LENNAR CORP NEW

Previous wording

Demand for our homes is dependent on a variety of macroeconomic factors, such as employment levels, interest rates, changes in stock market valuations, consumer confidence, housing demand, availability and cost of financing for homebuyers, availability and prices of new homes compared to those of previously occupied homes, and demographic trends. These factors can be significantly adversely affected by a variety of factors beyond our control. Currently, potential purchasers of our homes are being affected by inflation and increased interest rates, both of which increase what homebuyers have to pay for new homes.

Current wording

Demand for our homes is dependent on a variety of macroeconomic factors, such as employment levels, inflation, interest rates, changes in stock market valuations, consumer confidence, consumer income, housing demand, availability and cost of financing for homebuyers, availability and prices of new homes compared to those of previously occupied homes, and demographic trends. These factors can be significantly adversely affected by a variety of factors beyond our control. Currently, potential purchasers of our homes are being affected by inflation and continued high interest rates, both of which increase what homebuyers have to pay for new homes.

Previous wording

Our strategies for our core homebuilding and mortgage finance businesses, and any related initiatives or actions, may not be successful. Principal among our current strategies is continuing to reduce the inventory of land we own (i.e., to become a land lighter company), and to control a greater portion of the land we expect to use through options or other contractual arrangements. We cannot provide assurance that this strategy, or other strategies we will follow, will increase our value. It is possible that the land lighter or other strategies will reduce, rather than increase, the value and profitability of our core businesses.

Current wording

Our strategies for our core homebuilding and mortgage finance businesses, and any related initiatives or actions, may not be successful. Principal among our current strategies is continuing to reduce the inventory of land we own (i.e., to become a land lighter company), and to control a greater portion of the land we expect to use through options or other contractual arrangements, including through the proposed Millrose Spin-Off. We cannot provide assurance that this strategy, or other strategies we will follow, will increase our value. It is possible that the land lighter or other strategies will reduce, rather than increase, the value and profitability of our core businesses.

Previous wording

The residential homebuilding industry is sensitive to changes in economic conditions and other factors, such as the level of employment, consumer confidence, consumer income, product affordability, availability of financing, inflation, and interest rate levels. As a result, over the years, demand for new homes has been cyclical, with multi-year periods of high demand followed by multi-year periods of low demand. During fiscal 2022 and 2023, the housing market weakened throughout the country in response to the Federal Reserve’s aggressive increase in interest rates in an effort to curtail inflation. A number of our markets experienced significant market softening that required us to make substantial price reductions. It is possible that a continued downturn could result in a further decline in demand for new homes with resulting write downs in the carrying value of our land inventory and write offs of costs of land purchase options we decide not to exercise.

Current wording

The residential homebuilding industry is sensitive to changes in economic conditions and other factors, such as the level of employment, consumer confidence, consumer income, product affordability, availability of financing, inflation, and interest rate levels. As a result, over the years, demand for new homes has been cyclical, with multi-year periods of high demand followed by multi-year periods of low demand. During fiscal 2024 and 2023, a number of our markets experienced significant softening that required us to make substantial price reductions in order to maintain a steady sales pace. It is possible that a continued market weakness could result in a further decline in demand for new homes with resulting price reductions which could require write downs in the carrying value of our land inventory and write offs of costs of land purchase options we decide not to exercise.

Previous wording

Weak demand may preclude us from raising home prices enough to keep up with the rate of inflation, which could reduce our profit margins. In addition, in an inflationary environment, our cost of capital, labor and materials can increase and the purchasing power of our cash resources can decline, which can have an adverse impact on our business or financial results. During fiscal 2023, we experienced an increase in the inflation rate. Even with shifts in macroeconomic factors in the current fiscal year and adjusting to the recent inflationary environment, as a result of our production volume, an increase in deliveries, and by applying stringent cost controls, we were able to achieve satisfactory margins. However, declining demand for new homes as the year progressed often required us to reduce, rather than increase, prices. On the other hand, it is beginning to relieve supply shortages. We are taking steps that we expect will enable us to maintain acceptable operating margins despite the inability to raise prices. However, it is possible that those steps will not be successful, and that the combination of inflation and reduced demand for new homes will adversely affect our profitability.

Current wording

Weaker demand has precluded us from raising home prices enough to keep up with the rate of inflation, which has reduced our profit margins. In addition, in an inflationary environment, our cost of capital, labor and materials can increase and the purchasing power of our cash resources can decline, which can have an adverse impact on our business or financial results. Inflation may also accompany higher interest rates, which could adversely impact potential buyers’ ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, thereby decreasing demand for our homes. We are taking steps that we hope will enable us to maintain acceptable operating margins in fiscal 2025. However, it is possible that those steps will not be successful, and that a combination of inflation and reduced demand for new homes driven by an increase in mortgage interest rates will continue to adversely affect our profitability.

Previous wording

Housing has been considerably impacted by the more than doubling of mortgage interest rates in 2022, and continued increases in 2023. When interest rates increase, the cost of owning a new home increases, which usually reduces the number of potential buyers who can afford, or are willing, to purchase homes we build.

Current wording

Housing has been considerably impacted by the more than doubling of mortgage interest rates in 2022 and 2023, and small decreases in 2024. When interest rates increase, the cost of owning a new home increases, which usually reduces the number of potential buyers who can afford, or are willing, to purchase homes we build.

Previous wording

We are constantly purchasing land, or entering into arrangements to purchase land, for use in our homebuilding operations. The value of land suitable for residential development fluctuates depending on local and national market conditions and other factors that affect demand for new homes. When demand for homes fell during the 2007-2010 recession, we were required to take significant write-downs of the carrying value of our land inventory and we elected not to exercise many options to purchase land, which required us to forfeit deposits and write-off pre-acquisition costs. Although we have reduced our exposure to costs of that type, a certain amount of exposure is inherent in our homebuilding business. If market conditions were to deteriorate significantly in the future, we could again be required to make significant write-downs of the carrying value of our land inventory and incur costs relating to decisions not to exercise land purchase options.

Current wording

We are constantly purchasing land, or acquiring options to purchase land, for use in our homebuilding operations. The value of land suitable for residential development fluctuates depending on local and national market conditions and other factors that affect demand for new homes. When demand for homes fell during the 2007-2010 recession, we were required to take significant write-downs of the carrying value of our land inventory and we elected not to exercise many options to purchase land, which required us to forfeit deposits and write-off pre-acquisition costs. Although we have reduced our exposure to costs of that type, a certain amount of exposure is inherent in our homebuilding business. If market conditions were to deteriorate significantly in the future, we could again be required to make significant write-downs of the carrying value of our land inventory and write-offs costs relating to decisions not to exercise land purchase options.

Previous wording

Current and threatened conflicts could affect demand for the homes we build.

Current wording

Current and threatened international conflicts could affect demand for the homes we build.

Previous wording

There currently are ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. While we do not acquire essential components of the homes we build from either of those countries and while as of November 30, 2023, neither of these conflicts has had a material direct impact on our consolidated financial performance, the conflicts are still ongoing, and there are many risks and uncertainties in relation to those conflicts that are outside of our control. For example, these conflicts have already led and could lead to further market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions. In addition, the closure of or limitation on the use of significant shipping routes as a result of these conflicts may result in interruptions to the supply of certain key raw materials worldwide, thereby, among other things, increasing their cost. If either or both conflicts escalate further or if additional countries join either conflict, that may lead potential homebuyers to decide not to invest in new homes at this time, which could have a material impact on our business operations and financial performance.

Current wording

There currently are ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine and Israel. While we do not acquire essential components of the homes we build from either of those countries and while as of November 30, 2024, neither of these conflicts has had a material direct impact on our consolidated financial performance, those and other possible conflicts have already led and could lead to further market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions. In addition, the closure of or limitation on the use of significant shipping routes as a result of these and related conflicts may result in interruptions to the supply of certain key raw materials that are used in products which we incorporate in the homes we build, increasing their cost. International conflicts also may lead potential homebuyers to decide not to invest in new homes at this time, which could have a material impact on our business operations and financial performance.

Previous wording

The United States has experienced, and may experience in the future, outbreaks of contagious diseases that affect public health and public perception of health risk. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the shutdown of large portions of our national economy. With the exception of a period in March and April of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy did not adversely affect our home sales. However, this may not be the case with any future public health issues. The extent to which public health issues impact our results will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted. If a contagious disease causes significant negative impacts to economic conditions or consumer confidence, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.

Current wording

The United States has experienced, and may experience in the future, outbreaks of contagious diseases that affect public health and public perception of health risk. The extent to which public health issues impact our results will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted. If a contagious disease causes significant negative impacts to economic conditions or consumer confidence, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.

Previous wording

Additionally, the cost of insurance has increased significantly in recent years. Also, the coverage offered and the availability of general liability insurance for construction defects is currently limited and policies that can be obtained often include exclusions based upon past losses those insurers suffered as a result of use of defective materials in homes we and many other homebuilders built. As a result, an increasing number of our subcontractors are unable to obtain insurance, and we have in many cases had to waive our customary insurance requirements, which increases our and our insurers’ exposure to claims and increases the possibility that our insurance will not be adequate to protect us against all the costs we incur. This increase in cost and limitation in coverage has also increased our self-insured retentions and decreased our total coverage. It is possible in the future that insurance would not be available at commercially reasonable rates, which may cause us to reduce or eliminate general liability insurance.

Current wording

Additionally, the cost of insurance has increased significantly in recent years. Also, the coverage offered and the availability of general liability insurance for construction defects is currently limited and policies that can be obtained often include exclusions based upon past losses those insurers suffered as a result of use of defective materials in homes we and many other homebuilders built. As a result, an increasing number of our subcontractors are unable to obtain insurance, and we have in many cases had to waive our customary insurance requirements, which increases our and our insurers’ exposure to claims and increases the possibility that our insurance will not be adequate to protect us against all the costs we incur. This increase in cost and limitation in coverage has also increased our self-insured retentions and decreased our total coverage. It is possible in the future that insurance would not be available at commercially reasonable rates. Even when insurance is available, the high cost of insurance has recently led us to self-insure against some risks .

Previous wording

Land development and construction are inherently dangerous. While safety is a priority on our land development and construction sites, we cannot always control the way work is performed by subcontractors, including whether they comply with laws and regulations designed to maximize the safety of construction workers. Failures in health and safety performance on our worksites may result in penalties for non-compliance with relevant regulatory requirements in our subcontractors having difficulty attracting the workers they need and in a negative impact to our reputation.

Current wording

Land development and construction are inherently dangerous. While safety is a priority on our land development and construction sites, we cannot always control the way work is performed by subcontractors, including whether they comply with laws and regulations designed to maximize the safety of construction workers. Failures in health and safety performance on our worksites may result in penalties for non-compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and in our subcontractors having difficulty attracting the workers they need as well as in a negative impact to our reputation.

Previous wording

We incur many costs even before we begin to build homes in a community. Depending on the stage of development a land parcel is in when we acquire it, these may include costs of preparing land, finishing and entitling lots, installing roads, sewers, water systems and other utilities, and taxes and other costs related to ownership of the land on which we plan to build homes. If the rate at which we sell and deliver homes slows, or if we delay the opening of new home communities, we may incur increased pre-construction costs and it may take longer for us to recover those costs.

Current wording

We incur many costs even before we begin to build homes in a community. Depending on the stage of development a land parcel is in when we acquire it (or when it is acquired by Millrose or another land banking entity), these may include costs of preparing land, finishing and entitling lots, installing roads, sewers, water systems and other utilities, and taxes and other costs related to ownership of the land on which we plan to build homes. If the rate at which we sell and deliver homes slows, or if we delay the opening of new home communities, we may incur increased pre-construction costs and it may take longer for us to recover those costs.

Previous wording

Our business requires us to finance much of the cost of developing our residential communities. One of the ways we do this is with bank borrowings. At November 30, 2023, we had a $2.6 billion revolving credit facility with a group of banks (the "Credit Facility"), which had an accordion feature that could increase it to $3 billion. We also had warehouse borrowing facilities totaling $3.7 billion to support our residential and commercial mortgage lending activities. The interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility is at rates based on prevailing short-term rates from time to time. In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Reserve steadily raised benchmark interest rates. At November 30, 2023, we had no borrowings under our Credit Facility. However, if in the future we have a need for significant borrowings under our Credit Facility and interest rates continue be high, that would increase the cost of the homes we build, which either would make those homes more expensive for homebuyers, which is likely to reduce demand, or would lower our operating margins, or both.

Current wording

Our business requires us to finance much of the cost of developing our residential communities. One of the ways we do this is with bank borrowings. At November 30, 2024, we had a $2.9 billion revolving credit facility with a group of banks (the "Credit Facility"), which had an accordion feature that could increase it to $3.5 billion. We also had warehouse borrowing facilities totaling $3.4 billion to support our residential and commercial mortgage lending activities. The interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility is at rates based on prevailing short-term rates from time to time. In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Reserve steadily raised benchmark interest rates and the Federal Reserve did not begin reducing benchmark interest rates until well into 2024. At November 30, 2024, we had no borrowings under our Credit Facility. However, if in the future we have a need for significant borrowings under our Credit Facility and interest rates continue be high, that would increase the cost of the homes we build, which either would make those homes more expensive for homebuyers, which is likely to reduce demand, or would lower our operating margins, or both.

Previous wording

Our backlog reflects agreements of sale with our homebuyers for homes that have not yet been delivered. We usually have received a deposit from our homebuyer for each home reflected in our backlog, and generally we have the right to retain the deposit if the homebuyer does not complete the purchase. In some cases, however, a homebuyer may cancel the agreement of sale and receive a complete or partial refund of the deposit for reasons such as state and local laws, the homebuyer’s inability to obtain mortgage financing, the homebuyer's inability to sell their current home or our inability to complete and deliver the home within the specified time. With the increase in interest rates, we have experienced an increase in cancellation rates. If there is a weakening of the housing market, or if mortgage financing becomes less available or more expensive than it currently is, more homebuyers may cancel their agreements of sale with us, which would have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Our backlog reflects agreements of sale with our homebuyers for homes that have not yet been delivered. We usually have received a deposit from our homebuyer for each home reflected in our backlog, and generally we have the right to retain the deposit if the homebuyer does not complete the purchase. In some cases, however, a homebuyer may cancel the agreement of sale and receive a complete or partial refund of the deposit for reasons such as state and local laws, the homebuyer’s inability to obtain mortgage financing, the homebuyer's inability to sell their current home or our inability to complete and deliver the home within the specified time. With the increase in interest rates, we have experienced an increase in cancellation rates. If there is a weakening of the housing market, or if mortgage financing becomes less available or more expensive than it currently is or is expected to be more homebuyers may cancel their agreements of sale with us, which would have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

We could be hurt if land banks are not able to raise necessary investor funds or if we are unable to create and maintain relationships with land banks.

Current wording

We could be hurt if land banks are not able to raise investor funds needed to enable them to supplement land acquisitions by Millrose.

Previous wording

As part of our land acquisition strategy, we have refined our relationships with strategic land banks with a view toward using land banks to gain future access to land without having to own it. If we are unable to identify or to develop and maintain the necessary relationships with suitable land banks in the future, we will not be able to fully implement our strategy. Most land banks are funds that use financial investor capital to finance land acquisitions. If returns to investors in land banks are not sufficient to attract investor funds and land banks are not able to identify alternative sources of funding, we would no longer have access to land banks and instead might have to purchase our land directly from landowners. This would significantly impair our ability to carry out our strategy of reducing our inventory of owned land.

Current wording

We formed and intend to spin off Millrose to make it a recycling source of land acquisition funding. However, Millrose will not have the capacity to provide all the land acquisition funding we require, and Millrose’s policies will limit its acquisitions to land we expect to use within five years. We will look to traditional land banks to acquire at least some of the land that Millrose will not or cannot acquire. Most land banks are funds that use financial investor capital to finance land acquisitions. If returns to investors in land banks are not sufficient to attract investor funds and land banks are not able to identify alternative sources of funding, we would no longer have access to land banks. This could significantly impair our ability to carry out our strategy of reducing our inventory of owned land.

Previous wording

Many of our homebuilding operations are conducted in areas that are subject to natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts, floods, wildfires and severe weather. The occurrence of natural disasters or severe weather conditions can delay new home deliveries, increase costs by damaging inventories and lead to shortages of labor and materials in areas affected by the disasters, and can negatively impact the demand for new homes in affected areas. Our insurance may not cover business interruptions or losses resulting from these events and our results of operations could be adversely affected by these events.

Current wording

Many of our homebuilding operations are conducted in areas that are subject to natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts, floods, wildfires and severe weather. The occurrence of natural disasters or severe weather conditions can delay new home deliveries, increase costs by damaging inventories and lead to shortages of labor and materials in areas affected by the disasters, and can negatively impact the demand for new homes in affected areas. Our insurance may not cover business interruptions or losses resulting from these events and our results of operations could be adversely affected by these events. Additionally, natural disasters and severe weather conditions may increase the cost of homeowner's insurance or create difficulties in obtaining homeowners’ insurance at all, which could reduce the number of potential buyers who can afford, or are willing, to purchase homes we build in affected areas. For example, the incidence of large wildfires in California has substantially increased in recent years and the risk of future wildfires is expected to increase. The housing markets in areas affected by California’s recent wildfires have been adversely affected by increased insurance costs and difficulties in obtaining homeowners’ insurance, which we expect to be exacerbated by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.

Previous wording

Most purchasers of our homes obtain mortgage loans to finance a substantial portion of the purchase price of the homes they purchase. While the majority of our homebuyers obtain their mortgage financing from our Financial Services segment, others obtain mortgage financing from banks and other independent lenders. Disruptions in the mortgage markets or increased government regulation could adversely affect the ability of potential homebuyers to obtain financing for home purchases, making it difficult for them to purchase our homes. Among other things, changes made by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and FHA/VA to sponsored mortgage programs, as well as changes made in recent years by private mortgage insurance companies, have reduced the ability of a number of potential homebuyers to qualify for mortgages. Principal among these are higher income requirements, larger required down payments, increased reserves and higher required credit scores. In addition, there has been uncertainty regarding the future of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, including proposals that they reduce or terminate their role as the principal sources of liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage loans. It is not clear how, if Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae were to curtail their secondary market mortgage loan purchases, the liquidity they provide would be replaced. There is a substantial possibility that substituting an alternate source of liquidity would increase mortgage interest rates, which would increase the buyers' effective costs of paying for the homes we sell, and therefore could reduce demand for our homes and adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Most purchasers of our homes obtain mortgage loans to finance a substantial portion of the purchase price of the homes they purchase. While the majority of our homebuyers obtain their mortgage financing from our Financial Services segment, others obtain mortgage financing from banks and other independent lenders. Disruptions in the mortgage markets or increased government regulation could adversely affect the ability of potential homebuyers to obtain financing for home purchases, making it difficult for them to purchase our homes. Among other things, changes made by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and FHA/VA in recent years to sponsored mortgage programs, as well as changes made in recent years by private mortgage insurance companies, have reduced the ability of a number of potential homebuyers to qualify for mortgages. Principal among these are higher income requirements, larger required down payments, increased reserves and higher required credit scores. In addition, there has been uncertainty regarding the future of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, including proposals that they reduce or terminate their role as the principal sources of liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage loans. It is not clear how, if Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae were to curtail their secondary market mortgage loan purchases, the liquidity they provide would be replaced. There is a substantial possibility that substituting an alternate source of liquidity would increase mortgage interest rates, which would increase the buyers' effective costs of paying for the homes we sell, and therefore could reduce demand for our homes and adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Currently, there are significant income tax benefits from owning a home, including deductibility of interest on mortgage loans incurred to finance home purchases. If federal or state tax laws are changed to eliminate or reduce any of these income tax benefits or if personal income tax rates were to increase, the after-tax cost of homeownership could measurably increase and diminish consumer interest in buying a home, with a resulting adverse effect on our revenues.

Current wording

Currently, there are significant income tax benefits from owning a home, including deductibility of all or some interest on mortgage loans incurred to finance home purchases and the deductibility of property taxes, subject to certain limits. If federal or state tax laws are changed to eliminate or reduce any of these income tax benefits or if personal income or property tax rates were to increase, the after-tax cost of homeownership could measurably increase and diminish consumer interest in buying a home, with a resulting adverse effect on our revenues.

Previous wording

100% of the residential mortgage loans made by our Financial Services segment in 2023 were made to buyers of homes we built. Therefore, a decrease in the demand for our homes or an increase in cash used by homebuyers would adversely affect the revenues of this aspect of our business.

Current wording

100% of the residential mortgage loans made by our Financial Services segment in 2024 were made to buyers of homes we built. Therefore, a decrease in the demand for our homes or an increase in the mortgage financing obtained by homebuyers from lenders other than our Financial Services segment would adversely affect the revenues of this aspect of our business.

Previous wording

If our ability to sell mortgages into the secondary market is impaired, that could significantly reduce our ability to sell homes unless we are willing to become a long-term investor in loans we originate.

Current wording

If our ability to sell residential mortgages into the secondary market is impaired, that could significantly reduce our ability to sell homes unless we are willing to become a long-term investor in loans we originate.

Previous wording

Failure to comply with the covenants and conditions imposed by our borrowing facilities could restrict future borrowing or cause our debt to become immediately due and payable.

Current wording

Failure to comply with the covenants and conditions imposed by our lenders could restrict future borrowing or cause our debt to become immediately due and payable.

Previous wording

The agreement governing our Credit Facility (the "Credit Agreement") makes it a default if we fail to pay principal or interest when it is due (subject, in some instances, to grace periods) or to comply with various covenants, including covenants regarding financial ratios. In addition, our Financial Services residential mortgage companies and our LMF Commercial mortgage lending group have warehouse facilities to finance their mortgage lending. If we default under the Credit Agreement or our warehouse facilities, the lenders will have the right to terminate their commitments to lend and to require immediate repayment of all outstanding borrowings. This could reduce our available funds at a time when we are having difficulty generating all the funds we need from our operations, in capital markets or otherwise, and restrict our ability to obtain financing in the future. In addition, if we default under the Credit Agreement or our warehouse facilities, it could cause the amounts outstanding under our senior notes to become immediately due and payable, which would seriously adversely impact our consolidated financial condition.

Current wording

The agreement governing our Credit Facility (the "Credit Agreement") makes it a default if we fail to pay principal or interest when it is due (subject, in some instances, to grace periods) or to comply with various covenants, including covenants regarding financial ratios. In addition, our Financial Services residential mortgage companies and our LMF Commercial mortgage lending group have warehouse facilities to finance their mortgage lending. If we default under the Credit Agreement or our warehouse facilities, the lenders will have the right to terminate their commitments to lend and to require immediate repayment of all outstanding borrowings. This could reduce our available funds at a time when we are having difficulty generating all the funds we need from our operations, in the capital markets or otherwise, and restrict our ability to obtain financing in the future. In addition, if we default under the Credit Agreement or our warehouse facilities, it could cause the amounts outstanding under our senior notes to become immediately due and payable, which would seriously adversely impact our consolidated financial condition.

Previous wording

As of November 30, 2023, we had outstanding senior notes which we had sold into the capital markets over a number of years totaling $2.5 billion. The indentures governing our senior notes do not restrict our incurrence of future secured or unsecured debt, and the agreement governing our Credit Facility allows us to incur a substantial amount of future unsecured debt. We reduced our outstanding senior notes during fiscal 2023 by $1.1 billion, but we still have a significant amount outstanding. Sales of senior debt into the capital markets has, until recently, been a significant source of funding for our operations and acquisitions. Our use of capital markets debt to help support our operations exposes us to a number of risks, including:

Current wording

As of November 30, 2024, we had outstanding senior notes which we had sold into the capital markets over a number of years totaling $2.0 billion. The indentures governing our senior notes do not restrict our incurrence of future secured or unsecured debt, and the agreement governing our Credit Facility allows us to incur a substantial amount of future unsecured debt. We reduced our outstanding senior notes during fiscal 2024 by $554.0 million, but we still have a significant amount outstanding. Sales of senior debt into the capital markets was historically a significant source of funding for our operations and acquisitions. Our level of indebtedness exposes us to a number of risks, including:

Previous wording

•We may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and homebuilding industry conditions;

Current wording

•We may be more vulnerable to volatility within the capital market, general adverse economic and homebuilding industry conditions;

Previous wording

Our corporate credit rating and ratings of our senior notes affect, among other things, our ability to access new capital, especially debt, and the costs of that new capital. For a number of years, a substantial portion of our access to capital has been through the issuance of senior notes, of which we have approximately $2.5 billion outstanding, net of debt issuance costs, as of November 30, 2023. Among other things, we have often relied on proceeds of debt issuances to pay the principal of existing senior notes when they mature. Negative changes in the ratings of our senior notes could make it difficult for us to sell senior notes in the future and could result in more stringent covenants and higher interest rates with regard to new senior notes we issue.

Current wording

Our corporate credit rating and ratings of our senior notes affect, among other things, our ability to access new capital, especially debt, and the costs of that new capital. Historically, a substantial portion of our access to capital has been through the issuance of senior notes, of which we have approximately $2.0 billion outstanding, net of debt issuance costs, as of November 30, 2024. Among other things, we have often relied on proceeds of debt issuances to pay the principal of existing senior notes when they mature. Negative changes in the ratings of our senior notes could make it difficult for us to sell senior notes in the future and could result in more stringent covenants and higher interest rates with regard to new senior notes we issue.

Previous wording

During 2024, we will have to replace or renew a total of $3.7 billion of warehouse lines used by Financial Services, including LMF Commercial, as they mature. We expect these facilities to be renewed or replaced with other facilities when they mature. If we were unable to renew or replace these facilities on favorable terms or at all when they mature, that could seriously impede the activities of our Financial Services segment, which would have an impact on our financial results.

Current wording

During 2025, we will have to replace or renew a total of $3.4 billion of warehouse lines used by Financial Services, including LMF Commercial, as they mature. We expect these facilities to be renewed or replaced with other facilities when they mature. If we are unable to renew or replace these facilities on favorable terms or at all when they mature, that could seriously impede the activities of our Financial Services segment, which would have an impact on our financial results.

Previous wording

We often are required to provide surety bonds to secure our performance of obligations under construction contracts, development agreements and other arrangements. At November 30, 2023, we had outstanding surety bonds of $4.5 billion including performance surety bonds related to site improvements at various projects (including certain projects of our joint ventures) and financial surety bonds. Although significant development and construction activities have been completed related to these site improvements, these bonds are generally not released until all development and construction activities to which they relate are completed. Our ability to obtain surety bonds primarily depends upon our credit rating, financial condition, past performance and similar factors, the capacity of the surety market and the underwriting practices of surety bond issuers. Our ability to obtain surety bonds also can be impacted by the willingness of insurance companies to issue performance bonds for construction and development activities. If we were unable to obtain surety bonds when required, our operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We often are required to provide surety bonds to secure our performance of obligations under construction contracts, development agreements and other arrangements. At November 30, 2024, we had outstanding surety bonds of $5.1 billion including performance surety bonds related to site improvements at various projects (including certain projects of our joint ventures) and financial surety bonds. Although significant development and construction activities have been completed related to these site improvements, these bonds are generally not released until all development and construction activities to which they relate are completed. Our ability to obtain surety bonds primarily depends upon our credit rating, financial condition, past performance and similar factors, the capacity of the surety market and the underwriting practices of surety bond issuers. Our ability to obtain surety bonds also can be impacted by unwillingness of insurance companies to issue performance bonds for construction and development activities. If we were unable to obtain surety bonds when required, our operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

During the past several years, the U.S. government has imposed new, or increased existing, tariffs on an array of imported materials and products that are used in the homes we build, including lumber, steel, aluminum, solar panels and washing machines, which increases the costs of those items. The tariffs that have been imposed or increased have impacted our construction costs and caused disruptions in our supply chains, and new or increased tariffs could result in further cost increases. These cost increases will either require us to increase prices or negatively impact our profit margins. New or increased tariffs could also negatively affect U.S. national or regional economies, which could affect the demand for the homes we build.

Current wording

During the past several years, the U.S. government has imposed new, or increased existing, tariffs on an array of imported materials and products that are used in the homes we build, including lumber, steel, aluminum, solar panels and washing machines, which increases the costs of those items. The tariffs that have been imposed or increased have impacted our construction costs and caused disruptions in our supply chains. In addition, President Trump has expressed a desire to impose substantial new or increased tariffs. Any widespread imposition of new or increased tariffs could increase the cost of, and reduce the demand for, homes we build and any cost increases will either require us to increase prices or negatively impact our profit margins. New or increased tariffs could also negatively affect U.S. national or regional economies, which could affect the demand for the homes we build.

Previous wording

Stuart Miller, our Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, through family and personal holdings of Class B, and to a lesser extent Class A, common stock, has the power to cast approximately 36% of the votes that can be cast by the holders of all our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock combined. This gives Mr. Miller substantial influence regarding the election of our directors and the approval of most other matters that are presented to our stockholders. Mr. Miller's voting power might discourage someone from making a significant equity investment in us, even if we needed the investment to meet our obligations or to operate our business. Also, because of his voting power, Mr. Miller may be able to cause our stockholders to approve actions that are contrary to many of our other stockholders' desires.

Current wording

Stuart Miller, our Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, through family and personal holdings of Class B, and to a lesser extent Class A, common stock, has the power to cast approximately 40% of the votes that can be cast by the holders of all our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock combined. This gives Mr. Miller substantial influence regarding the election of our directors and the approval of most other matters that are presented to our stockholders. Mr. Miller's voting power might discourage someone from making a significant equity investment in us, even if we needed the investment to meet our obligations or to operate our business. Also, because of his voting power, Mr. Miller may be able to cause our stockholders to approve actions that are contrary to many of our other stockholders' desires.

Previous wording

In the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to legal claims by homebuyers, borrowers against whom we have instituted foreclosure proceedings, persons with whom we have land purchase contracts and a variety of other claimants. We establish reserves against legal claims and we believe that, in general, the outcome of legal claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. However, if the amounts we are required to pay as a result of claims against us substantially exceed the sums anticipated by our reserves, the need to pay those amounts could have an adverse effect on our results of operations for the periods when we are required to make the payments.

Current wording

In the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to legal claims by homebuyers, borrowers against whom we have instituted foreclosure proceedings, persons with whom we have land purchase contracts and a variety of other claimants. We establish reserves against legal claims and we believe that, in general, the outcome of legal claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. However, if the amounts we are required to pay as a result of claims against us substantially exceed the sums anticipated by our reserves, the need to pay those amounts could have an adverse effect on our results of operations for the periods when we are required to make or accrue the payments.

Previous wording

We have provisions and reserves for taxes that we believe are sufficient to reflect our future tax obligations. However, it is possible that a taxing authority will successfully assert that we owe taxes that we do not believe that we owe and for which we do not have a provision or reserves. If the additional taxes are material, they could adversely affect our income tax provision in the period in which such determination is made and, consequently, our operating results and financial condition.

Current wording

We have provisions and reserves for taxes that we believe are sufficient to reflect our future tax obligations. However, it is possible that a taxing authority will successfully assert that we owe taxes that we do not believe that we owe and for which we do not have a provision or reserves. If the additional taxes are material, they could adversely affect our income tax provision and, consequently, our operating results and financial condition, in the period in which we determine we need an additional provision or reserves.

Previous wording

We rely extensively on information technology ("IT") systems, including Internet sites, data hosting facilities and other hardware and software platforms, some of which are hosted by third parties, to assist in conducting our businesses. Our IT systems, like those of most companies, may be vulnerable to a variety of disruptions, including, but not limited to, those caused by natural disasters, telecommunications failures, hackers, and other security issues. Moreover, our computer systems, like those of most companies, are subject to the possibility of computer viruses or other malicious codes, and to cyber or phishing-attacks. We have installed and continually upgrade an array of protections against cyber-intrusions. The risk of cyber-intrusion is one of the areas of risk as to which there are regular periodic presentations to our Board. However, cyber intrusion efforts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it is possible that the controls we have installed could at some time be breached in a material respect. While, to date, we have not had a cybersecurity breach or attack that had a material impact on our business or results of operations, if we were to be subject to a material successful cyber-intrusion, that could result in remediation or service restoration costs, increased cyber protection costs, lost revenues or loss of customers, litigation or regulatory actions by governmental authorities, increased insurance premiums, reputational damage and damage to our competitiveness, our stock price and our long-term stockholder value.

Current wording

We rely extensively on information technology ("IT") systems, including Internet sites, data hosting facilities and other hardware and software platforms, some of which are hosted by third parties, to assist in conducting our businesses. These IT systems, like those used by most companies, may be vulnerable to a variety of disruptions, including, but not limited to, those caused by natural disasters, telecommunications failures, hackers, and other security issues. Moreover, these IT systems, like those of most companies, are subject to the possibility of computer viruses or other malicious codes, and to security breaches, cyber incidents, ransomware attacks or phishing-attacks. Cyber intrusion efforts are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated, including as a result of the use of artificial intelligence, and it is possible that any controls we or third parties have installed could at some time be breached in a material respect. While, to date, we have not had a cybersecurity disruption, failure, breach or attack that had a material impact on our business or results of operations, if we were to be subject to a material successful cyber-incident, that could result in remediation or service restoration costs, increased cyber protection costs, lost revenues or loss of customers, litigation or regulatory actions by governmental authorities, increased insurance premiums, reputational damage and damage to our competitiveness, our stock price and our long-term stockholder value. We may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damages caused by information technology failures or security breaches (including through the provision of insurance).

Previous wording

In connection with our business we collect and retain personally identifiable information (e.g., information regarding our customers, suppliers and employees), and our customers, suppliers and employees have an expectation that we will adequately protect that information. The U.S. regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding. A significant theft, loss or fraudulent use of the personally identifiable information we maintain, or of our data, by cyber-criminals or otherwise could adversely impact our reputation and could result in significant costs, fines and litigation.

Current wording

In connection with our business we and the third parties we work with collect and retain personally identifiable information (e.g., information regarding our customers, suppliers and employees), and our customers, suppliers and employees have an expectation that we will adequately protect that information. The U.S. regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding. A significant theft, loss or fraudulent use of the personally identifiable information we [or third parties] maintain, or of our data, by cyber-criminals or otherwise could adversely impact our reputation and could result in significant costs, fines and litigation. We may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damages caused by the failure to satisfy privacy and data protection laws and regulations in the future as legal requirements continue to increase, including through the provision of insurance

Previous wording

We historically have sold significant numbers of homes in communities in the United States to people who are not residents of the United States, and some large investors in our multifamily development and single-family rental funds and ventures are located outside the United States. Dealings with people or institutions located outside the United States create risks related to currencies and to political affairs in various countries. In some instances, the government may review the possible effects of investments by non-U.S. entities on U.S. national security. We must also be careful to comply with U.S. anti-corruption laws. Also, we have to be aware of tax issues involved in doing business outside the United States or with people who are not residents of the United States, both under U.S. tax laws and under the tax laws of the countries in which we do business or in which the non-residents reside.

Current wording

We historically have sold significant numbers of homes in communities in the United States to people who are not residents of the United States, and some large investors in our multifamily development and single-family rental funds and ventures are located outside the United States. Dealings with people or institutions located outside the United States create risks related to currencies and to political affairs in various countries. In some instances, the U.S government may review the possible effects of investments by non-U.S. entities on U.S. national security. We must also be careful to comply with U.S. anti-corruption laws. Also, we have to be aware of tax issues involved in doing business outside the United States or with people who are not residents of the United States, both under U.S. tax laws and under the tax laws of the countries in which we do business or in which the non-residents reside.

Previous wording

We have made investments in companies that are engaged in applying technology to improve the homebuilding industry and real estate related aspects of the financial services industry. Our investments in Blend, Hippo, Opendoor, SmartRent, Sonder, and Sunnova, all of which have publicly traded shares of common stock are carried on our books at their fair values, which will change depending on the value of the Company’s shareholdings on the last day of each quarter. As a result, the Company’s net earnings could be significantly affected by mark-to-market gains or losses on the Company’s investments.

Current wording

We have made investments in companies that are engaged in applying technology to improve the homebuilding industry and real estate related aspects of the financial services industry. Our investments in Blend, Hippo, Opendoor, SmartRent, Sonder, and Sunnova, all of which have publicly traded shares of common stock are carried on our books at their fair values, which will change depending on the value of the Company’s shareholdings on the last day of each quarter. As a result, our net earnings could be significantly affected by mark-to-market gains or losses on our investments.

Previous wording

There is growing concern from many members of the scientific community and the general public that an increase in global average temperatures due to emissions of greenhouse gases and other human activities have caused, or will cause, significant changes in weather patterns and increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Government mandates, standards or regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or projected climate change impacts have resulted, and are likely to continue to result, in restrictions on land development in certain areas and increased energy, transportation and raw material costs. We have tried to reduce the effect of the homes we build on the climate by installing solar power systems and other energy saving devices in many of those homes. Nonetheless, governmental requirements directed at reducing effects on climate could cause us to incur expenses that we cannot recover or that will require us to increase the price of homes we sell to the point that it affects demand for those homes.

Current wording

There is growing concern from many members of the scientific community and the general public that an increase in global average temperatures due to emissions of greenhouse gases and other human activities have caused, or will cause, significant changes in weather patterns and increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Government mandates, standards or regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or projected climate change impacts have resulted, and are likely to continue to result, in restrictions on land development in certain areas and increased energy, transportation and raw material costs. We have tried to reduce the effect of the homes we build on the climate by installing solar power systems and energy saving devices in many of those homes. Nonetheless, governmental requirements directed at reducing effects on climate could cause us to incur expenses that we cannot recover or that will require us to increase the price of homes we sell to the point that it affects demand for those homes.