2,683,467 |
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.0135 |
% |
2008 |
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5,495 |
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5,470 |
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(25 |
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3,638,702 |
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(.0007 |
%) |
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Total |
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$ |
26,974 |
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$ |
27,438 |
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$ |
464 |
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$ |
9,302,927 |
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.005 |
% |
In the event that material differences in revenues were to result from prior adjustments
to the value of owned lots, we confirm that we would provide a discussion of such in our management
discussion and analysis pursuant to Items 303(A)(3)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.
Homebuilding Inventory, page 23
Staff comment: 3. Please disclose why the total amount of sold inventory would not equal the lots
and housing units, covered under sales agreements with customers
2
balance sheet line item. In a
similar manner, please disclose why the total amount of
unsold lots and housing units inventory would not equal the unsold lots and housing units balance
sheet line item.
In the first full paragraph on page 63 of footnote 2 to the financial statements, we discuss
the reconciling items between the reported segment profit and asset amounts and the consolidated
amounts per the financial statements. We state in that paragraph that there are certain
[c]onsolidation adjustments consist[ing] of such items necessary to convert the reportable
segments results, which are predominantly maintained on a cash basis, to a full accrual basis for
external financial statement presentation purposes, and are not allocated to the Companys
operating segments.
We confirm that, in future filings, we will revise the disclosure of our MD&A segment
inventory tables by adding the following footnote, consistent with this example from our 2010 Form
10-K:
Homebuilding Inventory:
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As of December 31, |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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Sold inventory: |
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Mid Atlantic |
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$ |
182,128 |
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$ |
219,885 |
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$ |
215,587 |
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North East |
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20,703 |
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36,315 |
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31,321 |
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Mid East |
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43,506 |
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60,107 |
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41,751 |
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South East |
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23,711 |
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21,521 |
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29,781 |
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Total (1) |
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$ |
270,048 |
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$ |
337,828 |
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$ |
318,440 |
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Unsold lots and housing units inventory: |
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Mid Atlantic |
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$ |
42,682 |
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$ |
47,120 |
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$ |
30,370 |
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North East |
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3,687 |
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4,152 |
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4,195 |
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Mid East |
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11,089 |
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16,353 |
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14,549 |
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South East |
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8,967 |
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4,783 |
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5,878 |
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Total (1) |
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$ |
66,425 |
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$ |
72,408 |
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$ |
54,992 |
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(1) |
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The reconciling items between segment inventory and consolidated inventory include
certain consolidation adjustments necessary to convert the reportable segments results, which are
predominantly maintained on a cash basis, to a full accrual basis for external financial statement
presentation purposes and are not allocated to our operating segments. |
3
Mortgage Banking Statement
Mortgage Banking Other, page 31
Staff comment: 4. Mortgage loans held for sale increased from $40.1 million at December 31, 2009
to $177.2 million at December 31, 2010. Your disclosures indicate that this was partially due to a
change in April 2010 in the method by which you deliver loans into your sale distribution channels.
While loans are still typically sold to investors within 30 days of settlement, the change has
resulted in loans remaining in inventory for a longer period of time than under your previous loan
sale channels. Please disclose the nature of the change in methods as well as the impact of the
change on your rights and obligations related to these loans. Please also discuss any additional
risks, if any, associated with the new method, including additional risks regarding your ability to
sell these loans.
We confirm that, in future filings, we will revise the disclosure of our loan sale methods,
when appropriate, as follows:
NVRM continues to manage its interest rate risk by entering into optional or mandatory
delivery forward sale contracts to sell whole loans and mortgage-backed securities to
broker/dealers to mitigate the effect of the interest rate risk inherent in providing rate lock
commitments to our borrowers. However, in April 2010, NVRM changed the method by which we deliver
loans into our sale distribution channels in order to increase our profitability. We ceased
participating in a program with one of our largest investors that provided for quicker loan sales,
and thus quicker receipt of loan sales proceeds, for which we were charged a fee (early purchase
program). While loans are still typically sold to investors within 30 days of settlement,
including to the same investor with which we participated in the early purchase program,
the change has resulted in loans remaining in inventory for a period of approximately 21
days prior to being sold compared to approximately 11 days under the early purchase program. The
change did not result in any change in our rights and obligations upon sale relative to our
originated loans. Further, because we are continuing to enter into forward sales contracts to sell
whole loans and mortgage-backed securities to broker/dealers, the change has not resulted in any
additional risks relative to our ability to sell our loans. This change has resulted in an
increase in the mortgages held for sale balance included in the consolidated balance sheet for
December 31, 2010 compared to previous years and in the related interest income.
Cash Flows
Staff comment: 5. It appears that your cash flows from operations were negatively impacted by your
mortgage activity. In this regard, we note that in 2008 and 2009 your proceeds from sales of
mortgage loans exceeded your cash outflows related to the mortgage loans closed. In 2010, your
cash outflows related to mortgage loans closed exceeded your proceeds from sales of mortgage loans.
We assume that this negative
4
impact to your cash flows from operations was related to the change in the method by which you
deliver loans into your sales distribution channels. Please clarify whether you expect this
negative cash flow trend to continue.
We sell all of the loans that we originate typically within 30 days of the loans closing with
the customer. The loan sale distribution change noted above was made to increase the average
return per loan, but the change also resulted in an increase in the number of days required to
convert our loan inventory to cash, with loans now remaining in inventory an average of 21 days,
rather than 11 days under our previous method.
Because we sell our loans and receive the related cash an average of 21 days from loan
closing, ending loan inventory at any given balance sheet date primarily relates to loans closed in
the last month of the period or year. Essentially, the net positive or negative cash result
between mortgage closings and loan sale proceeds tracks with the change in beginning and ending
loan inventory for the period, which results not only from the loan sale change discussed in staff
comment 4 above but also from the timing of loan closing volume. The loan sale distribution method
change will not result in a permanent negative effect on our operating cash flows. Please note
that for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we experienced a net positive cash result between
mortgage closings and loan sale proceeds.
Contractual Obligation, page 36
Staff comment: 6. Please revise your table of contractual cash obligations to include estimated
interest payments on your debt. These payments should be separately presented. Please also
disclose any assumptions made to derive these amounts.
NVRs only current outstanding debt instrument is a Mortgage Repurchase Facility with a term
of less than one year that our mortgage subsidiary, NVR Mortgage Finance, Inc., utilizes
periodically to fund its mortgage origination activity. The full amount of the outstanding
borrowings at December 31, 2010 was repaid by January 3, 2011.
We confirm that, in future filings, when we have outstanding borrowings under the Mortgage
Repurchase Facility at year end, we will add the interest payment obligation as a separate line
item and amend the footnote to the table describing how the interest payment was calculated, as
follows:
5
Contractual Obligations
Our fixed, non-cancelable obligations as of December 31, 2010, were as follows:
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Payments due by period |
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Less than |
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1-3 |
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3-5 |
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More than |
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Total |
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1 year |
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years |
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years |
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5 years |
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Debt (a) |
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$ |
90,338 |
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$ |
90,338 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Interest on debt (a) |
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45 |
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45 |
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- |
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Capital leases (b) |
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2,359 |
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346 |
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1,288 |
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725 |
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Operating leases (c) |
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74,408 |
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19,014 |
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24,020 |
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14,448 |
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16,926 |
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Purchase obligations (d) |
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43,178 |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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Executive Officer employment
contracts (e) |
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9,323 |
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1,863 |
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3,730 |
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3,730 |
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Other long-term liabilities (f) |
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28,963 |
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28,377 |
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586 |
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Total |
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$ |
248,614 |
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$ |
139,983 |
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$ |
29,624 |
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$ |
18,903 |
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$ |
16,926 |
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(a) |
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Borrowings are pursuant to a Master Repurchase Facility that expires on August 2, 2011
that NVR Mortgage Finance, Inc. utilizes to fund its mortgage origination activities. We paid
a total of $45 of interest upon repayment of borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2010,
which were fully repaid on January 3, 2011. |
[Other footnotes omitted]
Critical Accounting Policies, page 36
Land Under Development, page 37
Staff Comment: 7. We note that if indicators of impairment are present for a community, you
perform an analysis to determine if the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those
assets are less than their carrying amount. Please disclose the number of communities you
identified as having indicators of impairment and quantify the aggregate carrying values of these
communities as of the date you performed your impairment analysis. This information will help
readers understand the materiality of communities which may be more at risk for impairment.
On a very limited basis, we acquire raw parcels of land already zoned for its intended use to
develop into finished lots. At December 31, 2010, we had approximately $78 million in land under
development in four separate communities. The four communities were acquired at various times
between June and October 2010 at current market pricing. Also on a limited basis, NVR obtains
finished lots using joint venture limited liability companies (JVs). At December 31, 2010, we
had an aggregate investment totaling approximately $37 million in three separate JVs, two of which
were
6
entered into in mid-2009 and one in March 2010. None of the four communities classified as
land under development nor any of the undeveloped land held by the three JVs had any indicators of
impairment at December 31, 2010.
However, we confirm that, in future filings, we will amend the critical accounting policy
disclosure within MD&A and the related financial statement footnote disclosure of land under
development within our statement of significant accounting policies to clarify whether any of the
land under development or joint venture interests had impairment indicators, and if so, we will
disclose the aggregate carrying values of such communities, as follows:
On a very limited basis, we directly acquire raw parcels of land already zoned for its
intended use to develop into finished lots. Land under development includes the land acquisition
costs, direct improvement costs, capitalized interest, where applicable, and real estate taxes.
Land under development, including the land under development held by our unconsolidated joint
ventures and the related joint venture investments, is reviewed for potential write-downs when
impairment indicators are present. In addition to considering market and economic conditions, we
assess land under development impairments on a community-by-community basis, analyzing, as
applicable, current sales absorption levels, recent sales gross profit, and the dollar
differential between the projected fully-developed cost of the lots and the current market price
for lots. If indicators of impairment are present for a community, we perform an analysis to
determine if the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than
their carrying amounts, and if so, impairment charges are required to be recorded if the fair value
of such assets is less than their carrying amounts. For those assets deemed to be impaired, the
impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset
exceeds the fair value of the assets. Our determination of fair value is primarily based on
discounting the estimated future cash flows at a rate commensurate with the inherent risks
associated with the asset and related estimated cash flow streams.
At December 31, 2010, we had approximately $78,000 in land under development in four
separate communities. In addition, at December 31, 2010, we had an aggregate investment totaling
approximately $37,000 in three separate JVs that controlled land under development. None of the
four communities classified as land under development nor any of the undeveloped land held by the
three JVs had any indicators of impairment at December 31, 2010. As such, we do not believe
that any of the land under development is impaired at this time. However, there can be no
assurance that we will not incur impairment charges in the future due to unanticipated adverse
changes in the economy or other events adversely affecting specific markets or the homebuilding
industry.
7
Financial Statements
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies, page 79
Staff Comment: 8. For all of the matters disclosed, you are unable to determine the likelihood of
an unfavorable outcome. Please help us better understand for each matter why you are not able to
determine the likelihood that you will incur a loss. You should specifically address the length of
time that has passed as it relates to the sales and marketing matter for which lawsuits were filed
in 2004 and 2007. If you do determine that there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss
may have been incurred, you should disclose this and also the amount of that loss or range of
possible loss or state that such loss cannot be estimated. Refer to ASC 450-20-50. To the extent
you are not able to estimate the reasonably possible loss, please provide us with a specific and
comprehensive discussion as to why you cannot make an estimate and what procedures are in place on
a quarterly basis to attempt to determine such an estimate.
On a quarterly basis, in connection with the preparation of our quarterly and annual periodic
reports and financial statements, we evaluate our loss contingencies to determine whether or not it
is probable, reasonably possible or remote that a liability has been incurred and, if it is at
least reasonably possible, whether a possible loss or range of loss can reasonably be estimated
under the provisions of ASC Topic 450-20-25-2. That evaluation, which is a critical component of
our disclosure controls and procedures, starts with a review of the status of each outstanding
threatened, pending or asserted loss contingency with our general counsel, who manages all
litigation matters for us. In addition to discussions with our general counsel, as applicable, we
also discuss loss contingencies with management personnel associated with the matter and with
outside counsel and other advisers. Annually, this review also encompasses requests to outside
counsel for audit response letters describing any new legal proceedings and updating the status of
existing legal proceedings. This evaluation includes a careful consideration of each contingency,
including, as applicable, the procedural status of each matter, whether the matter has been or is
likely to be certified as a class action, the judgment of counsel regarding the likelihood of our
success on the merits, the existence of opportunities to seek dismissal or settlement of the
matter, the length of time for which the matter has been pending, the status and course of any
discovery, and the amount of potential damages, if any.
We confirm that in the preparation of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2010, following the evaluation described above, we concluded that we were unable to determine the
likelihood of an unfavorable outcome for the three contingencies disclosed in Note 10 to the
audited financial statements.
8
Sales and Marketing Representatives Matter
With respect to the lawsuits seeking overtime wages for our sales and marketing
representatives (the SMR Matter), we arrived at this conclusion based on a number of factors.
First, although the SMR Matter began in 2004 when an action was filed in the Western District of
New York, the issues raised by that lawsuit were effectively unaddressed for a period of three
years while an ancillary matter was disposed of before the court. The portion of the lawsuit
relating to sales and marketing representatives did not become active until 2007, at which time
similar suits were filed in a number of other states. The actions filed in other states have been
stayed pending resolution of issues raised in the New York action. The SMR Matter has made little
progress towards resolution since 2007. Currently, and at the time of the preparation of our Form
10-K, the SMR Matter was still in discovery and the facts remain very much in dispute. No motions
have been filed for disposition on the merits or otherwise before trial. Accordingly, despite the
fact that approximately seven years have passed since the SMR Matter was initiated, the case is
still in relatively early stages.
We will continue to assess, on a quarterly basis based on updated information, whether we are
able to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of the SMR Matter. If we were to
determine that a loss is at least reasonably possible, we would include additional disclosure in
accordance with ASC Topic 450-20-25-2.
EPA Matter
Our conclusion that we could not determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in the
matter concerning the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA Matter) is also
based on a number of factors specific to that matter. NVR is one of a number of homebuilders that
received requests for information relating to storm water discharge practices in connection with
homebuilding projects. In addition, the EPA has only requested information from us, and has given
no indication that it is contemplating any enforcement or other action against us. Accordingly,
our view is that the EPA Matter is in an early stage and involves significant uncertainty as to how
it will progress.
We will continue to assess, on a quarterly basis based on updated information, whether we are
able to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of the EPA Matter. If we were to
determine that a loss is at least reasonably possible, we would include additional disclosure in
accordance with ASC Topic 450-20-25-2.
North Carolina Matter
We concluded that we could not determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in the
matter involving the Office of the Commissioner of Banks of the State of North Carolina (the NCCOB
Matter) due primarily to the novelty of the core claims,
9
which we believe have no merit, and the pace at which the investigation has progressed. As
noted in our Form 10-K, the NCCOB issued to us in 2010 a Report of Examination (ROE) alleging
violations of lending and consumer protection laws. As disclosed in the Form 10-K, we responded to
the ROE, essentially disagreeing with its core conclusions, and the NCCOB responded by narrowing
its allegations. We responded to those allegations on January 12, 2011, providing additional
factual information and again refuting the NCCOBs interpretation of applicable law. The NCCOB has
not yet responded to our January letter. There has been no discussion or threat of litigation in
this matter, nor have the parties engaged in any discussions of settlement. Accordingly, while we
believe that we have provided the NCCOB with the information necessary to resolve the matter, we
cannot be certain whether further questions or requests for information will be forthcoming.
We will continue to assess, on a quarterly basis based on updated information, whether we are
able to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of the NCCOB Matter. If we were to
determine that a loss is at least reasonably possible, we would include additional disclosure in
accordance with ASC Topic 450-20-25-2.
Staff Comment: 9. You state that you do not expect that the NCCOB matter will have a material
adverse effect on your financial position. Please expand your disclosure to assess the potential
for a material adverse effect on your results of operations and liquidity.
We confirm that in future filings we will expand our disclosure to assess the potential for a
material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity, in addition to our financial
position.
As an example, below is sample language based on the disclosure in our Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2010:
In April 2010, NVRM received a Report of Examination (ROE) from the Office of the
Commissioner of Banks of the State of North Carolina (the NCCOB) reporting certain
findings that resulted from the NCCOBs examination of selected files relating to loans
originated by NVRM in North Carolina between August 1, 2006 and August 31, 2009. The ROE
alleged that certain of the loan files reflected violations of North Carolina and/or U.S.
lending or consumer protection laws. The ROE requested that NVRM correct or otherwise
address the alleged violations and in some instances requested that NVRM undertake an
examination of all of its other loans in North Carolina to determine whether similar
alleged violations may have occurred, and if so, to take corrective action. NVRM responded
to the ROE by letter dated June 10, 2010, contesting the findings and allegations,
providing factual information to correct certain of the findings, and refuting the NCCOBs
interpretation of applicable law. On November 15, 2010, the NCCOB provided a written
response to NVRMs June 10, 2010 letter closing certain alleged violations while
reasserting certain other violations. On January 12, 2011, NVRM responded to the NCCOBs
November
10
15, 2010 letter providing additional factual information to address the remaining
findings, and refuting the NCCOBs interpretation of applicable law. Accordingly, while
the Company believes that it has provided the NCCOB with all necessary information to
resolve the matter, the Company does not believe that it can determine the likely
outcome of the matter is currently not determinable. However, the Company
does not expect resolution of the matter to have a material adverse effect on the
Companys financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
General
Staff comment: 10. Please address the above comments in your interim filings as well, as
applicable.
We confirm that each of the above prospective, amended disclosures will be addressed in our
interim filings, as applicable.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Note 12. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, page 16
Staff comment: 11. We note your discussion of several contingent liabilities in your Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2010 that have not been discussed in your Form 10-Q. With
reference to Rule 10-01(a)(5), address the need to continue to disclose such matters even though a
significant change since your year-end may not have occurred.
The following analyzes each of the contingencies disclosed in our 2010 Form 10-K:
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The minimum lease payment disclosure relates to operating leases for our multiple
office space locations, model homes, manufacturing facilities, automobiles and office
equipment. There has been no change in the amounts for which we are obligated or in the
type or terms of these typical leases that have a material impact on us. Because of that,
we concluded that interim disclosure was not necessary for a fair presentation of our
quarterly financial statements. |
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The narrative disclosure on how we typically acquire finished lots is included in
footnote 2 to our March 31, 2011 Form 10-Q beginning on page 7, and the updated specific
performance purchase obligation relative to finished lots is included in the same footnote
within the table on page 8. The commitment to |
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place additional forfeitable deposits with land developers under existing lot option
contracts assuming contractual milestones are met totaled $45.131 million at March 31,
2011 compared to $43.178 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $1.953 million.
We believe that our investors recognize that we are continuously in the market to
acquire additional finish lots under lot option contracts. Because of that belief, and
the less than $2.0 million change to the overall commitment, we concluded that interim
disclosure was not necessary for a fair presentation of our quarterly financial
statements. |
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We have historically disclosed that we enter into bond or letter of credit
arrangements with local municipalities, government agencies, or land developers to
collateralize our obligations under various contracts. The amounts disclosed as
outstanding at December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were $33.3 million,
$36.0 million, $31.3 million, $30.4 million, $36.9 million and $38.3 million,
respectively. Our commitment for such obligations totaled $39.75 million at March 31,
2011. We believe that our investors recognize that we continuously have such outstanding
obligations based upon the industries in which we operate and our previous disclosures.
Because of that belief, and because the current outstanding obligation is within a normal
range of our previously disclosed obligations, we concluded that interim disclosure was
not necessary for a fair presentation of our quarterly financial statements. |
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A disclosure of our warranty reserves was included in our March 31, 2011 Form 10-Q on
page 11. |
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A disclosure of the sales and marketing representative overtime wage lawsuit was
included in our March 31, 2011 Form 10-Q on page 17. See staff comment number 8 above. |
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A disclosure of the Request for Information from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency was included in our March 31, 2011 Form 10-Q on page 17. See staff
comment number 8 above. |
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A disclosure of the Report of Examination from the Office of the Commissioner of
Banks of the State of North Carolina was included in our March 31, 2011 Form 10-Q. See
staff comments numbers 8 and 9 above. |
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A disclosure of the existence of ordinary course litigation was included in our March
31, 2011 Form 10-Q on page 17. |
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MD&A, page 18
General
Staff Comment: 12. The home sales environment in the first quarter of 2011 was characterized by
reduced demand for new homes, as nationwide new home sales in the first quarter of 2011 declined to
near a 50 year low. The homebuilding market continued to be negatively impacted by a sluggish
economy, high unemployment and a tight mortgage lending environment. In addition to the pressures
on demand, new homes sales have been negatively impacted by further declines in existing home
prices. As a result, you continue to face sales and pricing pressures in many of your markets.
You discuss the impact of the home sales environment on new orders and cancellations. Given that
you expect to continue to experience pressure on sales and selling prices over at least the next
several quarters in all of your markets, please also disclose your consideration of the home sales
environment in regards to whether additional impairment charges need to be recorded on your
homebuilding inventory, land under development, and contract land deposits.
On pages 30 and 31 in our Critical Accounting Policies, we disclose our policies for reviewing
impairments on our homebuilding inventory, land under development and contract land deposits. In
those disclosures, we state relative to our land under development that [w]e do not believe that
any of the land under development, all of which was acquired during 2010, is impaired at this
time, and further state relative to our contract land deposit assets that we consider the
allowance for losses on contract land deposits reflected on the March 31, 2011 balance sheet to be
adequate. Based on our building cycle as described in our answer to staff comment number 2, home
inventory impairments are immaterial and we expect that to continue.
However, to enhance our disclosure presentation, we confirm that in future filings we will
also address in our overview section our consideration of the home sales environment in regards to
whether additional impairment charges need to be recorded on our homebuilding inventory, land under
development, and contract land deposits.
As an example, below is sample language based on the disclosure in our Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011:
We expect to continue to experience pressure on sales and selling prices over at least the
next several quarters in all of our markets, as significant economic uncertainties remain.
Further, our expectation of continued sales and pricing pressures has been factored into the
impairment analysis of our homebuilding inventory, land under development and contract land
deposits. We assess our land under development and contract land deposits each quarter for
impairment on a community-by-community basis by considering, among other items, overall market and
economic conditions, and analyzing, as applicable, current sales absorption levels and recent
sales gross profit. At this time, we do not believe that any of the land under development, all
of which was
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acquired during 2010, is impaired, and we consider the allowance for losses on contract land
deposits reflected on the March 31, 2011 balance sheet to be adequate. Further, we believe that
our homebuilding inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. However, there can be no
assurance that we will not incur impairment charges in the future due to unanticipated adverse
changes in the economy or other events adversely affecting specific markets or the homebuilding
industry. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted
on July 21, 2010, contains numerous provisions affecting residential mortgages and mortgage lending
practices. Because these provisions are to be implemented through future rulemaking, the ultimate
impact of such provisions on lending institutions, including our mortgage banking subsidiary, will
depend on how the implementing rules are written. Despite these uncertainties, we believe that we
are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities that may arise due to the strength of our
balance sheet and liquidity.
In connection with our response, we acknowledge that:
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We are responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the disclosure in our filings; |
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Staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to staff comments do not
foreclose the Commission from taking action with respect to the filing; and |
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We may not assert staff comments as a defense in any proceeding initiated by the
Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United States. |
Thank you for your consideration of this response. I can be reached at 703/956-4003 should
you need any clarifications.
Sincerely,
/s/ Robert W. Henley
Robert W. Henley
Vice President and Controller
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CC: |
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Mr. Alan Dye, Esq. (HoganLovells)
Mr. Tom Gerth (KPMG LLP)
Mr. Dennis M. Seremet (NVR, Inc. Chief Financial Officer) |
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